Look To History

Another example of U.S. foreign diplomacy (even though it wasn't handled excellently) is the Iran Hostage Crisis that took place from 1979-1981. During this period, 52 Americans were taken hostage after Iranian student demonstrators stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The United States President at the time was Jimmy Carter. Carter's administration was torn and departments could not agree on a viable solution to the crisis. A rescue mission, dubbed Operation Eagle Claw, was attempted in 1979 while Carter continued to confront the crisis diplomatically. The rescue operation was a failure and the hostages remained under hostile control. Carter and his diplomats were eventually able to get the hostages released, but not after they were held for 444 days in Iran. Even though many of Carter's advisers suggested they go into Iran with force to rescue the Americans numerous times, the administration ultimately (after one failed attempt) stuck to the diplomatic solution.

This is a testament to the power of diplomacy. No, it might not be the quickest solution. No, it might not be the popular solution, however, preventing war and violence is ALWAYS worth it.