In his first foreign policy crisis since taking office, President Obama has triumphed and sent a strong message to both pirates and terrorists in general that America will not allow itself to become a victim of their dastardly behavior.
After five days of behind the scenes planning by the Navy and lack of rhetoric by the administration, Captain Richard Phillips, who had been held hostage since early Wednesday by four Somali pirates, was successfully rescued when it was obvious that negotiations had broken down and that the pirates were about to execute the heroic captain.Â
Rather than the kind of confrontational rhetoric employed so often by the Bush Administration, Obama chose to remain quiet and allow the experts in hostage rescue to employ their best talents, but when it was obvious that a turning point was being reached, he personally ordered a quick military response to end the crisis and save the hostage. What a great Easter gift to the nation with the saving of the life of this very courageous man, Richard Phillips, who showed the kind of character that is so sorely needed in America today.
Obama handled this crisis brilliantly, and it only adds to the impression that the First Hundred Days, coming to a close at the end of April, have been a major period of accomplishment both in domestic and foreign policy. Obama has been proving that he is not just talk, but also action! Congratulations, Mr. President! 🙂