The overnight operation was in response to a chemical gas attack attributed to the Syrian government in the village of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province on April 4. The air raid, apparently using a nerve agent such as sarin, killed at least 72 people, including children, and caused global outrage. However, Moscow yesterday blocked a condemnatory UN resolution, causing Washington to threaten unilateral action.
Trump's demonstrated willingness to use force could cause foreign leaders to view him with more caution.
Moscow is unlikely to call off a planned visit by the US Secretary of State on April 11-12.
Russia may reconsider any plans to supplant US primacy elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa.
The risk of retaliation against South Korea and Japan will dissuade Trump from similar action against North Korea.
