Here’s a hint:
The U.S. is capable of exercising it’s foreign policy initiatives with having troops on the ground.
First, the administration has to have a coherrant foreign policy.
That typically doesn’t include using the Muslim Brotherhood as an ally.
American “interests” are NOT best protected by sticking our head in the sand, waiting for problems to land on our shores.
I agree wholeheartedly.
Since the invasion of Georgia in the last 3 months of the Bush presidency there are several things we could have and should have done:
Energy independence should be our principal strategic goal. Surplus even. We need to be able to supply our allies at crunch time.
Increased military procurement. We have less than 300 warships (thankfully many are nearly new), WORN OUT aircraft and ground equipment.
Sane fiscal discipline. It takes money to be a credible deterrent to those who lust after territory and people.
Get the hell out of Afghanistan. Give it to anybody who wants it as long as it doesn't host terror camps.
We should have STAYED in Iraq. Our INTERESTS there are to ensure the free flow of oil onto the world market and to ensure it doesn't become a client state to Iran.
Squeeze Iran, not lift sanctions. Follow with air strikes against both the civilian and military leadership. If necessary, roll the tanks. Iran cannot, must not become a nuclear armed state.
Sell our allies any weapon they want to buy and give them surplus from our replenishment procurement.