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Patriot Voices
Thoughts from Santorum
ICYMI: Santorum Reflects on Israel Trip with Policy Proposals in Op-eds
in NH Union Leader and Philadelphia Inquirer
Verona, PA - In case you missed it, former U.S. Senator, former
Republican presidential candidate, chairman of Patriot Voices and
author of Blue Collar Conservatives Rick Santorum authored two opinion
pieces in the New Hampshire Union Leader and The Philadelphia Inquirer
reflecting on his recent trip to Israel and how we can address the
ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Most Americans see Israel not simply as an ancient nation but a modern
miracle, a true partner on many fronts, from manufacturing to
agriculture to the development of state-of-the-art weapons systems like
the Iron Dome. They also see a vibrant democracy and a real partner in
the war with terrorists. Yet it has become painfully apparent
that our current President does not agree.
I came to Israel last week to show solidarity with her people and
government, in part because I am embarrassed by the actions of my own
government. The White House should never pressure an ally to accept
flawed, biased ceasefire proposals in a war with terrorists who are
hell-bent on annihilating them.
The U.S. government should never hold back arms from - or micromanage
arms transfers to - an ally fighting for her life. No
administration should try to force an ally to divide her own capital
city and surrender the sovereignty of that capital to an enemy sworn to
obliterate her. Nor should any administration leak to the media
policy or personal disagreements with an ally, especially during war
time. Yet this is exactly what is happening.
Face reality in Mideast
The president has told us repeatedly that "al-Qaeda is on the run" and
"we have decimated al-Qaeda." But his policies have actually allowed
the jihadists to become stronger...
There is a way to turn this around. The president should immediately:
Crush ISIS and prevent a caliphate. Hit them hard and relentlessly from
the air. Pinpricks have slowed the ISIS advance, but is the president
willing to accept a country in the heart of the Middle East governed by
such Islamic radicals? Decisive air power is needed now.
Arm the Kurds. The Kurdish people in northern Iraq are fighting for
their lives. They have long proven their friendship with America. They
have demonstrated they are a moderate, peaceful Muslim people. They
have tried to create a safe haven for Christians and other minorities.
Stand with them. Provide them weapons of the amount and caliber that
will truly help them defend their people.
Help the new Iraqi prime minister. Nouri al-Maliki is gone. Good.
Haider al-Abadi is new but untested. Work with him. Show him and the
Iraqi people that America has not cut them loose. Urge them to build an
inclusive democracy that truly and fully welcomes and empowers Sunnis
as well as Shias, along with Christians, Kurds, and all other minority
groups. Provide Baghdad with real-time intelligence, as well as more
military training and logistical support to regain the upper hand
against the radicals.
Stand with Israel. John Kerry has been a disaster as secretary of
state. Bring in a special envoy who treats Israel as a true friend and
faithful American ally, not an irritant or obstacle to Mideast peace.
Stop pressuring the Israelis to accept premature and deeply flawed
ceasefire agreements. Stop halting or micromanaging the transfer of
weapons to Israel that we have already promised them. Stand with the
Israelis without hesitation or prevarication.
Support our Arab friends. The Egyptians, Jordanians, Saudis, and some
in the Gulf know first-hand the threat posed by the radicals. They want
to work with the United States to prevent the creation of a caliphate.
They feel abandoned by this White House, which seems more focused on
helping Hamas and placating Iran than engaging friends.
Seal America's southern border. Every day this administration refuses
to stop people crossing from Mexico into the United States illegally,
the more likely terrorists will use these routes to plant sleeper cells
inside the homeland.
Turn up the heat on Iran. The most serious threat to America, Israel,
and our Arab allies is a nuclear-armed Iran. The Iranians are playing
this White House. They want a deal that allows them to keep all of
their centrifuges and enrichment equipment, their stockpiles of
uranium, and their capacity to race for a nuclear bomb within a matter
of months. Say no. Implement tougher sanctions. Move more military
assets into the Gulf region. Make clear there will be serious
consequences if Iran continues to defy the international community.
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