Pakistan, April 15 -- When Trump today said, "We are more inclined to go there. Pakistan. because the Field Marshal is doing a great job. He is fantastic. And therefore we go back there," that "therefore" carried the full weight of consequence. It was not praise. It was recognition of performance.

And then he closed the loop.

Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?

There is a word that matters more than any speech, any press conference, any communique issued by any foreign ministry in any language.

It is a small word. Four syllables in English. Entirely unremarkable in any other context.

Trump said it standing outside the White House, Diet Coke somewhere nearby, speaking to reporters in the off-hand manner of...