Foreign Policy & National Defense

America’s strength grows from the strength of our ideals: individual liberty, rule of law, respect for each person’s property, the right of self-determination, and a government dedicated to protect these liberties. In this environment America has become the strongest, most prosperous nation history has ever known. 

While these values are traditionally American, they are not uniquely American. Wherever a nation respects its citizens and enforces just laws it creates the environment where families can thrive and experience security and prosperity. In foreign policy the US must partner with such nations; diplomatically, economically and militarily to foster and protect these values and our national interests.

The sad fact is that the world is full of those who don’t hold these ideals. They can be tyrants like the regimes holding power in Iran, North Korea and Venezuela; brutalizing their own citizens, threatening their neighbors, sowing violence and discord around the world. They can be lawless regions like Afghanistan under the Taliban, Somalia or Yemen; places where radicals can foster discontent, plan and execute horrors upon the world as happened in New York on 9/11, Madrid on 3/11 and more recently the attempted airline bombing on Christmas in Detroit.

These threats will not disappear on their own nor can they be safely ignored. American foreign policy must both guard and champion our values and interests so that our citizens can attain the freedom, prosperity and security that our nation has come to represent.

Afghanistan – 9/11 stands as a constant reminder that disengagement in world affairs will not bring peace or security. In the vacuum created by a rogue regime like the Taliban, Al Qaeda was able to plan and launch the deadliest attack on American soil. Such safe harbors for terror undermine the peace and security of the whole world.

While Afghanistan presents a rigorous challenge, victory is the only way to secure lasting security. President Obama and Gen. McCrystal warrant the full support of the nation in helping defeat the Islamic extremists that threaten the citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the entire region.

Iraq – Iraq serves as a reminder that when America gives skilled military leadership like Gen. Petraeus the resources and support necessary to accomplish its mission that insurgent enemies can be defeated. In the refuge so dearly bought by American lives and treasure, Iraq is forming a government that is assuming responsibility for its own security, overcoming differences through political process rather than violence and working for the welfare of their citizens.

Regardless any individuals thoughts about the wisdom or error of America’s past action in Iraq, the American people have paid too dear a price to ignore the lessons we have learned. And the Iraqi people need our patient support as they democratize and continue on the path of becoming a secure, strong and stable partner in this important region.

Iran – Iran serves as both a warning and an opportunity.  As a warning it reminds us of the limit of words alone. For years President Ahmadinejad has threatened neighbors, the Revolutionary Guard has supplied arms to insurgents killing American soldiers in Iraq, Iran has supplied Hezbollah with the means to launch unguided rockets against civilians, regularly flouted UN directives regarding nuclear development and recently has forged ties with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela as a “true strategic ally” committed to “[face] the same enemy, which is the U.S. empire and its lackeys.” (Khaleej Times)

With its commitment to weponizing nuclear technology, exporting terrorism and ignoring international cooperation Iran has placed itself outside the normal conventions of civilized nations. Words alone have not and will not sway them from the dangerous, destabilizing path toward nuclear arms.

The opportunity presented is for the US to rally its allies to dissuade Iran from this destabilizing course. Diplomacy is always appropriate, but not always sufficient. Serious actions up to and including military action should be on the table.

But the greatest potential may be in the citizens of Iran themselves. As the election last summer revealed and recent protests have confirmed, there is a tremendous amount of discontent within Iran. The people of Iran desire the same freedoms we enjoy to secure for their children the same hopes for a better future. The US should seek ways to support these voices within Iran, ideally bringing this nation into the full international community peacefully.

Venezuela – In recent years Hugo Chavez has risen as a danger to freedom in the Western Hemisphere. Chavez has committed himself to fighting against the US and through Venezuala’s oil wealth he has worked to forge relationships with Iran, Cuba, Libya, even planning naval maneuvers with Russia. Venezuela provides a sanctuary for FARC rebels who threaten Columbia, funded the unconstitutional power grab of former Honduran president Manuel Zelaya, and even announced his desire to pursue his own nuclear program.

The US should utilize all ‘pressure points’ at its disposal to oppose Chavez’s tyrannical regime.

The most immediate and practical action we can take is the swift passage of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement. President Uribe and Columbia have proven to be a reliable, stable and strong partner in South America. With US assistance the drug cartels that nearly undid that nation have gone into full retreat. As a nation that respects the values we cherish as Americans, we should do all we can to support them in their continued progress as well as in their fight against petty dictators like Chavez.

With this ‘carrot and stick’ approach the US would show itself to be a daunting foe to those who would brutalize their own people for the accumulation of their regime’s power and it would be a stalwart ally to those who, like us, value freedom and respect their citizens as source of government power rather than the object of government control.

North Korea - North Korea is a case where the presence of nuclear arms complicates matters.

It is clear that Kim Jong Il has no regard for his own population, allowing them to continue in a state of near starvation and privation. This calloused willingness to the fate of his own people underscores his lack of regard as he deals with the community of nations with a similar disregard.

North Korea threatens the security of the region and must be contained.  We must continue to maintain a strong military presence in key nations such as South Korea and Japan to ensure Kim Jong Il is not tempted to take his million plus man army  and invade his neighbors.

Additionally, as North Korea continues to pursue ballistic missle technology that could threaten the United States, we must continue to pursue missle defense technologies to stop any such future threat.