Steve I couldn't agree with you more, although some would say that Clinton's BOsnian strategy did end the potential genocide there. Wisdom for a U.S. President is knowing when to step back & let the MILITARY professionals advise you without fear of political repercussions. GHW, an accomplished Naval officer, did exactly that in '91.

Jimmy Carter got mired in the muck of political ideology (of a liberal type) and the Iranian hostage rescue was a disaster. I think the lesson of that episode has stood as a guidepost for the limits of politics and meddling by the Executive in carrying out military operations.

I'm curious- does anyone have any ideas about how to stop the overall piracy problem? Unfortunately, the ship owners seem willing to hand over a few million to save their crews & cargoes, and I don;t think countries like Liberia or Paraguay are in any position to effect surgical strikes.

Maybe some new sort of electronics could be incorporated- those microwave/sound antennas seem to incapacitate anyone it 's aimed at.