The American people have called for an end to our open-ended commitment in Iraq. The election of President Barack Obama put us on that path.
We should all be proud of our troops and their admirable service in Iraq. After more than five years they have completed their mission. It is time to bring our soldiers home from Iraq and Zoe supports President Obama's plan to do so in a responsible manner.
The focus is now on stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Economic development, regional diplomacy, and effective political and legal institutions are the true keys to success in the region. But these efforts cannot succeed amidst the pervasive violence and insecurity.
To learn more about the Zoe's work on issues related to foreign affairs, please click here.
Human Rights in Vietnam
Zoe is proud to have co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam with Representatives Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA) and serves as a current co-Chair. The actions of all nations must be measured against the standards of international behavior to which they have agreed. Having laws alone does not guarantee that they will be enforced or respected. This is clear in the case of Vietnam.
As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Vietnam is obliged to recognize freedom of expression. Article 69 of its own Constitution states: "the citizen shall enjoy freedom of opinion and speech, freedom of the press, the right to be informed, and the right to assemble..." Nonetheless, the government of Vietnam repeatedly and consciously violates its international obligations with its relentless persecution of those expressing their right to freedom of expression.
As an active Member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam, Zoe will continue to bring attention to political persecution in Vietnam and put pressure on the Vietnamese government to improve their human rights records.
To learn more about the Zoe's work on issues to ensure and expand Human Rights in Vietnam, please click here.
