In line to replace Boehner, McCarthy lays out foreign policy vision

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The congressman who appears to be next in line for the speakership of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday laid out his vision for American foreign policy, which he said needs to be tougher.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., spoke at the John Hay Initiative -- a Republican group of foreign policy advocates -- and referenced iconic Republicans Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.

During his speech, McCarthy said the United States needs to be more aggressive in its handling of matters overseas -- particularly terrorism in the Middle East. He added that the United States needs to be "feared" and "respected."

Part of the solution to becoming more feared and respected, he said, is to employ a force-first policy with regards to potential threats like Russia, Iran and the Islamic State.

"When it comes to tyrants, dictators and terrorists, strength and the threat of force is the only language they understand," McCarthy said. "Peace comes through strength, not through retreat."

Many of those at the John Hay Initiative are former government officials from the George W. Bush administration.

McCarthy criticized the Obama administration's handling of the Iran nuclear deal and actions in dealing with Russia's advances in Ukraine since Moscow annexed Crimea last year.

Members of the House are responsible for choosing the next Speaker to replace John Boehner, who abruptly announced his resignation last week, effective Oct. 1. Many Republicans view McCarthy as a front-runner.

Part of his vision included sending a small number of U.S. forces to Iraq and Syria to get control of the fight against Islamic State militants. Last week, the Pentagon confirmed that a Syrian rebel commander -- who was trained and equipped by the U.S. military -- had defected and handed over vehicles and ammunition to an al Qaeda representative.