In war and diplomacy there are basically two types of moves.

Tactical moves are efforts to accomplish small, specific things. Seize that hill, or get this tariff reduced.

Strategic moves, on the other hand, are designed to change entire systems, like provoking a military response, or changing the economic balance of power. Strategic moves, by definition, require looking out into the future and planning multiple possible responses.

By killing Iran's number three government official, Trump undertook a strategic move but did so without any strategy. He thought it was purely tactical. He was wrong. And now he has handed to Iran the power and ability to define the next steps: he has put them in charge.

When Iran responds militarily, there will be a strong effort, pushed by Republicans, to get Americans to rally around the flag and the president.

We need to be strategic now and head this off by pointing out how badly Trump screwed this all up by making a strategic move in a tactical fashion. Whatever Iran's response is, the real responsibility for it lies with Trump.

-Thom