Wag the dog is plausible, but it assumes that everyone will rally behind the troops and the CIC. I’ve heard public surveys are running something like 4:1 against a Syrian mis-adventure. It might not have the desired effect, even if there are no outsize repercussions.
At this point it is starting to look like the dog doesn't want to be wagged.
Maybe some front page photos of the O making out with Crist Christy on the beach will work.