Foreigners make US more secure

International education’s importance to national security was discussed by foreign policy advisers to the three presidential candidates at a conference held by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Advisers alluded to many foreign policy topics but the majority of the discussion centered on education. Advisers stressed the need to increase study abroad opportunities for American students.

Panelists said that increasing the number of international students studying in the United States would not only help to mend its image in the world but that increased international interactions would also help to maintain the United States’ security. Denis McDonough of Obama for America said that drawn out background checks cause the United States to be viewed as unfriendly and withdrawn.

Richard Fontaine of John McCain for President explained Sen. McCain’s (R-Ariz.) proposal to mandate study abroad programs for students at the United States’s military academies. Fontaine noted the lack of knowledge within the US military of languages like Arabic and Pashto. Mara Rudman of Hillary for President said that a grasp of other cultures is critical, adding that President Bush and Sen. McCain have failed in the past to fully understand Iraq.