The message US missiles in Syria carry for regional power struggle
The balance of power in the region gets more complicated by the day. US missile strikes in Syria are merely the latest twist, as unforeseen events are likely to continue to muddy the geopolitical waters
Trump may not have a clearly formulated policy framework. Or maybe he does – he has repeatedly stated that he would not broadcast his intentions. Whichever it is, he is keeping China on its toes with regard to North Korea. He is also keeping Iran guessing, particularly given the chances that President Hassan Rouhani could lose the forthcoming May election to a hardliner.
Predictions the US would cease being the guarantor of world order are premature, even if one is seeing a roll-back on liberal US values such as human rights. This means that the often unspoken notion that China may emerge as an unchallenged power in Eurasia and beyond is equally premature.