First, some background for Harry Potter novices. The seven Potter books were published over a ten year period - 1997-2007. Author Jo Rowling is generally credited with sustaining an engrossing storyline through seven volumes.
At the end of book four and through most of book five a major plot line has Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge spend a year denying the fact of the return of the long-missing, entirely evil Lord Voldemort, who during that year keeps a low profile. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had a similar denial problem with Hitler in 1938 - Rowling's probable inspiration.
Potter and his mentor Albus Dumbledore announce the Dark Lord has returned. They are roundly excoriated by Ministry officials and the wizarding press for being liars and alarmists.
As readers we know Harry is correct and Fudge is wrong. We gradually learn Fudge rejects the idea of Voldemort's return because it will panic the magical community in England, and cast Fudge in a bad light for letting it happen on his watch.
I recount the Voldemort denial because I believe we now see this very phenomenon play out in Washington, DC. Barack Obama plays the role of Cornelius Fudge and militant Islam personifies Voldemort.
Obama's multiyear denial of the need to become reengaged militarily in the Middle East comes from the same place as Fudge's denial of the Voldemort return. Admitting there is now a problem signals he should have headed it off earlier in his presidency, by keeping some troops in Iraq and helping Assad squash al Qaeda-affiliated rebels in Syria.
Militant Islam is at war with the West. Barack Obama cannot bring himself to admit it and act accordingly.
