The Trump administration is obviously doing this for hyper-cynical reasons, but it looks like it's successfully playing many of its opponents like a violin. It's pretty much the same playbook that Bush-Cheney used, just far more open about conflating the WoT and WoD.
"Privateers used against the Cartels?"
So, what's your solution? Other than that, direct involvement, or doing nothing?
#12, tell your friend that while I'm a supportive ally, my busy schedule and current geographical location prevent me from joining your meetings.