69.26: Middle East
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The Challenges of a Changing Middle East -- We recognize the historic nature of the events of the past two years – the Arab
Spring – that have unleashed democratic movements leading to the overthrow of dictators who have been menaces to global security
for decades. In a season of upheaval, it is necessary to be prepared for anything. That is true on the ground in the Middle
East, and it will be equally true in the next Administration, particularly with a new President unbound by the failures of
the past. We welcome the aspirations of the Arab peoples and others for greater freedom, and we hope that greater liberty
– and with it, a greater chance for peace – will result from the recent turmoil. Many governments in the region have given
substantial assistance to the U.S. over the last decade because they understood that our struggle against terror is not an
ethnic or religious fight, and that violent extremists are abusers of their faith, not its champions. On the other hand, radical
elements like Hamas and Hezbollah must be isolated because they do not meet the standards of peace and diplomacy of the international
community. We call for the restoration of Lebanon’s independence, which those groups have virtually destroyed. We support
the transition to a post-Assad Syrian government that is representative of its people, protects the rights of all minorities
and religions, respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors, and contributes to peace and stability in the region.
We offer a continuing partnership with the people of Iraq, who have endured extremist terror to now have a chance to build
their own security and democracy. We urge special efforts to preserve and protect the ethnic and religious diversity of their
nation. Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons capability threatens America, Israel, and the world. That threat has only become
worse during the current Administration. A continuation of its failed engagement policy with Iran will lead to nuclear cascade.
In solidarity with the international community, America must lead the effort to prevent Iran from building and possessing
nuclear weapons capability. We express our respect for the people of Iran, who seek peace and aspire to freedom. Their current
regime is unworthy of them. It exports terror and provided weapons that killed our troops in Iraq. We affirm the unanimous
resolution of the U.S. Senate calling for “elections that are free, fair, and meet international standards” and “a representative
and responsive democratic government that respects human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law.” We urge the next Republican
President to unequivocally assert his support for the Iranian people as they protest their despotic regime. We must retain
all options in dealing with a situation that gravely threatens our security, our interests, and the safety of our friends
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