America appears to be under distress.
While militarily our power is unrivaled, it seems (at least to my eyes) that there is a disconnect between the application of that power, the diplomatic element and finally respect from enemies / fear from despots.
Why do I say this?
In the past month what have we witnessed.
1. The fall of Mubarak and a middling response that satisfied neither conservative or liberal. Mubarak was pushed out but it is now clear that events spiraled out of control in part because of the tepid and weak stance taken by the current administration.
2. The most powerful Navy in the world...with an Aircraft Carrier-the most powerful ship afloat...and a Burke Class Destroyer-perhaps the modern equivalent of a WW2 Battleship...along with possibly the finest of our Special Forces--Navy SEALS...all forced to standby while American Missionaries are gunned down.
3. Libya melts down with reports of mercenaries committing atrocities and foreign snipers murdering people in the street. European Powers are acting forcefully to recover their citizens while the US dithers.
One thing is clear.
It doesn't matter if you haven't the finest, best equipped, most highly trained forces in the world if you have no strategic vision.
If you have no plan.
If you vacillate when decisive- considered action is required.
Then you have a nation under distress.
