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Subscribe to RSSDifficult situations remain for President Obama in Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Israel. NBC's Richard Engel discusses what Obama needs to do to overcome these challenges in his second term.
News analysis
Updated at 5:41 a.m. ET on Nov. 7: Barack Obama faces no shortage of foreign challenges as he enters his second term as commander in chief.
While it is impossible to predict what may come, here’s a look at 10 issues likely to emerge as priorities for his administration:
1. Possible Afghan collapse/civil war
The Afghan government has been propped up by American and NATO troops and money but has failed in its basic functions of establishing national trust, security and unity. Afghanistan could devolve into a civil war as U.S. troops draw down in 2014, with old rivalries re-emerging between the north and south/southeast.
Watch the drama of election night quickly unfold in a three minutes montage of sights and sounds.
Once again, the country could be torn by an ethnic war between the Pashtuns and the now-defunct Northern Alliance, a legion of Tajik, Uzbek and Hazara militias. The risk is that Afghan security forces will then split along ethnic lines and President Hamid Karzai, whom critics accuse of being an uncooperative U.S. ally, could become an even greater liability.
On a recent visit to Afghanistan I spoke to some Tajik villagers outside Kabul, who promised me they would start fighting once American troops leave. They said they would battle a group of pro-Taliban Pashtun villagers nearby. When asked if Karzai's troops would be able to stop a clash, one tribal elder told me, "The corrupt government in Kabul? It can't do anything."
The dangers of an Afghan collapse are many: Afghan deaths, a loss of American prestige, a loss of NATO prestige, a moral blow to U.S. troops and veterans, a Taliban resurgence, huge setbacks for women, and greater power for Pakistan and Pakistani extremists.
Read more Afghanistan coverage from NBCNews.com
Aref Karimi / AFP - Getty Images
More than ten years after the beginning of the war, Afghanistan faces external pressure to reform as well as ongoing internal conflicts.
2. Possible Iran implosion or explosion
Iran, which is being pushed to a breaking point by U.S.-led currency and banking sanctions, won't simply sit back and watch its economy crumble. Persia is 7,000 years old and will fight to survive.
The increasingly isolated country is likely to act in one of three ways: accommodation and negotiation, weaponization, or diversion.
Faced with the crippling sanctions, Iran could simply decide it is paying too high a cost to pursue its nuclear program and could opt for negotiations and reconciliation with the United States and other members of the international community. This is clearly the preferred option of American leaders.
The other possibilities are more problematic. Iran could rush toward a nuclear capability, deciding the best way to survive is to obtain weapons so horrific that no one would dare attack. A nuclear program has arguably worked as a deterrent for North Korea and other states -- would Moammar Gadhafi have been deposed and summarily killed if Libya had had nuclear weapons? Iranians might not think so.
The Iranian economy is in free fall, with its currency, the rial hitting a record low. NBC's Ali Arouzi reports.
Source: Back-channel talks but no US-Iran deal on one-to-one nuclear meeting
A less risky approach would be to provoke a diversionary conflict through Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the Shiites in Bahrain, the Kurdistan Workers Party in Syria and Turkey, its position in the Strait of Hormuz -- or it could try to inflame anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiment.
Iran also could try to attack the American economy through sabotage or cyber warfare. Cornered as it is, Iran could become the aggressor instead of -- as it sees itself -- the passive victim.
At schools, in shops, and on the streets of big cities and small towns, daily life plays out in Iran.
How Iran acts is up to its choosing but it's hard to see how it won't act -- for better or worse -- as the sanctions continue to bite.
Read more Iran coverage from NBCNews.com
3. Rise of the Muslim Brotherhood
The Arab Spring has empowered the Muslim Brotherhood across the Middle East and beyond. It and other ideologically similar and allied groups run the governments of Egypt, Tunisia and Gaza.
In Syria, the Brotherhood has a strong presence among the rebels and in Yemen, it runs half the government and much of the state's day-to-day functions. In Jordan and Morocco, the Brotherhood is the main opposition to the countries' ruling royal families. In leaderless Libya, it is an increasingly organized voice. And in Algeria, the movement's officials warn that their revolution is coming.
The Muslim Brotherhood's influence in the Middle East is likely to evolve in one of two ways. Military regimes that have been pushed aside could fight back and launch counter-Islamic revolutions, clawing back the Brotherhood's gains and keeping it tied up in internal political battles. This is already starting to happen in Egypt.
Analysis: Egypt's big turn under the Muslim Brotherhood
Conversely, the Muslim Brotherhood could consolidate its gains and dominate electoral politics in the Middle East for the next several years.
For the United States, the rise of the Brotherhood is not in itself a major challenge. Most of its leaders say they want good relations and economic ties with Washington. The problem, however, is Israel. The Brotherhood is fundamentally anti-Israel, and Washington is fundamentally pro-Israel.
While analysts can debate which presidential candidate is closer to Israel, both have expressed their commitment to it and its security -- just as every U.S. president has done.
But the Muslim Brotherhood will not make the same commitments to Israel's integrity and security. While campaigning to win the election in Egypt, the Brotherhood held rallies featuring speakers who called for the restoration of the Islamic Caliphate with Jerusalem as its capital.
In an attempt to convey what he sees as a threat to Israel's existence, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used a cartoon to illustrate how close he says Iran is to developing a nuclear weapon. In a speech at the United Nations General Assembly he asked the world to help stop them. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.
The Brotherhood does not understand why Washington chooses to befriend one small country at the expense of relations with millions of Arabs and over a billion Muslims. Washington rejects having to make this choice.
This rift could become a showdown and devolve into violence. The timing depends on American policy and outside provocations that can be either by design -- "peace" flotillas to Gaza, Hamas rockets, an Israeli assault on Gaza -- or by accident, such as bigoted and dumb Internet movies.
4. Cyber threat
The United States has spent a decade fighting terrorists with some notable and many debatable successes. But bombs aren't the only kind of threat. In fact, a successful cyber attack could cause national and international chaos far exceeding a bombing in a major U.S. city.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta recently warned about a possible cyber Pearl Harbor. Many military officials and analysts I know fully agree with him.
Panetta: Cyber intruders have already infiltrated US systems
5. Israeli strike on Iran
Israel may attack Iran's nuclear program if it believes sanctions are failing. The strike would likely delay but not stop the program, experts say. For the time being, Israel has decided to wait and see what impact the international sanctions have.
If Iran chooses a quick rush to make a bomb, Israel will most likely change course and opt for a military solution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made that point abundantly clear when he drew a red line at the United Nations and held up a picture of a bomb.
Read more Israel coverage from NBCNews.com
6. Revival of al-Qaida/Ansar al-Sharia
Al-Qaida's leaders have been killed and hunted, but the group hasn't gone away. Many al-Qaida factions have re-branded themselves under a new name: Ansar al-Sharia (partisans of Islamic law). Some of the militants also are finding new comfortable homes in the post-Arab Spring Middle East, blending into Salafist (Sunni fundamentalist) movements.
7. Rift with Pakistan
Pakistan and the United States have been locked in an uncomfortable marriage since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, and arguably long before that.
US, Pakistan should 'divorce,' ex-ambassador to Washington says
Critics accuse Pakistan of taking American counter-terrorism money and military support, while at the same time supporting terrorist groups.
Muhammed Muheisen / AP
Images of daily life, political pursuits, religious rites and deadly violence.
If the United States cuts off Pakistan -- which may happen as Washington becomes less reliant on Pakistani supply routes into Afghanistan -- Islamabad could become more belligerent, which would cause relations to deteriorate further. The withdrawal from Afghanistan will change the costly status quo that has existed with Pakistan since 9/11, and that change is unlikely to go smoothly.
Read more Pakistan coverage from NBCNews.com
8. Mexico and the growing war on drugs
According to some estimates, Mexico has become the most dangerous country in the world. Around 50,000 people have been killed in the country's drug wars. It is unclear if Mexico's President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto will be able to contain the violence, which has spread south to Central America and is showing signs of leaking north into the United States.
Read more Mexico coverage from NBCNews.com
Mexico's drug war is also part of a drug culture with roots in music, movies and even religion
9. US 'pivot' to Asia/China slowdown
In 2011, China overtook Japan to become the world's second-largest economy after the United States. The Obama administration has acknowledged China's growing military and political power, and has pledged to "pivot" or deploy more than half of the U.S.' naval assets to the Asia-Pacific region by the end of the decade. This, some argue, has contributed to souring relations between the two powers.
Adding to the troubles, China isn't cheap anymore and Chinese workers are no longer as willing to accept poor conditions and little pay. Strikes are increasingly common. Removing dissent from Chinese Internet sites is a full-time job for government censors. Growth rates remain high, but the cost of living and labor demands are going up.
Factories are already moving out of China to cheaper labor markets in Indonesia and Bangladesh. If China's economic growth slows for a prolonged period, the world will be dramatically impacted. The country's economic expansion has driven up oil prices and has made parts of the Middle East, Russia and Brazil exceptionally rich. Could labor unrest threaten the ruling Communist Party's grip? Any move from this giant creates a huge wake that will quickly wash onto American shores.
Read more China coverage on NBC's Behind The Wall
10. United States: Drifting?
For a decade, the United States has made fighting terrorism its main foreign policy goal. This is by definition a reactionary policy and is limited in focus -- without a global vision or sense of destiny.
In contrast, American rivals appear to have grand plans in place. Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, seems intent on regaining its Soviet and Tsarist glory. Turkey is flexing its muscles regionally and is re-establishing some of its Ottoman legacy and prominence. China is looking to consolidate its hold on swathes of Asia and beyond.
Full coverage: NBCNews.com's The World is Watching series
But what does the United States want to do? What is our goal? It is impossible to be influential if we don't know where we are going -- and any malaise would be damaging to the national interest. World powers must move to survive. Drifting is sinking.
More election coverage from NBCNews.com:
- Victorious Obama 'more determined' in face of challenges
- Now that he's won, six splitting headaches waiting for Obama
- Democrats retain control of Senate with series of hard-fought wins
- One big winner in Tuesday's vote: health reform
- Romney's English cousin sad he lost, sort of
- Rape remarks sink two Republican Senate hopefuls
- In costliest-ever Senate race, Warren beats Brown for Mass. seat
- Maine's Harley-riding King vowed to 'shake up' D.C.
- Republicans easily maintain control of House
- Colorado, Washington approve recreational marijuana use
- Wisconsin's Baldwin becomes 1st openly gay senator
- Pence in as governor of Indiana; Hassan wins in N.H.
- World welcomes Obama's 2nd term - but many challenges loom
- Majority of voters see American on wrong track
- Top 10 foreign policy issues facing Obama
Follow NBC Politics on Twitter and Facebook
Leave a Comment:
YOU'RE VOTE DOESN'T COUNT!! ROMNEY & BAIN BUY VOTING MACHINES TO BUY ELECTION!
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13221476-romney-family-buys-voting-machines-through-bain-capital-investment
Whoever becomes president, Gold in Sacks is the real winner.
RE-3430894
Do some research as to who really owns the voting machines. A big donor to O's campaign.
re-3430894 you just keep drinking the coolaid being lead by the nose like a lemming by communist fanatics like msnbc, media matters and move on.org but do us and the country a favor don't vote that's a right for grown ups capable of thinking for themselves not mindless drones.
It's difficult for me to vote for a man that is a major lynchpin on Wall-street owning a private equity firm. He buys businesses on Main-street then strips them down to the bone and sells them to the highest bidder or moves them over to China. Main-street is only fodder for his own personal wealth, while the people that are victims of his kind of business practices slide down the slippery slope of poverty into despair. All you republicans if I were you I would vote for Ron Paul if you don't like Obama, at least then you wouldn't be cutting your and your neighbors economic throat.
Main-street First!
I return to trickle down economics will lead us right back into recession. How will Romney pay for continued military expenditures? He won't even specific how he will pay for his 20% tax cut.
Not one mention of the Europeans taking up arms to overthrow the banksters.
Well that would make their Nobel Peace Prize appear illegitimate.
That might be because it hasn't happened since the French revolution.
The world and foreign policy is not a business. Romney is out of his depth with foreign policy.
Eric:
That is a fatal mistake in your thinking. Obviously, you have only signed the back side of checks?
Independent - the world is a society of different cultures, not a $ sign. That's the fatal flaw in your thinking.
Real people matter, not corporations.
Eric:
You missed it again.
Our international strength is completely and utterly dependent on our national economic strength. It really can't be spun in any other way. (i.e. individuals, corporations, government, etc.)
America USED to stand for human rights, and NOT economic diplomacy! In 2002, disregarding the human rights abuses of China, we granted them membership in the WTO, forever selling out our market!
Independent, that isn't spin it's the truth.
Who wants the Robocop world ...... not me.
Your vote doesn't count. Romney bought the voting machines to count the votes in OH.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13221476-romney-family-buys-voting-machines-through-bain-capital-investment
Can't Obama just begin a new round of apologizing to the whole world; and kowtowing to anything Arab?
Larry, Obama never apologized. Go to politifact.com and see for yourself.
Romney is going to have to apologize to the far right by going moderate.
Eric, It's almost impossible to believe you personally didn't see the Worldwide Obama Apology-fest on all of the networks. It easily annoyed half of the nation and just about every veteran. That Saudi King kowotw demonstration was nothing short of degrading to the office of the Presidency.
Larry, name one instance Obama apologized to the world. Just one.
Massachusettz, Start with his first meeting with the Saudi Arabian King and the kowtow/ suck-up. Find it and watch it. Also, lighten up. I'm not criticizing Obama. Acknowledging Obama's a professional politician with no practical business or private sector experience, expectations were flat-lining going in.
It most assuredly can. If economics were the main consideration in foreign affairs we would be a part of the 1000 year reign of the Third Reich (look up Business Plot).
YOU'RE VOTE DOESN'T COUNT!! ROMNEY & BAIN BUY VOTING MACHINES TO BUY ELECTION!
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13221476-romney-family-buys-voting-machines-through-bain-capital-investment
Ol Doc:
Being at the mercy of other nations, financially, leaves us bent at the knee. Weak.
Romney is a shameless Complusive LIAR and Cheat!
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/10-most-shameless-romney-debate-lies-debunked
He is also an underhanded backstabber trying tro BUY the election using EVERY DIRTY UNDERHANDED TATIC! He CAN NOT be trusted for one moment !
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13221476-romney-family-buys-voting-machines-through-bain-capital-investment
If Romney is a liar and a cheat, than Obama is a know it all, pandering to his Wall Street masters.
no problem..
oblamo can run on his record..
of fixing unemployment..
jobs..
foreign policy..
RE 3430894 you sure you know who's who sounds more like obama than romney. Look I left the democratic party do to their weakening of the legal system to the point of siding with the criminals, their catering to foreign countries laughing at us behind our back, treating savages from undeveloped lands jokingly referred to as countries as equals when they are nothing more than dangerous pack animals. after clinton was elected, I was tired of these two bit scam artists the democratic party kept ponying up. Empty suites with no morals, or identity of their own, simply self absorb professional liars who couldn't really even do that well. Part of the anti-america movement is considering the country a destructive empire that you all vote liberal democrat to destroy. The funny thing is it's the liberal democrats that are building it up by providing the government more and more power, to turn us into a communist empire.
My own research shows romney did donated his inheritance to charities, made his own way, helped save dying companies, families in need, and the winter olympics and is the one who is for breaking down the government to it's proper size, unchaining the private sector so it can restore the economy and create jobs. Do I trust him no he's a politician and has a progressive history behind him but obama was born into a communist radical family, educated by communist radicals & terrorists such as bill ayers, acting like any cult member surrounded himself with other communist radicals, how can he protect the american way of life when he's been raised to despise it. This makes the choice simple vote conservative.
Better more communism than the brand of Fascism that Romney would usher in.
Eric:
Communication, if all smoke and mirrors, is truly not communication.
Independent, thanks for summing up Romney's entire campaign.
Eric:
Yet, again, catch a cat by the tail comments.
Alex, Youtube Video "communication" for 1000.
Better yet is Romney's flip flops: http://mittromneysflipflops.com/
even better is his highly detailed tax plan. romneytaxplan. c o m
(Eric and Mass)
Come on, such tired topics. If I were you, I would start laying out Obama's plans, 75 million are waiting.
I'll just try it once, just to see,
It's just an ol' pipe and a little bit-o-weed;
The FOXese "News" I tried to read,
So full of bullshi*, lies and please!
Stop the madness, Rush-Hannity,
For all the trash you spew for greed;
You know damn well, that nothin's free,
For soon We vote for O's Democracy,
Or "Heil" Romney's Skewed plutocracy.
On November 6th we all shall see,
Whether Working Class or the One percent-ees.
That's a note from my best friend, Lorelei...to all of you who think YOU KNOW! And, one more thing:
YOU'RE VOTE DOESN'T COUNT!! ROMNEY & BAIN BUY VOTING MACHINES TO BUY ELECTION!
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13221476-romney-family-buys-voting-machines-through-bain-capital-investment
Romney Sells America Out Again to China!
The link below leads to the Full story on NBC's "The Ed Show". Not convinced you'll get the Full story from Ed? Just search "Bainport" on Google and see for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=UDqCrbz4OvU&feature=youtu.be
china is voting for oblamo..
and sending $$$ to his campaign..
against us laws..
So is IRAN
And North Korea.
To all three above
Prove your statements
highnoon..
take your mouse..
find google..
hit google..
type in..
obama campaign foreign contributions..
there it is..
if you need further help..
find faq..
dumb libturd
libturd? What are you twelve?
Really Trapp...how's this story?
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/187152/did-romney-disqualify-himself-by-accepting-foreign-cash/
Uninstalling Obama......... █████████████▒▒▒ 90% complete.
Updating Obama .............. Update Complete!
Amazing, no mention of a backlash against American monetary policies. The world is not yet tired of American banksters looting America, and the world blind.
That would reflect poorly on the Federal Reserve, cant have that.
While I agree that The Government is bilking the American Taxpayers and think you have The World wrong. How much money do you think The Government gives other countries every year? Where do you think it comes from? What do we receive in return? That one has at lease 1 answer even YOU can deny hearing of, Libiya. 4 Dead Americans and Flag Burning would be enough for any SANE person to consider refusing those payments but not OUR Government.
romney could blame all of our problems foreign and domestic on obama..
after he is elected..
but he won't..
he will take the leadership role..
and fixit!
Fixit?
If Willard had a barium enema tomorrow morning, by tomorrow afternoon he still couldn't find his a$$ with both hands and a geiger counter.
Ol Doc:
Wow, now you are officially a gutter. I "was" interested in your posts.
This should be referred to as an eventuality, not a possibility.
The US military, by virtue of it's illegal invasion of Afghanistan, has turned Al Qaeda and the Taliban into ideologies which cannot be defeated. That's why there's nothing to win in Afghanistan, their infrastructure and materials have been overwhelmingly removed and yet they still thrive with ease. Grats to KBR/Haliburton, the ones who are really in charge over there.
I was wrong about Afghanistand. From the very start I thought it was a good idea. Now I am seeing engaging in a ground war was not the best way to go. Best to pull the troops out now from that hell hole. Let them blow each other up. If we need to, we can always bomb them every once in awhile.
a vote for obama..
is a vote for hugo chavez..
valdimer putin..
fidel castro..
muslim brotherhood..
islam..
Smart , educated successful people vote for Romney.
You forgot Pol Pot.
abdallah..
If republicans won in 2008, my guess is that we americans would be shining shoes in the streets of europe, china, russia etc.
"IF"..
if hillary had a pair she would be president..
if the queen had a pair she would be king..
"IF" is for losers..
"Smart , educated successful people vote for Romney."
Ahahah ahahahaha
I guess smart educated people are more likely to fall for a verifiable 500+lies in the last 30 months by Romney?
Brought to you by "Dangerous Mind."
The current administration has demonstrated a degree of ballslessness never before exhibited by any American administration. The damage to world stability has been expensive and will be lasting. One bullet it worth a thousand apologies. The feeling on the left, led by this president, is that America should step aside and share. It is an abdication on the grandest scale. The enemies without, as well as those within (on both "sides") have overshadowed the constitutional triumvirate to quash growth and muddy the waters of law. We have like ten trilliuon dollars worth of war s#it laying around; there is no reason to cow-tau to the UN nor to suffer the Taliban or al quida to exist. Peace is the nap you get once the work of war, war to ensure freedom, prosperity and sovereignty is complete. The taxpayers of generations have slaved to arm and protect his nation. That is the will of the people. That must be honored.
Are you a soldier Robin? Have you ever killed a man and are you prepared to die for the comment you just posted? You realize that if our government read your comment and acted as you desired that you would be partly responsible for the deaths of thousands. May of whom would be completely innocent of any wrong doing.
Lets get our millitary back to the task of defending America itself and out of the task of enforcing American interests. There are better ways.
re: "Are you a soldier, Robin?" THANK YOU. GOOD QUESTION.
ZenPaladin...It doesn't take being a soldier to have an opinion about a strong defense. I don't have to be Afro-American to be concerned about racism nor do I need to be a woman to be concerned about women's issues.
"...there are better ways..." Exactly what do you mean by that, just curious?
how many innocents have been killed by obamadrone?
and why is the msm not reporting it?
they did when bush was president..
remember?
@RTColorado You make a perfectly valid point. But I call any man who desires war and then sends other men out to die for it a coward and a fool. If you want war then you need to pick up a gun and fight. When your happy to die for your war, when your happy and proud for your mother, brother or father to come home in a pine box then I will respect your opinion on that.
As for better ways I mean things like economic and political power. Influence you can exert without killing people. I'll admit that some things America will never get it's way on unless it goes to war. I'll even admit that there are some people out there who really need killing. But war's a horrible monster that shouldn't be unleashed for any but the most dire of reasons.
@trapp211 Honestly quite a few. American citizens too. That has been pretty quiet as well and its a shame.
Zen, there is no such thin as an innocent Taliban. They murder women en masse for not submitting to their will. War is necessary if you want peace. It is an unfortunate paradox, but that's how it goes when religious crazies control countries, especially countries like Pakistan with nuclear weapons.
You sound like a Nazi propagandist giving a radio speech in 1939 Berlin.
ZenPaladin...the use of other means is an interesting phrase..Clausewitz used it to describe war, as resolving political agendas by other means. Wars, more often than not are over resources, natural and economic. To use economic means to conduct foreign policy is just an extension of war. Japan prior to World War Two was motivated to invade China for natural resources and land. The US imposed strict economic sanctions against Japan as a result of their invasion of China. The sanctions drove the Japanese to a more aggressive strategy on conquest in Asia and Pacific rim. This lead to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
@ RTColorado. I think I see what you are saying. So would you say that having a smart bomb dropped on your house is just as bad as having gas cost 15 dollars a gallon due to sanctions?
Would you rather shoot a man in the face or prevent him from selling his turnips? Are you trying to convince me that not killing people and killing people are just about the same thing? Or am I missing your point?
Here's another one. Are you trying to make America responsible for the actions of Japan? We sanctioned them and thus we got what we deserved when they murdered the sailors at Pearl? Because Japan had no other options?
I'm of the opinion that people (and countries) are responsible for their own actions.
LCG, It is a disgrace to see what they are teaching you and not teaching you in college these days. Nobody is saying Muslims are bad. I am saying that the Taliban is bad. If you were in college in their part of the world, you would likely be doused with acid or shot for the act of going to school, and net's not even start on liberalism. You can be all peace and butterflies and unicorns and such, but unless you feel that woman are inferior to animals, you should be all in favor of the total elimination of the Taliban.
I don't know how to break it to you Richard Engel, but 9 of the 10 "problems" you list are already taking place. Don't you ever read the news?
No, I don't think he has. The media is so busy 'making' the news, they no longer report it.
A quick check of the list reveals 9 of the 10 are currently active problems, only 5.) Israel attacking Iran hasn't happened yet. But the writer left out several really big problems...dealing with a re-emerging and re-armed Russia (ask Poland and the Baltic states about this one), a bubbling cauldron in Sub-Sahara Africa (a mix of racial, tribal, political and economic forces make the place a powder keg), another Falklands War (who to choose, who to choose) and of course...the imminent invasion of the United States by...yes, you guessed it...Canada!
Sudan and North Sudan should be talked about.
A ton of Muslim caused bloodshed happening there.
Egypt
Iran
Mexico
North Korea
Greece
Spain
Ireland
Russia
Pakistan
Yemen
Libya
SYRIA,Syria,syria
Iraq
Afghanistan
Somalia
Is there anywhere we have a better situation than 4 years ago?
Not to mention Cuba, Gitmo, South America
Obama is a complete failure.
Let Bo go golfing into the sunset.
The United States.
Goldman Sachs.
This all didn't happen in 4 years. If you believe it did, then don't bother reading this.
This is all leftover directly and indirectly from the Cold War. (With the exception of Mexico's drug war) I am sure that these problems can't be fixed by 1 president, if anything it'll take decades to try to fix these problems. Which makes sense, since these problems were caused by decades of mislead foreign policy during the Cold War.
4 more years, tweety. Get use to it
I notice that most of these foreign policy problems with the exception of Mexico's drug war are in the mideast. History has shown for over 1000 years that you can forceably occupy the mideast but short of that never control it. I'm confident we think we are exceptional enough to try. As long as there is so much money in drugs it is going to be a day to day battle.
North Korea and Africa would interupt golfing.
Would require starting the day before 10:00 a m.
It's difficult for me to vote for a man that is a major lynchpin on Wall-street owning a private equity firm. He buys businesses on Main-street then strips them down to the bone and sells them to the highest bidder or moves them over to China. Main-street is only fodder for his own personal wealth, while the people that are victims of his kind of business practices slide down the slippery slope of poverty into despair. All you republicans if I were you I would vote for Ron Paul if you don't like Obama, at least then you wouldn't be cutting your and your neighbors economic throat.
Main-street First!
I hope they talk a lot about M E X I C O .
We have drones - C I A and F B I operating in Mexico. I would like to hear what our policy is towards that nation.
Obama, up at night feeding a closet Internet gaming addiction!
He needs to ride into the sunset on GOLF CART ONE.
tweets: Let me guess.... you have no kids in the military and think of Afghanistan as a video game. Therefore you really have no practical interest in who gets elected and have decided to post a lot of trash talk in favor of Team Republican. Why is "Republican" your team? Because Rush Limbaugh's so obnoxious it's really cool.
How come those in the military are having problems doing absentee voting?
teo -
That would be because they tend to vote republican. Needless to say, the democrats can't have that now, can they?
I have 2 children in the Army. They tell me the Army is bending over backwards supplying soliders with information on absentee voting at the posts they are at. They both have friends in Bumf88k, Afghanistan and Squatwater, Africa that have had no problem AT ALL with their absentee ballots.
Nobody is trying to suppress the military vote. Tie that tinfoil hat on tighter - you're getting a bad signal!
Tammy, many people I know in the army don't vote Republican, especially after these past four years.
Why?
Throughout these four years they have repeatedly killed bills that would help veterans get back into civilian life, according to them, the bills aren't paid for. Yet they had no problem starting all these wars without paying for them.
Romney/Ryan 2012
Send Americans to War and forget about them when they come back!
Given the fact that Romney couldn't even go to the UK-- our #1 ally-- and attend the Olympics as a US politician without causing a problem, it is difficult to picture him in Afghanistan. I also can't help noticing that he has 5 sons and none of them served in the military.
Romney making delicate policy decisions in Afghanistan and controlling our troops.... nope.... can't picture it.
My nephew is in Afghanistan now. Having his situation dictated by a commander-in-chief who has never served, has 5 sons who never served and doesn't know squat about international diplomacy. Ugh.... it's kind of a nightmare thinking about it.
And I suppose you think the this Administration did a stellar job of protecting our Citizens? They can even get their stories to jive form Department to Department. If they can't protect 4 people how can you believe they can do what's in the best interest of all of us? Wonder if border Agent Terry and the Ambassador got A FAIR SHOT?
Better than Romney would. He doesn't even think that 47% of the country would be "his job"
I don't think "his job" is what he said but let's see you take the candy away from the baby after it has already gotten accustom to having it."GREECE" Maybe you aren't as up on the World problems as you think.
Siara Delyn...your cousin is in Afghanistan because your cousin wanted to be in Afghanistan. I wish your cousin all the luck in the world, but don't cheapen your cousin's commitment to serving by using it as a political jab.
Joseph Biden received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War.
When did Obama serve?
As far as their Children, they are not running for office and we have an all volunteer military.
The point is, Obama has been very, very calculated when deciding when boots need to hit the ground, and there is no proof - especially from a man threatening Iran with war - that Romney would be nearly as calculated. Do we really want another Iraq?
Massachusettz
especially from a man threatening Iran with war
Do we really want another Iraq?
_______________
I didn't hear a threat for war that's your opinion.
Do we really want Iran with nukes??
Jane, if you didn't hear the call for war from Romney, you must have Romnesia.
You're here saying that Obama never served. Well guess what? Obama doesn't want to start another war.
Romney on the other hand has started his call for war, before he even is president. Yet, he actually never served.
In my opinion, if you want to start a war, then at least don't be a hypocrite and dodge the draft.
Who is the more qualified president?
From the list of ten areas that will affect the next president 6 out of 10 or 60% relate to crisis in the Middle East.
60% of the problems President Obama's has experience in dealing with. Those problems are numbers 1-3 and 5-7.
Romney does not have any experience with any of these types of situations. Romney does however, like his father have experience in running away from military conflict which can be proven by merely looking at Romney's actions during the Vietnam War in which he fled to France and hid behind religion in order to not have to fight or serve his country. Whats worse than not serving when called upon to fight for your country is leaving your country to avoid the service altogher. Such an act should be branded treasonous.
Romney has added to the stack of the Romney name being consistent with avoiding a combat situation. Romney's father also made excuses such as being brainwashed by the U.S. government during World War II and avoided serving in any aspect in that war.
President Obama on the other hand has a family tradition of being tough fighters and patriot Americans who serve their country.
John Punch - related to Obama. First documented African slave in the American British Colonies. Informatiom can be backed up by Ancestry.com.
Robert Wolfley Great Grandfather x3 to Obama - served as a private in Company A 145th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. This makes Obama a Yankee and why he is hated by those of the CSA and like minded Americans.
Ralph Dunham - Great Uncle to Obama, Served during WWII as an assignment and personnel officer. Landed at Normandy on D+4 and later made his way inland through France, Italy and Germany.
Charles Thomas Payne - Great Uncle to Obama, Served during WWII with the 89th Infantry Division. Took part in liberating the Ohrdruf Forced Labor Camps. Major he is Major Payne, maybe he isn't.
Stanley Armour Dunham - Grandfather to Obama, Served in the Army during WWII as a sergeant. Stanley enlisted shortly after the attacks on Pearl Habor.
On a side note Stanley is also related to six American presidents thos being, James Madison, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and the Bush family. Those of the Tea Party wanting a return to an all white America have now been shown that the Founding Fathers were not as white as you want them to be.
The Tea Party and their supporters are not really who they say they are. They are merely actos taking various personalities that they see on t.v. and acting in such a manner to make those around them think that their party has the same tradition of serving when in fact they do not have such traditions.
President Obama is the right man to keep as the President of the United States because his family tradition of strong American values of doing what is right when called upon.
Romney however only has a tradition of running away and avoiding such values when called upon.
With 60% of the problems facing the next president would you rather have a president like Obama who has the nuts to do what he says he will do or someone like Romney who has aa family tradition of running away when a fight occurs?
The only type of people who hate Obama are those who are cowards theirself...have lost against Obama's family line and only make believe that their fallen empires can be reborn.
Once defeated...always defeated and never rising again.
Obama or Romney?
If Romney is elected then any and all attacks on America and the increase of death in the Middle East will be blamed on the Romney.....but more importantly those who support him and vote for him.
Thank you.... you are thinking about the issues and danger to our troops.
Interesting. I am Independent up would rather see a Republican, Tea Party Candidate, or Libertarian in office rather than a Liberal or Progressive. As for the Blood on someones hands it belongs on the hands of the Manager and Chief. After the release of the facts to date I'd say Obama is either too preoccupied with the election, has a poor excuse for Staff, really wants you to Believe the Terrorists are on the run, or worst can't Manage for squat.
Then you aren't an Independent, you're a Republican Teabagger.
Also, I've never heard of a Libertarian agreeing with a Teabagger.
If Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, China, Russia, North Korea, and the Palestinians didn't exist we would already live in a much more peaceful world. And to the Brotherhood who can't understand why Amercia supports Israel at the risk of making a billion Muslims and Arabs angry well the answer is simple. Israel shouldn't have to constantly fight for it's existence simply because you hate them. They are closer to our ideals of human rights and freedom than any other country over there, and sorry to say they are just plain better folks than you are! I mean if I had to choose who I wanted as my next door neighbor I sure wouldn't pick the towelhead who hates Americans and supports terrorist groups! Leave Israel alone. We are not going to let you destroy the birthplace of Jesus simply because you hate everything they stand for.
Remember the joke from 2008: "The good news is you won and the bad news is you won". There must be something within a Presidential candidate that most of us cannot understand. They take on awesome problems with sometimes no or few solutions, get bombarded everyday with critics on their every word, their decisions, their wives, have to accept blame for stuff they have little control over, etc. It is not a job for the faint of heart and I will always wonder why they want it so bad. Ego, I guess. I have been President of small organizations and that can be a headache!
#1 is near and dear to me I think it's clearly time to leave but I also believe the timetable should not be made public announcing with drawl 's time line.
The Unties States has gone above and beyond to help that Coat Hangar abortion of a country what have we gotten out of it nothing Billions in Foreign Aid to help them A crooked President who goes back and Forth with the Taliban and ANSF and Local Security Forces killing our troops. Throw in that Courageous restraint B.S. stupid ROE that gets people killed. All these programs and trials to mix women into combat arms; is enough. I can't wait for a new Commander and Chief someone that will drop the hammer on all the B.S. talk solves nothing!
Our foreign policy goal is our own prosperity. He who trades with us is our friend. He who does not trade with us is insignificant. He who tries to disrupt our trade is our adversary and perhaps our enemy The rest isn't really all that complicated.
Dont understand all the Obama supporters. How bad does it have to get in this country before you all wake up and realize what he is doing. Nothing and by doing nothing our economy has sunk. Personally I think he is doing it on purpose and I don't think he like America at all. He is not from here like most of us are. He grew up in Kenya reguardless of where he was born. If you watch the Movie 2016, he believe the US is a suppressor of other countries. You can all scoff at it but that is not debatable. It is what his father and step father believed.
On another not our economy is twice as bad and the media will let you know. There is no reason in the world for the market to be at 13,250. It is all inflated and if the public really knew how bad it is they would be freaking. And Obama will sit back and watch it get worse and grin the s**t eating grin. And you my friends will be Screwed. Keep on supporting him, you just might get what you are asking for. I will be voting for Romney cuz I know he has my values and future at heart.
Nothing should keep Obama up at night. He needs his rest so he can go campaign, fund raise or play golf.