No one to charm?

Time magazine is worried:

On a number of perilous fronts—Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Mideast—this most diplomatically oriented of American presidents, who came into office four months ago eager for "engagement," has few responsible or dependable parties with whom he can negotiate.

How is this markedly different from what existed before his ascension to the presidency?

I do give him credit for listening to General Petraeus and Defense Sec. Gates.

Otherwise it's still Travels with Barry.