Verifying Distrust

“The current state of US Russia relations is at a low point … the world’s two foremost nuclear powers cannot have this kind of relationship.” Rex Tillerson met with his Russian counterpart (and after some wrangling, Putin) to discuss Syria and attempt to cool tensions between the countries.

+ Of course, Assad was a topic of discussion. That is a familiar role for him, as it was for his father. Robin Wright on the Assad Family: Nemesis of Nine U.S. Presidents (and of their own people).

+ “The most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that you’ve ever seen.” In an interview with a remarkably enthusiastic Maria Bartiromo, President Trump reflected on the moment he told Chinese President Xi Jinping about the Syrian strikes. At one point, Bartiromo confirms that the missiles were unmanned. (I’m no expert on military weapons, but I’m guessing that’s the best way to send missiles.)