2012 State of the Union address: on War & Peace
Jill Stein:
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were illegal
The deficit has been made worse by unconscionable spending choices: notably the 4 trillion dollars spent on the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and trillions more spent on the bloated Pentagon budget, tax giveaways for the wealthy, and bailouts for
Wall Street. Instead of austerity, we can end the Wall Street bailouts, cut the bloated military and tax the bloated rich.
Source: Green Party 2012 People's State of the Union speech
Jan 25, 2012
Barack Obama:
For first time in 9 years, no Americans are fighting in Iraq
For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. Most of al Qaeda's top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban's momentum has been broken,
and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.These achievements are a testament to the courage and teamwork of America's Armed Forces. They don't obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.
Source: 2012 State of the Union speech
Jan 24, 2012
Barack Obama:
Make sure Afghanistan is never again a source of attack
Ending the Iraq war has allowed us to strike decisive blows against our enemies. From this position of strength, we've begun to wind down the war in Afghanistan. 10,000 of our troops have come home. 23,000 more will leave by the end of this summer.
This transition to Afghan lead will continue, and we will build an enduring partnership with Afghanistan, so that it is never again a source of attacks against America.
Source: 2012 State of the Union speech
Jan 24, 2012
Barack Obama:
Take no options off the table if Iran develops nukes
We will safeguard America's own security against those who threaten our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal with
Iran's nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent.
Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal.
But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still possible, and far better, and if Iran changes course and meets its obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations.
Source: 2012 State of the Union speech
Jan 24, 2012
Barack Obama:
FactCheck: Taliban may control countryside after US leaves
Obama said in the State of the Union, "The Taliban's momentum has been broken."THE FACTS: Obama is more sanguine about progress in Afghanistan than his own intelligence apparatus. The latest National Intelligence Estimate warns that the Taliban will
grow stronger, and stall until US troops leave, while continuing to fight for more territory. The assessment says the Afghan government hasn't been able to establish credibility, and predicts the Taliban and warlords will largely control the countryside.
Source: Fox News FactCheck on 2012 State of the Union speech
Jan 24, 2012
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2019