John Boehner on Recommitting to Missile Defense
“During the 2008 presidential campaign, much was made of the ’3 a.m. moment’ — how would a president respond to a sudden international crisis? After North Korea’s recent nuclear test, its continuing short-range ballistic missile tests and news of a possible test of a long-range missile capable of reaching American targets in Japan, Guam and even Alaska and Hawaii, President Barack Obama finds himself confronted with a real-life 3 a.m. moment.”
So begins Congressman John Boehner’s op-ed in the Chicago Tribune. He notes that the world is watching and waiting for President Barack Obama’s response to North Korea’s defiance. With Iran no doubt emboldened by North Korea’s actions, the president must take a bold and decisive stand against these rogue countries. It will have far-reaching consequences.
Iran is intent on acquiring nuclear power, and Obama said he wants to discuss the issue with Iran by the end of the year. “Any attempt to do the same with the North Koreans,” writes Boehner, “risks giving the world the impression that the U.S. is softening its long-standing policy of not legitimizing our enemies’ ambitions by joining them at the negotiating table.”
It’s a shame that the leader of the most powerful country in the world chooses to adopt a weak stance and call it diplomacy. North Korea and Iran are relatively weak countries, yet their stances are strong. However, we’re certain “diplomacy” isn’t the word they’d use.
Tags: Barack Obama, Iran, John Boehner, North Korea