John Bolton, a long-standing embodiment of the American hawk, and arguably the most principled member of Donald Trump’s administration, left the White House this month.

As is customary for President Trump, his former close advisor was dropped suddenly and unceremoniously, though it’s difficult to say that the dismissal came as a complete surprise.

Rumors about mounting problems John Bolton had with President Trump and, to a larger extent, with Trump’s inner circle, had been circulating since at least early this year, and in July many Washington insiders were certain: John Bolton’s dismissal was merely a question of time.

Bolton’s removal