America's military interventions in Syria and Libya failed because the US didn't have a long-term strategy. That was the message from Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush yesterday, as he talked about national security at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport.
The former Florida Governor admitted it's easy to criticize military strategies that have obviously failed. But, says interventions in the Middle East would be more successful if the US first built military partnerships with the countries.
Bush says the US needs to build a coalition within Iraq to defeat the Islamic State, and then help Iraq strengthen its military.
He also defended some of his brother's Iraq war decisions as president, adding the "mission was accomplished" at the end of George W. Bush's term.
And, Bush criticized President Obama for having short-term military policies. But, he does appreciate Obama's use of drones and new military technology.
This was Bush's first visit to Iowa. And, he is the second candidate to participate in a Quad Cities New Ideas Forum at St. Ambrose University.