John McCain on Foreign Policy Republican nominee for President; Senior Senator (AZ)

Sub-sections under Foreign Policy:
• Asia
• Mideast
• Russia
• Voting Record
• Other issues under Foreign Policy

Mistake to ban immigrants from Iraq; they're our allies

LINDSEY GRAHAM: [In the War on Terror] you need partners. The executive order [banning all travel from predominantly Muslim countries] was a huge misstep, because it included everybody. If it's perceived as declaring war on the faith, we're all going to lose.

MCCAIN: I was especially interested in our interpreters, who literally put their lives on the line to help us in the vital mission of translating between Iraqis and our members of the military. To lump Iraq and Iran in the same category, I think, was a terrible mistake, and I'm glad that Iraq is not going to be part of those countries that are listed.

Russian election tampering could destroy democracy

Create League of Democracies, instead of UN with dictators

Preconditions required for talks with rogue states

McCAIN: Sen. Obama said he would sit down with Ahmadinejad, Chavez and Raul Castro without precondition. Here is Ahmadinejad, who is now talking about the extermination of the State of Israel, and we’re going to sit down, without precondition, to give a propaganda platform, and therefore then giving them more credence in the world arena and therefore saying--because you will sit down across the table from them--that will legitimize their illegal behavior. Throughout history, whether it be Ronald Reagan, who wouldn’t sit down with [the USSR] until Gorbachev was ready with glasnost and perestroika, or whether it be Nixon’s trip to China, which was preceded by Henry Kissinger, many times before he went. I’ll sit down with anybody, but there’s got to be pre-conditions.

I’m prepared for the dangerous threats in this world

No circumstances where president can disregard treaties

A: I know of no circumstance. Again, it goes back to what the law says--if there is a treaty that the Congress has ratified, we have chosen to make it the law of the land, and it must be obeyed under the terms that it was ratified.

Maintain Cuban embargo; indict Castro

A: Of course we need to keep our embargo up. Of course we cannot allow economic aid to flow to Cuba. And if I were president of the United States, I would order an investigation of the shoot-down of those brave Cubans who were killed under the orders of Raul and Fidel Castro, and, if necessary, indict them.

We need bigger army for more militaristic foreign policy

Somalia: alleviating starvation OK; nation-building not

McCain said: "Our mission in Somali is over," he said on the Senate floor. "It is time to come home. Our mission is Somali was to feed million starving who needed to be fed. It was not an open-ended commitment. It was not a commission of nation building, not warlord hunting, or any of the other extraneous activities which we seem to have been engaged in. If the President cannot say, 'Here is what we are fighting for in Somalia, that more Americans may perish in service to the goals, and here is why it is worth that price,' then we have no right--no right--to ask Americans to risk their lives in any further misadventures in Somalia.

1994: Led opposition to Haiti intervention

We have good reason to expect solidarity of our allies

2000: Internationalist vision with populist caution

Ultimately, McCain is an internationalist with a populist touch. A former soldier, he shares with Reagan a skepticism about so-called experts, yet McCain's skepticism is leavened by long operational experience. Unlike Bush the elder, McCain is immunized from the charge of being an East Coast internationalist, a Rockefeller Republican. Unlike Bush the younger, McCain has demonstrated a flare for foreign policy, with a capacity to engage in a thrust-and-parry that runs beyond coached lines.

The strength of McCain is that he speaks with a sense of gravity, [and] with the sense of conservative caution in the face of many threats to America's security.

Sit down with any leader, but only with pre-conditions

OBAMA: Senator McCain mentioned Henry Kissinger, who’s one of his advisers, who, along with five recent secretaries of state, just said that we should meet with Iran--guess what--without precondition. This is one of your own advisers.

McCAIN: My friend, Dr. Kissinger, who’s been my friend for 35 years, would be interested to hear this conversation and Senator Obama’s depiction of his -- of his positions on the issue. I’ve known him for 35 years. And I guarantee you he would not -- he would not say that presidential top level.

OBAMA: Nobody’s talking about that.

Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe

Our conscience influences US intervention, as in Rwanda

Africa: Money for AIDS would be lost to corruption

Cuba: No diplomatic and trade relations

1994: Worked with John Kerry to normalize Vietnam relations

1970s: Vietnam justified because of Domino Theory

The most interesting of the details McCain left out of all subsequent interviews was his anecdotal evidence lending support to the controversial domino theory--the notion that once Vietnam fell, the communists would sweep through the rest of southeast Asia. It was one of the main justifications for the war, and especially for staying in it long after success seemed unlikely. In the essay, McCain cited the following: "After we liberate South Vietnam we're going to liberate Cambodia. And after Cambodia we're going to Laos, [then] Thailand, [then] Malaysia, and then Burma. We're going to liberate all east Asia." What was McCain's interpretation? "Some people's favorite game is to refute the 'domino theory.' But the North Vietnamese believe it. This is what Communism is all about--armed struggle to overthrow capitalist countries."

Suu Kyi and the people of Burma will rule themselves someday

Support the One-China policy, don’t weaken it

$1M political donations by Chinese Army should not be legal

Which of the following constitutes a violation of US law?
• An American businessman in China, aware that bribery is a common business practice there, gives a Chinese Communist party official $100 to listen to his proposal.
• A subsidiary of a corporation owned by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army gives $1 million apiece to the Democratic and Republican parties in the hope that it may acquire technology that could eventually have a weapons application.
  If you answered that only the businessman is in violation of our laws while the Chinese Army-owned company acted within its rights, then you would know just how badly our campaign finance laws have failed our country. You know just how influential big money special interests have become in Washington. We cannot reform anything until we reform the way we finance political campaigns. Until we abolish soft money, Americans will never have a government that works as hard for them as it does for special interests. Source: Boston Globe, p. A19 (editorial by McCain) , Jan 28, 2000

  China: Advocate for political reforms, and guard Taiwan

  Political reforms are the best assurance that China will emerge as a non-threatening great power. We may argue over whether economic engagement and rising prosperity further or hinder those reforms, but they should be the objective of both camps. We need not shrink from a strong advocacy of religious and political freedom. Guarding against Chinese threats to our strategic interests in Asia is a sound rationale for helping reduce the growing threat to Taiwan from a mainland missile attack. Source: (Cross-ref from Foreign Policy) www.mccain2000.com/ “Positio , Jun 14, 1999

  Inaction on spying led to Chinese nuclear improvement

  Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., long a critic of President Clinton’s China policy, said the [Cox Report] will prompt questions about why the administration did not do more to intervene.“I find it troubling that too little action was taken too late by this administration, resulting in the fact that the Chinese may have been able to build nuclear weapons comparable to ours,” McCain said. Source: Associated Press, “Republicans on China”, by K. Srinivasan , May 26, 1999

  Urge Japan to open economy to ensure Asian recovery

  Asia’s economic recovery will not be sustained over time, and its markets will not recover their former profitability for American goods and services, unless the greatest economy of Asia - Japan’s - is freed from the market distorting restraints that are inherent in its unique political economy. If it is to thrive once again, Japan must commit to systemic reforms that are politically difficult for powerful constituencies, among them, Japanese farmers and banks. Source: Speech to National Press Club, 5/20/99 , May 20, 1999

  Korea: ease starvation, but avoid war during death throes

  [Five years ago,] the US promised North Korea food and energy support, [plus] nuclear reactors, in exchange for the cessation of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. A firmer response might have triggered a war; refusing to help ease the deprivations in the North, and hastening the collapse of the regime might have also resulted in war. North Korea is still inexorably nearing total collapse, and its leaders remain quite capable of launching in their country’s death throes one final, glorious war. Source: www.mccain2000.com/ “Position Papers” 4/30/99 , Apr 30, 1999

  Engage with China as they become a great power

  Chinese leaders. will do whatever is necessary, no matter how inhumane or offensive to us, to pursue their own interests. And they lead a nation of extraordinary potential, that is, whether we like it or not, becoming a great power. America must engage China if we are to maximize our influence over how that immense nation emerges as a world power. [However]. engagement does not require us to cede to China advantages that come at the expense of our own security. Source: www.mccain2000.com/ “Position Papers” 4/30/99 , Apr 30, 1999

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  John McCain on Mideast

  Nuclear Iran is an existential threat to Israel

  Q: How big a threat is Iran to the US?

  A: If Iran acquires nuclear weapons, it is an existential threat to the State of Israel and to other countries in the region. We cannot have a second Holocaust. Let’s just make that very clear. I have proposed a League of Democracies, a group of countries that share common interests, common values, common ideals, they also control a lot of the world’s economic power. We could impose significant meaningful, painful sanctions on the Iranians that I think could have a beneficial effect.

  The Iranians have a lousy government, so therefore their economy is lousy, even though they have significant oil revenues. So I am convinced that together with the French, with the British, with the Germans and other countries, we can affect Iranian behavior.

  But have no doubt, but have no doubt that the Iranians continue on the path to the acquisition of a nuclear weapon as we speak tonight. And it is a threat not only in this region but around the world

  Source: 2008 first presidential debate, Obama vs. McCain , Sep 26, 2008

  Situation in Pakistan very serious, but not nuclear threat

  Q: Pakistan appears to be on the brink. Tremendous political instability, raging Islamic terrorism. How serious a threat to US interests if Pakistan is destabilized?

  A: It’s very serious. Waziristan, where I have visited, is clearly at least partially under the control of Taliban and Al Qaida military units who are launching attacks into Afghanistan. The Pakistani army has not been successful, and they made this unholy truce with them which has led to attacks into Afghanistan.

  Q: So what happens to us if the country is destabilized?

  A: It’s a nuclear nation. I am convinced that there are some military people within Pakistan who are more Islamic than the present leadership--radicalized, I mean. What the US should be doing is encourage the reconciliation between Bhutto and Musharraf. I would hope that we would be able to defuse some of the situation. But it would have to be a very, very radical regime to take over for it to be a nuclear threat.

  Source: FOX News Sunday, 2007 presidential interviews , Oct 21, 2007

  1983: Called for rapid withdrawal of Marines from Lebanon

  In 1983, the House prepared to vote on a war-powers measure to keep the Marines in Lebanon for another 18 months. McCain said, "What is the US' interest in Lebanon? It is said we are there to keep the peace. I ask: What peace? It is said we are there to aid the government. I ask: What government?" For [the Marine presence to be relevant to] meaningful negotiations, he said, the Syrians must believe we will use the full military power at our disposal. "Are we prepared to use this power? I don't think so, nor do I believe the Syrians think so."

  He knew a quagmire when he saw it. "The longer we stay in Lebanon, the harder it will be to leave," he said. McCain concluded by saying the American presence would not make a difference, that the same things would continue to happen--more factional violence, more innocent civilians killed--whether the Marines were there or not. "I am calling for an immediate withdrawal," he said. He cast his vote against the resolution, one of 27 Republicans to defy Reagan.

  Source: An American Odyssey, by Robert Timberg, p.151-2 , Sep 18, 2007

  Naive to exclude nukes; naive to exclude attacking Pakistan

  It’s naive to say that we will never use nuclear weapons. It’s naive to say we’re going to attack Pakistan without thinking it through. What if Musharraf were removed from power? What if a radical Islamic government were to take place because we triggered it with an attack?

  I believe the reason why we won the Cold War is because of our advocacy and our dedication to the principles that all of us are created equal and endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights.

  Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate , Aug 5, 2007

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  John McCain on Russia

  2001: Publicly rebuke Uzbekistan for human rights violations

  Human Rights Watch reported that "Uzbek government forces killed hundreds of unarmed people who participated in a massive public protest. Amnesty International called the Uzbek government's "indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force."

  By 2001, some members of Congress began a campaign of condemnation of the Uzbek government. Sen. John McCain traveled to the capital of Tashkent to deliver a public rebuke. "History shows that continued repression of human rights leads to tragedies such as the one that just took place," McCain lectured. Around the same time, I received a letter from McCain & 5 other senators, insisting that America not pay the $23 million we owed the government from our military's use of the Uzbek air base. I replied to the senators, "The bills we have from the Uzbeks are for services rendered in the war on terrorism."

  If we took such a good and evil view of the world, we wouldn't be able to count on support from any non-democratic country. My arguments did not prevail.

  Source: Known and Unknown, by Donald Rumsfeld, p.634-635 , Feb 8, 2011

  Ukraine now in Putin’s sights; penalize Russian aggression

  Q: How can we apply pressure to Russia for humanitarian issues in an effective manner without starting another Cold War?

  McCAIN: First of all, we’re not going to have another Cold War with Russia. But have no doubt that Russia’s behavior is certainly outside the norms of behavior that we would expect for nations which are very wealthy, as Russia has become, because of their petro dollars.

  Now, long ago, I warned about Vladimir Putin. He has surrounded himself with former KGB apparatchiks. He has gradually repressed liberties, and he has exhibited most aggressive behavior, obviously, in Georgia.

  I said before, watch Ukraine. Ukraine, right now, is in the sights of Vladimir Putin, those that want to reassemble the old Soviet Union. We’ve got to show moral support for Georgia. We’ve got to show moral support for Ukraine. We’ve got to advocate for their membership in NATO. We have to make the Russians understand that there are penalties for these this kind of behavior.

  Source: 2008 second presidential debate against Barack Obama , Oct 7, 2008

  Russian aggression in Georgia is wrong; I see KGB in Putin

  Q: How do you see the US relationship with Russia?

  A: I looked into Mr. Putin’s eyes, and I saw three letters, a “K,” a “G,” and a “B.” And their aggression in Georgia is not acceptable behavior. I don’t believe we’re going to go back to the Cold War. I am sure that that will not happen. But I do believe that we need to bolster our friends and allies. And that wasn’t just about a problem between Georgia and Russia. It had everything to do with energy.

  I think the Russians ought to understand that we will support the inclusion of Georgia and Ukraine into NATO. We also ought to make it very clear that the Russians are in violation of their cease-fire agreement. We want to work with the Russians. But we also have every right to expect the Russians to behave like a country who respects international boundaries and the norms of international behavior.

  Source: 2008 first presidential debate, Obama vs. McCain , Sep 26, 2008

  FactCheck: Obama sought restraint in Georgia; so did Bush

  McCain called Obama’s initial statement on the conflict in Georgia “naive.” It’s worth noting Obama’s words echoed those of the White House. McCain claimed, “I was interested in Senator Obama’s reaction to the Russian aggression against Georgia. His firs statement was, ‘Both sides ought to show restraint.’ Again, a little bit of naivete there. He doesn’t understand that Russia committed serious aggression against Georgia.”

  It’s true, as McCain said, that during the conflict between Georgia and Russia, Obama said, “Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war” in his first statement on the conflict. But so did the White House. Press secretary Dana Perino said on Aug. 8, “We urge restraint on all sides--that violence would be curtailed and that direct dialogue could ensue in order to help resolve their differences.” We pointed this out when New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani mischaracterized Obama’s response to the crisis during the GOP convention.

  Source: FactCheck.org on 2008 first Presidential debate , Sep 26, 2008

  Concern over Chechnya spreads to Caucasus oil reserves

  McCAIN [to Forbes]: I want to talk to you about Russia. We’re concerned about Chechnya. We’re concerned about the Caucasus and Georgia and the oil and gas reserves that are there, and I’m particularly interested in your views of Mr. Putin and what we can expect and how you would handle our relations with Russia at this particular moment.

  FORBES: I think that our relations with Russia today are another prime example of the lack of a foreign policy of the Clinton-Gore Administration. The way they’re applauding this coup that just took place with the thieving oligarchs of the Kremlin, told Yeltsin get out and we’ll let your family keep their illegal gains, and this way we can move the election up. Have the war fever from Chechnya. The war in Chechnya is simply an election ploy. It’s also, I fear, part of the first step of the old Russian nationalist of reestablishing the old Soviet empire. Chechnya today, perhaps Georgia tomorrow, Armenia after that. It’s a disaster.

  Source: Republican Debate in West Columbia, SC , Jan 7, 2000

  Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya

  McCain says acting Russian President Vladimir Putin should be urged to end the conflict with Chechen militants under threat of sanctions, as issue he would talk about “every day” as president. “I’d state unequivocally that there would be no more US Export-Import Bank loans, that the US would not support any furhter IMF funding until this thing is brought to some kind of reasonable conclusion,” he said. Source: Associated Press, in The Enterprise (Brockton MA), p. A9 , Jan 4, 2000

  IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK

  A spokesman for John McCain saif the Senator “generally would not call” for eliminating the IMF but has criticized the agency’s work in Russia, where there are accusations that IMF loans were misused and that the government misled the IMF about its finances. Source: Boston Globe on 2000 race, p. A14 , Oct 5, 1999

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  John McCain on Voting Record

  Pay dues to UN after UN reforms

  Regarding the United States-United Nations relationship, McCain says the “US should pay arrears to UN after the UN implements management reforms.” Source: 1998 National Political Awareness Test , Jul 2, 1998

  Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power.

  Congressional Summary:US-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act:
  • Approves the US-India Agreement for Cooperation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
  • Declares that it is US policy to prevent the transfer to India of nuclear equipment, materials, or technology from other participating governments in the Nuclear Suppliers Group or from any other source; and
  • any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve provided to India for use in safeguarded civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with reasonable reactor operating requirements.

  Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. HOWARD BERMAN (D, CA-28): Integrating India into a global nonproliferation regime is a positive step. Before anyone gets too sanctimonious about India's nuclear weapons program, we should acknowledge that the five recognized nuclear weapons states have not done nearly enough to fulfill their commitments under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, including making serious reductions in their own arsenals, nor in the case of the US in ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

  Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. BARBARA LEE (D, CA-9): In withholding my approval, I seek not to penalize the people of India but, rather, to affirm the principle of nuclear nonproliferation. Jettisoning adherence to the international nuclear nonproliferation framework that has served the world so well for more than 30 years, as approval of the agreement before us would do, is just simply unwise. It is also reckless.

  Approval of this agreement undermines our efforts to dissuade countries like Iran and North Korea from developing nuclear weapons. By approving this agreement, all we are doing is creating incentives for other countries to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

  Reference: US-India Nuclear Agreement; Bill HR.7081 ; vote number 2008-S211 on Oct 1, 2008

  Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons.

  Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would require sanctions against China or other countries if they were found to be selling illicit weapons of mass destruction. Reference: Bill HR.4444 ; vote number 2000-242 on Sep 13, 2000

  Voted YES on capping foreign aid at only $12.7 billion.

  Adoption of the conference report on the 2000 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill provided $12.7 billion for foreign aid programs in 2000.

  Vetoed by President Clinton

  Veto message of 10/18/1999: W cannot protect American interests at home without active engagement abroad. We must lead in the world, working with other nations to defuse crises, repel dangers, promote more open economic and political systems, and strengthen the rule of law. This bill rejects all of those principles.

  The overall funding provided by H.R. 2606 is inadequate. By denying America a decent investment in diplomacy, this bill suggests we should meet threats to our security with our military might alone. That is a dangerous proposition. For if we underfund our diplomacy, we will end up overusing our military.

  For example, A generation from now, no one is going to say we did too much to help the nations of the former Soviet Union safeguard their nuclear technology and expertise. If the funding cuts in this bill were to become law, future generations would certainly say we did too little and that we imperiled our future in the process.
  Status: Conf Rpt Agreed to Y)51; N)49

  Reference: H.R. 2606 Conference Report; Bill H.R. 2606 ; vote number 1999-312 on Oct 6, 1999

  Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions.

  To kill a proposal limiting President Clinton's ability to impose economic sanctions on foreign nations.
  Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)53; N)46; NV)1 Reference: Motion to table the Lugar Amdt #3156.; Bill S. 2159 ; vote number 1998-201 on Jul 15, 1998

  Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech.

  This amendment would have limited NATO Expansion to only include Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
  Status: Amdt Rejected Y)41; N)59 Reference: NATO Expansion limit-Warner Amdt. #2322; Bill NATO Expansion Treaty #105-36 ; vote number 1998-112 on Apr 30, 1998

  Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF.

  Would provide $17.9 billion for the International Monetary Fund.
  Status: Amdt Agreed to Y)84; N)16 Reference: McConnell Amdt #2100; Bill S. 1768 ; vote number 1998-44 on Mar 26, 1998

  Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba.

  Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba.
  Status: Conf Rpt Agreed to Y)74; N)22; NV)4 Reference: Conference Report on H.R. 927; Bill H.R. 927 ; vote number 1996-22 on Mar 5, 1996

  Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo.

  Ending U.S. trade embargos on the country of Vietnam.
  Status: Amdt Agreed to Y)62; N)38 Reference: For. Reltns. Auth. Act FY 94 & 95; Bill S. 1281 ; vote number 1994-5 on Jan 27, 1994

  Sponsored bill suspending Russia's participation in the G-8.

  McCain sponsored suspending Russia's participation in the G-8

  OFFICIAL CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY: A resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the continued participation of the Russian Federation in the Group of 8 nations should be conditioned on the Russian Government voluntarily accepting and adhering to the norms and standards of democracy.

  EXCERPTS OF BILL:

  • Whereas the countries that comprise the Group of 7 nations are committed to the observance of universally recognized standards of human rights, respect for individual liberties, and democratic principles;
  • Whereas starting in 1991, the leaders of the major free market economies invited then-Russian Pres. Boris Yeltsin to the Group of 7, which in 1998 became known as the Group of 8;
  • Whereas under the leadership of Pres. Vladimir Putin, Russia has attempted to control the activities of independent media enterprises, religious organizations, and other pluralistic elements of Russian society in an attempt to mute criticism of the government;
  • Whereas Russian military forces continue to commit brutal atrocities against the civilian population in Chechnya;
  • Resolved; That it is the sense of Congress that--
    1. the selective prosecution of Russia's political opponents, and the continued commission of widespread atrocities in the conduct of the brutal war in Chechnya, do not reflect the minimum democratic standards that characterize every other member state in the Group of 8 nations;
    2. the continued participation of the Russian Federation in the Group of 8 nations should be conditioned on the Russian Government accepting and adhering to the norms and standards of free, democratic societies;
    3. the Group of 7 nations should suspend the participation of the Russian Federation in the Group of 8 nations until Russia is committed to respecting and upholding democratic principles.

  LEGISLATIVE OUTCOME:Referred to Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; never came to a vote.

  Source: Russia in the Group of 8 (S.CON.RES.14/H.CON.RES.143) 05-SC14 on Feb 17, 2005

  Libyan disarmament was a CIA success story.

  McCain signed the Report of the Commission on Intelligence on WMDs:

  Libya: Summary & Findings

  We compared the Intelligence Community's judgments concerning Libya's weapons programs before Tripoli's decision to open them to international scrutiny with current assessments, thereby providing a rare "before" and "after" study of the U.S. Intelligence Community's performance. We believe that the collection and analytic efforts on Libya's weapons represent, for the most part, an Intelligence Community success story. The Community collected good intelligence on Libya's nuclear and missile programs, and it used this intelligence to enter into well-managed discussions with the Libyans, which eventually led to on-site inspections, and, ultimately, Libyan disavowal of weapons of mass destruction. We found that:
  • The Intelligence Community accurately assessed what nuclear equipment Libya possessed, but it was less successful in judging how Libya could exploit the material;
  • The Intelligence Community's judgment that Libya possessed chemical weapons agents and chemical weapons bombs was correct, but Libya's actual chemical weapons stockpile proved to be smaller than estimated;
  • The Intelligence Community's assessments of Libya's missile programs appear to have been generally accurate, but it is not yet possible to evaluate them fully because of limited Libyan disclosures;
  • The Intelligence Community's penetration of the A.Q. Khan proliferation network provided invaluable intelligence on Libya's nuclear efforts;
  • The contribution of technical intelligence to assessments of Libya's chemical, biological, and nuclear programs was limited; it provided some valuable information on Libya's missile programs;
  • Analysts generally showed a commendable willingness to question and reconsider their assessments in light of new information;
  • Analysts tracking proliferation program developments sometimes inappropriately equated procurement activity with technical capabilities.
  Source: Report to the President on WMDs, p.251 05-WMD-10 on Mar 31, 2005

  Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma.

  McCain sponsored imposing sanctions and an import ban on Burma

  A bill to impose sanctions on officials of the State Peace and Development Council in Burma, to prohibit the importation of gemstones and hardwoods from Burma, & to promote a coordinated international effort to restore civilian democratic rule to Burma.

  (The two Senate versions currently differ in wording). The Saffron Revolution Support Act states that it is U.S. policy to:

  1. support the democratic aspirations of Burma's people;
  2. condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); and
  3. hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma.
  Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of:
  1. SPDC officials who play or have played a substantial role in political repression in Burma or in the commission of human rights abuses;
  2. Subjects persons so identified to U.S. entry prohibition and financial sanctions.
  3. Amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation into the US of Burmese gems, teak, or other hardwood timber.
  4. Prohibits any U.S. person or corporation from investing in Burma.

  Introductory statement by Sponsor:

  Sen. McCAIN. The world has reacted with horror and revulsion at the Burmese junta's recent brutal crackdown against peaceful demonstrators. In crushing the Saffron Revolution, killing hundreds and jailing thousands, including countless Buddhist monks, the junta has left no doubt about its blatant disregard for basic human decency. We, as Americans, stand on the side of freedom, not fear; of peace, not violence; and of the millions in Burma who aspire to a better life, not those who would keep them isolated and oppressed. Our response must go beyond statements of condemnation, and the time to act is now. This legislation imposes meaningful and effective punitive action against the cruel, thuggish, and illegitimate Burmese government.

  Source: Burma Democracy Promotion Act (S.2257 & S.2172) 07-S2257 on Oct 29, 2007

  Rated +1 by AAI, indicating a mixed Arab/Palestine voting record.

  McCain scores +1 by AAI on Arab-Israeli issues

  The Arab American Institute has compiled a Scorecard to catalogue the voting record of the 112th Congress on issues of importance to the Arab American community. Though not comprehensive, we have attempted to provide a snapshot of legislation concerning many of the primary issues concerning Arab Americans. For the Senate, we have included 10 items: two bills on the Arab Spring, three on Palestine, one on Lebanon, one regarding civil liberties, and two for immigration reform.

  1. S. Res. 44: (+) calls on former President Hosni Mubarak to immediately begin a peaceful transition to a democratic political system
  2. S. Res. 109: (+) honoring and supporting women in North Africa and the Middle East
  3. S. Res. 138: (-) calling on the United Nations to rescind the Goldstone report, formally known as the UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, which accused the Israeli government of targeting Palestinian civilians.
  4. S. Res. 185: (-) reaffirming the commitment of the US to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calling for a US veto of any UN resolution on Palestinian statehood without a settlement.
  5. S. Con. Res. 23: (-) supporting Israel in maintaining defensible borders, and against Israel returning to the armistice lines that existed on June 4, 1967
  6. S. 558: (+) the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act, to limit the use of cluster munitions in areas normally inhabited by civilians.
  7. S. 1125: (+) greater judicial review of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and greater protections to individuals being monitored or gag-ordered by the FBI.
  8. S.1038, the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act, in opposition of PATRIOT Act extension.
  9. S. 723: (-) The Birthright Citizenship Act, limiting citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants born in the US.
  10. S. 952: (+) the DREAM Act, allowing undocumented minors to become US citizens, provided they meet certain conditions, including good moral character
  Source: AAI website 12-AAI-S on May 2, 2012

  Supports standing with the nation of israel.

  McCain supports the CC survey question on support of Israel

  The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'The U.S. Should Continue to Support and Stand with the Nation of Israel Against her Enemies' The Christian Coalition notes, "You can help make sure that voters have the facts BEFORE they cast their votes. We have surveyed candidates in the most competitive congressional races on the issues that are important to conservatives."

  Source: Christian Coalition Survey 16_CC14 on Nov 8, 2016

  Two-state solution despite Israeli settlements on West Bank.

  McCain signed two-state solution despite Israeli settlements on West Bank

  Congressional Summary: S.Res.6/H.Res.11 objects to U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334, which characterizes Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal and demands cessation of settlement activities.

  • Calls for such resolution to be repealed or fundamentally altered and allows all final status issues toward a two-state solution to be resolved through direct bilateral negotiations between the parties.
  • Notes that granting membership and statehood standing to the Palestinians at the UN, its specialized agencies, and other international institutions outside of the context of a bilateral peace agreement with Israel would cause severe harm to the peace process.
  • Urges upholding the U.S. practice of vetoing all Security Council resolutions that recognize unilateral Palestinian actions or dictate terms and a time line for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to seek a sustainable, just, and secure two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  Opposing argument: (Cato Institute, Dec. 19, 2003): In principle, separation seems the best answer to stop the killing. For this reason, a security fence makes sense--if it actually separates Jew from Arab. Unfortunately, to protect a number of disparate Israeli settlements erected in the midst of Palestinian communities, Israel currently is mixing Jew and Arab and separating Arab from Arab. Thus are sown the seeds for conflict. After 36 years of occupation, the land remains almost exclusively Arab. The limited Jewish presence is the result of conscious colonization. The settlements require a pervasive Israeli military occupation, imposing a de facto system of apartheid. Separation offers the only hope, but separation requires dismantling Israeli settlements.

  Source: S.Res.6 & H.Res.11 17-SRes6 on Jan 3, 2017

  Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations.

  McCain co-sponsored urging Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations
  • WHEREAS for several months, the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, has been announcing over various media that he will not renew the current concession of the television station "Radio Caracas Televisión", also known as RCTV, which is set to expire on May 27, 2007, because of its adherence to an editorial stance different from his way of thinking;
  • WHEREAS President Chavez justifies this measure based on the alleged role RCTV played in the unsuccessful unconstitutional attempts in April 2002 to unseat President Chavez, under circumstances where there exists no filed complaint or judicial sentence that would sustain such a charge under Venezuelan law;
  • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate--
  • (1) expresses its profound concern about the transgression against freedom of thought and expression that is being committed in Venezuela by the refusal of the President Hugo Chavez to renew the concession of RCTV
  • (2) strongly encourages the Organization of American States to respond appropriately, with full consideration of the necessary institutional instruments, to such transgression.
  Source: Radio Caracas Resolution (S.RES.211) 2007-SR211 on May 21, 2007

  Call for Burma's junta to release political prisoners.

  McCain co-sponsored calling for Burma's junta to release political prisoners
  • WHEREAS Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life to the peaceful, non-violent movement for democracy and reconciliation in the Union of Burma;
  • WHEREAS Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy won a majority of parliamentary seats in Burma's last election held in 1990;
  • WHEREAS the State Peace and Development Council of Burma refuses to cede power and permit representative government and has detained Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for 11 of the last 17 years;
  • WHEREAS the ruling military junta has committed numerous, well-documented atrocities against the people of Burma;
  • WHEREAS Aung San Suu Kyi continues to promote peaceful dialogue and reconciliation despite mistreatment from the State Peace and Development Council;
  • WHEREAS the United States recognizes and supports the dedication and commitment to freedom demonstrated by Aung San Suu Kyi:
  • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate--
  • (1) honors Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage and devotion to the people of the Union of Burma and their struggle for democracy; and
  • (2)calls for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners by the State Peace and Development Council.
  Source: Aung San Suu Kyi Resolution (S.RES.250) 2007-SR250 on Jun 22, 2007

  Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO.

  McCain co-sponsored including Ukraine & Georgia in NATO

  Congressional Summary: A resolution expressing strong support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to enter into a Membership Action Plan with Georgia and Ukraine:

  1. reaffirming support for enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to include democratic governments that are able to meet the membership responsibilities;
  2. that NATO's expansion contributes to its relevance;
  3. that Georgia and Ukraine are strong allies that have made important progress in the areas of defense and democratic and human rights reform;
  4. that a stronger relationship among Georgia, Ukraine, and NATO will benefit those countries and NATO member states; and
  5. that the United States should take the lead in supporting the awarding of a Membership Action Plan to Georgia and Ukraine.

  Legislative Outome: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

  Source: S.RES.439 & H.RES.997 2008-SR439 on Jan 31, 2008

  Sponsored bill supporting demonstrations against Iran.

  McCain sponsored bill supporting demonstrations against Iran
  A resolution expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law.
  • Expresses support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law.
  • Condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the government of Iran and pro-government militias as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cellphones.
  • Affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.
  Source: SR.193&HR.549 2009-SR193 on Jun 19, 2009

  Pressure friendly Arab states to end Israeli boycott.

  McCain signed Schumer-Graham letter to Secy. Rice from 79 Congress members
  Dear Secretary Rice,
  In the past, the lack of sufficient support from [non-participating] Arab states have made it difficult to reach agreements [on the Arab-Israeli conflict]. You should press friendly Arab countries that have not yet done so, to:
  1. Participate in the upcoming international meeting and be a full partner of the US in advancing regional peace
  2. Take visible, meaningful steps in the financial, diplomatic and political arena to help Palestinian President Abbas govern effectively and meet obligations to fight terror
  3. Stop support for terrorist groups and cease all anti-Israel and anti-Jewish incitement
  4. Recognize Israel's right to exist and not use such recognition as a bargaining chip for future Israeli concessions
  5. End the Arab League economic boycott of Israel in all of its forms
  6. Pressure Hamas to recognize Israel, reject terror, and accept prior agreements, and isolate Hamas until it takes such steps.
  Source: Schumer-Graham letter to Secy. Rice from 79 Congress members 2010-LT-AR on Oct 2, 2007

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