Sen. Marco Rubio, in a speech in New York at an event sponsored by the Foreign Policy Initiative, a conservative think tank, slammed the Obama administration for not inviting Cuban dissidents.
As Secretary of State John Kerry helped raise a U.S. flag above a newly opened US embassy in Havana, Republican presidential candidates Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio criticized the administration saying it reflects Obama’s “strategy of accommodation and appeasement”.
The Florida senator also attacked the recent Iran nuclear deal – and said Obama’s policy on Iran is evidence of what he called “every flawed strategic, moral and economic notion” driving President Barack Obama’s foreign policy.
“He has been quick to deal with the oppressors, but slow to deal with the oppressed”, Rubio said.
Any talks to come afterward must result in a deal that terminates Iran’s nuclear program, he says, and would also be tied to “Iran’s broader conduct, from human rights abuses to support for terrorism and threats against Israel”.
“I will invite Cuban dissidents, Iranian dissidents, Chinese dissidents and freedom fighters from around the world to be honored guests at my inauguration”, said Rubio, stating his strong support for those who oppose oppressive governments. “Iran may not return to the table immediately, but it will return when its national interests require it to do so”.
Rubio did not just lash out against Obama’s foreign policy, but also against Obama’s approach toward his domestic critics.