Fred Thompson On The War

Fred Thompson, in London to see Lady Thatcher, gave a speech at the Policy Exchange and spoke about the War:

Many in Europe simply have a different view from that of the United States as to the threat of radical Islamic fundamentalism. They think that the threat is overblown. That despite September 11th, and July 7th and other attacks in Europe and elsewhere, America is the main target and therefore the problem is basically an American one. The fact that no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq at a particular point in time resolves the matter for them. Also, they see no meaningful connection between terrorist groups and countries like .

Admittedly, even some in America think that the threat is overblown, and that if we had not gone into Iraq, we’d have no terrorism problem.

However, most Americans feel differently. We understand that the Western world is in an international struggle with jihadists who see this struggle as part of a conflict that has gone on for centuries, and who won’t give up until Western countries are brought to their knees. I agree with this view. I believe that the forces of civilization must work together with common purpose to defeat the terrorists who for their own twisted purposes have murdered thousands, and who are trying to acquire technology to murder millions more.

When terrorists in their video performances pledge more and bigger attacks to come, against targets in both Europe and America, these are not to be shrugged off as idle boasts. They must be taken at their word.

When the president of shares his nightmare visions before cheering crowds, those are not just the fanatic’s version of an empty applause line. The only safe assumption is that he means it. If we know anything from modern history, it is that when fanatical tyrants pledge to “wipe out” an entire nation, we should listen. We must gather our alliance, and do all in our power to make sure that such men do not gain the capability to carry out their evil ambitions.

There is more, much more, as my RedState colleague, haystack, discussed earlier.

Both the Guardian and Reuters focused on Thompson's discussion about the War. The Guardian summed it up nicely in a single sentence:

Mr. Thompson also called for US and European resolve over Iraq and a tough policy towards and its president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

According to Reuters, in a question and answer session Thompson talked about the options available to deal with the ian Mullahocracy:

's poor economy and domestic opposition to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could prompt "regime change", Thompson said.

"We have a lot of friends in who apparently feel their leader is trying to drive them off of a militant, religious extremism cliff," he said.

Some of these problems might work in our favor especially if we ratcheted the sanctions a bit more. I would think that certainly a blockade would be a possibility if we could get the international cooperation to do that.

I think regime change might be an option ... but you can't take the military option off the table.

I am still determined to remain uncommitted at this point in the 2008 presidential campaign. Until now my views about Fred Thompson concentrated on his "thin record" during the eight years he served as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee and his lack of foreign policy and executive experience. After reading the Policy Exchange speech, I am more favorably impressed my Thompson. I am first and foremost a security voter. Let's hear more.

Thompson's entire speech, as prepared for delivery, is available at Townhall. YouTube video of Thompson's question and answer session is in four segments:

Video 1 - His view of .
Video 2 - About Iraq.
Video 3 - His political heroes.
Video 4 - A tribute to Margaret Thatcher.

Thanks to BritainAndAmerica.com for the YouTube links.

Comments

[RepublicanRoots]

RepublicansAgainstFred:
I was in Europe several times over the last couple of years. I spoke my mind on the war as I talked to people from Belgium to France. Was I out of line?

I don't recall Thompson stating he was proposing US positions. I didn't see where he says he was part of any government envoy.

Your comments are dangerously close to advocating revoking freedom of speach. I would hope your feelings on the war don't overshadow the basic rights our country is founded on.

His comments were said as a citizen. They were picked up because he could run for President. If I think I might run for President does that remove my freedom of speach?

My caution to you, be careful you don't become that which you fight against. I would be curious to know why you think he should not be able to excersise free speach if he did not present it as US policy? As I said, I have been to Europe several times. Can you tell me what would be acceptable in your book for me to talk about, or what I shouldn't talk about, as a private citizen and why?

[Bruch]

Fred sure knows about "The War"! It is not just Iraq, it is the whole world! Here he describes how we first attack Iran, like with a blockade. Now, that's war. That will get them starving. Then when they attack anybody they can, say, Israel, we nuke them. That will set up some other countries mad at the US and we can nuke them, too.

With the blockade we have to have the resolve to sink any ships that get close, no matter what flag they have or what cargo they have. That will get the world cooperating!! A seige overland should be done also. Otherwise, some do-gooders will be smuggling in food.

[politics forum]

I'm disappointed by Thompson's comments. I expected him to be more than just a "smart Bush." I speak to Europeans on a daily basis. Their opposition to the Iraq War stems from the fact that they think it was an oil grab and that the war was handled completely incompetently and they are definetely right about the latter. Rumsfeld said this would be a quick war several years ago.

A disappointing start for things to come from Thompson.

[RepublicansAgainstFred]

Who the hell does this guy think he is going to London and making statements about foreign policy? Last time I checked he was only a private citizen and he cleary has no authority to do so. He is out of line. WAY out of line.