[curiosity]

In my view it is impermissable to do to placate an enemy at home and abroad, which is what I suspect Romney did.

Attempting to learn from you enemy's successes, in order to defeat them, does not constitute placation.

[Finny]

Attempting to learn from you enemy's successes, in order to defeat them, does not constitute placation.

No one said it did. Publicly praising a terrorist organization in campaign speeches IS most probably inspired by a desire to placate hostile factions.

That's the difference you are unwilling to acknowledge. Placating and political correctness, rather than a desire to "learn from your enemy's successes," seems Romney's probable motivation.