The Defense Department apparently refused a CIA request to launch an attack on a Syrian terror-sponsoring target within the last two weeks.

All defense secretaries in wartime have, needless to say, made misjudgments.

Patriotism is an indispensable weapon in the defense of civilization against barbarism.

There will be trying times during Obama's presidency, and liberty will need staunch defenders. Can Obama reshape liberalism to be, as it was under F.D.R., a fighting faith, unapologetically patriotic and strong in the defense of liberty? That would be a service to our country.

If terror groups are to be defeated, it is national governments that will have to do so. In nations like India, governments will have to call on the patriotism of citizens to fight the terrorists. In a nation like Pakistan, the government will have to be persuaded to deal with those in their midst who are complicit.

If the American people really come to a settled belief that Bush lied us into war, his presidency will be over.