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Notice that, in the passage you cite, Rudy doesn’t call for undermining the Iranian regime, only for making it clear the we can if we get really mad.

Right, because a clear call to undermine the Iranian regime no matter what would be destabilizing to our Saudi allies. We have to be careful in dealing with the Iranians that our actions do not lead to encouraging radicals in Saudi Arabia, leading to a collapse of the royal family. With our ongoing operations in Iraq we simply do not have the manpower to take over Iran as well. Yes, we need to keep the nuclear option on the table as far as ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, due to the shifting of regional power that would occur. Giuliani has shown no intention of doing otherwise. The Democrats, not as much.

As far as completely changing our foreign policy, I see no need to. Bush has done a good job on foreign policy, even if it does somewhat stray from realism into idealism as far as spreading democracy is concerned. Giuliani approach, as he has outlined, recognizes the reality of the international scene.

As far a Hillary is concerned, read her policy outlines. Or read any other Democrat's policy outlines. They are simply too naive and operate under the failed assumption that if only we are nice our enemies will respond in kind. This is a dangerous view and would do irreparable harm to our national interest.

The establishment’s fascination with diplomacy is thoroughly bipartisan madness. Everyone believes in the power of peace processes. Everyone is immobilized by a fear of “encouraging radicals.” Once in a while a mainstream figure hints that he can see the world as it is. Rudy isn’t one of them.

Hillary’s formal proposals may differ in tone from Rudy’s. That is the extent of the distinction. It is a distinction without a difference.

There is no reason to believe that our Arab and Persian War would go better with Rudy in charge than with Hillary. Neither one of them understands that the war is ongoing, let alone how to prosecute it. This confusion is the norm among our leaders of both parties. As a result, events will control the next President, the President won’t control events.

This sad state of affairs is largely George Bush’s fault. It is puzzling that you can praise GWB’s foreign policy as the Bush doctrine lies in ruins in the immediate wake of the ludicrous Annapolis conference. Our foreign policy is unfocused and our policy making and executing institutions (especially the CIA) are working for the wrong side.

There is every reason to believe that Rudy would perpetuate Bush’s failures. Ironically, Hillary would too.

A pox on both their houses.