I agree with your post except military “tradition” does not let the chief executive set military objectives and strategy. The POTUS is commander in chief, literally. Tradition has nothing to do with it. Obama is the legal/constitutional commander of the US armed forces.
That has yet to be proven.
That has yet to be proven.
I wouldn't say we are in disagreement. You just stated it more succinctly :) Btw, this must be a subject of considerable interest as I have received a record number of responses from this posting. None actually disagreeing, but most adding their own perceptions and solutions to the situation - which is good.