Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ya-ta Boy]

The New Yorker has a longish article about Obama's foreign policy that is raising a mini-rucus on some parts of the internet. The article is sometimes quite critical of Obama, especially in the first part. It also has a section that deserves to be discussed on the Libya thread�it seems that Obama was expecting something to happen and spoke about it last fall before the whole thing got going.

The part that is causing a mini-rucus in the blogs is the last paragraph:

Nonetheless, Obama may be moving toward something resembling a doctrine. One of his advisers described the President�s actions in Libya as �leading from behind.� That�s not a slogan designed for signs at the 2012 Democratic Convention, but it does accurately describe the balance that Obama now seems to be finding. It�s a different definition of leadership than America is known for, and it comes from two unspoken beliefs: that the relative power of the U.S. is declining, as rivals like China rise, and that the U.S. is reviled in many parts of the world. Pursuing our interests and spreading our ideals thus requires stealth and modesty as well as military strength. �It�s so at odds with the John Wayne expectation for what America is in the world,� the adviser said. �But it�s necessary for shepherding us through this phase.�

Some people are taking exception to the 'lead from behind' comment of the assistant. I agree that it is not bumper-sticker-worthy, but it is taken from Nelson Mandela (not that that is a glowing endorsement for some people):

�He said, �It�s interesting because there are lessons for leadership because the way you herd cattle is you lead them from behind. You find the most able and smartest cattle and have them lead the way. You empower them.� He said that�s a good lesson for all of us. You basically have to kind of share the wealth. You have to find people who can execute your vision and ideas. I think that�s relevant not only in politics, but again even within families.�

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/05/02/110502fa_fact_lizza?currentPage=all

I've long thought regional powers should take primary responsibility when there is a crisis and the US should play a supporting role. I think it is even more realistic now that our economy sucks and we are so deeply disliked in so many places. Although I'll get blasted by the usual suspects for saying so, I think Obama is on the right track with this 'leading from behind' thing (although I hope some PR guy comes up with a snappier name for it�although this was the group that gave us WTF a couple of months ago.)