[Alberta's Child]

I agree that it would be “preposterous and simplistic” under normal circumstances, but it’s foolish to ignore recent history. When was the last time the U.S. initiated a “limited retaliatory strike” that didn’t eventually turn into a military occupation? Iraq? Libya? Syria? ... Bueller? Bueller?

[central_va]

When was the last time the U.S. initiated a “limited retaliatory strike” that didn’t eventually turn into a military occupation?

Many times. Here is only one example. Operation Praying Mantis