In his speeches on foreign policy problems, President Obama reverts again and again to the idea that the United States should only act “multilaterally” — with other nations as partners. The clearly intended implication is that acting “unilaterally” — without support from other nations — is somehow immoral. Better to “lead from behind” rather than — horrors! — act alone.

But which president has acted more multilaterally? In 2003 George W. Bush brought more than 30 nations into a coalition of the willing for military action against Iraq. Obama this year claims eight or nine nations are supporting our military action in Iraq and (perhaps) Syria, but at least initially most or all of them are not providing any actual military support. Some may still do so, which is fine. But the idea, deeply embedded in the minds of the chattering classes and mainstream media, that Bush was stubbornly unilateral and Obama is open-mindedly and generously multilateral runs directly contrary to the facts.