Nile Gardiner Says It Best: Obama As The Anti-Reagan

Sometimes, it takes a view from overseas to confirm what we dare not tell ourselves.

With Barack Obama there appears to be no great moral cause which drives his foreign policy, no overarching strategy for enhancing American global power, no concept of a global war against Islamist militants, and no desire to strengthen America’s defences. In fact Obama’s approach to international affairs is the exact opposite of Reagan’s. It is based upon a naïve belief that America’s enemies can be won over through “engagement” rather than confronted with maximum strength, and that US security can be advanced by making major concessions. Obama’s extending the hand of friendship to Iran, and his drive to sign a New START Treaty with Moscow which gives the Russians a say over America’s missile defence plans are perfect examples.

Jesse recalls words from a distance of over four decades, the words of Bobby Kennedy.

It is not realistic to solve problems and take action unguided by ultimate moral aims and values, although we all know some who claim that it is so. In my judgement, it is thoughtless folly. For it ignores the realities of human faith and of passion and of belief; forces ultimately more powerful than all the calculations of our economists or of our generals. Of course to adhere to standards, to idealism, to vision in the face of immediate dangers takes great courage and takes self-confidence. But we also know that only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly.

Both posts within one-half hour of one another, authors five time zones separated from the other.

Any questions?