One part of the U.S. foreign policy establishment wants to be just, the other part wants to be tough. Neither realizes that such a distinction is the root of the problem.
The U.S. withdrawal from Iraq gives Iran an opportunity to extend its sphere of influence from Afghanistan to the Mediterranean. This has made bringing about the collapse of Tehran's allies in Syria a central part of a regional containment strategy against Iran. (With STRATFOR map)
While former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's death is symbolically important, the fall of Sirte and the start of efforts to form a transitional government are more significant. (With STRATFOR map)
