When the lead question on Iraq in the first presidential candidates’ debate was posed, What are the lessons learned from Iraq? I waited expectantly for what seemed to be the only possible answer: “violence begets violence.” While Barack Obama asserts that the war in Iraq was wrong and must be ended, I fear that neither candidate has learned lessons necessary to reverse course in Iraq and beyond, and repair the damaged U.S. reputation abroad.

During the first so-called “Presidential” debate, my attitude barometer went from boredom to anger. The American people deserve better, and the global situation on so many fronts demands a thoughtful debate between the two candidates.