Pundits from both sides of the political spectrum are complimenting the way Obama has reacted to the newly disclosed Iranian nuclear enrichment plant. Based on stronger relations with our allies Obama was able to show a united front against the Iranians. Even the bridges Obama has built with contries we do not consider close allies has added to the united front against Iran. The united front has condemned the new plant and promised "sanctions that will bite" if the Iranians do not meet requirement put down by the allies. International and Iranian reaction has shown a strength that the US did not have when they were going it alone. Obama's move on not going through with the missle defence in Europe is looking like a smart move. The defence can be located closer to Isreal. Working with the countries of the world is more effectives than working unilaterally.
the neocons aren't happy unless we are spending money to blow up and then rebuild stuff in far off lands so they will just scoff at this
I don't totally disagree with this, but, I fail to see where it changed the Iranian stance. Further, don't get too excited we are far away from any reasonable end result. I agree United Fronts are important and I agree that certain other leaders are going to be more willing to work with Obama, than they were with Bush, however, let's see Russia and China sign on to a really tough stance, one with real teeth in it and lets see the end result.
Step one is good. I agree the true effectiveness of Obama's foreign policy will be known in the months and years as we see how Iran reacts. It is a chess game. What can be said about the Bush foreign policy is it emboldened and strengthened Iran. They did not intend on doing this. Bush administration did not forsee that bringing down Saddam would give the Iranian Shiite government added strength in the mideast. Saddam's Sunni government partially neutralized the strength of Iran. As bad as Saddam was, that was one good thing his administration did.
What do you think Obama should have done different in foreign policy and in reaction to the recent revelations on Iran's nuclear program