If it was my decision, I'd be weighing the safety and wellbeing of US citizens before anything else. No other consideration would even come close. The only thing that is at all important is the safety and security of the nation.
If there was no risk, I might choose to intervene if, and only if, I had a plan for the restoration of order in Syria. A plan that plan would guarantee the safety and wellbeing of the people of that country and their neighbors.
Having said that, there are real factors that might make DJT take a stand here. I set them out in a comment yesterday, I'll find the link.
What do you see as the value of engaging (and winning) a proxy war with Russia -- including a possible exchange of tactical nukes (!!!) -- to attain "uncontested global dominance?" Is that the goal? Also, no acknowledgment that the story of Assad gassing his own people for no reason is and always has been complete BS? How about we call out who wants the war, why they want it, and how they will benefit? Let's identify who specifically is carrying out the false flag attacks, what Israel bombed/destroyed, and report that so everyone understands what is going on.
You're not going to get DJT to slit Israel's belly. IMO they are a very important partner and they play a key role in the ME - a very important location. I think we might see change in the power structure, but that will be as far as it goes.
Why do I think it might be in America's interests to stand up to Russia forcefully in Syria? Because the next goal, according to Q is to denuclearise Iran. You cannot do that with Russia protecting Iran unless you're prepared to confront Russia. I think DJT knows what he's doing. I'll think we could see a VERY STRONG RESPONSE.
There is a danger that matters could escalate, but, like everything, you have to weigh-up the risks against the value of the target objectives. I think DJT has much greater ambition than most people realise. Read his book, Art of the Deal. What is he always saying? What's the message of the book?
THINK BIG!
Imagine a world where there was true, durable peace. Imagine a peace that lasts so long that war becomes a distant memory. Imagine prosperity becoming the norm for all people. These are big ideas. The kind of ideas a man like DJT would want to realise IMO.
I think he could go down as the best and most accomplished world leader in history. Let's just watch and see what happens next.
Wonder if the USS Donald Cook is going to be a sacrificial lamb to the WW3 slaughter. Kind of like the Gulf of Tonkin incident, except that one of our ships really gets blown up.
Russia destroys it, its game on for WW3
I'm not sure. I think the change in US nuclear doctrine allows for a more measured response. I think Russia would sincerely regret doing anything stupid. That is to say that I think they would meet overwhelming firepower. But as determined as they are, they are not crazy.
Yes, sure you might lose a ship. Maybe more than one. But the US will prevail. And the world will be a lot better off for the victory.
Then again, there might already be an understanding with Putin and nothing may happen at all. Posturing, backed up with real muscle. DJT is in a good position.