Reagan showed true leadership, vision, agility and acuity in how to perceive these threats and deal with them, all requiring different approaches with different desired outcomes: Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Iran, Central African Republic, Lebanon, Grenada, Libya twice (1981 and 1986), Columbia, US support of the UK in the Falkland war, the effort against the “Lit path” in Peru, Honduras (defeating the communists), the Greater Cold War in Europe and Asia (example: stationing of GLCM in Germany).....and more.
Obama: Take credit for all good, associate with every positive figure, theme and event. Disassociate with all negative themes, people and events. Let Holder tell the world about GITMO staying open and tribunals after all. Let Gates tell the public about cuts on FCS, Zumwald, F22, missile defense. Stand in front of solar farms, wind farms...........
In reality Reagan showed exceptional ability to handle various security issues simultaneously and apply various policies and strategies to achieve differing goals with each. He didn't make his “popularity” or the “politics” of the situation center stage in the decision making and like Bush H and Bush W he was willing to take a black eye and assumed a leading role.
He was willing to take action and stood out front, not leading from the rear by pointing the finger at multilateralism, supra national institutions or the spread/shared responsibility from a committee decision. He acted swiftly, decisively and in most cases correctly. He stuck his neck out, something this coward Obama would never do. In reality Libya for Obama is the consequence of the political beating he took over Egypt and focus groups that showed that the majority of Americans supported intervention. Even so, he waited until he could get the blessing of the UN, NATO and Arab League, and pulled a Pontios Pilot so now whatever happens isn't his problem. What a “leader.”/sarc
Pontius Pilate I meant to write.