That was a hard hitting article, one that I think that also could have been written in 1979 when Jimmy Carter was President and the world was concerned (or cheering) the lack of American leadership. The author appeared to be pointing out facts and opinions about America's recent decline without any particular agenda. Did I miss it? It almost seems as though he is scolding us in hope that we'll once again effectively assume our leadership role again on the world stage after learning from our hubris in Iraq and Afghanistan.