Cole: Obama Lacks Leadership To Deal With Extreme Terror Threat
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole: Obama administration not providing leadership needed to deal with extremist terrorism abroad
By U.S. REP. TOM COLE
As threats of terrorism continue to unfold around the globe, particularly through the spread of extremist groups in the Middle East, it is critical for America to show strength and focus in its dealings with friends and foes alike. Beyond condemning specific acts and sponsors of terror, our country must be guided by a clear strategy in our dealings abroad, including our approach to our relationships with both allied partners and those who wish us harm.
Certainly, the most revealing glimpse into the state of the world is through firsthand observation and conversation with our allies living in or near volatile areas. Recently, as part of a House delegation, I had the opportunity to travel overseas and engage in useful and eye opening conversations with key leaders and U.S. officials in seven different countries: England, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Spain. During this trip led by Speaker John Boehner, I was able to better grasp the gravity of the threats in the region and to our country and its allies.
It was evident that the Middle East is in incredible turmoil. In addition to the dangerous threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, there are several other sources of conflict of which Iran is directly and detrimentally involved. Clearly in an effort to establish hegemony, Iran is siding with dangerous actors throughout the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s corrupt regime and Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran is also exercising undue influence in Iraq, which could easily become an Iranian satellite.