It's like everybody is glad it happened, but doesn't want to get caught actually saying so. The Syrians and NKs got exactly what they deserved, I'm sure their neighbors are delighted, and even our enemies and rivals are keeping a low profile. Maybe you're right, this is all political theatre, strictly for domestic consumption: some people are saying "I told you so." A lot more are saying "So what else is new?"

"There's a reason Congress and, to some extent, the public need to know about this."

Maybe someone is determined the Congress and the public know about this because it serves their own agenda. One thing we do know for sure: a vital intelligence asset in Syria was sacrificed so this little show-and-tell could proceed.