In a broad defense of his foreign policy, President Barack Obama declared Wednesday that the U.S. remains the world's most indispensable nation, even after a "long season of war," but argued for restraint before embarking on more military adventures. Speaking to the graduating class of the U.S. Military Academy, President Obama spoke about specific crises in the world today and about his vision.
"America must always lead on the world stage. If we don't, no one else will. The military that you have joined is, and always will be, the backbone of that leadership. But U.S. military action cannot be the only - or even primary - component of our leadership in every instance. Just because we have the best hammer does not mean that every problem is a nail."
Some Congressional leaders have criticized Obama for failing stop the violence in Syria. Today he responded: With the additional resources I'm announcing today, we will step up our efforts to support Syria's neighbors - Jordan and Lebanon; Turkey and Iraq - as they host refugees, and confront terrorists working across Syrian borders. I will work with Congress to ramp up support for those in the Syrian opposition who offer the best alternative to terrorists and a brutal dictator."
Did President Obama effectively clarify his vision of U.S. foreign policy? What do you think of yesterday's announcement to maintain a U.S. military presence in Afghanistan through 2016? What do you make of the criticism that America's global leadership has been shrinking?
With files from the Associated Press.
Guest:
Brian Katulis, National Security fellow at the Center for American Progress - a D.C.-based think tank described as progressive
Barry Pavel, Former Advisor to President Obama, Vice President and Director, Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security at the Atlantic Council - a think tank focused on international affairs