Our ability to catch terrorists who wish to do harm to American citizens is hampered by those who try to attach a sort of moral equivalency to the actions of bloodthirsty terrorists. It is long past time for us to battle terrorism on our terms, instead of essentially bowing to the enemy at the altar of political correctness.
In particular, the strategy in Iraq needs to focus on getting the Iraqi military up to speed to take control of their nation’s destiny and to support them by providing them with the necessary tanks, aircraft, and weapon systems so the reliance on US troops are reduced over time. I would set timelines and benchmarks for the Iraqi government to shore up regional control…or else they face the consequence of the withdrawal of US troops.
I would also lean heavily on Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Bahrain, and Kuwait to provide security within this nation. These nations have more to lose than the US if we leave that region, especially if Iraq becomes the new base for Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. Negotiations need to shift from our enemies to that of our friends to make this work in a manner that supports our national interests.
By Executive order, I would restrict ALL business activities to Iran and Syria from the US firms immediately. I would under no circumstances support the economies of nations that are training insurgents and are providing weapons and logistics to those killing our troops.
As a former military officer, I also recognize the need to immediately begin rebuilding our military forces, which are stretched to the breaking point. Our brave servicemen and women who put themselves in harm’s way deserve more comprehensive benefits for doing so.
In addition, the US has done a terrible public relations job in letting the world know the dangers of allowing this nation to fall into the hands of radical Islamic militants. I would use our nation’s resources to communicate a constant message throughout Europe and the Middle East by showing how these animals are killing many within their own faith to include women and children, while we are building hospitals and schools.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have the most to lose if we pull out of Iraq. I would aggressively pursue them to commit to putting their troops on the ground to support this effort.
As a former military officer, I also recognize the need to immediately begin rebuilding our military forces, which are stretched to the breaking point. Our brave servicemen and women who put themselves in harm’s way deserve more comprehensive benefits for doing so. Those benefits should also be extended to the families of soldiers, for they are making sacrifices as well.
We do have a strong military, but we are getting worn down with events in Iraq and abroad. I strongly believe that we miscalculated on the number of active and reserve troops needed to support our military strategy. America reduced its fighting forces to save money on a presumption that there would not be a need for a prolonged military presence. The war in Iraq has proven this wrong and has opened up vulnerabilities in our standing forces that are over-taxed with multiple deployments during this conflict.