Staff Reports
In a recent TV interview, Sen. Rick Scott laid out a clear, hard-headed view on two long-troubled spots in U.S. foreign policy: Cuba and Iran. His message was simple. He expects the Cuban people to topple the Castro regime without U.S. boots on the ground, but he warned that dealing with Iran may require actual military action. That kind of straight talk is a welcome change from wishful thinking and endless delay.
Let the Cuban people finish the job
Senator Scott said the Castro rulers have drained Cuba of wealth and hope. He suggested Raul Castro might flee or face justice, and he thinks ordinary Cubans will rise up once the regime runs out of money and fuel. He’s right to put faith in the Cuban people. They have lived under tyranny for decades. U.S. policy should help them, not try to do their fighting for them or hand the island back to failed ideas.
That does not mean we ignore security. Scott warned we must harden places like Guantanamo Bay and Key West because of new Cuban drone buys. That is common sense. We should prepare defenses and deny the regime any ability to threaten our territory, while keeping the focus where it belongs: supporting freedom on the island, not recreating a new occupation. The Castro family’s bank accounts won’t buy them street-level loyalty.
When Iran crosses the line, words aren’t enough
Deterrence, not dithering
On Iran, Scott was blunt: President Donald Trump may have to use military force. That is not warmongering; it’s deterrence. Iran’s leadership has spent years playing footsie with international rules while tightening its grip at home and abroad. If they keep stringing the world along, vague threats won’t stop them. Having the option of decisive action makes diplomacy work. If our leaders won’t back up words with capability, we shouldn’t blame the generals for doing their jobs.
The lesson here is straightforward: back the brave (the Cuban people) and be ready to defeat the bad (Iran’s regime) if needed. Senator Scott’s comments show the kind of clarity we need in U.S. foreign policy. Let Congress fund sensible defenses, let the President keep all options on the table, and let patriotic Cubans finish the fight for their own freedom. That’s how you protect America—and promote liberty—without pretending every problem is solved by a press release.
