A couple of small nukes on military bases, like missle bases or air force bases in Iran would send a signal that we mean business. We don't have to invade and occupy a country. If they try to build the bases near populated areas, so what. That is their problem. We have had problems with Muslims since around 1800. Muslim pirates were raiding American shipping in the mediteranean. Jefferson sent our ships and marines to Tripoli and almost destroyed it. They didn't bother us again for 150 years.
Some problems started when Turkey lost control of the middle east and Arabia after WWI. Area was divided, not by indiginious people but by some arbitrary lines. Iraq had 3 types of people, Kurds, Sunni's and Shites. Should have been divided by the people living there. Lebanon was a hybrid nation of both Arabs and Christians. So was Cyprus. Both are now messed up. As long as Britian or France ruled the area, peace was kept. Once they got their independence, dictators took over. Muslims don't understand true democratic government and how to function in one. Why, because they think their religion is the only right one and everone else must convert or be exterminated.
Back to presidents. We have to elect a president based on his knowlege of foreign policy first, then domestic issues second. Why, because he assigns all foreign ambassadors and diplomats. Domestically he must rely on congress and senate to pass bills and the supreme court to uphold or strike down laws. He can do executive orders, but they can be overturned by congress or the supreme court. If he has a good knowledge of foreign affairs, he can guide us without getting us into wars. Reagan was good at this. He stood up to the Soviets, built up our military, and fought them by supplying rebel forces against them and their allies. He knew how to balance countries against each other. He actually supported Iraq against Iran. Kept Pakistan and India in balance. Bush Sr. knew not to OCCUPY Iraq, just got them out of Kuwait and pulled out. Clinton kept the Palistinians and Israelies talking. Bush Jr, should have stayed out of Iraq. Not necessary, bombing them was working. Obama is no better. Can't get out, but also got us involved in Lybia. Sometimes the dictator you know is better than what you might get. Egypt was an example. We don't know who is going to ultimately rule there, nor in Lybia. These rebellions probably would not have taken place with a leader who knew how to keep the status quo and keep peoples minds off of us and onto their own problems.