Israel
Israel has made enormous sacrifices in an attempt to secure peace, including unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. I support a two-state solution that reaffirms Israel’s right to exist and provides the Palestinians with a place of their own where both sides can live in peace and security. As our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel lives every day under the threat of terror yet shares with America a dedication to democratic ideals, a respect for faith and a commitment to peace in the region. Until a lasting peace is achieved, I support the security barrier erected by Israel which has proven successful in protecting Israeli civilians from terrorist attacks .
Iran
I support sanctions on Iran and believe that until Ahmadinejad gives up his nuclear ambitions, he should be isolated from the rest of the world. With its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons, Iran represents the biggest threat to Israel. Ahmadinejad is a Holocaust denier who has threatened to wipe Israel off the map. Meeting with him confers legitimacy when the only correct response is to treat him as an outcast.
Iraq
The terror attacks of September 11, 2001, prompted an immediate and justified American response that removed the Taliban-backed regime in Afghanistan. American forces toppled the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, ultimately allowing free elections in that troubled nation. I support both of these actions and the surge of forces into Iraq that has essentially ended the long stalemate there and brought us to the point of victory. American forces will remain in Iraq for some time, acting more and more in advisory and support roles. I oppose any effort to force an early withdrawal by de-funding our troops and the war effort.
Afghanistan
With a new emphasis on securing Afghanistan, a resurgent Taliban there must be confronted and defeated. I believe in one basic principle involving the use of military force—once we have decided that military action is necessary for the security of the United States, we must commit the manpower and resources necessary to win and give our fighting men and women our full support.
