Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy and Defense In General - American global interests, with the nation's roles as a peacekeeper, as a provider of a nuclear deterrent against adversaries like North Korea, as an advocate of human rights, and as a guarantor of allies' borders are being quickly reduced to questions of economic benefit to the United States. Islamic Sharia law within the U.S. is a dire threat - even though many conservatives consider the issue a fringe obsession. Even though the U.S.'s involvement in Iraq and Libya as well as its support for the Syrian opposition were previously mismanaged, we are where we are and have to move forward in the most prudent and wise way possible and in a way that is best for the American people as well as our allies. Increased cooperation with Russia and China on many of these challenges is in our best interest if done wisely.

Cuba - Oppose restoration of full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba until human rights issues are resolved and support as part of the process a United States embargo against Cuba remain in place while allowing a series of regulations to be loosened to allow more American companies to sell their products in Cuba. We should only restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba if the Cuban regime met demands to restore political freedoms and free political prisoners. Oppose the Cuban Adjustment Act being continued or reinstated. I don't think it's fair for them to get to go to the front of the line.

Afghanistan - America’s longest war was necessary but the duration, scope, and cost was seriously underestimated and/or misrepresented. Given what has been expended and what is still at stake, I support keeping a limited - but sufficient - number of troops there AND eradicating or completely controlling all poppy production - if used as a bona fide raw material to make LEGAL necessary pharmaceutical products - while we simultaneously continue to fight terrorism AND help stabilize the government and region.

India - In favor strengthening our relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and of a closer, more open, freer, and mutually beneficial economic and regional security alliance with India. We share many common economic principles and philosophies and count them as a good friend in the region.

Pakistan -The most dangerous ally in the world and would be in our interest if they would denuclearize. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was not hostile to the U.S. although he was forced from office. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who was elected by Parliament with a majority of 221 votes, is seen as a temporary placeholder for Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif. It would be in our interest to offer to help Pakistan solve any outstanding internal problems if that helped them focus on assisting us to fight terrorism. Pakistan was never added to any travel ban but should be among the countries whose citizens will have to go through an extreme vetting process before entering the United States. Any policy in regards to Pakistan must err in favor of their enemy and our stronger ally, India.