Once in a while, I read a newspaper column by a well-educated observer or a speech by an experienced politician, and I wonder: Has this person ever read a book on international relations? Does he know anything about power? Does he understand the basic differences between the world of Cold War times and the world of today? I’ve been shaking my head in astonishment quite a lot in recent days. The authors of many columns or speeches I’ve read seem to believe that the president of the United States can direct the course of events in Egypt with the proverbial snap of the fingers, and they’re appalled that President Obama seems somehow unable or unwilling to do so.
Read Full Article »
