Jeanne Shaheen on Foreign Policy Previously Democratic Governor (NH); candidate for Senate 2008

Rebuild our alliances & restore our moral authority

A: I believe the United States needs to reestablish itself as a world leader that brings together countries to find solutions for the world’s military, environmental, and economic issues. We need to rebuild our alliances and we need to restore our moral authority in the world by making it clear that we will abide by the Geneva Conventions.

Reform the UN but pay US dues

A: Yes.

Q: Will you oppose legislation that withholds U.S. dues to the U.N.?

A: While I do believe that there are reforms that need to be made at the UN, and I will press hard to see that those reforms are achieved, I do not believe withholding U.S. dues have proven an effective method for achieving these objectives.

Afghan laws violate women's human rights on sex & divorce.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: Expressing the sense of Congress that the Shi'ite Personal Status Law in Afghanistan violates the fundamental human rights of women and should be repealed.
• Whereas in March 2009, the Shi'ite Personal Status Law was approved by the parliament of Afghanistan and signed by President Hamid Karzai;
• Whereas according to the United Nations, the law legalizes marital rape by mandating that a wife cannot refuse sex to her husband unless she is ill;
• Whereas the law also weakens mothers' rights in the event of a divorce and prohibits a woman from leaving her home unless her husband determines it is for a 'legitimate purpose';
• Whereas President Barack Obama has called the law 'abhorrent' and stated that 'there are certain basic principles that all nations should uphold, and respect for women and respect for their freedom and integrity is an important principle';
• Whereas Afghanistan acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, entered into force September 3, 1981 (CEDAW), which condemns discrimination against women in all its forms and reaffirms the equal rights and responsibilities of men and women during marriage and at its dissolution;
• Whereas the provisions in the Shi'ite Personal Status Law that restrict women's rights are diametrically opposed to those goals:
• Now, therefore, be it Resolved that Congress--
• urges the Government of Afghanistan and President Hamid Karzai to declare the provisions of the Shi'ite Personal Status Law on marital rape and restrictions on women's freedom of movement unconstitutional;
• encourages the Government of Afghanistan to solicit information and advice from governmental and women-led nongovernmental organizations to ensure that legislation uphold the equal rights of women.