We’ve recently had several reminders of the many dangers that exist in the world. The situation in Iraq worsens each day, Israel and Hamas are at war and Russia has annexed Crimea and continues to act without fear of repercussion. As Americans, we’re blessed with many freedoms—and with the resulting responsibility to lead on the world stage. Unfortunately, in part because the president’s foreign policy agenda is adrift, other world leaders and entities are challenging us both directly and by attacking our allies. We must make clear to our friends and enemies alike that the United States is not simply a passive observer, and that we will not sit by and allow terrorists and other aggressors threaten democracy and world peace.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)—a radical Islamist terrorist organization—has taken control of large parts of Syria and Iraq, including Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city. ISIS has taken responsibility for many acts of terror, including mass executions and kidnappings. Most recently, ISIS has driven tens of thousands Yazidi men, women and children into the mountains of northern Iraq where they are stuck without food and water. The Iraqi military, with the assistance of the Kurds, continues to fight ISIS, but the situation grows more disturbing and dire each day. While there is no easy answer to this crisis, Americans cannot stand idly by and watch as the Middle East succumbs to terrorism. I’ll be the first to say that it is not in our best interest to engage in another long-term conflict, but something must be done. President Obama has authorized air strikes to help the Kurds and the Iraqi military, but just a week before he had been working to end authorization for military activities in Iraq. The president needs to lead and outline a strategic, cohesive, and comprehensive plan for Iraq.
In Gaza, Israel and Hamas have yet to come to an agreement, though some progress is being made toward short-term peace. Even if the latest round of peace talks is successful, a long-term or permanent peace treaty seems out of reach. This is another example of the president failing to lead on the world stage. Just last month, the White House and State Department were working to control the Israeli military presence in Gaza while the Pentagon was sending weapons to Israel.
Earlier this year, Russian forces invaded and annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine. Despite economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, the situation in Eastern Ukraine has continued to deteriorate. Last month, a commercial airliner was shot down near Donetsk, likely by Russian-backed Ukrainian separatists. And Russia continues to move troops to the region and conduct military exercises, directly violating Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Global unrest and instability demonstrates a huge need for the United States, particularly President Obama, to step up and show the world what we are for. We can lead by example and protect American interests without becoming involved in more long-term conflicts, but we must have a strategic plan for global leadership. Americans are yearning for leadership and the world is watching. I hope President Obama will take a hard look at the things going on around the world and work with Congress to find a way the United States can make a meaningful, responsible difference.
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