2008 Presidential Candidates' Views on the Middle East: Fred Thompson

Iranian Threat:

“Many Iranians don't like the Tehran government, and I think we ought to capitalize on that... There is a chance they may mobilize themselves, and we need to assist them if that happens.” (April 2007)

Hamas and the Situation in Gaza:

“(Israelis) have gone to incredible lengths to stop the war against them without harming Palestinian non-combatants...But make no mistake, Israel is at war. The elected Hamas government regularly repeats its official promise to destroy Israel entirely and replace it with an Islamic state. Hamas openly took credit for killing one woman and wounding dozens more last week alone...If the world doesn't act to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions, it must be prepared for the consequences of Israel defending itself” (May 31, 2007)

“Hamas produces music videos that encourage the youngest children to become suicide bombers. The Hamas website for children is filled with the same hateful fanaticism.” (May 2007)

Sources: TownHall.com, Ha'aretz