[cajungirl]

Why would we assume GWB mean a military tactic in terms of spreadiing freedom. He talked about pressuring governments to treat their people better, "standing" with those who fight for freedom. We did this many times without a single soldier going to war. Standing with someone, as we do with Cubans who want Castro gone, is not going to war. The President has much powerr that is not military and I think he will use it.

[AntiGuv]

I agree that the President of the United States has many powerful options at his disposal, but there's no doubt that an energetic geopolitical strategy requires that an indomitable military be one of them. Our forces are stretched too thin for the task at hand, and have been overextended irregardless of whatever additional tasks they may need undertake on short notice.

I don't think we are genuinely capable for a two-theater operation right now (say, Iran and North Korea) and I think we should be. That's my basic point and if we want to legitimately export freedom throughout the world - a mission I have no problem supporting - then that needs to change as swiftly as possible. Then the only thing we'll have to fear is fear itself! ;)

[Marysecretary]

My thoughts, when I heard that part of it, was that we would withhold funds from them if they didn't treat their people right (and quit persecuting Christians!).