Top 10 Highlights of Barack Obama's Presidency

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Friday, January 13, 2017

Kim Jong Un of North Korea seen here speaking in front of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces. | (Photo: Reuters/KCNA)

6. Foreign Powers Russia, Iran, North Korea Become More Aggressive

During Obama's time in office, nations with a history of enmity towards the United States of America became more aggressive on the global stage.

Russia exerted its influence against the nation of Ukraine and launched airstrikes in Syria, some of which are believed to have attacked rebels and civilians instead of the official target of the Islamic State.

In 2009, following a controversial presidential election, Iran's pro-theocratic government violently crushed dissidents and from there continued to spread its pre-existing influence into the broader Middle East.

After North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il died in 2011, his son Kim Jong-un assumed power and continued the Communist Party's repressive policies, as well as testing nuclear weapons that if perfected could reach the state of California.