The Axis of Misbehavior

We've certainly come a long way.

Whereas the previous "cowboy" president referred to Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of evil" the new, civilized president provides a powerful contrast with his choice of words.

Iraq, at least temporarily, no longer gets lumped with Iran and North Korea.  The latter nations drew fire from President Obama as he sanction-rattled over Iran's foiled attempt to assassinate the ambassador from Saudi Arabia on American soil.

There is great similarity between how Iran operates and how North Korea operates -- a willingness on their part to break international rules, to flout international norms, to not live up to their own commitments.  And each time they do that the United States will join with its partners and allies in making sure that they pay a price.

Among our many new options for the Iran-North Korea axis:  

• The axis of international norm flouters 
• The axis of failing to live up to their own commitments 
• The axis of out-of-bounds behavior 
• The axis of not acceptable behavior