If not us....then who?

If not now, then when?

No boots on the ground needed. Not a war, a series of air strikes. Cruise missiles don't require anyone on the ground when a drone and do the targeting.

I agree the only thing that being passive in teh face of agression gets you is more aggression. Dead bad guys pose no threat, but they do serve the purpose of being a strong example of what happens when you decide to take that role.