First, they weren’t exactly merely “mistakes.” They were deliberated choices. Second, our years of involvement in Iraq were, in hindsight, very likely misbegotten, yes — but they began when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and looked very much like he was building WMD. That is hardly “unprovoked.” Third, this is the only time the article so much as mentions the word “Biden,” and not once does in include the word “Obama.” Fourth, our panic-driven retreat from Afghanistan did not just make the US “look” weaker. It was weakness, with a good measure of cowardice thrown in.

And Hamas and Iran noticed! My goodness — will wonders never cease?

Still, the real problem here isn’t Hamas or Iran or Bush or (the unmentioned) Obama or (the also and conspicuously unmentioned Jimmy Carter) or (the barely mentioned) Joe Biden. Readers will have no trouble guessing who it is.

[In the NYT’s Bizarro World, Obama’s Iran deal was a sign of strength while Trump’s rescission was a sign of weakness. And our decision to pay the Dane-geld to Iranian hostage taking isn’t even mentioned — even though it’s less than a fortnight removed from the Gazan war. Unbelievable. — Ed]