Recent Quran burnings and a massacre of Afghan civilians allegedly by an American soldier have exacerbated tensions between the US and Afghan leaders. In a Fox News interview on March 18, Romney blamed Obama for “failed leadership” in Afghanistan.
Romney was asked what he would do differently, given Obama’s pledge to stay the course toward a planned US withdrawal at the end of 2014.
“Well, first of all, I would exercise leadership,” Romney said, arguing that Obama needs to communicate more with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
“Look, what's happening right now is an example of failed leadership,” said Romney. “The president put out a specific timetable for withdrawal for our troops, a timetable for the end of combat operations. That is leading Mr. Karzai to take action that is self-preservation in nature. The president needs to be more engaged and interacting with not only our commanders there but also with leadership in Afghanistan.”
But when asked if he would change the withdrawal plan, Romney declined to be specific.
“Before I take a stand at a particular course of action, I want to get the input from the people who are there,” Romney said.
On Iran and the threat it could develop nuclear weapons, Romney said Obama waited too long to put in place “crippling sanctions.”
“He should be less worried about Israel taking military action to stop Iran from having a nuclear weapon and more worried about Iran actually having [a] nuclear weapon and ... fissile material,” Romney said. “And he should make it very clear that the United States of America will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, and that we will take action, including military action if necessary, to prevent that from occurring.”
In his March 6 press conference, Obama criticized Republican candidates for what he described as their casual talk about war.
“When I see the casualness with which those folks talk about war, I am reminded of the costs involved in war,” he said. “Those who are suggesting or proposing or beating the drums of war should explain clearly to the American people what they think the costs and benefits would be.”
Romney rejected Obama’s criticism.
“Well, it's quite clear that the president wants to avoid in any way a discussion about a military option,” Romney said. “But, of course, we have to recognize that if all else fails – and he's failed on so many dimensions, it's possible that all else will fail. But I hope not.”
