That was absolutely the best discussion on foreign policy I've heard in a long time. My mind is still racing from what they've said. For enhanced visual effect they should have had a map of the world on the table-or a globe-because it was as if you were looking at the world i one glance and seeing how it all worked. A few thoughts I wanted to share:
I was struck by the connection between our foreign policy in Iraq and Afghanistan and the turmoil in other parts of the Middle East, namely Syria at the moment. Ajami sends it home when he says that it's not the tide of war that is receding (Obama's comment) but the tide of American power.
We had an opportunity to do something about Syria when Turkey's F-4 was shot down but there was no guidance from Washington. Again Ajami puts it pointedly when he describes an Erdogan stuck not knowing what to do because he wasn't getting any signals from Obama, much less a phone call.
I was struck by Ambassador Hill when he said that isolationist/anti-war rhetoric is not reading public opinion but feeding it. It is not leadership. The American people need to know the state of global affairs as discussed by these men and make an informed decision. It is up to the President or candidate to make that case.
The last thing I realized is that Obama is not so invulnerable on foreign policy as I fear I may have allowed. After watching this interview and looking at the world through a strategic lens there is no reason why Romney can't effectively challenge Obama on foreign policy.
My hope is that what was said makes it from their lips to Romney's ears. I think this is probably one of the best episodes of UK I've seen because of how relevant and insightful it is.
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