I agree that in retrospect that supporting the Arab Spring was a strategic mistake on Obama's part. But that was due more to his faith (and many in the west mind you) in the people of the Middle East than But none of those issues are the result of anything he's done though. Syria, Libya and Yemen are in as bad a shape as they are due to the Arab Spring. And Somalia and Pakistan were troubled and terrorist riddled states way before Obama ever took the oath.
Even were the US to completely remove itself at this point, it still be in just as great a mess. The roots of the Arab Spring have little to do with American Exceptionalism and everything to do with a burgeoning youth population that had no jobs and no prospects for their future. And I think it's time we have a bit of a reality check in regards to Russia. Were the Russians, whether directly in some cases or indirectly through her allies in the region, not kept stirring the pot, it's doubtful that as much suffering in the region would of taken place. In fact, there isn't a bad actor in that region that doesn't have some times back to Moscow.
But going back to the assertion of US influence in the region having a detrimental affect, I'm kind of curious of your thoughts of Mubarak. Say what you will about the negative consequences that resulted from putting to much faith in Egyptians ability to self-rule, but at least when the US realized it had the opportunity to force out someone who was treating so many of his people like ****, Obama was quick to listen and react. (Something that that had Russia done the same with Syria, it's probable we'd of never had an ISIS, as the Syrians wouldn't of had to resort to such violent extremism to achieve their goals). Of course, by removing Mubarak, you inevitably make the region more unstable. Hell, this is a perfect example mind you of (prior to his removal) US influence bringing peace to the region, through an alliance that has prevented another Arab conflict against the Israelis. Which brings us to the key question; Do you believe we should of kept Mubarak in power, thus acknowledging American influence has played a beneficial role in the region, or continue to believe he should be removed, due to some irrational hatred for the US and a belief that nothing they do in the region is ever right?
First off, the discussion was about whether or not the Surge brought violence down in Iraq not the entire globe. Second, and more importantly mind you, many of the attacks carried out by "Al Qaeda" are in fact lone wolves or small groups that simply try to latch onto the name for fame purposes. Finally, the last bit of that report, that's what Obama has been doing in large part since he became President. And it's not looking like terrorism has gone on the decline Monte...
There's fare more wrong with the flawed report, but suffice to say, it's a product of 2008 and has become woefully out of date at this point. What's next, you gonna start citing reports from the 50's that smoking is actually good for you?
