Call Sign Chaos

by Jim Mattis

Decades earlier, Assad’s father had used chemical weapons to put down a revolt. To prevent this from happening again, in August President Obama issued a firm warning. “That’s a red line for us,” he said. “There would be enormous consequences if we start seeing movement on the chemical weapons front or the use of chemical weapons.” A short time later, Assad did employ chemical weapons, killing hundreds of civilians. Obviously, the President’s warning had not impressed the murderous dictator. At CENTCOM, I had assumed we would be the ones to provide the President’s “enormous consequence.” We prepared options to hold Assad harshly accountable, with NATO and Arab allies in support, from single strikes to more extensive operations, depending on the President’s judgment. We were ready, and I awaited the orders. Instead, the President decided not to strike. We never responded militarily. This was a shot not heard around the world. Old friends in NATO and in the Pacific registered dismay and incredulity that America’s reputation had been seriously weakened as a credible security partner. Within thirty-six hours, I received a phone call from a friendly Pacific-nation diplomat. “Well, Jim,” he said, “I guess we’re on our own with China.”