The Foreign Policy Initiative organized an event called “Peace Through Strength: Restoring American Leadership in the World.” Toonari Post representatives Kiara Ashanti and I had the opportunity to assist as media during our time at the Republican National Convention.

Tim Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota and candidate for president in the Republican primaries, was the main speaker. William Kristol, one the main political analysts in the nation, was the moderator.

Pawlenty said that there is a big difference in the Romney and Obama plan to ensure national security, although some liberal media have said they are basically the same. The former governor said Romney had plans to restore the United States’ global leadership role, which has been lost under Obama´s administration.

Pawlenty said that although many think Ryan and Romney have no experience in national security and foreign policy issues, they would definitely choose the best people to get the job done. Pawlenty reminded the audience that before Reagan became president, many doubted his credentials, but Reagan became one the best leaders the country has ever had.

Romney is a man who has studied history and knows how the world is, Pawlenty explained, so he has no doubt that if the United States is threatened Romney would not only have a philosophical reaction, he would have a concrete reaction to stop the threat.

The main speaker also criticized President Obama for taking money out of the Defense budget. He said that if Romney wins, rather than taking money out of the Defense budget, the budget would be increased, to increase the size of the Air Force and the Navy.

If Romney wins, his first priorities would be Iran, Syria and North Korea. Pawlenty explained that Iran has threatened a United States ally, Israel, and that the government should not let that happen. He also warned that if Iran has a nuclear weapon, the United States would respond.

According to Pawlenty, it does not matter if their national security plans are popular around the world, what really matters is if the country is safe, and under Mitt Romney the country would be safe.

Pawlenty also said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a tyrant that is murdering his own people and that he should be removed from office. He criticized that President Obama has not supported the Syrian rebels who are trying to take Assad out of power. He said the Russians, who, along with China, vetoed a UN intervention in Syria, are supporting Assad´s army with guns and training, and the United States is not doing that for the rebels.

Pawlenty assured that under Mitt Romney, the United States would definitely support its allies in need and would assume the role as the leader of the free world.

Image Courtesy of  Gage Skidmore

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