I must reply to Patricia Porter’s letter “Obama foreign policy has a proven record” and the David Brooks piece of July 22, “Where Obama truly excels,” on the same subject.

President Obama’s foreign policy is replete with many glaring errors:

* Shutting out Israel’s premier when he came to visit years ago; having a short chat. Then while Romney is in Israel, announcing additional financial aid — a cheap electioneering trick.

* Apologizing in speeches in Europe for U.S. “interference” in European affairs and announcing that the USA is not an exceptional country! Without U.S. support NATO would be in shambles — short memory regarding two world wars and the U.S. rebuilding Europe and Japan.

* Giving away to the Russians’ European missile shield and the defensive U.S. missile shield and getting very little in return. John Bolton, former ambassador to the U.N., and one of the best foreign affairs analysts on the planet, suggests a much stronger face to Russia, China, Iran and Syria.

* Relying on sanctions to control Iran when 18 months of the same have not worked, as they continue to bury their nuclear facilities deeper in solid rock. Yes, they will negotiate right down to launch — just as Pearl Harbor. Does history teach us anything?

* Winking at Hugo Chavez, his “buddy,” as Venezuela inks a long-term contract for a missile base in his country by Iran — 1,200 miles from U.S. cities and with the possibility of future nuclear-tipped missiles!

Yes, some foreign policy has been good, but there are two sides to the coin.

Ed Kimball

Redmond