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  • Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Peacemaker: Former United States congressman Lee Hamilton kicked off the 32nd season of the University Speakers Series at Indiana State University on Thursday.

    MET092012hamilton 2.jpg

  • Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Speaker: Former United States congressman Lee Hamilton kicked off the 32nd season of the University Speakers Series at Indiana State University on Thursday. He discussed U.S. foreign relations during his presentation, "American Foreign Policy after Iraq and Afghanistan."

    MET092012hamilton 1.jpg

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September 21, 2012

U.S. ‘stung’ by wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Hamilton says during ISU speaker series

Costs outweigh benefits, former congressman says

Brian Boyce The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Lee Hamilton understands that the 2012 election has focused on the economy, but he is surprised at how far down the list of priorities foreign policy seems to have fallen.

“I find it extraordinary,” he said Thursday afternoon in remarks made before a speech scheduled for several hours later, Noting that America is still at war in Afghanistan and troops are dying there, he said neither President Barack Obama nor Republican challenger Mitt Romney seem to be focusing on that issue.

Hamilton, former U.S. Congressman from Indiana’s 9th District, served as opening presenter in Indiana State University’s 32nd University Speakers Series, discussing U.S. foreign relations going forward in light of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At a press conference, the 81-year-old statesman entertained questions on topics ranging from disaster response to foreign policy and the 2012 presidential election.

A graduate of DePauw University and Indiana University Law School, Hamilton won the 9th District Congressional seat in 1964, serving there through 1999.

While a member of Congress, the Hoosier Democrat chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the U.S. House Permanent Selection Committee on Intelligence, among others. Following his departure from office, Hamilton served as vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission.

The Middle East, Hamilton said, has been a significant region for decades, and every modern president has struggled with the area.

Recent events in that region, specifically Libya, have forced the issue a bit, and Hamilton said those problems won’t be soon remedied.

“It’s apparent that the term ‘Arab Spring’ was a misnomer,” he said. “Obviously, it’s gone on well beyond the spring.”

And problems didn’t just start then either. Hamilton said some of America’s problematic figures may be gone — such as Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Saddam Hussein of Iraq — but many of the Middle Eastern power players still remain. What the U.S. has learned in Afghanistan and Iraq, however, is that America can’t dictate outcomes overseas, that those will be controlled by the people there. America should be on the side of those fighting for economic development, humane treatment and freedom, but ultimately the decision will be made by the local populace, he said.

“It’s going to be a very long pull,” he said.

And America will think twice before using direct military force again, he predicted.

“We’ve been stung by Iraq and Afghanistan,” he remarked, explaining the wars have been extremely expensive in money and lives.

In Iraq, one dictator has essentially been ousted only to be replaced by another. And in Afghanistan, corruption remains rampant and the new government is a disappointment at best. Meanwhile, Afghani troops are killing Americans with the weapons and training we provided, and that’s unacceptable, he said.

“I think in retrospect, the costs have far outweighed the benefits,” he said, describing the wars as an expensive lesson which taught America it can’t control the world with military might.

Meanwhile, control of America itself is up for grabs in November as Obama and Romney continue to campaign. Hamilton said the two candidates offer subtle, yet very stark, differences in their approach to foreign policy.

Obama, he explained, has stated his support for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Romney on the other hand, has said the Palestinians don’t seem to want peace.

“I don’t know where you go from there,” Hamilton said of Romney’s stance.

On the issue of Iran and its potential as a nuclear power, Hamilton said Romney has declared his intent to prevent that nation from achieving nuclear capability, whereas Obama has stated his goal as preventing it from developing a weapon. The difference, subtle though it seems, lies in the point at which the candidates would seek to use force, he explained. Romney, he surmised, would most likely use force first.

Romney’s expressed intent to address China on alleged currency manipulation could spark a trade war, Hamilton said, pointing to that as a reason for Obama’s reticence on that topic.

The differences might seem minor at present, but they could yield very different results, he observed.

 And America’s political parties certainly represent very different perspectives this year.

“There isn’t any doubt that we’re at a peak period of polarization,” he said, remarking that partisanship wasn’t nearly as divisive when he served in Congress. “I hope that can change.”

Some degree of partisanship is not only necessary, but good, he said. But when it becomes excessive, ideology interferes with pragmatics. The country needs leaders who can work across the political aisles.

“There is a huge gulf between the liberals in this country and the conservatives,” Hamilton observed, adding it’s not yet unbridgeable. By focusing on the problems at hand and seeking pragmatic solutions, rather than ideological positions, good work can still be accomplished, he said. “It makes all the difference the attitude you bring to the table.”

Ultimately, no party is strong enough to dictate results to the country, as has been proven year after year, 18th century through the 21st, he said.

And if he had it to do all over again, Hamilton said without question he would.

“Oh, yes,” he remarked, describing his nearly four decades in Congress as extremely rewarding. As a congressman, one is a “bit player” on a much larger stage, but that small role puts one in the middle of the most important issues of the day. Years out of office, he said he can’t think of a more exciting and challenging job than that of a U.S. Congressman.



Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.

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