I saw something interesting on twatter re: Mike Pompeo. I had been wondering why he had been coming to the forefront of the admin and someone (ExpectingRain_) explained that he is doing what SoS does: going to a country to try to deal peacefully with the conflict before military action. He is explaining what the admin has done and attempting to peacefully relove conflict. If that fails, the military takes over.

"They are doing things EXACTLY by the book as they would preparing for any military conflict" ExpectingRain_

Thought it was an interesting and plausible take.