Rules of the Road

To begin with, I believe that all nations – strong and weak alike – must adhere to standards that govern the use of force. I – like any head of state – reserve the right to act unilaterally if necessary to defend my nation. Nevertheless, I am convinced that adhering to standards strengthens those who do, and isolates – and weakens – those who don’t...Furthermore, America cannot insist that others follow the rules of the road if we refuse to follow them ourselves. For when we don’t, our action can appear arbitrary, and undercut the legitimacy of future intervention – no matter how justified.
~ from Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech upon receipt of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize ~

What exactly are the "rules of the road" when it comes to warfare? What are these nebulous standards he speaks of? When one considers that the Obama administration is waging covert "wars" in Pakistan and Yemen as well as escalating the war in Afghanistan, it would seem that the rules and standards are arbitrary and illegitimate.

Where force is necessary, we have a moral and strategic interest in binding ourselves to certain rules of conduct. And even as we confront a vicious adversary that abides by no rules, I believe that the United States of America must remain a standard bearer in the conduct of war. That is what makes us different from those whom we fight. That is a source of our strength.

How can the president of a nation that employs depleted uranium in much of its weaponry and utilizes drone aircraft that seems to kill as many civilians as supposed "terrorists," talk seriously about "rules of conduct?"

Back in 2009, I was dumbstruck when it was announced that our president -- of all people -- was being awarded the p-e-a-c-e prize. I continue to be dumbstruck as this same president has gotten us into yet another military escapade. It defies all credulity to believe that this nation is an ambassador for peace. We have initiated and remained involved in more armed conflicts this century than any other country I know of.

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, that made sense. King dedicated his life to nonviolence.

But Barack Obama?