State of Nebraska Archives: on War & Peace

Ben Sasse: US military can bring Iranian "butchers" to their knees

Don Bacon: Defeat ISIS with assertive leadership & special forces

Ben Sasse: Americans should be realistic about the dangers we face

Sasse said Americans need "stone-colored realism about the dangers we face" and its government must have the technology to keep up with bad guys, but agreed with Domina on the need to guard against unreasonable search and seizure.

Dave Domina: No drones to kill Americans in foreign countries

Sasse said Americans need "stone-colored realism about the dangers we face" and its government must have the technology to keep up with bad guys.

Shane Osborn: We let Syria & Iran cross the red line

Bob Kerrey: We all get worked up about Iran, but there's a price

I was actually concerned when I saw that 2/3 of Nebraskans want to get out of Afghanistan and 2/3 want to go to war in Iran. We all get worked up and wave the flag and get patriotic. I was in a war where that was the case. And after three or four years we ran out of gas. You've got to answer the question: What happens afterwards?

I think we have to be very, very careful. Simultaneously, we're making clear to Iran that we have a tremendous amount of military capability and we'll use that military capability if necessary to prevent you from acquiring nuclear weapons.

FISCHER: Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Bob Kerrey: Be conscious of what it means to draw a line for Iran

KERREY: It's not as simple as saying we're just going to go in there. I believe we've got to draw a line, but I think we've got to be very conscious of what it means when we do.

FISCHER: I would just reiterate that we need to have leadership here in this country when it comes to foreign policy. We haven't seen that in the last four years. And we're witnessing now the turmoil which I believe is due in part to that. This world is not a safe place. It's become less safe. And if we don't have strong messages sent from Washington, it makes it even less safe.

Deb Fischer: Draw a line on Iranian nukes; no mixed signals

FISCHER: Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. But we have an administration that has sent mixed signals. We have a strong, strong ally in Israel, the only democracy in the region. This is not just their problem. We're looking at the country of Iran, where it's estimated that in three years they will have ICBMs that can reach the United States. This is a concern for the world. It's a concern for our country. We have an administration that hasn't been clear on foreign policy, and there's been a lack of leadership. We need to have a strong administration who's going to make it clear that a line needs to be drawn. If the United States of America is going to be a leader in foreign policy and keep stability in this world, as has been our mission in the past, then we need to make it clear. We have an administration that has sent mixed signals.

Deb Fischer: Prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability

There was far more agreement than disagreement, and no sudden confrontations, during the debate before about 150 in the Johnny Carson Theatre at Norfolk High School.

Steven Larrick: Invasion of Iraq was based on false premises

“We have tremendous potential to actually use diplomacy in ways even Ronald Reagan used that we have forgotten now, and the current administration has forgotten,” Kleeb said.

“We should never negotiate with rogue nations without preconditions. You squander the prestige and the power of the American presidency when you do that,” Johanns said.

Scott Kleeb: Draw down US troops, but no timetables

Washington cannot be expected to micromanage Iraq’s future. To end the war in Iraq, Scott believes that the Iraqi government must be compelled to take charge of its own future, but also:
• Draw down US troops. While Scott has consistently rejected timetables for withdrawal in Iraq, he strongly believes that with the recommendations of our military leaders we must begin to draw down our military presence in Iraq.
• No permanent military bases. A prolonged presence in Iraq does not serve our national security, nor does it accomplish our top priority of destroying al-Qaeda terrorist cells.
• Compel Iraq to invest in its own future. By year’s end, Iraq could see a cumulative projected budget surplus of up to $79 billion. Further, history has shown us that the principles of democracy only take root when a society is invested in its development. That’s why Scott believes the time has come for the Iraqi government to invest in the long-term stability and growth of the country.

Steven Larrick: End the Iraq war as soon as possible

A: No.

Q: Should the United States withdraw its troops from Iraq?

A: Yes. We need to end the Iraq war as soon as possible. The George McGovern plan holds great promise for ending this disastrous policy and moving toward a peaceful resolution.

Q: Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?

A: No.