Bush III

"My old friend you say? Impossible, I do not recognize the man--or if I am wrong, then he is not what he once was."

It's hard nowadays for Americans to understand exactly who their president actually is. Carter, the dithering southerner, Clinton, the charismatic centrist, or perhaps Reagan, the free market king? In truth though none of these labels seem to stick to the man who presently leads the United States. For although on the domestic front he has advocated policies in contrast to his predecessor, Barack Obama's foreign policy has started to look increasingly like George W. Bush's as each month of his first term roles along. 

During the 2008 campaign Obama was especially clear on several key policies from the Bush years which he intended on reversing: the Middle Eastern wars, Guantanamo Bay, and military tribunals. These were bold positions which the young Democrat fiercely hammered out amidst the closing days of the race, although his popular vote margin of victory seemed to shrink from some polls, landing at a modest 53% despite the structural advantages native to his candidacy.

Thus far, the tally is non-existent. The president did move to end the Iraq War, but only after deploying more troops to Afghanistan and delaying the withdrawal deadlines because of security concerns raised earlier by his opponent, Senator John McCain.

The infamous prison facility has yet to be closed due to firm bipartisan opposition to the prisoner transfers, and only days ago the administration solemnly announced that Khaled Sheik Mohammed would be tried using a military tribunal--a far cry from Obama's call for civilian trials over the past two years. Additionally, Obama has authorized more drone strikes than his predecessor, a massive diversion from his charming liberal image.

Perhaps the greatest similarity however resides in the domain of foreign invasive assaults. After years of bashing Bush for invading Iraq without basis, the new president turned and used military force on Libya, actions which have few justifications other than oil pursuits by most considerations. Funny enough, as this was the foundation for left-win attacks on the Iraq War. Obama has claimed there are no boots on the ground, but CIA have been deployed readily and he commanded Gadhafi to step down only weeks ago.

Shocking as it may be to liberals and conservatives alike, Obama's evolution is another testament to the security over party worldview held for so long in American political interests. Rather than his party or ideology, the president is pursuing national defense, a testament to his desire to protect and preserve American Freedom. This fundamental transformation is what has helped American endure in the past, and will no doubt benefit her in the future.



Michael Veramendi

National Alliance Vice President for Foreign Issues