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Policy errs on side of caution, restraint

Policy errs on side of caution, restraint

Although the president chose not to press charges for war crimes against those who irresponsibly took us to war in Iraq — i.e. torture at Abu Ghraib, torture connected to rendition, and the continuing injustices at Guantanamo, he nevertheless has shown extraordinary common sense and forbearance in conducting the foreign policies which he has initiated — drone strikes notwithstanding.

In Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, and now Syria he is cautiously wending his way through a mine field of no-win situations and thus far has refused to repeat the disastrous American interventions as happened in Vietnam and Iraq. Hurrah for General Dempsey for laying out the truth about the no-win costly options in Syria. It’s about time some of our leaders learned from history.

As columnist Steve Chapman wisely points out, the president overall has pursued a foreign policy “that errs on the side of caution, patience, restraint and economy. As for the critics, you know what? We tried their way.” Their way is the neocon warmongering way, futile invasion where we’re not wanted, incorporating criminal behaviors, loathed by the fair-minded.

Marion J. Reis

Wheaton

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