Why Bush Should Be Commended on Foreign Policy

If I have to be the only one to thank George W Bush for his time in office, then I will do so. I have been harder on him than most conservatives, and I think I have more than enough reasons. First, he seems clueless on the economy. Not that he was a complete disaster all eight years, but when something this 'big' is coming, as our current recession, the president and his advisers should know it. Not to mention, the American people should know it. I highly disapprove of his handling of the economy lately, and it hurts the GOP to have a person with such poor creditability as the past election proved. However, I do acknowledge that we did have many times of strong economic strength despite a recession heading into his presidency, 9/11, and two wars, so I do credit him keeping the economy from a complete disaster. I do feel like he has laid some level of ground work to help the economy in the future.

What George Bush should be most proud of is his powerful leadership skills when it comes to foreign policy.

I'll start with the September 11th Attacks. This was the biggest disaster in American history, yet I don't know if there was a stronger leader in the time of American crisis. Instead of allowing the country to fall into chaos, he united not only Americans, but the world abroad in the fight against Islamic terrorist, and sent an early message that this would not happen again. George Bush held true to his word, and we remain safe due to his actions.

Now look at the War on Terrorism (we will leave Iraq out of this equation). Instead of sitting back and letting terrorist succeed in destroying American civilization, he sent a clear message in the Afghan War, where American troops broke the Taliban's control over Afghanistan and set up a constitution and democratic society. This type of action (and certainly it's success) is unheard of when you look back at world history, yet he was able to do it.

The Iraq War was nothing short of a disappointment. After just weeks of fighting, there was a general consensus that it was they had won more handily than in Afghanistan, and Bush made his mistake of believing that it was 'Mission Accomplished', while the years that followed included dreadful rebel uprising, suicide bombers, and a civil war between factions of the Shite and Sunni Muslims. Where Bush should be commended is when many people said we had failed and should abandon Iraq, he held true. He picked up a brilliant General David Peterus, and came up with the plan of a troop surge. This surge saved Iraq and has led us to victory that many thought was impossible. It may be years before we realize just how significant this surge was. We lost 2/3 less troops this year alone.

You can argue on the validity of the Iraq War all day long, however, having two democratic societies and allies, where there were enemies filled with ruthless dictators and Terrorist organizations is something that no man many achieve again. Bush's actions also convinced Libya to give up their nuclear capabilities, and he has continued to keep Iran, North Korea, and others at bay. So when it comes to foreign policy, I give props to our out-going president, and wish him nothing but the best in the future.