Trump team launches an eight-nation Middle East trip to explain, convince, reassure

AMMAN, Jordan - Top Trump administration officials moved through the Middle East Tuesday attempting to explain their boss's inconsistencies on plans to withdraw from Syria and to convince skeptical allies of Washington's commitment to them.

On the first day of an eight-nation diplomatic blitz, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo insisted his government's efforts to block Iranian expansion in the region, working alongside key Middle East allies, were as strong as ever, despite President Donald Trump's recent statement that Iran "can do what they want" in Syria.

"The counter-Iran ... coalition (is) as effective today as it was yesterday, and I'm very hopeful