Quote from Mvector:
He would command amazing respect around the world for acting in a principled and honorable manner - ALL nations knowing we have plenty of nukes to "light it up" if anyone ever messes with us. Do you fight best at the bar when confronted or in your front doorway when someone tries to break in? ;-)
I find it interesting how very few seem to understand the psychology of conflict - the most respected is those who defend themselves from an aggressor after using the "minimum" force necessary to resolve a situation. World geopolitical respect and support comes from restraint - NOT aggression.