better Democratic strategy for middle east

A strategy of offshore balancing would be less ambitious than President Bush's grand plan to spread democracy throughout the Middle East, but it would be much better at protecting actual U.S. interests.

The United States would station its military forces outside the region. And "balancing" would mean we'd rely on regional powers like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia to check each other.

Washington would remain diplomatically engaged, and when necessary would assist the weaker side in a conflict. It would also use its air and naval power to respond quickly to unexpected threats. But—and this is the key point—---America would put boots on the ground only if the local balance of power seriously broke down and one country threatened to dominate the others.

Offshore balancing would protect America and Americans better than the current Republican "bring it on --crusader" behavior.