
Robert Hurt: National security calls for realism, not idealism
President Obama’s foreign policy fails to address the threats facing the United States and our allies.

President Obama’s foreign policy fails to address the threats facing the United States and our allies.

Israel’s historical experiences have created a major psychological barrier embedded in the psyche of every Israeli.

Lawyer Zihindula Mulegwa, MA ’05 (conflict transformation), left studies in Kansas to assume a government post in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We live in a dangerous world, and the threats to the United States only continue to grow when we fail to lead on the world’s stage.

Legitimate concerns have been raised that ISIS terrorists and sympathizers could enter the U.S. through what is called the Visa Waiver Program.

Last Friday, the nation of France – America’s first and enduring ally – suffered a devastating attack, and our hearts and prayers remain with her people in this time of mourning.

Issues of national security are too important to leave to idealism and wishful thinking. We must remain vigilant and resolute to ensure that our top priority is that our nation and allies are kept safe. I will continue to oppose a nuclear Iran and advocate for a foreign policy that promotes peace through strength.

Almost two years ago, we learned that the National Security Agency (NSA) was collecting, in bulk, Americans’ telephone records. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, countless telephone metadata records are flowing into the NSA. Since then, the American people have made it clear that we need to rein in our nation’s intelligence-gathering programs and end this assault on civil liberties. I wholeheartedly agree that this program threatens Americans’ civil liberties and privacy.

Northrop Grumman has committed $750,000 to support a scholarship program at Virginia Tech and a faculty fellowship aimed at creating leaders who are poised to solve the national security challenges of the 21st century.

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, today questioned Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on the President’s threat to veto legislation that removes defense spending from sequestration.