A Foreign Policy of Freedom, by Ron Paul: on War & Peace

2002: No evidence of Iraqi nukes nor al Qaeda ties

The only talk here in the capital is about when, not if, we must initiate a war that even the administration admits could cost $200 billion. Some are not even embarrassed to gloat about the political benefits for those who preach war over those who preach negotiations, diplomacy, and containment. The fact that the Arab nations are overwhelmingly opposed to an attack on Iraq and are joined by the European Community is of no concern to those who demand war regardless of circumstance.

No credible evidence has been produced that Iraq has or is close to having nuclear weapons. No evidence exists to show that Iraq harbors al Qaeda terrorists. Quite to the contrary, experts on this region recognize Hussein as an enemy of al Qaeda and a foe to Islamic fundamentalism. Many other nations pose much greater threats to world peace. Yet no one is clamoring for war against them.

Source: House speech, in Foreign Policy of Freedom, p.224 Sep 24, 2002

Congress is abdicating its responsibility to declare war

The process by which we’ve entered wars over the past 57 years, and the inconclusive results of each war since that time are obviously related to Congress’ abdication of its responsibility regarding war, given to it by Article I Section 8 of the Constitution. Congress has ignored its responsibility entirely over these years, or transferred the war power to the executive branch. Source: House speech, in Foreign Policy of Freedom, p.232 Oct 3, 2002

We believe Osama’s threats, so why not believe his reasons?

We believe bin Laden when he takes credit for an attack on the West, & we believe him when he warns us of an impending attack. But we refuse to listen to his explanations of why he & his allies are at war with us.

Bin Laden’s claims are straightforward The US defiles Islam with military bases on holy land in Saudi Arabia, its initiation of war against Iraq, and its dollars and weapons being used against the Palestinians as the Palestinian territory shrinks and Israel’s occupation expands. There will be no peace for the next 50 years or longer if we refuse to believe why those who are attacking are doing it.

To dismiss terrorism as the result of Muslims hating us because we’re free is one of the greatest foreign-policy frauds ever perpetuated. Because the media and government have restated it so many times, the majority now accept it at face value. And the administration gets the political cover it needs to pursue a holy war for democracy against the infidels who hate us for our goodness.

Source: House speech, in Foreign Policy of Freedom, p.246 Jan 29, 2003

1991 Gulf War was a UN war, not a US war

President Bush, Sr., proudly spoke of “The New World Order,” a term used by those who promote one-world government under the UN. In going to war in 1991, he sought and received UN authority to push Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. He forcefully stated that this UN authority was adequate, and that although a congressional resolution was acceptable, it was entirely unnecessary and he would proceed regardless. At that time, there was no discussion regarding a congressional declaration of war. The first Persian Gulf War, therefore, was clearly a UN political war fought within UN guidelines, not for US security. And it was not fought through to victory. The bombings, sanctions, and harassment of the Iraqi people have never stopped. We are not about to resume the active fighting. Source: House speech, in Foreign Policy of Freedom, p.248 Feb 26, 2003

Same false arguments for invading Iraq now applied to Iran

It’s been three years since the US launched its war against Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction. Of course now almost everybody knows there were no WMDs, and Saddam posed no threat to the US.

What have we learned from three years in Iraq? With plans now being laid for regime change in Iran, it appears we have learned nothing.

Congress is abuzz with plans to change the Iranian government. There is little resistance to the rising clamor for “democratizing” Iran, even though their current president is an elected leader. Although Iran is hardly a perfect democracy, its system is far superior to most of our Arab allies about which we never complain. It’s amazing how soon after being discredited over the charges levied against Saddam the neo-cons are willing to use the same arguments against Iran. It’s frightening to see how easily Congress, the media, and the people accept many of the same arguments against Iran that were used to justify invading Iraq.

Source: House speech, in Foreign Policy of Freedom, p.345-346 Apr 5, 2006

Iran not in violation of NPT--so talk without preconditions

I am concerned about the pre-conditions set by the administration before it will agree to begin talks with Iran. The pre-condition is that the Iranians abandon their uranium enrichment program. But this is exactly what the negotiations are meant to discuss.

By demanding that Iran give up its uranium enrichment program, the US is unilaterally changing the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty. UN inspectors have been in Iran for years, and International Atomic Energy Agency Director El Baradei has repeatedly reported that he can find no indication of diversion of nuclear materials to a military purpose.

As a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the “inalienable right” to the “development, research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination.” Yet the US is demanding that Iran give up that right en though, after years of monitoring, Iran has never been found to have diverted nuclear material from peaceful to military use.

Source: House speech, in Foreign Policy of Freedom, p.359-360 Jun 20, 2006

Terrorists attack us for our actions abroad, not our freedom

The notion that terrorists attack us because of our freedom & prosperity, and not for our actions abroad, is grossly wrong. If Americans accept the argument that we are threatened because of our freedoms, rather than because American troops are stationed in many places where they are deeply resented, our problems can only get worse. This point is of profound importance, because the philosophy of foreign intervention must be challenged at its core if we are truly interested in peace & prosperity. Source: A Foreign Policy of Freedom, by Ron Paul, p.362 Jun 15, 2007

US has fought 70 engagements since 1945

It should be harder to promote war, especially when there are so many regrets in the end. In the last 60 years, the American people have had little to say over decisions to wage war. We have allowed a succession of presidents and the U.N. to decide when and if we go to war, without an express congressional declaration as the Constitution mandates.

Since 1945, our country has been involved in over 70 active or covert foreign engagements. On numerous occasions we have provided weapons and funds to both sides in a conflict. It is not unusual for our so-called allies to turn on us and use these weapons against American troops. In recent decades we have been both allies and enemies of Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, and the Islamists in Iran. And where has it gotten us?

The endless costs resulting from our foolish policies, in human lives, injuries, tax dollars, inflation, and deficits, will burden generations to come. For civilization to advance, we must reduce the number of wars fought.

Source: A Foreign Policy of Freedom, by Ron Paul, p.363 Jun 15, 2007

Limit wars debunking glorification of war

For civilization to advance, we must reduce the number of wars fought. Two conditions must be met if we hope to achieve this.

First, all military (and covert paramilitary) personnel worldwide must refuse to initiate offensive wars beyond their borders This must become a matter of personal honor for every individual.

Second, the true nature of war must be laid bare, and the glorification must end. Instead of promoting war heroes with parades and medals for wars not fought in the true defense of our country, we should more honestly contemplate the real results of war: death, destruction, horrible wounds, civilian casualties, economic costs, and the loss of liberty at home.

The neoconservative belief that war is inherently patriotic, beneficial, manly, and necessary for human progress must be debunked. These war promoters never send themselves or their own children off to fight. Their hero, Machiavelli, must be buried once and for all.

Source: A Foreign Policy of Freedom, by Ron Paul, p.363-364 Jun 15, 2007

The above quotations are from A Foreign Policy of Freedom Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship, by Ron Paul. Click here for definitions & background information on War & Peace. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by Ron Paul on War & Peace.
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