I'm with you on this one, and I am interested in hearing RP's plans for transitioning from an aggressive FP to a non-interventionist one. My own position is that Iraq must be secure from al Qaeda before we leave, with OBL dead or in custody. I think that it's possible for Iraq to resolve its internal differences, secure its borders, and resist Iranian intervention with al Q gone as to do so would be in their own self-interest.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think that the question has even been asked. Upholders of the party line seize on certain remarks by RP that are intended to provide a historical context for our troubles in the ME and blow them way out of proportion without waiting to hear and evaluate conclusions. That's OK, it's going to be a long election season.
A very good post.