Last week we examined President Obama’s cautious foreign policy leadership, especially in the hot spots of Syria, Mali, Iran, and North Korea. Let’s hope Obama and Congress come to their senses over the Pentagon budget cuts. Streamline and cut the redundant and ridiculous, but Americans must realize that, as the world’s largest economy and only superpower, a military budget amounting to 4% of gross national product (GNP) is not excessive or detrimental to non-military programs. Especially, considering the potential threats the U.S. faces in a military expanding and more belligerent China – the soon to be second superpower.

Part 1:   
President Obama talks the talk but does not, cannot, will not walk the walk, or so say Karl Rove and the congressional Republicans. They are complaining habitually about the president’s failed leadership on foreign and domestic issues. The charges are inherent in the opposition’s role, but contain an element of truth. Rove entitled a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) commentary: “Obama’s Incredible Shrinking Clout.” They are still blaming Obama about the deaths of Christopher Stevens, U.S. Ambassador to Libya, and three of his staff members during the September 12, 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate compound in Benghazi. It’s still not clear what precisely happened, but Rove and his allies seek retribution.