Had the president imposed the serious costs on Russia that he has talked about since March, it’s more likely Putin would have decided that the benefit of transferring such weapons to the rebels was not worth the cost.

I support the president’s desire to avoid “stupid” wars and to “steadily advance the interests of the American people and our partnership with folks around the world ,” but, time and again, this president proves that he is uncomfortable being commander in chief and implements policies unsteadily and at odds with his stated goals, further undermining our credibility with these very partners. More often than not, the president doesn’t hit singles and doubles; he just balks.

This is an unfortunate learning moment for those counting on support from the United States in the Middle East, in Europe and everywhere else. But under this president, it’s just where we are. It is hard to watch.