I actually would like aggressive generals. I blame Obama, without him talking a tough line, then vetoing any attempt to actually make good on his implied promises, we would not be in the situation we are in with regard to many foreign policy disasters.
Syria: A solid case can be made for staying very far away, Obama has not made that case.
Ukraine: Obama talked tough, then walked away.
Iraq: Obama takes a Victory lap then refuses to do any thing in a timely manner.
Obama seems to refuse to understand that the military must be able to cash the checks the diplomats (and politicians) write, or the nation’s credibility in foreign affairs is destroyed.
Basic Game theory: The more other actors believe you can cover your bets, the less likely they are to call them.
Obama doesn't want to stay away from Syria. He and Hillary have a political investment in it.
Obama shouldn't have interfered in the Ukraine; let them sort it out for themselves. I still think we meddled by helping oust the prime minister and letting a puppet get elected.
Iraq, Obama really screwed the pooch with that one. Anybody with half a brain and little knowledge of military tactics could see that one coming with the pre-mature pullout even if their figurehead president or whatever wanted us out. And Russia didn't hassle us over it to my knowledge in a huge manner anyway.
Obama's first rule of thumb is if GWB did it, he is going to do the opposite. There's a name for it. Opposition defiance. Opposition stupid ignorant political posturing has put a lot more people in jeopardy, including our own, than GWB ever did. And I think most of us agree that Iraq was a mistake but not necessarily the WMD a total lie.
So, yes, you have it right mostly as I see it. How far are we going to go for more mistakes though?