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Santorum says Iran at center of world's conflict
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WASHINGTon -- Sen. Rick Santorum yesterday said Islamic fascism rooted in Iran is behind much of the world's conflict, but he is opposed to military action against the country.
Instead, the Republican is advocating the passage of legislation to punish countries that aid Iran's nuclear program and to encourage pro-democracy groups in Iran.
"I think it's important for us in Congress and the president to indicate clearly what our objective is there. I think it sends a clear message to the people of Iran," Santorum told reporters after speaking at the National Press Club.
Iran is at the center of the problem because it created Hezbollah and is the driving force behind Hamas, Santorum said.
"I believe we must fight for a strong Lebanon, a strong Israel, and a strong Iraq," Santorum said. "That requires effective action against Iran."
Santorum, the No. 3 Senate Republican, said after the speech he selected the topic because it was an outlet to lay out his thoughts about Iran and terrorism.
"To me, it's the most important issue facing the country today, and I think that's probably shared by the people of Pennsylvania," Santorum said.
Santorum is embroiled in a tough re-election fight against state Treasurer Bob Casey. Although Santorum has twice as much cash as Casey, Casey has been consistently ahead of him for months in the polls.
Santorum made few references to Casey or the election during the speech, but said afterward, "It's sort of hard to figure out what issues my opponent cares about or even thinks about."
Larry Smar, a spokesman for Casey, said Casey has been offering plans on subjects like increasing the minimum wage and increasing health care, and Santorum's speech was him rubber-stamping President Bush's agenda.
During the speech, Santorum criticized the media for printing details of intelligence-gathering programs put into place after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, but did not say if he thought journalists who wrote the stories should be prosecuted.
"Their behavior certainly deserves scrutiny in my opinion," Santorum said.
He also defended the treatment of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. Santorum said people who had sought to kill Americans are treated "with more civility than any, most prisoners are treated in the United States, or anywhere in the world. I think it says a lot for us as a country."
First Published July 21, 2006 12:00 am
