We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man — a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience sake. - Barack Obama
Obama on Afghanistan
On May 1st 2012, President Obama signed a historic Strategic Partnership Agreement between the United States and Afghanistan that will help us to complete our mission and end the war in the Afghanistan as fast as we safely and responsibly can. By 2014, America’s combat mission in Afghanistan will end.
Obama on China
The relationship between the United States and China will shape the 21st century, which makes it as important as any bilateral relationship in the world... That really must underpin our partnership. That is the responsibility that together we bear.
Obama on North Korea
North Korea will achieve nothing by threats or by provocations, North Korea knows its obligations, and it must take irreversible steps to meet those obligations. On this, the United States and the Republic of Korea are absolutely united.
Obama on Iran
President Obama has been clear that he is determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Under President Obama’s leadership, the United States gained the support of China, Russia, and other nations to pass the most comprehensive international sanctions regime that Iran has ever faced.
The President also worked with Congress to pass the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions and Divestment Act, and signed additional sanctions hitting Iran’s central bank and oil revenues, targeting Iran’s entire financial system for the first time.
Obama on Israel
President Obama has repeatedly reaffirmed the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel, and has raised U.S. security assistance to Israel to unprecedented levels. Under President Obama’s leadership, U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation is broader and deeper than ever.
The President is working to address Israel’s security needs and ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people.
Obama on Syria
These violations of the universal rights of the Syrian people have revealed to Syria, the region, and the world the Assad government's flagrant disrespect for the dignity of the Syrian people.
The US opposes the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Syria, and we support the universal rights of the Syrian people.
We have imposed sanctions on President Assad and his government. The EU has imposed sanctions as well.
We helped lead an effort at the UN Security Council to condemn Syria's actions. We have coordinated closely with allies and partners from the region and around the world.
Obama on Iraq
With our diplomats and civilian advisers in the lead, we will help Iraqis strengthen institutions that are just, representative and accountable...We'll build new ties of trade and of commerce, culture and education that unleash the potential of the Iraqi people.
Obama on Russia
President Obama signed and passed the START Treaty with Russia, which will reduce the number of nuclear weapons deployed by Russia and the United States and has allowed the United States to resume inspections of Russian nuclear sites.