It’s been a tumultuous week. Exploding unrest in the Middle East is rightfully dominating the headlines. I have been hesitant to lend my voice to the growing debate because my reaction to the brutal attack on our sovereign lands is one of nearly pure rage. I want to see an aggressive response that illustrates the strength of our nation. A focused attack on a large piece of the Libyan oil infrastructure would send a decisive message to the Libyan people that the savage attacks that claimed the life of Ambassador Chris Stevens and other US citizens will not be tolerated. We must leave no doubt that escalation of hostilities will be devastating to their country.
I’m in New York meeting with potential donors and meeting with foreign policy experts. I came to learn more about the potential links between Iran/Syria and Latin America and has been planned for weeks. I have good connections inside the foreign policy community and will be meeting with an array of current and former agents. I will also be meeting with agents and diplomats from the Middle East including representatives of the increasingly persecuted Coptic Christians.
The world is facing dangerous times ahead. As we deal with conflict and war, our nation must go through a brutally honest period of difficult self-evaluation. Our domestic weaknesses must be addressed so that we may be ready for the massive potential conflict brewing around the globe. If we can find a way to emerge from the next several decades by avoiding massive death and destruction and instead find a way to free men across the world we will have beat the odds to once again honor the promises of American liberty that we have been blessed to enjoy.
May God continue to bless the men and women who have freed strangers around the globe. While we pray for peace, we must stand ready to fight oppression wherever we find it.
