National Journal Releases GOP Candidates’ Foreign Policy Dossiers

The National Journal released foreign policy dossiers of each Republican Presidential candidates, outlining each of the candidates key foreign policy approaches. While all the candidates agree on their staunch support of Israel, their approaches to the Arab Spring differ in some aspects. Ron Paul argued that the U.S. should leave the Arab Spring alone and “I don’t think we have any authority to get involved.” While he applauded the downfall of ex-Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, he warned that Muslim extremists have a high chance of taking power in region. Newt Gingrich warned that the U.S. should fear the “anti-Christian” Arab Spring and harshly criticizes President Barack Obama’s foreign policy approach to the Middle East.

Michele Bachmann blamed Obama for the “hostilities of this Arab Spring,” and that the Arab Spring represents a “rise of radical elements all across the Middle East region.” She also stated that the U.S. should support its allies in the region, like Hosni Mubarak, and echoed the sentiment of fear over a rise of Muslim extremists. Jon Huntsman noted the limits of the U.S. being able to steer the Arab Spring in the right direction, and the U.S. should prepare for the “post Arab Spring.”

Rick Santorum did not offer any specifics on the Arab Spring, but stated the “recent dislocation of the old order in the Middle East will usher in a new one and anti-Israel elements are working overtime all across the world to take advantage of this opportunity.” Mitt Romney criticized Obama for throwing Israel “under the bus” in pursuit of wider Middle Eastern gains, and he’d make clear to Iran that the U.S. has “a very real and very credible military option.” Rick Perry the U.S. has a clear Christian “directive” to support Israel, and Herman Cain asserted “If you mess with Israel, you’re messing with the United States of America.”