Repeating the same mistakes

Rosa Brooks - and most others - thinks Obama makes the same mistakes over and over. And here is a precis of her reasoning. The full article is well worth reading.

1. Other people's nationalism (or tribal, ethnic, religious, or familial loyalty) is as real as ours.

2. It's not a "war of ideas."

3. There is no "them."

4. The fog of war is even foggier than you think -- and it extends well beyond warzones.

5. When we get self-righteous and condescending, we annoy people; when we issue meaningless ultimatums, we look dumb.

6. "Don't do stupid shit" is a sound maxim, but it's not a strategy. Neither is "leadership."