President Obama addressed the nation last night and put forward his plan to draw-down U.S. forces in Afghanistan starting with 10,000 troops this year. As you may have expected, his plans have been met with criticism, with some members of his base saying it’s not enough and members of the GOP opposition saying it’s too much. I’m sure this debate will rage for some time, and it’s worthy of consideration, but what impressed most was his assertion of a strong internationalist foreign policy in the post-war period:
Already this decade of war has caused many to question the nature of America’s engagement around the world. Some would have America retreat from our responsibility as an anchor of global security, and embrace an isolation that ignores the very real threats that we face. Others would have America over-extended, confronting every evil that can be found abroad. We must chart a more centered course. Like generations before, we must embrace America’s singular role in the course of human events.
As you may recall, I previously highlighted the emerging theme of isolationism in our national political discourse (and others have noted this as well) so I was very happy with Obama’s direct challenge to isolationist thought and his embrace of “America’s singular role in the course of human events.” Unlike some, I do not consider “isolationism” a dirty word because I’m an interventionist (I’m not), but I am very much in favor of an assertive foreign policy that defends our values and interests. There will be a great temptation to turn to isolationism as the wars wind down and our focus shifts to economic reform. I was glad to find in this speech proof that President Obama will continue to champion an assertive U.S. role in the world.
Photo Credit: The New York Times
