21:04
22.10.2012
Schieffer announces first segment: challenges of a changing Middle East and new face of terrorism.
21:09
22.10.2012
Libya and the Benghazi attack
Schieffer addresses Romney first, says Romney said it is an example of an American policy on Middle East that is "unraveling before our eyes." Asks both candidates to address this.
Romney says with the Arab Spring came a great deal of hope that there would be a change in the region toward moderation, but instead he says we've seen in nation after nation a "number of disturbing events," including in Syria, Libya.
Romney calls Iran "the greatest threat of all," saying it is four years closer to a nuclear weapon.
Romney congratulates Obama on the killing of bin Laden, but says "we can't kill our way" out of this, says nation has to have a comprehensive strategy.
Obama answers next. Says his main job as commander in chief is to keep nation safe.
Obama says al-Qaida's core leadership has been decimated, discusses turning over security responsibility to Afghan forces.
On Libya, Obama says it's important to step back and think about what happened. Says despite this tragedy in Benghazi, after the attack, thousands of Libyans marched and said "America is our friends."
He says Romney's strategy is not designed to keep Americans safe or build on progress made in Middle East.
21:11
22.10.2012
If you thought Mali would be mentioned twice in the 1st ten minutes of the debate, you just won. #lynndebate
â The Fix (@TheFix) October 23, 2012
21:13
22.10.2012
Romney says the key nation needs to pursue is to get Muslim world to reject extremism on its own. Says we don't want another Iraq or Afghanistan.
Romney says U.S. has to help Middle Eastern nations create civil societies. Romney says as we've watched chaos occur in Middle East, we've seen al-Qaida and other terrorists rush in. Romney says we've got "real problems" in the region."
Obama says he is happy that Romney acknowledges al-Qaida, but challenges him, saying Romney previously said Russia was the biggest threat.
Obama says every time Romney has offered an opinion, including on troops in Iraq, nuclear treaties with Russia, and developing a timeline on Afghanistan, he's been wrong.
Obama says the U.S. needs "strong, steady leadership" on the Middle East not "wrong, reckless leadership."