I have to say I am singularly disappointed by Obama administration's foreign policy so far. This is especially true in the region where it matters the most: South/Central Asia - a raging Afghan war, Taliban resurgence and Instability in Pakistan, make it at the top of American FP agenda.
In spite of all of B.O's moral posturing, his administration seems to be following a "transactional" Foreign Policy - trading off aid for action in Pak, trading off a go soft approach on Taliban for space to take more aggressive action against Al Qaeda. Simultaneously, the administration feels that by giving Pakistan concessions on Kashmir or on terror against India, they cashore up the weak Pakistani establishment and get action against the Al Qaeda elements within Pakistan.
The policy is short sighted, and ignores a 15-20 year perspective which would show that ultimately all extremists elements are a danger to America and the rest of the world. Al Qaeda, Taliban, ISI, Kashmir Terror groups are one and the same. By selectively dealing with these elements, you are buying minor relief from short term pain for long term misery. It is sort of "peeing into your pants when it is cold" approach - short term gain, long term misery.
Moreover, America has been here before. We just have to go back to 1980s where another time, another Afghan war showed a similarly short sighted foreign policy. The enemy then was the "Evil Soviet Empire" and end justifying the means lead to US support for the mujaheddin and their retainers in Pakistan. How "Evil" Soviet Union really was is a topic for another day...
But it suffices to say that all of today's mess is a direct consequence of that action. By following a similar (if not the same) policy, BO is bent on proving that History does indeed repeat itself!
Footnote: While this merry go round happens, China is making huge strides in it's economy and global standing (while persisting with it's authoritarian political system). History of 2050 in the making today...
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So much for the "change". It has been the same everywhere though.....no backbone dealing with the wallstreet. No resolute will on healthcare. Disappointing stuff. If he carries on like this, democrats won't see daylight for a good while.
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