Peace Through Strength

Our adversaries continue to be emboldened as dangers to our country grow under President Biden. Sadly, this is not the first time I've had to say this. In November, I urged a strengthening of America’s position on the global stage in response to the numerous threats we face. Nothing has changed, and in fact, we continue to show weakness to nations across the globe.  

Since October, there have been more than 165 attacks launched by Iran–backed militants on military bases and assets across the Middle East. This is especially true as we look at the actions of Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as the Houthis in Yemen, who shot at U.S. Naval Ships in the Red Sea, or Iranian-backed militias who launched a drone in Jordan responsible for the deaths of 3 brave Army servicemembers and wounded dozens more. This comes just weeks after two Navy SEALs were lost at sea during the seizure of a vessel illegally advancing lethal aid to resupply Houthi forces.  

The strategy of appeasement has failed. We must resume Reagan’s foreign policy doctrine of peace through strength. The decision to free up $6 billion in Iranian funds has predictably backfired. As the Iranians themselves admitted, money is fungible and can be used to advance Iran’s aggressive anti-American and anti-Israel agenda, not humanitarian aid. Unfortunately, Iran continues to be the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. They have helped Russia target Ukraine with Iranian-made drones, and more recently, helped provide the material aid, training, and support for Hamas’s brutal assault in Israel which led to over 12,000 wounded and 1,300 dead. This attack resulted in the taking of countless hostages, including several American citizens. Iran has also empowered militias such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, those in Iraq, and throughout the horn of Africa.  

Since President Biden first took office, he has been wrong on every major foreign policy decision. As Vice President, he advised against the raid on Osama bin Laden, and as President, he carried out a botched withdrawal of Afghanistan and under his watch, we have seen large-scale conflicts in both the Middle East and Europe. His foreign policy failures cannot be overstated. I am praying for all those who are in harm's way serving overseas in order to protect our country.