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President John F. Kennedy
Obama's Shift On Syria: A Show Of Strength Or Fear?

President Obama walks along the West Wing Colonnade toward the Oval Office ahead of Tuesday night's speech on Syria. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption

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Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

It's All Politics

Obama's Shift On Syria: A Show Of Strength Or Fear?

In the face of congressional and popular resistance to his call for retaliation against Syria, the president had a conversion on the missile flight path to Damascus. But what constitutes presidential wisdom and strength in today's global politics? It may have less to do with traditional notions of strength and more to do with vision and adaptability.