Seeing Russia's perspective is critical to resolving the problem. In the early 19th century, American concerns over European encroachment into the Western hemisphere resulted in the development of the Monroe Doctrine.

Though it is clear that Turkey has tacked to a strong wind, Turkey is painfully aware that the American-led effort to arm Kurds against ISIS will accelerate a redefinition of a hundred-year old regional order defined in the detritus of World War One.

The first U.S. foreign policy problem is obvious: it's not working. We've been unable to bring democratic stability to the Middle East. The second problem is that Washington politicians are unwilling to explain why our foreign policy isn't working.

His blend of tactics has subjected him to withering criticism from Republicans in Congress, but his tactical caution, so far, has left the US hovering just out of range of a series of potentially dangerous confrontations.

Mr. President, for too long your approach to foreign policy has been reactive, not proactive. It feels like we're always playing catch-up. Now is the time to tell us what it is you want us to do. What are our goals? What is most important to us? And how are we going to get there?