Let’s consider why the move is so important.

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First, in conjunction with McMaster’s hiring of non-military foreign policy experts, ridding the NSC of Bannon can be seen as one more effort to normalize the NSC and make it functional. Considering how dangerous the world is these days, this is a good thing.

Second, it is a demotion for Bannon, who never should have been there. He has no foreign policy expertise but does have a fondness for right-wing nationalist European parties and their sponsors in the Kremlin. One reason why Bannon is spinning furiously is because a reduction in status tells other in the administration that Bannon can be quarantined. Perhaps that will embolden more mature, moderate voices in the administration.

Third, Bannon’s pro-Putin bent was as embarrassing as it was unworkable. Especially for an administration accused of benefiting from Russian meddling in our election, the president would be wise to put a whole lot of daylight between himself and Vladimir Putin. Even aside from the Russia scandal, President Trump’s chummy approach to Putin is evaporating in the gas of Syria, revealing Putin to be a war criminal with whom we cannot simply “get along.” The quicker that realization sinks in, the faster we can come up with an actual policy to check Russian aggression. Bannon’s NSC banishment helps accelerate that process.

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Fourth, Bannon’s departure is a hugely reassuring sign that McMaster — perhaps with assistance from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly and, if he perks up, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson — has the gravitas to take charge of the process of making and presenting foreign policy to the president. We badly need direction on everything, including Syria, Iran and China. Developing and implementing foreign policy will only work if these professionals cooperate and have a smooth process for raising issues and formulating policy.