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Presidency of Barack Obama

Leading Blindly across a Minefield

The international system is at a transformative moment. Yet President Obama has failed to set a direction for America.

All the President's Dreams

President Obama came to office promising a new era in international affairs. So far, he’s been big on rhetoric and has accomplished little. Obama’s inability to prioritize foreign policy risks destroying his presidency.

Detention Nation

George W. Bush’s policies toward terror detainees were perhaps some of his most jaw-dropping. Barack Obama came to office promising to change course. So far, he has done little. It remains to be seen whether the president can—or wants to—develop a

A Sit-Down with Brent Scowcroft

The principles of transformationalism—idealism spread by the barrel of a gun—have been central to America’s foreign-policy failings over the last eight years. With a new leadership in power, Washington has a chance to right past wrongs. But that w

The Ascension

The creation of Barack Obama’s legacy will play out against three fundamental backdrops: America’s financial crisis; the ability to shore up the power of the United States; and the willingness of Joe Q. Public to spend blood and treasure beyond ou

The Art of the Possible

When a U.S. administration announces unrealistic foreign-policy goals, it sets itself up for failure. Today, we confront a very different international landscape, and the heady days of 2003 permanently belong to the past.

Commentary

Obama's Strategic Denial

There is a growing gap between U.S. defense commitments and U.S. defense capabilities.

The President of Big

Obama's policies benefit large and powerful interests at the expense of others.

Is Gridlock a Conservative Victory?

Not moving isn't defeat if you intend to stay put.

Blogs

The Susan Rice Disaster

Picking the easily-attacked UN representative to succeed Hillary Clinton would amplify the crisis in the national-security establishment.

Will Hillary Run In 2016—Or Will Obama?

If Romney wins in 2012, he could face any one of three Obama-administration veterans on his way to a second term.

Obama's Middle East Hail Mary

Obama's last-chance gasp at a Middle East peace deal could work, even if it is desperate.

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May 19, 2013