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The Absence of U.S. Leadership Makes the World More Dangerous than Ever
(Washington Post) Joseph I. Lieberman - There is more instability in the world today than at any time since the end of World War II. The threats come from emboldened expansionist powers such as Iran, Russia and China, and also terrorist aggressors such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. In short, the enemies of freedom are on the march. At the same time, the U.S. has chosen this moment to become more passive in the world. The military and political disengagement of the U.S. has created a vacuum in the heart of the Middle East that has been exploited by the region's most dangerous anti-American forces: totalitarian Sunni fanatics and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The result is the creation of a terrorist sanctuary of unprecedented scale and Iranian domination over multiple Arab capitals. In too many places in recent years, the U.S. has treated its adversaries as essential partners to be courted, while dismissing or denigrating its historic allies and partners as inconveniences or obstacles to peace. The U.S. should reassert its historic leadership role - not by acting alone, but in concert with our worldwide network of allies and friends, which is yearning for this. When the leader of a European ally was asked what the U.S. could do to be most helpful to him and his country, his answer was direct: "Elect a president who understands the importance of American leadership in the world." The writer served in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 2013.