The vacuum: Putin's actions in Syria questionable, but not surprising

It is not about having to be in charge of every war, every battle, every skirmish.

It is not even about living up to the moniker, "the world's peacekeeper."

The reason that the news we got this week about Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to order attacks in Syria is disturbing deals more with what it says about the U.S. position in the world.

And, unfortunately, we have ourselves -- well, really the leadership in Washington -- to blame.

Over the last few years, the United States has communicated to the world that it is not going to step up to the plate when its adversaries step over the line.

We threatened and then took no action in Syria.

We removed our troops from Iraq and watched the cities our troops gave their lives protecting fall to Islamic extremists.

We blinked when faced with the possibility that the North Korean leadership, which is well-known as being, in a word, nuts, would develop a nuclear weapon.

And we continued a kinder and gentler approach when dealing with the Muslim world that has not worked and will not work, while attacking the motives and the security of one of our nation's greatest allies, Israel.

And then there is the Iran nuclear deal, for which we were not even able to garner the release of Americans that country is detaining.

The problem is pretty easy to understand.

When you leave a leadership vacuum, someone comes along and fills it.

And, generally, it is not someone you want to fill it or someone who should fill it.

And that is exactly what has happened.

Putin is making his move to put his nation in the driver's seat when it comes to peacekeeping and world affairs.

He is not worried about the U.S. response to his actions. In fact, he was downright disrespectful and unapologetic.

He senses weakness, and he is jumping on the opportunity.

The problem with being a superpower is that you are only as good as the promises you make and, more importantly, keep.

There are many nations that simply do not trust the U.S. or its current leadership to step up with strength and resolve.

And we have allies that are not sure that we will be there should they be threatened.

In this day and age, you can't afford to have friends you cannot trust, or ones who do not have the courage to stand by you when times are tough.

U.S. foreign policy is a disaster and it shows no signs of getting better.

It is the difference between the reality of dealing with rogue nations and textbook theories on international relations.

And, frankly it is dangerous.

It is also something to think about as you listen to all the candidates for president.

We need a leader, period, as soon as possible.

Published in Editorials on October 3, 2015 10:50 PM