The current dilemma in Syria is a crucial lesson in the useful exercise of military force. Significant force is more fearsome when its strength is unknown.
President George W. Bush displayed no restraint in using U.S. military force in America's most recent wars, especially in Iraq. Though a lot of damage was done, the mystery was depleted.
Now the limits of U.S. military might are much better known by real and potential adversaries. We also are closer to the limit of what military force can achieve, especially in a difficult situation.
We thought our power was infinite, but it is not.
Therefore, there is now much less cause for alarm by either Syrian President Bashar Assad or Russian President Vladimir Putin over the threat of the American use of force.
In addition there are increasing indirect benefits to them from political blowback.President Barack Obama has failed to contain the demons released by the Bush administration. The United States has used its massive power imprudently and, in sum, weakly.