Posted on 11/29/2011 5:36:55 PM PST by justsaynomore
Mexico is a friend in need. Our southern neighbor is struggling with drug-related violence that has claimed an estimated 40,000 lives over the past several years. By standing with Mexico now to help it solve its increasingly severe economic and security problems, we will help solve the problem of illegal immigration at home.
Some 40% of Mexicans believe Mexico is a failed state. This helps explain why so many are seeking to emigrate. With declining oil reserves, a looming water shortage in Mexico City, and youth demographic bulge in Mexico’s poorest regions, our neighbor south of the border has the hallmarks of impending disaster. Mr. Cain believes that “Security begins at home” – and this includes a stable North America. A sound U.S. dollar and strong U.S. economic growth are the most important contributions that our nation can make to Mexican stability and prosperity.
Canada is our nation’s closest friend and ally. We share the world’s longest undefended border and we have common cultural roots. We have stood together during both World Wars and in Afghanistan and Iraq. Our North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has watched over our collective skies for over 50 years.
Canada is our top trading partner, and our most important source of oil to supplement our own production. The Obama administration’s failure to move forward with the Keystone XL Pipeline from Alberta to U.S. refineries will force Canada to seek other markets – namely China - and will degrade continental energy security. As is the case regarding Mexico, Mr. Cain believes that “Security begins at home” – and that the Keystone XL pipeline debacle is no way to treat a friend.
Under dictator Hugo Chavez, Venezuela has forged a troubling alliance with Iran that includes joint uranium projects and support for terrorists such as Hezbollah. Under Chavez, Venezuela has replaced Colombia as the major source of illicit drugs flowing into the United States. Chavez has also promoted Cuba’s Castro-regime-inspired anti-U.S. message throughout Latin America, helping like-minded governments take power in Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and beyond. Mr. Cain believes that our nation should help democratic opponents of Chavez as they challenge him at the polls, while taking defensive measures against possible Iranian-backed adventurism in our hemisphere.
Brazil is regional leader in South America and a growing economic power. Brazil and the U.S. share a longstanding friendship with increasing trade. Brazil is already Latin America’s largest economy, and the International Monetary Fund predicts that it will surpass France, Italy and the U.K. by 2020. Mr. Cain believes that the U.S. should look for ways to strengthen economic ties with Brazil and thereby promote hemispheric security. Europe
Mr. Cain will restore our special relationship with Great Britain – our closest ally for nearly two centuries. In noticeable decline under President Obama, the Cain Administration will turn the relationship around so that our two nations start working as a team once again. America and Britain have stood together in both World Wars, and most recently Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. Our military alliance and economic ties remain crucial to world stability.
One of our closest friends and allies, Germany is a key figure in Europe’s economy. It has risen to the daunting challenge of keeping the euro afloat in troubled financial times – no small feat - and is committed to maintaining robust economic ties with the U.S.A.
With over 50,000 troops based in Germany, the U.S. military has operated its logistics hubs for Afghanistan and Iraq there effectively and efficiently. A Cain administration will work to maintain these deep ties.
Though we share strategic interests – from battling Islamic extremists and homegrown terrorists to space exploration programs - there are a number of issues that still divide our nation and Russia.
Russia’s insistence on the New START Treaty has put the U.S.A. at a distinct disadvantage, not only relative to Russia, but also to the world’s other nuclear powers. Russia’s lack of clarity on Iran’s nuclear program is also troubling.
Though it is just a pale shadow of the former Soviet Union, Russia’s energy-as-a-weapon policy with the Ukraine and Belarus, not to mention its invasion of Georgia shows that Russia is not shy about flexing its geopolitical muscles.
As President, one of Mr. Cain’s top foreign policy priorities will be to stand united with Israel. He will not allow the Arab Spring to lead to the fall of Israel. The Obama administration has called upon Israel to return to its pre-1967 borders, which are militarily indefensible. It has also advocated that Israel give up control of its fresh water aquifers. These ill-advised policies have emboldened Israel’s enemies by implying that the United States may not stand with Israel in its hour of need. Mr. Cain believes the lack of clarity regarding Israel demonstrates weakness and invites conflict.
Unlike President Obama, Mr. Cain will not turn a blind eye toward the Iranian people who are risking their lives in their struggle for freedom and democracy. The best way to stop Iran’s nuclear program is to achieve regime change by providing meaningful support to the regime’s democratic opposition without delay. As president, Mr. Cain will boost our sea-based Ballistic Missile Defense capability through doubling the number of Aegis cruisers and destroyers from two dozen to four dozen. Stationed off the coasts of Iran, these ships will deter Iranian adventurism. While Mr. Cain fully backs stiff economic sanctions against Iran, he realizes that achieving American energy security will drive down oil prices – thus undermining the theocratic regime in Tehran.
Mr. Cain sheds no tears for Colonel Gaddafi, who personally ordered the killing of Americans. However, the White House launched the war in Libya under the Obama Doctrine of the “responsibility to protect.” The question now is: “protect whom?” The Libyan rebellion-turned-government has been aided by Al Qaeda, and it is dominated by Islamists that have not been friendly to U.S. interests. Also, despite the fact that Libya is more of a vital interest to Europe than it is to America, (Europe buys 90% of Libya’s oil and it would be Europe that would be overwhelmed in any refugee crisis), President Obama spent more than a billion dollars on this adventure and led the initial military action. As president, Mr. Cain will work to bring clarity to the Libyan situation.
Under President Hosni Mubarak, Egypt was a friend. With Mubarak shoved out by Arab Spring protests – with help from President Obama – Egypt could be a nightmare unfolding.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which was determined to be a terrorist organization under Mubarak, is poised to pick up a sizable number of seats in Parliamentary elections. Though in office too long, at least Mubarak maintained peace with Israel, which polls show 90% of Egyptians oppose. Now we’re seeing the results, with cross-border attacks on Israeli civilians, the ransacking of Israel’s embassy in Cairo, opening up the border to a terrorist organization in Gaza, and open season on Coptic Christians, with churches being burned and mobs on killing sprees.
Egypt is an example of the pressing need for the clarity that Mr. Cain will bring to U.S. foreign policy.
A staunch foe of the U.S. and Israel, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad is a state supporter of terrorism through Hezbollah and Hamas. He has also been a menace to his own people, ruling by martial law and killing 3,000 civilians this year alone.
America should support the Syrian opposition movement while being careful to avoid empowering the Muslim Brotherhood and with a keen eye toward protecting Syria’s significant Christian minority. Additionally, we should work with our allies to isolate Syria economically with sanctions directed toward blocking the regime’s access to international financial markets and investment in its oil and gas industry.
A key U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been battling Iranian-backed rebels in the north and an Al Qaeda-backed secessionist movement in the south. He has been working closely with U.S. covert operatives to combat Al Qaeda itself. Taking the path of least resistance in the face of Al Qaeda-backed protestors, President Obama has insisted that Saleh step down. Mr. Cain recognizes this as a flawed policy - one that will strengthen the terrorists. Instead, we should be working with President Saleh and potential successors to engineer a soft-landing for this pro-U.S. partner.
Mr. Cain does not want the sacrifices of the more than 4,500 Americans who died in Iraq to have been made in vain. As President Obama completely withdraws our troops from Iraq, there is the danger that the majority Shi’ites will turn the country into a satellite state of Shi’ite dominated Iran. A long-term limited U.S. presence in Iraq, including military trainers, intelligence agents, and economic development teams, should be maintained in order to prevent Iran from filling the power vacuum.
Any strategy for Pakistan must consider Afghanistan. The two share a lengthy, mountainous border, tribal ties, and strong cultural and religious bonds. Over the past decade, the U.S. has spent $20 billion on aid to Pakistan. Mr. Cain believes that further aid to Pakistan must be conditioned upon results in fighting the Taliban and Al Qaeda, not allowing terrorist leaders like Bin Laden to hide in plain sight, and not tipping off militants to coming raids. Caught in a tough neighborhood between heavyweights India, China, and Russia, Pakistan has developed its security strategy based upon two things: developing nuclear weapons and supporting Islamic terrorist groups. This is a nightmare combination. Mr. Cain believes that we must continue to engage Pakistan – although we must do so in ways that support U.S. vital interests.
India and the United States share common economic interests, including trade and technology transfers, and we face common threats, including rampant piracy in the Indian Ocean and the rise of Islamic terror groups. India has fought three wars with neighboring Pakistan since both were granted independence by the U.K. after World War II, and any strategy for India must also consider its long-term rival. Under the Cain administration, the U.S. will strike the right balance in our relations with both of these nuclear powers.
While Mr. Cain is not a fan of “nation building,” the fact is that the U.S. rightly led the charge in toppling the Taliban from power and dismantling Al Qaeda. He would gradually draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan. However, unlike President Obama, he would not send the enemy a press release. A long term, yet smaller U.S. presence as military trainers, intelligence agents, and economic development teams would be a wise idea to prevent Afghanistan’s collapse after our combat forces leave. A power vacuum that could be filled by the Taliban and would be the target of influence from neighboring Iran is a likely scenario if the Obama administration gets another term and makes good on its promise to withdraw all U.S. troops by 2014.
While China is still currently no match for the U.S. militarily, they are gaining every year. China’s government is also well aware that it was the famous military strategist Sun Tzu, said “attack the enemy at the weakest point.” Our greatest threat with respect to China is actually at home. If our economy is allowed to continue to stagnate, we would eventually find ourselves unable to afford to stay ahead of China militarily. China’s disputes with its neighbors over the Spratly Islands have raised alarm bells, as it continues to flex its new military might. Mr. Cain’s overall strategy for our chief economic competitor is this: Outgrow China. His economic policies will unleash the growth potential of the U.S. economy and transcend the threat from China.
Our economic and security ties to Japan make up the cornerstone of regional stability in East Asia. Tying together two of the world’s largest economies and technologically advanced militaries, our friendship has reassured friends and dissuaded adversaries. With 35,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan, and Ballistic Missile Defense technology transfer in the form of 3 Japanese Aegis destroyers, America continues to make a significant investment in Japan and will continue to do so in the Cain administration. Japan’s looming energy crisis in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster is deeply troubling and it commands our attention with regard to any assistance that we can render.
A reclusive and cult-like regime, North Korea poses the top security threat in Asia. Its nuclear and missile proliferation makes the world a more dangerous place. We must stand by South Korea and work with partner nations to contain this regime.
Mr. Cain would boost our sea-based Ballistic Missile Defense capability through doubling the number of Aegis cruisers and destroyers from two dozen to four dozen. These ships can sit off North Korea’s coasts and dissuade North Korea from launching missiles carrying nuclear and electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) weapons toward cities and U.S. bases in Japan.
“I’m not supposed to know anything about foreign policy. “ -Herman Cain
Obama COULD NOT.
Bachmann is pretty strong on foreign policy (Member of the select committee on intelligence) so she would make a fine member of the Cain team.
I agree with your answers.
Cain, in my opinion, is not qualified to be our nominee, and not just because of his lack of knowledge (or even interest) in foreign affairs.
For me, his lack of qualifications can be summed up in three numbers: 999.
I do not support a national sales tax and thus cannot support Cain for the nomination, though I would definitely work for him and vote for him if he won the nomination, which now must be considered a longshot chance.
As for the bimbos... I don’t believe any of them. Not a single one. I think they are all paid liars.
But just because Cain is the victim of a smear campaign, that doesn’t make him qualified to be our nominee.
I have no particular bone to pick with Michele Bachmann. She has a great voting record in the Congress. In the context of this campaign, if she were a country I would place her somewhere between “friend” and “competitor”. I would definitely have guys like Romney and Perry as “adversary”.
Is this his cheat sheet? No, I am jj. :-).
What's the point? Obama COULD NOT.I assume you are a Cain supporter.
As a Cain supporter, do you honestly think the post you just made is an endorsement for Cain?
(Maybe you should ask the mods to remove it for you.)
Unless you are a newbie or a troll, you should know darned well by now whom I support.
Wow. You have a big ego. No. I don’t “follow” you. Sorry.
They’re campaigning but I think they’re probably closer friends than anyone else on the trail. I know they’ve done some of their traveling together.
Personally I’d like to see the mold broken by having both of them announce right now that if either were to win, they promise to choose the other as VP choice. I think they could help seal the deal with a promise to ask John Bolton to be secretary of state.
Bachmann is my favorite but I’ll vote for Cain here in Michigan simply because he’s the only one with a chance to beat Romney in the primary here and Obama in the general.
What's the point? Obama COULD NOT.Again, I ask you:
Do you think your post is a positive endorsement of Herman Cain for President of the United States?
Well, I follow Mr. Cain, just as you follow Mr. Callista's Wife, truth be told. :^)
Well, I follow Mr. Cain, just as you follow Mr. Callista's HUSBAND, truth be told. :^)
Need more coffee this a.m.! (and more jolts like that from post #6). My bad. Yep. On the Cain Train, LibDem/RINO MSM slanders or no slanders.
I don’t follow the wife... though I do plead guilty to being a Newt supporter, if that’s what you mean.
Reluctantly guilty, but guilty nonetheless.
Can you please provide the video or audio link to where he said that?
I have only ever heard him say “I’m not supposed to know EVERYTHING about foreign policy.”
I believe it was the media who misquoted him as saying “anything.”
But I could be wrong... Can you provide a link for audio or video, not journalists’ “quotes” ?
Herman runs an unconvential campaign that shows more trappings of "out of the box" businessman, than "in the beltway" political wonk. Which is what I like about it. I find that very appealing and refreshing.
In that sense, Cain could push the envelope--although there IS precedent for it from 1976--to simply scout an excellent VP candidate at this stage with real name brand and regional pull, do all the full field backgrounders on this person NOW, and them some time between say New Hamphsire and South Carolina, announce that person at a press conference as his Vice Presidential choice if he were to secure the nomination. Reagan announced Sen. Schweiker before his name was put into nomination at the Convention. Herman Cain could move that process up by several months and create quite a buzz. There is no law nor GOP regulation against it. If one of the other conservatives had dropped by that time, such a person could be put forward, or even somebody who is not a candidate right now but who is good, like a Marco Rubio (just throwing out a name though he sez he does not want it).....it is a risk, but in business you take calculated risks and push the ball forward. It did not work for Gov. Reagan (but he had RINO GOP Kansas City Convention rules stacked against him and he came darned near close), but that does not declare it necessarily a de facto unsustainable suggestion.
I don’t have any video of it. I haven’t seen the quote disputed. Why don’t you find video to prove that the quote is false, if that’s what you believe?
scout an excellent VP candidate at this stage with real name brand and regional pull, do all the full field backgrounders on this person NOWInteresting idea. Who would you recommend?
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