2012 Presidential Candidates: Jon Huntsman

Official Statements

"In just the last few weeks, we saw the Palestinians make an end-run around the American-led peace process, because they lost confidence in it, and in our ability to lead."

"We have been [in Afghanistan] ten years and are taking a different approach. We are nation building. Our presence there should not focus on nation building, however, but rather on counterterrorism. We cannot social engineer other countries. We can't even social engineer our own inner cities. It is cultural arrogance to think we can make tribal leaders into democratic leaders. It is wishful thinking to believe that our troops, by staying for a couple more years, will prevent further instability or even civil war."

"Our men and women in uniform have done their all, given their all, in Afghanistan and Iraq. They routed the Taliban and crippled Al-Qaeda and other terrorist networks. They have taken the fight abroad so we didn’t have to face it here at home. Our nation has done its duty. After 6,000 lives lost and more than $1 trillion spent, it is time to bring our brave troops home."

"There is another advantage to a more judicious approach toward foreign entanglements. It helps prevent our military from being stretched too thin, and unable to effectively respond to a direct security threat – either to America, or one of our allies. This includes standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel as they manage a host of new challenges brought on by the Arab Spring, along with more familiar challenges, such as a hostile Iran, which will continue to be a transcendent challenge of the next decade. I cannot live with a nuclear-armed Iran. If you want an example of when I would consider the use of American force, it would be that."

"The Egyptians, Libyans, and Tunisians are to be commended for throwing off the yoke of authoritarian rule they have endured for decades. America now watches with great expectation as their Syrian brethren challenge Bashar Al-Assad’s brutal regime. Yet, we should be cautious in our optimism about the future of such societies."

"U.S. policy toward these nations should support the democratic aspirations of the Arab Spring while maintaining continued Middle East stability. Ultimately, however, Americans should recognize the limitations on the United States’ ability to influence the final outcome in these societies, and U.S. policymakers should anticipate a variety of outcomes in these countries, including the possibility of the emergence of governments that are less receptive to U.S. interests than might be hoped, and plan for such contingencies accordingly."

"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the greatest foreign policy obstacles confronting the United States. The United States should redouble its efforts to broker a lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. Yet, we must ensure that our efforts to achieve such outcome are consistent with Israel’s security interests."

"Egypt has been a stalwart partner to the United States through its role in combating terrorism and supporting a stable Middle East, and the United States should maintain its policy of aid to Egypt. The United States should support an orderly transition to democratic government managed by the interim military-backed government, which offers the greatest protection against the emergence of a radical Islamic government in that country. That said, recent developments give reason for pause...as conditions in the country further develop, the United States should reassess and alter, as necessary, aid commitments to facilitate to the greatest extent possible 1) governmental reforms that guarantee fundamental rights and protections for the Egyptian citizenry necessary for sustainable democratic governance and 2) Egypt’s continued peaceful relations with Israel."

"Like Iran, Syria has worked to subvert progress toward stable, democratic governance in Iraq and threatens both Israel and broader regional stability through its support of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. Syria continues to manipulate Lebanese politics in a manner that is both destabilizing for the region and that threatens Israel’s security interests. In partnership, Syria and Iran play the single greatest role in preventing Middle East peace and stability. While American engagement in Libyan uprising did not serve any major U.S. strategic interests, for the reasons articulated here, the United States should prepare to play a role, if necessary, in supporting Syrians’ aspirations for self-rule."