Asa Hutchinson on Foreign Policy

	Asa Hutchinson on Foreign Policy Former Administrator of D.E.A.; former Republican Representative (AR-3)

Ask tough questions; hold China accountable for COVID-19

For too long, America has been dependent upon China for the stabilization of our economy. We can continue a trade partnership with China, but it must be one that protects American interests and promotes American ideals. China needs to answer the tough questions surrounding COVID-19 and I am prepared to ask those tough questions and hold China accountable. Source: 2024 Presidential campaign website Asa2024.com , May 2, 2023

Tough on Russia which is a threat to our national security

Russia is a threat to our national security and a threat that must be taken seriously. As Undersecretary of Homeland Security, I have firsthand experience dealing with world leaders to keep America safe. We must be tough on Russia and that starts with not backing down from Putin. Source: 2024 Presidential campaign website Asa2024.com , May 2, 2023

Eradicate North Korean leadership, but no assassinations

Gov. Kasich said that President Trump ought to "eradicate" North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his top lieutenants in a surgical military strike designed to give rise to a more benign leadership in Pyongyang.

In a discussion with reporters in Washington, Kasich evaluated the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and suggested that Trump devise a plan to swiftly eliminate North Korea's leadership. "How do you deal with this? I think there might be a way, and that has to do with taking out the North Korean leadership," Kasich said. He added, "I believe the best way to solve this problem is to eradicate the leadership. I'm talking about those who are closest to making the decisions that North Korea's following now."

Kasich stopped short of explicitly recommending that US forces assassinate North Korea's leaders, but what he described would be a military & intelligence exercise. "The North Korean top leadership has to go. There are ways in which that can be achieved," Kasich said.

Source: Washington Post on 2018 Arkansas gubernatorial race , Apr 28, 2017

Europe, Asia or Africa are better for Syrian refugees

Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he opposes Syrian refugees being relocated to Arkansas. Hutchinson, a former undersecretary of the federal Department of Homeland Security, said he doesn't believe the U.S. should be a permanent place of relocation for the refugees and that he thinks Europe, Asia or Africa are logically the best places for resettlement or temporary asylum. Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis , Nov 16, 2015

Against nuclear deal with Iran; keep state sanctions

Fifteen Republican governors wrote a letter to President Obama opposing the Iran nuclear deal: "If implemented, this agreement would lead to the lifting of United States nuclear-related sanctions on Iran without any guarantee that Iran's drive toward obtaining a nuclear weapon will be halted or even slowed. Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and it should not be permitted any pathway toward obtaining a nuclear weapon, now or ever. The lifting of federal sanctions that will result from this agreement will only result in Iran having more money available to fund terrorist groups and attacks. The people of our states will not be safer as a result of this agreement, much less citizens of countries like Israel which Iran has threatened to destroy.

"Many of our states have divestment policies as well as restrictions against state contractors doing business with the government of Iran. We intend to ensure that the various state-level sanctions that are now in effect remain in effect."

Source: Letter to Pres. Obama from 15 Governors on Iran nuclear deal , Sep 8, 2015