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U.S. House Speaker Ryan Offers Election-Year Security Agenda | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) speaks during a news conference in Washington, U.S., May 26, 2016.
REUTERS/JOSHUA ROBERTS


U.S. House Speaker, Paul Ryan, revealed a national security policy presenting stronger defense on Thursday, marking the second step in a conservative policy agenda rolling out as he works to unite Republicans after a divisive primary campaign.

The plan is sharply critical of President Barack Obama, blaming the Democrat for “eight years of broken promises, concessions, and retreat” in the Syrian civil war, nuclear deal with Iran, chilly relations with Russia and dealings with a bellicose North Korea.

The plan might upturn some of what is seen as foreign policy achievements by Obama allies, as it is sharply blames the Democrat for years of broken promises and concessions in Syria’s war, alongside the latter’s moves toward normal relations with Communist-ruled Cuba.

The blueprint includes a couple of departures from foreign policy statements by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, whom Ryan has certified in the White House race.

Moreover, Ryan did not demand the building of a massive wall along the Mexican border, however stressed on the importance of border security measures including “high fencing,” aerial surveillance and radar.

On the other hand, the plan somehow echoes Trump’s Muslim immigrants concerns with calls to tighten refugee screening and discussion of ways not to radicalize youths.

“We must constantly reassess our defenses in order to find and close security gaps so that Islamist militants cannot slip into our country undetected,” Ryan’s plan said.

In contrast with Trump’s critical stance of some U.S. alliances, Ryan’s plan underscores the importance of NATO, and calls ties to Israel “the cornerstone of stability in the Middle East”.

It also calls for more trade agreements and says foreign aid programs should make recipient countries self-sufficient.

Ryan, considered as the country’s highest-ranking elected Republican, has offered an anti-poverty agenda on Monday with initiatives on regulation, constitutional authority, healthcare and tax reform are expected in the coming weeks.