[PBO]

The US does need to modify its foreign policy & in the process make some decisions about where it positions itself in a rapidly developing world. The previous administrations self inflicted wounds will take a long time to heal

Australian & the US are allies; we have a long history together & outwardly share a common goal. There is however a sense of dread among average Australians each time the US take on a new 'foe' & call on its allies to support the cause. This support has in some instances been called for in no small part to add credibility to the strategy...like with Iraq. The UN weren't campaigning for that war...a war with an outcome that was predictable & not popular globally that we are all still suffering the outcomes of. Perspective is another issue. If you hear the internal rhetoric often enough maybe you believe the conflict (whatever it may be) is honourable & justified? - I don't know because I don't hear it at the same volume - but different cultures & societies have different priorities. To assume that if another country doesn't share yours then they are unworthy or worse is extremely poor judgment regardless of where you are

The position the US finds itself in (deserved or not) a lot of the time is the global bully...there are a lot of countries who would love to beat up the global bully. Some of these countries may have the interest & the ability in coming years.... it would be prudent for the US to develop a more diplomatic foreign policy. The fortunes of the global economy no longer rely as heavily on the US, there are different drivers now. With all respect the US economy is down the toilet & in recovery mode. Look at China, India etc they heavily influence the global economy & have an increasingly large stake on how consumers like the US are participating