Congressman Sander Levin

Foreign Affairs

In an increasingly interconnected world, an active, realistic, and effective foreign policy is more important than ever. I firmly believe that our prosperity increasingly depends on the United States being a leader in the world as we work with our friends and allies to solve complex problems and take advantage of new opportunities. Our nation cannot afford to pull back from the international community on economic, diplomatic, or security matters.

I am working to create a new trade policy for the United States that will shape globalization and help ensure that its benefits are more broadly shared, both here at home and around the world. But broadly shared prosperity also requires us to assist our neighbors in the international community as they work to build strong, democratic societies.

Ending the War In Iraq

On October 10, 2002, the House of Representatives voted 296 to 133 to give President Bush the authority to use military force in Iraq to address an alleged threat posed by Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. I voted against giving the President that authority. More than six years later, I remain convinced of the need to change a policy that has not worked and re-focus our nation’s resources to genuine security threats.

Of course, we now know that Iraq did not possess any weapons of mass destruction; neither did Saddam Hussein’s regime have any links to Osama bin Laden or al-Qaeda. Ironically, the Bush Administration’s fixation with fighting a war in Iraq diverted U.S. resources from the effort to fight the terrorists who planned and supported the 9/11 attacks. These terrorists are located in Afghanistan and the vast, mountainous tribal areas of Pakistan.

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Stopping the Violence in Darfur

I believe the United States must do far more to break the cycle violence that grips Darfur and address the dire humanitarian needs of Darduri refugees.

As the tragedy in Darfur, the Western province of Sudan, continues into its sixth year, it is clear more must be done by the United States and other nations to find an end to the conflict. An estimated 300,000 people have died from violence, starvation, and disease, and approximately 2.7 million people have fled or been forced from their homes.

While negotiations between the Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality Movement, the largest anti-government faction in Darfur, are underway, it remains irrefutable that the Sudanese government is responsible for the devastation we have witnessed. In March, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir expelled thirteen humanitarian assistance agencies from the country, posing immediate threat to the safety and survival needs of over 1 million Darfurians. It is believed the expulsions were in retaliation for the International Criminal Court’s indictment against President al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Court has also filed indictments against the Sudanese Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and the leader of the Janjaweed militia.

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Containing the Threat of Iran

One of the most significant threats to our national security is the prospect of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. A nuclear Iran would rattle an already unstable Middle East and pose direct danger to the safety of Israel, our most important ally in the region. This threat is made more real by the recent revelation that the country is operating a secret uranium enrichment site, in clear violation of international law.

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Development Assistance

Helping other countries build stronger economies and reduce poverty is important to our own prosperity and security. Humanitarian and economic development assistance reinforce America’s role as a world leader, promote stability, and create new markets for our goods and services.

I am greatly encouraged by President Obama’s 2010 federal budget proposal, which puts the United States on a path to doubling its foreign policy assistance within five years. This renewed commitment to development assistance continues a proud legacy of America’s role in working to shape the world for the better. From the Marshall Plan after World War II to the Millennium Challenge Corporation today, Americans have long understood that when we help our neighbors, we create a stronger and safer international community.

Global Health and HIV/AIDS

I strongly support our nation’s efforts to fight the spread of deadly infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Globally, AIDS has been the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 59 since 2002. An estimated 33 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 1.5 million people die of tuberculosis each year. Every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria, making it the largest killer of children in Africa.

We must stop the epidemics of HIV, TB, and malaria. Our long-term prosperity and security are inextricably linked to our commitment to help build stronger economies and reduce poverty around the world. Promoting public health is a critical component of this effort. Disease cripples not only individuals, but economies as well, preventing parents from supporting their families and leaving children orphaned with no financial security, limited opportunities for education, and narrow prospects for the future. As a member of the bi-partisan global Health Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to fight the challenges these diseases present.

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(Updated October 8, 2009)