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December 8, 2011 in Nation/World
Obama on foreign policy: ‘Ask bin Laden’
President answers appeasement charges by critics
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama today forcefully rejected Republican accusations that his foreign policy is timid and amounts to a policy of “appeasement.”
“Ask Osama bin Laden and the 22 out of 30 top al-Qaida leaders who have been taken off the field whether I engage in appeasement. Or whoever is left out there, ask them about that,” the president said during a news conference.
He also defended his efforts to block Iran from building a nuclear weapon, saying Iran is now isolated and facing tough international sanctions thanks to the work of his national security team.
His remarks came a day after Republican presidential candidates took turns criticizing Obama’s foreign policy as weak during speeches before Jewish activists and donors. They especially focused on the Obama administration’s Middle East policy.
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania on Wednesday said Obama’s policy toward radical Islamists “has been nothing but appeasement.”
Obama seemed primed for the question about the critique, and his communication director, Dan Pfeiffer, promptly posted the president’s response on Twitter: “Ask Osama Bin Laden.”
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Wednesday said Obama “emboldened Palestinian hard-liners who now are poised to form a unity government with terrorist Hamas and feel they can bypass Israel at the bargaining table.” Romney also accused Obama of being “timid and weak in the face of the existential threat of a nuclear Iran.”
Obama, citing “some of the political noise out there,” said his administration has “systematically imposed the toughest sanctions” on Iran.
“When we came into office, the world was divided; Iran was unified and moving aggressively on its own agenda,” he said. “Today Iran is isolated, and the world is unified and applying the toughest sanctions that Iran’s ever experienced, and it’s having an impact inside of Iran.”
Obama said he was considering all options for dealing with Iran, but declined to say what those options included.
He said Iran’s suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons is contrary to the national security interests of the United States and its allies, including Israel. “And we are going to work with the world community to prevent that,” the president said.
Last week at a New York fundraiser, Obama specifically addressed concerns from Israel supporters about his administration’s approach to the Middle East.
“I try not to pat myself too much on the back, but this administration has done more in terms of the security of the state of Israel than any previous administration,” Obama said then.
© Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Stocks plummet as outlook in Europe dims 
johnclarke on December 08 at 1:34 p.m.
President Barack Obama today forcefully rejected Republican accusations that his foreign policy is timid and amounts to a policy of “appeasement.”
Omg, as opposed to a policy of invading the wrong country, killing hundreds of thousands of innocents and thousands of our brave soldiers? Obama’s foreign policy, starting with hiring Hillary Clinton - has kicked ass. Kind of hard to look bad versus the last guy, and certainly he has not been perfect. However, Obama’s team has learned from it’s mistakes and adapted. Let’s not forget the mess he inherited, and the serious clean up he has accomplished. Well done, Mr. President.
DHF on December 08 at 1:51 p.m.
It’s nice when Bama can take credit for something the intelligence and the military has done. He is a fish out of water and dosent know up from down about intelligence let alone foreign affairs.
jimmyball on December 08 at 2:03 p.m.
Yup he certainly can’t hold a candle to W (“Mission Accomplished”)
kma on December 08 at 2:15 p.m.
DHF…
Like your boy Bush didn’t take credit for….on the ship that basically the WAR was over, when he invaded a country, IRAQ, for no DAM reason, except because of his Daddy. Get a grip DHF, get a grip that your party is the one that has brought this country down. Your party’s GREED and lack of caring for those that are without and FOR THOSE that make MILLIONS…….OH WAIT, IT IS NOW BILLIIONS DHF!
Tell us DHF who you are going to vote for from your list of GREAT CANDIDATES to become the next President of the United States of America? You lost one that should have never been part of the scenerio. I think it was part of the Koch Brother’s plan from day one, just my opinion. Please, enlighten us all DHF who you are going to vote for. And, when you do, please tell us what this nominee will do to CREATE JOBS, etc., DHF. Oh, and please be sure to include their credintials. Married 3 times, and a wife with a bleached blond helmet doooooooo. Flipping and flopping everday. Takes from federal government for their personal lives…but slams that same government that helps those in real need. The list is so outrageous DHF…I can only laugh when seeing this idiots debating. Now, your party has “……TRUMP…..” My God, DHF, do you like what you see? Do you? Oh, wait…the last gaffe of one of those great people didn’t even know the legal voting age……..He has changed..it to now “21”. Think before saying something so WRONG as your post. Think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it may hurt, but give it a try DHF.
kma on December 08 at 2:16 p.m.
ty jimmyball. Yep, mission accomplished and still going. And, those that are for the continuing war slam President Obama for ending it.
johnclarke on December 08 at 2:16 p.m.
DHF on December 08 at 1:51 p.m.
It’s nice when Bama can take credit for something the intelligence and the military has done. He is a fish out of water and dosent know up from down about intelligence let alone foreign affairs.
Um sorry. Was he supposed to be on that chopper and serve on the Seal Team that took him out?
The President makes the call, that is his job. Obama is 10 times the CnC that Bush was. He is never afraid to use force when needed, and most importantly when NOT to use it. If we followed the Bush/Cheney plan we would have invaded Syria, Iran and Libya. Need I remind you that not only did 9/11 happen on Bush’s watch, the murdering bastard responsible for it was sitting in plain sight. That is, until President Obama sent him a personal hello via Seal Team Six.
Coffee on December 08 at 2:47 p.m.
Everyone please keep in mind that ultra liberals that infest this forum from time to time are not responsible for what they spew. They are genetically challenged because they inherited the liberal gene. You should just mostly disregard and understand that they are not bad evil people only sick just like anyone else with a genetic defect.
liberal_in_right_wing_land on December 08 at 3:00 p.m.
Coffee, really, so I guess tea baggers are out to protect the rich and fight against their best interests (since most tea baggers are poor and middle class). I guess the tea baggers are not responsible for what they say also because more are uneducated high school drop outs so they just don’t know any better so we should just disregard what they say because they are uneducated rednecks who don’t know any better. Tea baggers like you are not evil, they are just stupid and uneducated.
Tell me Coffee, what has your tea bagging republican party done for the poor and middle class in the last 10 years?
Amazing how many times I ask this questions and who many times the tea baggers stop posting in the forum this is asked, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ANSWER!!!
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on December 08 at 3:24 p.m.
Seriously though, if we grant that the president does not actually have to parachute into the danger zone and pull the trigger his or her own self*, then yes, Obama DOES get to take responsibility for the death of Bin Laden – then Bush has to take responsibility for not giving the order to kill him at Tora Bora.
*if we do not grant that — if we say the president must be a soldier in whatever war we are fighting if he or she wants to claim credit for leadership — then we have to acknowledge that America has never had a wartime leader.
WHS on December 08 at 3:28 p.m.
This is just too funny… Seriously, these idiots are challenging President Obama’s foreign policy record. What a bunch of maroons… I mean there are things they can challenge, there are policies that they disagree with, yet they go after President Obama on this. The bottom line, they have nothing, absolutely nothing… Just goes to show what type of candidates the right is putting forth. Honestly, any normal Republican or Conservative would never challenge him on this, because they would lose and they know it. President Obama’s foreign policy, has been great and the record proves it. In fact, I am already ready to darken the little oval next to Hillary’s name, just because of how well she has done as our Secretary of State. Especially given the dipwads the republicans are trying to shove down peoples throats… They got nothing and they know it.
Seriously, Obama 2012 and Hillary 2016!
WHS
Coffee on December 08 at 3:34 p.m.
liberal_in_right_wing_land:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/us/politics/15poll.html?pagewanted=all
“Tea Party supporters are wealthier and more well-educated than the general public, and are no more or less afraid of falling into a lower socioeconomic class, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.”
What I paid for health insurance did not go up as much as it has since the Democrats took over.
You should consider reducing your carbon foot print to zero so you do not pass on your genetic defect or at least have your self fixed.
Shadedmuse on December 08 at 3:43 p.m.
You will need a weejee board to ask Osama.
detroitdude on December 08 at 3:52 p.m.
Well, lets see:
OBL dead.
Campaign promise fulfilled.
Most all Iraq troops home for good by Christmas.
Campaign promise fulfilled.
Obama has effected regime change while putting next to no American soldiers on the ground and spending very little on it.
I’d say he is running a “competent” foreign policy, as opposed to a “retarded” foreign policy that was used for two terms previous to him.
WHS on December 08 at 3:52 p.m.
Hey Coffee… Did you know that during the Bush era, my insurance contribution went up 700%, yes seven zero zero. For the layman, that essentially means that in 1999 I was paying $35 a month… In 2007 my contribution was $245 a month (or 7 times higher), plus I went from 0 deductible to $500 annually, plus a co-pay. In 2007 I changed jobs… In 2008 my current employer charged me $25 a month, $10 co-pay and $500 deductible. To start 2012, my contribution will be $30 a month, $15 co-pay and $500 deductible. So pooey on you. My insurance has been better since the Democrats took over, and with the new Health Care Reform, things are looking even better for the future.
Care to try again.
WHS
WHS on December 08 at 4:07 p.m.
From the same article posted by Coffee (by the way coffee, if you are going to post a link, I would suggest you actually read it…).
” But in follow-up interviews, Tea Party supporters said they did not want to cut Medicare or Social Security — the biggest domestic programs, suggesting instead a focus on “waste.”
Some defended being on Social Security while fighting big government by saying that since they had paid into the system, they deserved the benefits.
Others could not explain the contradiction.
“That’s a conundrum, isn’t it?” asked Jodine White, 62, of Rocklin, Calif. “I don’t know what to say. Maybe I don’t want smaller government. I guess I want smaller government and my Social Security.” She added, “I didn’t look at it from the perspective of losing things I need. I think I’ve changed my mind.” ”
“I think I’ve changed my mind…” Kind of sums up the direction of your beloved tea party eh’ coffee
WHS
johnclarke on December 08 at 4:17 p.m.
Coffee on December 08 at 3:34 p.m.
liberal_in_right_wing_land:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/us/politics/15poll.html?pagewanted=all
Coffee:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/us/politics/05teaparty.html
Same newspaper, one year or so later. My big question about the Tea Party - is where were they for the last decade? The only major difference that I can see is Health Care reform, which shouldn’t really bother them - since they are all on Medicare. The Tea Party didn’t seem to have a problem with the out of control spending of Reagan or Bush.
I’ve give the Tea Party about another 4 minutes, and then they are gone. Read that article, most people that originally identified with them didn’t even know what they were joining. Therefore I think the original survey is crap.
johnclarke on December 08 at 4:21 p.m.
“I just feel he’s getting away from what America is,” said Kathy Mayhugh, 67, a retired medical transcriber in Jacksonville. “He’s a socialist. And to tell you the truth, I think he’s a Muslim and trying to head us in that direction, I don’t care what he says. He’s been in office over a year and can’t find a church to go to. That doesn’t say much for him.”
detroitdude on December 08 at 5:00 p.m.
“He’s been in office over a year and can’t find a church to go to. That doesn’t say much for him.”
As opposed to:
“God told me to invade Iraq.”
DHF on December 08 at 5:11 p.m.
For someone who could not pronounce Marine Corps right you the libs give him to much credit. Bama is out of his league and would be hard pressed to be a Cinema Usher.
Coffee on December 08 at 5:37 p.m.
WHS: I did read the whole thing. I just used the portion of the article that refuted Liberal_in_right_wing_lands’ statement that all Tea Party members like you are not evil: they are just stupid and uneducated. I am glad that you are getting cheaper and better insurance because of the Democratic party, but again I was just answering a question of LINRWIS’.
As to the article I agree with the statement that his foreign policy is timid and amounts to a policy of appeasement. It has been my life experience that body counts and appeasement do not ensure peace. Instead, only strong allies willing to follow your lead ensure peace and in my opinion President Obama has consistently pissed off our country’s allies and is trying to appease our enemies
As for flaming liberals in this forum, they need to be flamed occasionally just so they know they’re loved. Just so they know their opinions are valid and people think enough of them to respond. Besides, I’m sure LINRWIS is an adult and can handle a flame now and then.
johnclarke on December 08 at 6:05 p.m.
Coffee on December 08 at 5:37 p.m.
only strong allies willing to follow your lead ensure peace and in my opinion President Obama has consistently pissed off our country’s allies and is trying to appease our enemies
I’m just wondering if you can come up with some specific examples. While I am not the expert on world affairs that you obviously are, I think a little evidence to back up your statements is in order. Furthermore, my understanding (I’ve only been there once) is the entire Middle East is very tired of our presence and interference in their affairs. Mind you, they will accept certain kinds of help when requested. I’m going to point out that crisis after crisis has been handled pretty well by this administration. Tall order, considering the total f’ed up mess handed off by the previous group of clueless idiots known as the Bush administration. You are aware (again because of your expertise in world affairs) that the occupation of Iraq was totally botched right? Do you recall when they disarmed and fired the Iraqi military, then the gigantic tool George Bush went on camera and said “bring it on” ? That is called creating an insurgency. That cost countless American lives and probably and extra five years in Iraq. There is American blood on his hands.
So yeah, thanks for your input and all Coffee, but I will take President Obama and his impressive score of wins over Mr. Mission Accomplished.
misjustice on December 08 at 6:18 p.m.
Obama on foreign policy: ‘Ask bin Laden’
OH, snap, snappity, snap, snap, snap!
AND President Barack Hussein Obama had no need of a cod piece or a big ol’ banner; he just got r did!
; )
liberal_in_right_wing_land on December 08 at 6:32 p.m.
Coffee, your so clever and witty with your tea bagger humor.
Why don’t you try and answer my question though……WHAT HAS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DONE FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS AND THE POOR IN THE LAST 10 YEARS?
Shadedmuse on December 08 at 6:41 p.m.
Not a damn thing in the last 30 years.
I would rather have a drunk Obama then a Sober tea-bagger.
Coffee on December 08 at 6:58 p.m.
John, President Bush’s failings and accomplishments have no bearing on my opinion of Barack Obama. I arrived at my opinion of him from conversation with family, friends and acquaintances. Those from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece. I’ve also perused newspapers and internet forums, e-mails and letters. I make no claims of being an expert. It was an opinion arrived at from my life experiences and as you know opinions are like buttholes: everyone has one. By the way you are not required to agree with me, although that would tickle the cockles of my heart.
Coffee on December 08 at 7:01 p.m.
Liberal,
I already have, kept my health insurance lower than the Democrats.
johnclarke on December 08 at 7:15 p.m.
I arrived at my opinion of him from conversation with family, friends and acquaintances. Those from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece. I’ve also perused newspapers and internet forums, e-mails and letters.
So, no evidence then ? Just opinion? Well, you are certainly welcome to that - even if you are wrong, clearly misinformed and marginally educated.
JBlim on December 08 at 7:18 p.m.
Bush made stupid foreign policy decisions. We lost thousands of troops, trillions of tax dollars and gained nothing. There was nothing personally brave about his attack on Baghdad. The Republican candidates’ bravado sounds just like George W.
Coffee on December 08 at 7:24 p.m.
John how do arrive at your opinions?
liberal_in_right_wing_land on December 08 at 7:34 p.m.
Seriously coffee, thats what you’re going with? The only thing the republicans have done is keep your health insurance lower?
Thats funny since they will do whatever possible to make sure their buddies in the big insurance companies can raise your rates and drop you whenever possible. Whereas the Affordable Health Care Act, when it goes into effect, will stop that from happening, but it hasn’t gone into effect yet and thats why insurance companies are raising their rates right now with the republicans failing to allow the democrats to stop them…..so I guess you have mistaken another democrat policy that helps you as republican. Shocking a tea bagger gets that wrong. So your answer is a big FAIL. Try again.
johnclarke on December 08 at 8:06 p.m.
Coffee on December 08 at 5:37 p.m.
only strong allies willing to follow your lead ensure peace and in my opinion President Obama has consistently pissed off our country’s allies and is trying to appease our enemies
I asked for evidence supporting this statement. You have none, obviously - so that leaves your opinion which you are certainly welcome to.
My opinion is not the issue.
Dazzeetrader11 on December 13 at 4:27 p.m.
We did ask Bin Laden. He’s told us he’s angry because he was nailed by the Bush network and this pretender Obama is taking credit for something he had nothing to do with. Faker.