Bob Smith on War & Peace

Republican Sr Senator (NH; retired 2002)

US should leave Iraq, but on favorable terms

Q: Do you support or oppose US forces leaving Iraq?

A: Support only on terms most favorable to the United States.

Source: Email interview on 2010 Senate race with OnTheIssues.org Mar 4, 2010

No unconditional withdrawal from engagement in Afghanistan

I have been to Afghanistan and personally met with President Karzai. As an American who has proudly worn our country's uniform, I will never support a policy of an unconditional withdrawal from any military engagement the US is involved in. Accordingly, our commitment to Afghanistan must end on nothing short of terms most favorable to our vital National interests. Whenever the US becomes engaged abroad militarily however, the following conditions must be met:

our vital or survival National interests must be threatened;
our objectives must have a clearly defined end state of what constitutes mission accomplishment or success;
commitment of troops must have the support of the American people as expressed by a majority vote of both houses of Congress;
our troops must be given the means to accomplish their mission;
our plans must include provisions for transition of control back to the local authorities after conclusion of hostilities, or an exit strategy.

Source: Campaign website, www.friendsofsenatorbobsmith.com Mar 4, 2010

Mistake to intervene in Yugoslavian Civil War

The President made a grave mistake by having the US military intervene in the civil war of a sovereign nation. I support our troops, and know that they are the best in the world. However, I strongly believe the lives of these American soldiers are worth more than this risky endeavor - one which has no exit strategy and no end game. Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo” Apr 2, 1999

Breaching sovereignty requires Congressional authorization

Another core component of Smith’s thinking involves almost a reverence for sovereignty. ‘’Kosovo is as much a part of Yugoslavia as New Hampshire is of the United States,’’ he says. He warns of dire consequences if we start using military might inside the borders of sovereign nations without some legal authorization from Congress. He also is consistent, applying his thoughts back in time to Vietnam and forward through Ronald Reagan’s disastrous blunder into the Lebanese civil war in 1983. Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo” Mar 29, 1999

Supports US intervention if Kosovo war spreads across border

The US has no clear interests in the Balkans, Sen. Bob Smith said on the eve of today’s scheduled vote on the issue. Smith said the administration has not looked beyond air strikes. “What if it doesn’t work?” Smith said. “If we do lose pilots, are we prepared to put an armed force in there to get those people out?” Smith said he would support US intervention if the violence escalated from a civil war to one that involved surrounding countries such as Albania and Montenegro. Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo” Mar 23, 1999

Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq.

H.J.Res. 114; Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. The administration would be required to report to Congress that diplomatic options have been exhausted before, or within 48 hours after military action has started. Every 60 days the president would also be required to submit a progress report to Congress. Reference: Bill H.J.RES.114 ; vote number 2002-237 on Oct 11, 2002

Voted YES on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo.

Majority Leader Trent Lott motioned to kill the resolution that would have authorized the president to "use all necessary forces and other means," in cooperation with U.S. allies to accomplish objectives in Yugoslavia.
Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)78; N)22 Reference: Motion to table S. J. Res. 20; Bill S. J. Res. 20 ; vote number 1999-98 on May 4, 1999

Voted NO on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo.

Vote to adopt a resolution to authorize the President to conduct military air operations and missile strikes in cooperation with NATO against Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Reference: Bill S.Con.Res 21 ; vote number 1999-57 on Mar 23, 1999

Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo.

Ending the Bosnian arms embargo.
Status: Bill Passed Y)69; N)29; NV)2 Reference: Bosnia Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of '95; Bill S. 21 ; vote number 1995-331 on Jul 26, 1995

Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.

Smith co-sponsored the Jerusalem Embassy Act

Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected;
Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel;
the U.S. Embassy in Israel be established in Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999.
Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in FY 1996 and 1997 only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem.

Corresponding House bill is H.R.1595. Became Public Law No: 104-45. Source: Bill sponsored by 77 Senators and 78 Reps 95-S1322 on Oct 13, 1995

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