The Washington Post published this excerpt from the new book by former Defense Secretary James Mattis, which was originally published in the Wall Street Journal:

In the excerpt, published Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal, Mattis writes about the need for leaders to appreciate the value of allies without explicitly mentioning Trump, who has made a slogan of “America First.”

“Nations with allies thrive, and those without them wither,” Mattis writes. “Alone, America cannot protect our people and our economy. At this time, we can see storm clouds gathering. A polemicist’s role is not sufficient for a leader. A leader must display strategic acumen that incorporates respect for those nations that have stood with us when trouble loomed.”

Mattis argues for “returning to a strategic stance that includes the interests of as many nations as we can make common cause with.”

“Absent this,” he says, “we will occupy an increasingly lonely position, one that puts us at increasing risk in the world.”

The excerpt follows Trump’s attendance at last week’s Group of Seven summit in France, marked by his rejection of fellow global leaders’ climate change concerns, his call for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be readmitted to the G-7 despite the annexation of Crimea in Ukraine, and his erratic behavior toward trade negotiations with China.

I don’t understand why Mattis was afraid to speak out directly and name the man who appointed him, whose policies he is now criticizing.

Mattis was a Marine general. Is he afraid of Trump? I mean, really, everyone knows who he is talking about. Why a disquisition about what leaders should do without mentioning the name: TRUMP.