By avoiding strikes , Obama 's action marks a turning point in Iraq foreign policy . And while Obama 's foreign policy ratings have plummeted , he has sought to avoid dragging a war-weary nation into another Mideast conflict . ' Obama 's reluctant action comes after GOP criticism of his foreign policy on Iraq and Syria . Obama said the U.S. was ready to protect Americans on the ground in Irbil . But past failures , questions over a broader role arise as America gains ground in Iraq .
By avoiding strikes , Obama 's action marks a turning point in Iraq foreign policy . Obama 's reluctant action comes after GOP criticism of his foreign policy on Iraq and Syria . Obama said the U.S. was ready to protect Americans on the ground in Irbil . But past failures , questions over a broader role arise as America gains ground in Iraq .