"Strong at Home, Respected in the World"
The Global War on Terror: The United States and other democratic nations are engaged in a world struggle against radical Islamic terrorists that must be fought offensively on many fronts with all of our resources—diplomatic, economic, informational, as well as military. Although we enjoyed global support following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), that support has largely disappeared, and our alliances must be repaired in order to wage the most effective struggle to prevail. We must never be on the defensive or wait to be attacked again … the battle must always be taken to the enemy, but it cannot be primarily focused on military engagements alone. The United States must also engage in a battle of ideas to repair and build new alliances with the Muslim world to help it defeat Islamic radicalism. We must also reengage in promoting a durable peace in the Middle East that irrevocably ends the Arab-Israeli conflict, leaves Israel strong and secure, and produces a new Palestinian leadership that categorically rejects and forcibly opposes terror and accepts Israel's right to exist as a Jewish, democratic nation in the Middle East.
We mistakenly diverted our attention and resources from the real enemy—al-Qaida—by attacking Iraq. The greatest threat we face is the possibility of terrorists obtaining nuclear weapons, and we need to refocus our efforts to prevent this from occurring. Although Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator, that was not a reason to go to war. We have traded a dictator for chaos that has cost us vital support among Iraqis and our allies. Our alliances and global support for the United States were severely undermined by our unsubstantiated rush to war. Based on all available intelligence, Saddam neither possessed weapons of mass destruction, nor was he aiding al-Qaida. The United States is not necessarily safer as a result of toppling Saddam, and the United States lacks vital international support and a coherent strategy to restore stability to Iraq. The consequences of failing to stabilize Iraq compel us to change course and ensure that Iraq faces a stable, prosperous, and democratic future.
The United States needs to embrace again its historical trans-Atlantic partnership to effectively fight the war on terror, rebuild Iraq, stabilize Afghanistan, constrain North Korea, address Iran's nuclear ambitions, and find constructive solutions to overcoming Middle East instability. This also means seeking consensus with Europe on issues like the Kyoto Protocol on the environment, the International Criminal Court, international trade, and foreign aid.
Homeland Security: Democrats are committed to seriously considering taking immediate action on all of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, including creating the post of director of national intelligence, vastly improving our human intelligence capabilities, and integrating the intelligence we gather. Our focus must be on preventing terrorists from obtaining weapons of mass destruction by securing all unprotected nuclear material, strengthening counter-proliferation efforts, destroying chemical weapons stockpiles, and devoting economic and educational assistance to failed states. Domestically, we must adequately fund the needs of our first responders and take protective actions against bioterrorism.
Trade and the Economy: The challenge for U.S. international trade and economic policy is to keep our own economy growing and high-paying jobs increasing, while cutting the budget and trade deficits. The Democrats will promote the creation of jobs in the United States by passing a tax credit for manufacturers, including small businesses, for keeping jobs at home, while promoting fair trade by insisting on effective labor and environmental standards in agreements and enforcing unfair trade practice rules. Expansion of trade through reduced tariffs and debt relief will benefit all challenged nations, including our closest neighbors to the south.
Immigration: We must remember that from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego, the peoples of the Americas are linked through commerce, immigration, and family ties as never before. The increase of jobs in one country does not mean corresponding losses in another. The free-flow of ideas and cooperative, sustained reform are the best ways to assure a better life for all our children.
Global Health: Africa is the center of the global HIV/AIDS crisis. Effective treatment and prevention programs need to be driven by science, not by conservative ideology. Imposing an agenda that prohibits government-funded organizations from discussing family planning options, opposes the use of condoms, or emphasizes abstinence as the best measure to prevent the disease, robs policymakers of the flexibility to craft solutions that actually work. Payments into the Global Fund need to be increased. The United States also must provide humanitarian assistance directly or provide security that allows unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to all areas that are in crisis.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government.