A leader’s fundamental choice is whether to approve the use of force.  If he decides to do so, his only vindication is to succeed. His doubts provide no justification for failure; restraint in execution is a boon to the other side; there are no awards for those who lose with moderation.  Once the decision to use force has been made, the President has no choice but to pursue it with total determination — and to convey the same spirit to all those implementing it.  Nations must not undertake military enterprises or major diplomatic initiatives that they are not willing to see through.

Henry Kissinger (1923-2024) German-American diplomat

White House Years, ch. 23 (1979)