Many nations approach international relations from an empirical mindset – even my own small nation. National interests are the trump-card when looking at anything. Those interests are the filter through which politicians sift their decisions – the gaining of resources and protection thereof so that the God that is our lifestyles does not have to be put on the block and there is no room for the risk of real sacrifice and service in this area when one’s political survival rests on making sure that one’s constituents do not experience any pain that would shift their vote in an age of self gratification.

Obama’s strategy in Afghanistan is symptomatic of the problem – Bush was not the problem, he was a product of the problem and that problem is constraining the current presidency. The empire expects and breeds the fist to protect the sacred cow of a materially abundant lifestyle and it pays no heed to those who exist in slavery and subjugation to prop it up.

Obama’s Nobel prize explicitly expressed the constraints. He spoke in admiration of the likes of Martin Luther King Jr and his ideals, yet expressed that war is a must in the realities of our world. His vision can only extend as far as the empire will allow. As the President of the Empire, just as Bush was before him, he is a product of that empire and will continue to work with the failed instruments of that empire – he will just be more eloquent about doing so and hopefully (as he has done so far) give glimmers of a better way.

To reflect your words though, Brian – we wait for the Prince of Peace – a peace that is real and lasting, that is healing and whole… not simply an absence of violence. Until then we look on with open and forgiving eyes at a world and system we long to be redeemed.