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  • Post By
    Syed Zaidi

    Alright, so its time to get down and dirty with the candidates viewpoint(s) on foreign policy. No love lost here, folks. I thought it would be funny to see their viewpoints on a country by country basis rather than a general foreign policy. Let me know what I missed:

     

    Obama

    McCain

    Iran

    Calls Iran the single biggest beneficiary of the Iraq war.  "Thanks
    to George Bush’s policy, Iran is the greatest threat to the United States and
    Israel and the Middle East for a generation. John McCain wants to double down
    on that failed policy."  Will down to sit down and talk to Iranian
    President. Said he is open to ‘tough and principled diplomacy’ with Iran

    Calls Obama reckless and naive when it comes to the Iranian threat. 
    Considers the Iranian threat ‘anything but tiny’.  Advisors have indicated
    that the US should work with Israel to take preventive action against Iran.  Limited
    policy information other than responses to Obama remarks.

     

     

     

    Iraq

    Voted against war in Iraq calling it a ‘dumb war’.  Proposes we stay
    in Iraq under a defined timeline of withdrawal.  Against the troop surge,
    says its not a long term solution

    Voted for war in Iraq.  Proposes we stay in Iraq until ‘the job is
    done’.  Supported troop surge as a tactical maneuver.  Has, in general,
    called for an increase in troops involvement.

     

     

     

    Korea

    Opposes S. Korean Free Trade Agreement.  Citing lack of concern for organized
    labor. “Senator Obama does not support the S. Korea FTA … and is troubled
    that the Bush administration has not done more to help American workers who
    are losing their jobs as a result of a changing worldwide economy”. 

    On N. Korea he would create a new ad-hoc framework beyond the 6 party
    talks.  Would push regional leads (Japan, China, etc.) to push regional
    stability and prosperity.  Would also crack down on Non-Proliferation Treaty
    so that N. Korea would face harsh international sanctions if violations occur. 
    Would be willing to sit down with Kim Jong-il.

    Supports Korean FTA.  “We have negotiated a trade agreement with S.
    Korea that will expand American exports and create American jobs”.  On N.
    Korea – would push S. Korea to forefront instead of direct talks.  Has a ‘hawkish’
    stance on N. Korea and has criticized Bush administration for softening
    stance on N. Korea.  McCain has said he knows what Kim Jong-il wants: “a
    diminished American presence in Asia, payments for one part of his nuclear
    program and no accountability for other and a free hand for his regime to torture
    underground Christians…”

     

     

     

    Cuba

    At one point favored normal relations with Cuba.  Would meet with new
    president of Cuba.  Would pursue direct presidential diplomacy, immediate
    change in policy to allow for unlimited family visitation, and remittances to
    the island.   

    Believes that Raul Castro is worse than Fidel in many ways.  Supports
    continued economic pressure.  Believes that Cubans tortured Americans in
    Vietnam.

     

     

     

    Israel/Palestine

    Has pledged unwavering support for Israel.  Endorsed idea that any
    peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians must preserve Israel as a
    Jewish state with Jerusalem as its capital.  “Will always keep the threat of
    military action on the table to defend our security and our ally, Israel”. 
    Called on Israel to help foster peace by refraining from building settlements
    on what is widely considered Palestinian Land and allowing the Palestinians
    more freedom of movement.

    Looking to micro-manage Israeli/Palestinian relations.  Expects “concessions
    and sacrifices by both sides”.  Believes “America’s unequivocal support for
    Israel – not evenhandedness, not moral equivalence, not winking at
    Palestinian violence – is the best guarantor of peace in the Middle East”. 
    Consistently supports foreign aid to Israel and an isolated Hamas-led
    Palestinian Authority.

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