I forget which movie I heard that line in. But I believe it applies to the new stance of the US Foriegn Polocy.

For years American Govenrments didn't react strongly to attacks on US Service Personel and Assets overseas. It wasn't just one President or Political Party, for over 20 years small acts of terror were basicly ignored. Iran, North Korea, Syria, Lebenon, the first WTC attack and many other places were the scene of terrorist activities publicly attacking Military and Civilian American targets.
The govenrment made a lot of noise, but little real action. IMHO this emboldened those who thought up ways to destroy equipment, bases and kill Americans.

It seems we simply will not find a way to bring ourselves to a concensus about an application of force and unified action without a single act of such deprivity it has to be answered.

I believe the opinion is right, a lot of countries world wide have watched the Iraqi army and govenrment fall apart like a wet paper sack. They've seen the commitment and abilities of our Armed Forces. And it scares the living crap out of them..... good.
Now they know, America is not a paper tiger. And we have small patience with regimes that threaten our security. Those with Nuclear capabilities are now aware that those weapons may not do much to deter us, most of them will never leave their storage facilites. One 2000 Lb JDAM can, and will destroy them in their bunkers.
Saber rattling is an old phrase, but we have the biggest saber, with the sharpest edge, perhaps it will convince those who wish us harm to think a few more times about attacking us. Or supporting and harboring those who do.