Iraq: Support President Obama’s draw down of troop levels in Iraq and turn leadership of security operations over to the Iraqi people. This is a war that never should have been and the United States should bring our involvement to an end as quickly as is responsibly possible.

Afghanistan: While the defeat of the terrorists who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001 has been the purported reason for this war, measurable results towards that end have been difficult to tabulate. Many agree that a resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan would not be in the country’s best interests. At the same time, conservative factions in the government are creating an environment almost certain to repress Afghani people, especially women. As quickly and responsibly as possible, the United States should end warfare in Afghanistan and turn security operations over to the Afghani people. Defense spending should be replaced, at a lower level, with humanitarian aid.

Iran: Iran is a country of conflicts, expressing diverging views about its future depending upon which faction is considered. Whether one listens to the religious leadership, the elected government, the residents of Iran or expatriates, a different story is heard about Iran. From our perspective, the root cause of Iran’s belligerence is its failure to live up to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It is ironic that the United States and Iran could sit at the same negotiating table in New York in May to reach agreement on nuclear non-proliferation and otherwise exist in a climate of international tension regarding the Iranian nuclear program. The United States must work with the United Nations to follow the established process to bring Iran into compliance with its NPT obligations.

Israel-Palestine: The relationship between Palestine and Israel must be addressed, and the United States is expected to play a leading role in resolving the conflict. Regardless of how the situation is viewed, it is hard for many Iowans to avoid the perception that the Palestinian people are being repressed by an arrogant Israeli government. While the “two state solution” is essentially dead, it may be the only way to resolve this conflict. Our Senators should work with the administration towards that end.

Mexico: Whether or not the United States will enforce its immigration laws is an open question and the answer pertains significantly to our relationship with Mexico. The American people seek to take advantage of low labor and environmental compliance costs in Mexico as evidenced by our purchase of goods made there and the manufacturing capacity that produces them. The amount of commerce created in Mexico is insufficient to prevent the push of its citizens to seek economic opportunity in the United States. Drug cartels are a significant political force in Mexico and through illicit trade with customers in the United States we bolster their influence of the Mexican government. The solution to the problems with our relationship with Mexico is about more than passing laws and enforcing them. It is about working together to create a balance between economic opportunity for workers, both US and Mexican and our mutual desire for low cost goods. Developing a comprehensive policy towards Mexico should be a priority.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Arms Reduction: If President Obama has launched an initiative with which most people agree it is his work towards a world without nuclear weapons. Neither should we move too quickly, and without due consideration of consequences, to achieve specific goals, nor should we languish in inaction as this work has done for too many years. New START with the Russians should be ratified by the Senate, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty should also be ratified, loose nuclear materials should be secured and nuclear weapons should be de-alerted. We expect our United States Senator to support President Obama’s initiative in this area.

There is much left out here, relations with China, Pakistan, India and North Korea in particular. Like any wish list, we had to set priorities that matter. Blog for Iowa would appreciate the reader’s feedback on this list.