State of Idaho Archives: on War & Peace

Chris Smith: U.S. is not kidding about human rights in Hong Kong & China

Congress approved the bills last week following months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. China's foreign ministry called the laws a "naked hegemonic action" that seriously interfered in Hong Kong & China's internal affairs, violated international law and "fundamental norms of international relations."

Democratic & Republican lawmakers applauded the signing of the bills. Rep. Chris Smith, who sponsored the House human rights bill, said Xi "should understand that the US is not kidding about human rights. Beating, torturing and jailing of democracy activists is wrong and this historic legislation lets China know that respecting fundamental human rights is paramount."

Nels Mitchell: Don't concentrate on Syria at the expense of home

Tom Sullivan: Withdraw from Iraq; carry on in Pakistan

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support granting aid to countries when it is in the security interests of the United States?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support increasing sanctions on Iran if it continues to defy United Nations mandates?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq?

A: Yes.

Donald Trump: Xmas strike to protect Christians from ISIS in Nigeria

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in the U.S. and leads the Catholic Church, said last week that threats to religious freedom are on the rise across the world, including discrimination against Christians. But he advocated for peace through diplomacy and dialogue, rather than through threats of force.