Leon Panetta Discusses U.S. Foreign Policy and Iran Conflict

U.S. foreign policy during a recent discussion with former Carter administration officials. Panetta described two possible directions for the United States. He said the country could experience an American Renaissance with strong leadership or could decline if fears, hatred, prejudice, discrimination, and division consume it.

U.S. foreign policy for 80 years after World War II. These included American leadership in a dangerous world, strong alliances, a strong military, strong diplomacy, the central role of democracy, and confronting tyrants and autocracies. He stated that previous administrations maintained a functioning National Security Council where advisors debated issues and examined consequences.

Panetta said the current administration has turned away from these approaches.

Iran Conflict Panetta addressed the war in Iran.

He said the 12-day war last June damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities and left the Supreme Leader in a weakened position. Panetta stated that an opportunity existed to support protesters and help develop new leadership in Iran but that this did not occur.

He said the president announced that help was on the way but that help never came. Panetta said bombing alone would not achieve regime change and that such change must come from within a country.