These are the concluding two paragraphs of Ryan Lizza's New Yorker article on Obama's foreign policy, "The Consequentialist". In them, he says more than realizes. I think we will hear the phrase "leading from behind" from every Republican candidate
In 2009 and early 2010, Obama was sometimes criticized for not acting at all. He was cautious during Iran’s Green Revolution and deferential to his generals during the review of Afghanistan strategy. But his response to the Arab Spring has been bolder. He broke with Mubarak at a point when some of the older establishment advised against it. In Libya, he overruled Gates and his military advisers and pushed our allies to adopt a broad and risky intervention. It is too early to know the consequences of these decisions. Libya appears to be entering a protracted civil war; American policy toward Mubarak frightened—and irritated—Saudi Arabia, where instability could send oil prices soaring. The U.S. keeps getting stuck in the Middle East.
Nonetheless, Obama may be moving toward something resembling a doctrine. One of his advisers described the President’s actions in Libya as “leading from behind.” That’s not a slogan designed for signs at the 2012 Democratic Convention, but it does accurately describe the balance that Obama now seems to be finding. It’s a different definition of leadership than America is known for, and it comes from two unspoken beliefs: that the relative power of the U.S. is declining, as rivals like China rise, and that the U.S. is reviled in many parts of the world. Pursuing our interests and spreading our ideals thus requires stealth and modesty as well as military strength. “It’s so at odds with the John Wayne expectation for what America is in the world,” the adviser said. “But it’s necessary for shepherding us through this phase.”
Read more newyorker.com
Note: to say that Obama's policy "irritated" Saudi Arabia way understates the case. Full-bore fear and fury is more like it. Saudi Arabia feels utterly betrayed; if a 30-year ally like Mubarak can get thrown under the bus, they know they can count on nothing themselves. I notice that Saudi Arabia has cut back on their oil production. $200 oil, here we come.
Personally, I will thank them for the double-dip recession if it permits us to get rid of Obama in 2012. |
