Steve Forbes on War & Peace 2000 Republican Primary Candidate for President

Premature agreement with Syria could hurt Israeli security

BAUER. This administration has been tougher on Israel than it has been on China. It’s outrageous that our ally, Israel, has been getting the back of the hand from this administration. You’ve got this little democratic country in the middle of the Mideast surrounded by adversaries with much more land. And what are we doing, and the rest of the world, expecting that little Israel has to sacrifice more land for peace and security. I will stand with Israel as president and I will not waste billions of dollars of the taxpayers’ money to try to make up for mistakes that this administration’s making in the Middle East.

Syria: End support of terrorism to qualify for US funds

BAUER: Of course I will, but I just think you’ve got blinders on. You know, the threat to America is not Syria. I will be very tough on Syria about their transfer of weapons, of supporting terrorists. But I’ll do that to China, too. You know, that’s the big challenge for America. I’m going to be tough on American foreign policy. Not just against Syria, but also against the Chinese in Beijing.

Arming intended victims would have avoided Bosnia & Kosovo

Iran: More spies, pro-democracy, & bio-terror defense

What should the US do to deal with the emerging threat from Iran?
• Deploy state-of-the-art ballistic missile defense systems
• Beef up our intelligence-gathering efforts
• Use all our leverage to stop the flow of nuclear, chemical, biological, & ballistic missile technology into Iran, particularly from Russia, China, Europe, & Pakistan
• Strengthen our alliances with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, & the Persian Gulf states
• Use our advantage in sophisticated, 21st-century medical research & technology to prepare effective defenses against biological terrorism
• Make full use of the Farsi-language radio broadcasting service (essentially a “Radio Free Iran”), providing news, analysis, opinion, & debate to a country that largely prohibits the free exchange of ideas
• Do everything we can to help bolster pro-democracy, pro-freedom forces inside and outside of Iran and to expose Iranian human rights abuses and terrorist activity to the light of day.

Allow full use of airpower; arm Kosovars; help refugees

Supports bombing; supports arming the Kosovars

Israel: Official support for Palestine jeopardizes security

Iraq: Assist Iraqi opposition in removing Saddam

Palestine: No peace, no money

Extend international order friendly to our security.

Conservatives have not confidently advanced a strategic vision of America's role in the world. We aim to change this. We aim to make the case and rally support for American global leadership.

As the 20th century draws to a close, the United States stands as the world's preeminent power. Having led the West to victory in the Cold War, America faces an opportunity and a challenge: Does the United States have the vision to build upon the achievements of past decades? Does the United States have the resolve to shape a new century favorable to American principles and interests? Our aim is to remind Americans of these lessons and to draw their consequences for today. Here are four consequences:

1. we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;
2. we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;
3. we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;
4. we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles.