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  • Obama vs. McCain Round 2 – Foreign Policy

  • 24 JUN 2008

    Obama vs. McCain Round 2 – Foreign Policy

    A post by Syed Zaidi as Uncategorized

    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.
    You just read:

    Obama vs. McCain Round 2 – Foreign Policy by Syed Zaidi

7

    Joe 1323 days ago

    Just the fact that obama is running for President is a slap in the face to all the American’s that died in the New York on 911. If this is the best we can do we are in deep Sh**.

    Bill Mooney 1323 days ago

    I do think that Obama is out of touch in what really is going on in the world…The governments of all countries never tell the population as to what treats they are really having and to what is really going on. These things must be kept secret and never let out because of national security reasons and also not letting the enemy know as to how close we are to catching them. Our military in Iraq are not fighting Iraqies they are fighting Iranians….wake up here Obama.. Right now the greatest threat to the USA is China and Russia,yes you heard me and you don’t hear anything about this threat….Why????Just wait Mr.Obama you will find out in the coming years what is really up in the world, but then it might be to late.

    Chris B. 1323 days ago

    Yes, Obama did pledge “unwavering support for Israel” and “endorsed idea that any peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians must preserve Israel as a Jewish state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

    And the very next day he backtracked, as he often does.

    Just 24 hours after that “unwavering” support, and after immediate criticism from the Arab community, Obama said on CNN, “Obviously it is going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues, and Jerusalem will be part of those negotiations. My belief is that as a practical matter it would be very difficult to execute. And I think that it is smart for us to work through a system in which everybody has access to the extraordinary religious sites in Old Jerusalem. But Israel has a legitimate claim on that city.”

    Nice flip-flop.

    Syed Zaidi 1323 days ago

    Hey Chris -

    In general, I think it must be a requirement for politicians to be able to flip flop effeciently. I found these (funny) videos on obama and mccain, as my daughter calls it, flipity flopity:

    mccain:
    http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=3&entry_id=13035

    in fact, I you-tubed ‘mccain flip flops’ and found a bunch of flip flop videos:
    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mccain+flip+flops&search_type=&aq=f

    obama is right there with him:
    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=obama+flip+flops&search_type=&aq=2&oq=obama+flip

    I gotta say, though, that I havent been this concerned about the economy or the direction of the country – ever. It seems like everyone has lost their common sense.

    Chris B. 1323 days ago

    As I’ve stated before, I am certainly no McCain (or Bush, or anyone)… apologist. They are politicians, so they all flip flop. What continues to amaze me specifically about Obama is that he is willing to say something one day, and exactly the opposite the very next day. He’s willing to say anything to anyone listening.

    There is no question that Obama has crushed McCain in his ability to deliver passionate, energetic speeches. His rhetoric is masterful, but only when he speaks in generalities. When he gets specific, as he did on the Jerusalem issue, he usually ends up having to damage control.

    But I think we’ll see that strength turn into a weakness as this campaign plays out. McCain, whether you like his policies or not, will be much better in debates because he has a better command of the policy issues. We saw the same thing in the Democratic primary debates, where Hillary was generally presumed to have “won” most of the debates.

    The only SPECIFIC policies Obama has stood by are taxes, taxes, and more taxes.

    SUSAN B 1323 days ago

    OHAMA MOMA SAYS HE WANTS TO BE LIKE JFK..WELL HE WILL BE! EXCEPT HIS TERM IN OFFICE WILL NOT BE THAT LONG OF A STAY ,AND THEN WHAT WILL WE BE LEFT WITH? THE CLINTONS…WHO OPEN THE BORDERS TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE. HELLO! WE ARE IN TROUBLE!

    Robert 1323 days ago

    Right, Just want I want. A president kissing the very ass of the country that hates our culture. Osama Bin Laden attacks us, And we’re voting for “Barack Obama” the christian! whose wife is a black panther!!!! ok so on the next Jerry Springer show: Senator Bird former head of the KKK running for president! stay tuned

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