Iraq is the source of our Iran trouble - it is this issue that has largely drained the President of the domestic support he needs to conduct foreign policy. The various scandals, infighting and fits among the Republican party haven't helped, either. Fact is, the President holds virtually supreme power over US foreign affairs and matters of state and war. Unfortunately, that power is diminished any time the President's power and prestige is diminished.

Speaking as a liberal, I don't like the idea of George W. Bush in charge of US foreign policy. I like the current situation even less: right now no one is in charge. American foreign policy at the moment is driven by inertia and blind reaction to overseas events - all our programs are either legacies or hasty expedients.