Defending Israel
ISRAEL IS NOT THE PROBLEM
I believe it is both wrong and dangerous to treat Israel as the obstacle to peace in the Middle East. I will oppose the administration’s attempts to put pressure on Israel. I will also vote against aid to the Palestinian Authority until its various factions have given up terror and recognized Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. I will also introduce legislation to withdraw U.S. support from United Nations bodies that do nothing except demonize Israel.
STAND UP TO IRAN
I will push the administration to adopt a tougher and more principled approach to Iran. The military option, though a last resort, must be kept on the table. Iran has violated UN Security Council resolutions, and we must apply stronger sanctions. We should also stand up for Iranian dissidents, and make fuel sales to Iran conditional on measurable progress in human rights and democratic reform.
NEW DIPLOMATIC IDEAS
While fighting terrorism, we must remain committed to the goal of peace. I will propose the creation of new bilateral institutions that can form the basis for future cooperation between Israel and her neighbors. I will also take up the cause of Christians and other threatened minority groups throughout the Middle East, and I will defend ordinary Muslims—particularly women—whose rights are being trampled by their governments and by extremist groups.
