I think Trump really is boxed in. Remember, in 2016, he actually ran against Hillary as the "peace candidate." He really doesn't want to see more bloodshed, especially dead U.S. troops. But at the same time, as the article said, he can't let this go without appearing weak. - like Carter did.

The ideal solution would be to take out 60,000 troops out of the Middle East and let the region fend for itself. Since that's not going to happen, and since Trump doesn't want a wider war, I'm just not sure what his options are. My guess is, he'll bluster about it a bit and hope his upcoming impeachment trial takes everyone's mind off it.

Onward and upward,
airforce