I seem to remember a lot of discussion about “diplomacy” in the Middle East, and how it would be preferable to the so-called “Bush Doctrine”. Since that time the current Administration has actually been operating on both sides of the proverbial fence.

On the one hand they have been ventilating al-Qaeda types over the Pakistani Boarder to the tune of about a one or two a week. And they wasted no time “double tappin” Osama’s sorry ass when the opportunity presented itself. On the other side of that coin however, their gun shy approach to Egypt, Iran, Libya and now Syria has left few options on the table in the face of some of the most critical and pivotal international events in recent memory. Our current standing in the world is no longer one of peace through strength, but rather more likely we are perceived as weak and indecisive, as well as hobbled by enormous debt and other economic woes.

America’s place within the international community has always had its foundational roots in superpower status, (and) the fact we would walk the walk if need be for that sake of sound principles and ideals. Indeed millions have died along the way to do just that. Today it appears we will pick and choose our battles in terms of some sort of perceived or classroom diplomacy, and to heck with what we stand for. In the meantime we have allowed windows of opportunity which may have saved lives on both sides to close.

I am not advocating for additional boots on the ground to be sure. But it’s the reason I’m not that bothers me. Simply put, our moral compass as a nation is off kilter and we’re broke… Sad but true…