f449e7c3_maha_com_interactive_documents__0
[Michele Bachmann DROPPED OUT] Afghanistan is a war "we must and can win" if generals have enough troops and money. Opposed U.S. intervention in Libya, saying it might help terrorists there. Has strongly opposed cutting defense spending. [Newt Gingrich] Praised the decision to increase troops in Afghanistan two years ago but has been noncommittal recently on when and how the U.S. should withdraw. Initially criticized White House for not intervening in Libya, then criticized the use of U.S. air power there. Opposes cutting defense spending, except for waste. Supports continued use of Guantanamo detention for terrorism suspects but said waterboarding “is not something we should do.” Favors strengthening investigative powers of Patriot Act. [Ron Paul] Favors bringing all or nearly all troops home immediately, from Afghanistan and all other posts abroad. Opposed U.S. intervention in Libya and opposes U.S. military involvement overseas generally. Favors cutting military spending. Opposes the surveillance and search powers of the Patriot Act. Says terrorists would not be motivated to attack America if the U.S. ended its military presence abroad. Says "waterboarding is torture" that is illegal, immoral and impractical. [Rick Perry DROPPED OUT] "The mission must be completed" in Afghanistan. He's criticized the announcement of U.S. troop-withdrawal goals in Iraq and for Afghanistan — but has not said how many troops should remain or for how long. Opposes cutting military spending. Supports continued Guantanamo detention for suspected terrorists and extension of Patriot Act. U.S. interrogators should stop short of torture, which he does not define. [Mitt Romney] Has criticized troop withdrawals from Afghanistan as starting too soon, but has not specified numbers he'd favor to ensure the "force level necessary to secure our gains and complete our mission successfully." Would increase size of military, including more troops and warships. Favors aggressively confronting jihadists and Iran, including with military pressure. Does not consider waterboarding torture. [Rick Santorum DROPPED OUT] Says U.S. troops should withdraw from Afghanistan slower than Obama is planning "because we want to be successful. We want victory." Says troop levels and rules of engagement have been too constrictive. Likens radical Islam to the scale of past ideological threats such as Marxism. But says intervention in foreign conflicts should be limited to those with a direct impact on the U.S. Supports continued use of Guantanamo detention for suspected terrorists. Says waterboarding has proven effective. [0] 
Afghan war/terrorism
2012 Republican presidential candidate bios - Omaha.com interactive documents
0