It is like the difference between a parent who threatens to beat the crap out of you and you respond with better behaviour without being beaten---and---a parent that grabs a baseball bat and starts swinging with extreme predjudice. To which would you get a better response? That is what made Reagan a better pres in terms of foreign policy. "Ol Sabre Rattler"
Unfortunately, Shrub is as awkward in foreign policy as I'm sure Laura finds him in bed.
Pray for Peace,
Amy