Bits and pieces, here and there

As tensions between Europe and Russia mount over the Ukrainian situation, western military leaders are twiddling with micro-level forces.

Last week, Obama sent 150 soldiers for exercises in Poland... Now Canada reportedly commits a half a dozen fighter jets to Romania for patrol duty.

Why is it with every one of these token moves, I feel like we're getting closer to something that's going to be unstoppable?

Substantial forces tend to give an adversary cause of pause, but sending bits and pieces here and there only tend provoke bigger escalations.

And make tempting targets.