America has enjoyed the security benefit of relative geographical isolation since before it became a nation when it declared independence from England in 1776. Over the ensuing centuries, through two major world wars and numerous less so, she has assumed, perhaps unwittingly, that the isolation and resulting security would always protect her.
But, much to her chagrin, the world has changed to the point where geographical security no longer exists. America can strike anywhere in the world at any time she chooses, but, unfortunately, the converse is also true. What our major world adversaries have been unable to accomplish with the use of conventional warfare, terrorists now attempt with asymmetrical methodology.
America has been exceedingly slow to recognize and respond to the existential threat it faces. She is now only slowly facing the reality with a 'small stick' piecemeal strategy. One might inquire, 'Where is Teddy Roosevelt with his big stick when we need him now?'