Barack Obama
What should be the role of human rights in U.S foreign policy? What should the United States do about human rights violations in places such as Burma, China, Pakistan, and Russia?
Obama supports U.S sanctions against Burma and Sudan, but does not seem to have a cohesive plan on integrating actions against human rights violators into U.S. foreign policy.
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
Obama argues the United States should have both a no-fly zone and a protective force on the ground and that we should focus on the longer term trade opportunities, investment, and foreign policy in the region. He has also advocated for economic sanctions on Sudanese oil and more robust diplomacy efforts. Obama has divested stock of Sudanese-related holdings and worked with Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) to secure $20 million for the African Union peacekeeping mission.
When, if ever, should the United States engage in military action to stop genocide or ethnic cleansing?
Obama believes the United States cannot use military action to solve humanitarian issues and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq is not a good enough reason to keep troops there. He does not think it’s a good idea to deploy or occupy Sudan unilaterally, and believes that if humanitarian intervention were criteria for deployment, the U.S would already have troops committed in the Congo.
Should the United States close the prison camp in Guantanamo? If so, what should be done with the prisoners there?
Obama has stated that we should close Guantanamo and restore habeas corpus. He does not believe that prosecution should be determined by military courts rather than federal judges.
Are there any circumstances for when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation is appropriate?
Obama is against torture of any kind and believes it is a betrayal of our core values. He has also said that “America cannot sanction torture. It’s a very straightforward principle, and one that we should abide by. Now, I will do whatever it takes to keep America safe. And there are going to be all sorts of hypotheticals and emergency situations and I will make that judgment at that time. But what we cannot do is have the president of the United States state, as a matter of policy, that there is a loophole or an exception where we would sanction torture.”
Should provisions about labor rights be included in future trade agreements?
Obama plans to use trade agreements to spread improved labor and environmental standards globally and will oppose agreements like the Central America Free Trade Agreement. With regard to China, he believes that the United States should insist on labor standards and human rights, and argues that we should ensure fair trade by enforcing existing trade agreements.
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
Obama argues that democracy is best promoted through government investments that help to “reduce poverty, build healthy and educated communities, develop markets, and generate wealth.” States must have the capability to fight terrorism, stop proliferation of WMD’s, and build health care infrastructure.
Obama also wants use 2 billion dollars to create a Global Education Fund. And he cosponsored the ADVANCE Democracy Act of 2005 to advance and strengthen democracy globally.
Position on ICC ratification.
Obama has said that he would thoroughly consult with military commanders and examine the track record of the Court before reaching a decision on whether the U.S. should become a State Party to the ICC. He would also continue to support the Court in its investigations into Sudan.