America can only be great on the world stage by being good.
My experience teaching English at a rural Islamic boarding school in Malaysia as a Fulbright scholar through the U.S. State Department taught me that America’s greatest strength isn’t our military might—it’s our ability to build genuine partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values. Real security comes from diplomacy, development, and demonstrating that democracy delivers.
Congress must rein in an out-of-control Executive Branch
President Trump and his White House have now instigated a reckless and illegal war in Iran. This military campaign, commenced without input or authorization from Congress, threatens to plunge the United States into yet another drawn-out overseas engagement in the Middle East with vague objections and a dubious premise. As it has in the past, Congress must step up and reassert its Constitutional role as a strong limiting check on executive warmaking authority and stop this war.
We must build a lasting Middle East Peace
The Hamas terrorist attack of Oct. 7, 2023, was an act of barbarism directed against innocent civilians. However, Israel’s response long ago crossed the line from justifiable self-defense to disproportionate and criminal and inhumane violence. Refusing to allow access to basic amenities to millions of civilians is unacceptable. The United States must cease all military aid and weapons sales to Israel to send a clear signal to the Israeli government. We should work to ensure that Israel fulfills all its obligations in the recently negotiated peace agreement with Palestinians. In Congress, I would push to allow all necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza and ultimately negotiate a long-term solution that represents a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
We must also address the sharp rise in antisemitism since the terror attacks of October 7th, particularly on the American political right. Hate crimes against people of Jewish descent in the United States and worldwide have spiked – last year, in Australia, fifteen people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration. Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk, men with strong ties to Nazi groups, have been granted some of the highest positions in the United States government. As someone whose personal family history has been deeply shaped by antisemitism, I strongly support the Biden Administration’s U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, and I believe we must unite as a country to destroy antisemitism and ensure Jewish-Americans can proudly and openly celebrate their faith without fear of harm or persecution.
Defend Ukraine
We cannot allow Vladimir Putin to take over Ukraine. This is what U.S. diplomacy and power should be used for – to stop authoritarians. I support continued aid to Ukraine and a very strong push for peace talks to end the invasion.
