National Security / Foreign Policy
We live in a changing world. From economic globalization to the Arab Spring, our world is increasingly interconnected. It is essential that America remain engaged in the world to protect our national security and to support a stable international system based on the values of human rights and democracy.
Our foreign policy should be smart, tough, and pragmatic, using every tool in the toolbox. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called this approach “Smart Power” – the use of defense, diplomacy, development, and other tools to advance U.S. interests in the world.
Our brave servicemembers have done all that we could have asked them for and more in Afghanistan, but it is time for them to come home. We need to get out as quickly as possible, consistent with the safety of our troops and with a transition to Afghan control. I believe that this can be done faster than the current timeline.
But we also need to learn a larger lesson from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The United States can never again put wars on a credit card for our grandchildren to pay for. If a war is in our national interest, then we should be willing to pay for it. Either all of us go to war or none of us go to war.
Terrorism and Homeland Security
It has been ten years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and we’ve been fortunate not to have seen any further devastating attacks. It’s a testament to our intelligence work, our law enforcement, our homeland security, and our military personnel.
Over the past few years, we have pursued aggressive operations against terrorist groups around the world, with significant success. Killing Osama Bin Laden was the most prominent of these operations, but there have been many others against lesser known terrorists as well.
But these threats are not going away. We must remain vigilant. Al Qaeda has operations or affiliates in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and elsewhere around the world. We need to continue our aggressive efforts against Al Qaeda, and we need to continue to support the efforts of our intelligence, law enforcement, homeland security, and military professionals.
Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Israel and the United States have been steadfast, trusted, and reliable allies. I unequivocally support the right of a Jewish, democratic state of Israel to exist, safe and secure. I believe that it is a moral imperative to support and defend its existence.
For generations, the United States and Israel have shared a commitment to a stable, secure, and peaceful Middle East. But our alliance runs far deeper: it is a natural partnership resting on our mutual commitment to democracy and freedom and on our shared values. Both our countries have been sustained by our commitment to liberty, pluralism, and the rule of law. These values transcend time, and they are the basis of our unbreakable bond.
As a United States Senator, I will work to ensure Israel’s security and success. I believe Israel must maintain a qualitative military edge and defensible borders. The United States must continue to ensure that Israel can defend itself from terrorist organizations and hostile states, including Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and others. I also believe firmly that a two-state solution is in the interest of Israel and the United States. Lasting peace, however, requires negotiations between the parties themselves, and although the United States can and should aid in this process, we cannot dictate the terms. Unilateral actions, such as the Palestinians’ membership efforts before the United Nations, are unhelpful, and I would support vetoing a membership application.
Iran is a significant threat to the United States and our allies. Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, it is an active state sponsor of terrorism, and its leaders have consistently challenged Israel’s right to exist. Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is unacceptable because a nuclear Iran would be a threat to the United States, our allies, the region, and the world. The United States must take the necessary steps to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. I support strong sanctions against Iran and believe that the United States must also continue to take a leadership role in pushing other countries to implement strong sanctions as well. Iran must not have an escape hatch.
