In response to Michael Feuerstein’s article on Sen. Obama’s foreign policy (“Obama has judgment,” Oct. 21), Feuerstein appears to do nothing more than summarize what one might find on Sen. Obama’s campaign Web site. A more critical examination reveals possible problems with Sen. Obama’s foreign policy.
With regards to Iraq — Feuerstein’s and Obama’s “responsible end to the war in Iraq” will not result from a premature withdrawal. The success in Iraq remains uneven, fragile and reversible. Security gains need to be maintained in order for the political process in Iraq to have a chance to succeed, especially given upcoming Iraqi elections. Disagreeing with the advice of the commanding 4-Star General on military tactics, as Obama did in his visit with Gen. Petraeus this past summer, is not a good start to a “responsible end.”
On Iran, Sen. Obama’s proposed presidential-level engagement of any foreign leader is not only inappropriate but possibly dangerous. Diplomacy is extremely important in dealing with the threat posed by Iran; that being said, giving a populist leader like Ahmadinejad the chance to increase his personality cult by defying the United States in high-level negotiations is simply not effective foreign policy. Lower-level delegations and an incentive-based approach to negotiations would be a more appropriate and effective.
It is important that voters further scrutinize what the media presents us as the American public, regardless of the candidate. A critical look at proposed foreign policy reveals nuances that deserve significant consideration in choosing our next leader.
Tyler Duke
CLAS III
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