Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part IV– Foreign Policy and National Security

This is the fourth in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The fourth topic is Foreign Policy and National Security. Since “Senator” McMahon was first last time, “Senator” Blumenthal leads off this fourth part of the series. In both presentations, I have cut out some of the background and only left in the action statements.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
Pursuing Terrorist Networks Abroad. It is vital that we maintain a strong offensive posture in the struggle against extremism. We must use both military and non-military methods to target and attack the terrorists where they are; never allowing them to establish safe havens in which to plot, plan and train. This includes targeting Al Qaeda’s organizations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen as well as its affiliates like Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Improving Homeland Security. Congress and the Administration must do more to meet the threats of today’s information age by improving information sharing, and by bringing together the best technology and the most effective management strategies to get people working across agencies to collect and understand information better. And we must strengthen cyber security, with the government and the private sector working together to find the most effective solutions.
Convicting Terrorists. We must ensure that our judicial system has the tools it needs to prosecute those who try to attack the United States. Both civilian courts and military tribunals have long been a part of our judicial system. Properly constituted, military tribunals are an appropriate venue in which to try accused terrorists under certain circumstances.
Building Alliances Abroad. The rise of future extremist movements can ultimately be curbed only by equipping and training our allies in the fight against Al Qaeda.
Ending our Commitment in Iraq. I support the Administration’s plan to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010… While American troops remain, the United States must use its influence to encourage Iraq’s leaders to settle disputes peacefully and within the legal framework they have established under the Iraqi Constitution.
Pursuing Clear, Limited Goals in Afghanistan. Our commitment in Afghanistan must not be open ended. Our troops are scheduled to begin coming home in July 2011 and I would insist on adhering to this exit strategy.
Containing Iran. As a United States Senator, I would support the current structure of sanctions on Iran, and work to increase the pressure on the Iranian regime until it relinquishes its aspirations for nuclear weapons. Some of the actions I would support include gaining international support for an arms embargo, targeted travel bans, the freezing of assets, and sanctions designed to impede the flow of refined petroleum products into Iran.
Supporting Israel. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to advance all the facets of the unique and historic partnership between Israel and the United States.


“Senator” Linda McMahon
“Our troops have to know that we are committed to their success.”
I believe that we should have a strong national defense second to none.
We must fight the terrorists abroad rather than at home.
We cannot ignore the risks inherent in allowing Afghanistan to become a haven for terrorists. It’s my hope that we can bring our troops home safely as soon as possible, but we should bring them home in victory, not defeat.
I’m opposed to trying terrorists in civilian court and I disagree with Attorney General Holder’s decision to try 9/11 terrorist mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed in a civilian court rather than in a military tribunal. A military tribunal trial will better protect sensitive national security information.

Comments
“Senator” Blumenthal appears to cover more ground in his foreign policy and national security issues than “Senator” McMahon. There is agreement in bringing troops home but McMahon leaves the start of that process undefined while Blumenthal supports the current administration strategy.