--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We had people coming to our Foreign…" description: "\"We had people coming to our Foreign Relations Committee and saying, \"Oh, we need to arm the allies of Al Qaida.\" They are still saying this. It is a cr..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/843/rand-paul-606_allies_we-had-people-coming-to-our-foreign-rela_488063.jpg" --- # We had people coming to our Foreign Relations Committee… ![“We had people coming to our Foreign Relations Committee and saying, "Oh, we need to arm the allies of Al Qaida." They are still saying this. It is a crazy notion. This is the biggest debate we should be having is is regime change a good idea; has it been a good idea.” quote by Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/843/rand-paul-606_allies_we-had-people-coming-to-our-foreign-rela_488063.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/843/rand-paul-606_allies_we-had-people-coming-to-our-foreign-rela_488063.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/843/rand-paul-606_allies_we-had-people-coming-to-our-foreign-rela_488063.jpg) > “We had people coming to our Foreign Relations Committee and saying, "Oh, we need to arm the allies of Al Qaida." They are still saying this. It is a crazy notion. This is the biggest debate we should be having is is regime change a good idea; has it been a good idea.” [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker argues that focusing on arming allies of terrorist groups is misguided; the real issue is whether regime change works. **In simple terms:** Arming allies of terrorists is a bad focus; we should debate regime change effectiveness. Key Takeaway Prioritize evaluating regime change before arming allies. Themes foreign policy terrorism regime change political strategy Mood critical analytical Type political strategic When to use this quote - policy debates - military aid decisions - international negotiations - public discourse Key Concepts realpolitik interventionism strategic assessment Questions to Reflect On - Is regime change always beneficial? - When is arming allies justified? A Different Perspective Arming allies may be necessary in some contexts to counter threats. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Allies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/allies/) [Debate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/debate/) [Foreign relations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foreign-relations/) [Good ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-ideas/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Israel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/israel/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Regime change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regime-change/) ## Related quotes > [Henceforth we will tackle our enemies that come face to face with us and we will not be stabbed in from behind by internal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mengistu-haile-mariam/henceforth-we-will-tackle-our-enemies-that-come-face-to-face-with-us/) [Mengistu Haile Mariam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mengistu-haile-mariam/) > [The way I enjoyed spending time most was dancing. That's from the time I was a very small child, When I was 4 or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/twyla-tharp/the-way-i-enjoyed-spending-time-most-was-dancing-that-s-from-the-time/) [Twyla Tharp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/twyla-tharp/) > [ The question's whether or not there's an American interest in the Civil War \[in Syria\]. The question is whether or not a military strike… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/the-question-s-whether-or-not-there-s-an-american-interest-in-the/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [Whether or not regime change is a good idea or a bad idea. I don't think because I think the regime change was a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/whether-or-not-regime-change-is-a-good-idea-or-a-bad-idea-i-don-t/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [There is often variations of evil on both sides of the war. What we have to decide is whether or not regime change is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/there-is-often-variations-of-evil-on-both-sides-of-the-war-what-we/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I think that if you believe in regime change, you're mistaken. In 2013, we put 600 tons of weapons - us, Saudi Arabia, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-think-that-if-you-believe-in-regime-change-you-re-mistaken-in-2013/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [America does not need to continue to have regime change throughout the world, nation-building.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/america-does-not-need-to-continue-to-have-regime-change-throughout/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I think it's a huge mistake. I think regime change in Syria, and this is what - I've been saying this for several years…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-think-it-s-a-huge-mistake-i-think-regime-change-in-syria-and-this/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I also think regime change in Syria is a bad idea. And that's an ongoing question. It's one of the things I like about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-also-think-regime-change-in-syria-is-a-bad-idea-and-that-s-an/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [ \[John\] Bolton was an advocate for regime change in Libya, so was Hillary Clinton actually. And Donald Trump said it was a mistake. I… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/john-bolton-was-an-advocate-for-regime-change-in-libya-so-was-hillary/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [Out of regime change you get chaos. From the chaos you have seen repeatedly the rise of radical Islam. So we get this profession…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/out-of-regime-change-you-get-chaos-from-the-chaos-you-have-seen/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [ I don't know about \[Rex\] Tillerson, but I do know that John Bolton doesn't get it. He still believes in regime change. He's still… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-don-t-know-about-rex-tillerson-but-i-do-know-that-john-bolton-doesn/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I think the problem with John Bolton is he disagrees with President Trump's foreign policy. He would be closer to John McCain's foreign policy.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-think-the-problem-with-john-bolton-is-he-disagrees-with-president/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [The one thing man fears is the unknown. When presented with this scenario, individual rights will be willingly relinquished for the guarantee of their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-a-kissinger/the-one-thing-man-fears-is-the-unknown-when-presented-with-this/) [Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-a-kissinger/) > [“Pick a leader who will keep jobs in your country by offering companies incentives to hire only within their borders, not one who allows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzy-kassem/pick-a-leader-who-will-keep-jobs-in-your-country-by-offering/) [Suzy Kassem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzy-kassem/) ## More by Rand Paul > [I have a question, a question for the president: Do you hate all rich people, or just rich people who don't contribute to your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-have-a-question-a-question-for-the-president-do-you-hate-all-rich/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I am encouraged President Obama now says he will fulfill his constitutional obligation to seek authorization for any potential military action in Syria. This…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-am-encouraged-president-obama-now-says-he-will-fulfill-his/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I can tell you who's planning terroris attacks. The leaders of ISIL. And I can tell you where they're at. They're in Raqqa, Syria.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-can-tell-you-who-s-planning-terroris-attacks-the-leaders-of-isil/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [There comes a time, in the history of Nations when fear and forgetfulness cause a nation to hesitate, to waver and perhaps even to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/there-comes-a-time-in-the-history-of-nations-when-fear-and/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [As long as I sit at Henry Clay's desk, I will remember his lifelong desire to forge agreement, but I will also keep close…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/as-long-as-i-sit-at-henry-clay-s-desk-i-will-remember-his-lifelong/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I believe people ought to be treated fairly under the law. I see no reason why if the marriage contract conveys certain things that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-believe-people-ought-to-be-treated-fairly-under-the-law-i-see-no/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I think that, most importantly, when I see issues of war, I see them in a personal vein, and I am reluctant to go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-think-that-most-importantly-when-i-see-issues-of-war-i-see-them-in/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I would have handled it differently than the mayor of Baltimore, that's for sure. I think it's a mistake to say, hey, guys, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-would-have-handled-it-differently-than-the-mayor-of-baltimore-that/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [We have to think before we act.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/we-have-to-think-before-we-act/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I would introduce and support legislation to send Roe v. Wade back to the states.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-would-introduce-and-support-legislation-to-send-roe-v-wade-back-to/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [President Obama, I think, wanted what was best for the country, but I think it didn't work well. I think we have the death…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/president-obama-i-think-wanted-what-was-best-for-the-country-but-i/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I think it's a mistake to downgrade and say surveillance is no big deal. It is a huge deal that we are collecting millions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-think-it-s-a-mistake-to-downgrade-and-say-surveillance-is-no-big/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [We need a revival in the country,” Paul said. “We need another Great Awakening with tent revivals of thousands of people saying, 'reform or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/we-need-a-revival-in-the-country-paul-said-we-need-another-great/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [We do not project power from bankruptcy court. We're borrowing a million dollars a minute.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/we-do-not-project-power-from-bankruptcy-court-we-re-borrowing-a/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [I can use most of the tools that every American teenager can master. Maybe not all of them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-can-use-most-of-the-tools-that-every-american-teenager-can-master/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) [Explore all 449 Rand Paul quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) ## More Allies quotes > [I genuinely did not expect more than half our nation to choose to walk away from our long-term allies into the arms of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-reade/i-genuinely-did-not-expect-more-than-half-our-nation-to-choose-to/) Brian Reade > [If the women in the factories stopped work for twenty minutes, the Allies would lose the war.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-joffre/if-the-women-in-the-factories-stopped-work-for-twenty-minutes-the/) Joseph Joffre > [As far as Japan is concerned, I want to help all of our allies, but we are losing billions and billions of dollars. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/as-far-as-japan-is-concerned-i-want-to-help-all-of-our-allies-but-we/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [ No wonder that Churchill described this effort \[the British codebreakers working at Bletchley Park\] as "Britian"s secret weapon," a weapon far more effective than… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-hilton/no-wonder-that-churchill-described-this-effort-the-british/) [Peter Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hilton/) > [One of our great allies at present is the Church itself. Do not misunderstand me. I do not mean the Church as we see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis/one-of-our-great-allies-at-present-is-the-church-itself-do-not/) [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [Our security depends on having good relationships with our allies. Donald Trump mainly shows contempt for them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-wolfowitz/our-security-depends-on-having-good-relationships-with-our-allies/) [Paul Wolfowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-wolfowitz/) > [So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/so-americans-understand-the-costs-of-war-yet-as-a-country-we-will/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [What would your life be like if your body were your friend and ally?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christiane-northrup/what-would-your-life-be-like-if-your-body-were-your-friend-and-ally/) [Christiane Northrup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christiane-northrup/) > [“Bacteria and viruses were the most effective allies.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eduardo-hughes-galeano/bacteria-and-viruses-were-the-most-effective-allies/) [Eduardo Hughes Galeano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eduardo-hughes-galeano/) > [When black women are down with you and in your corner, you have an ally that will move Heaven and Earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyler-perry/when-black-women-are-down-with-you-and-in-your-corner-you-have-an/) [Tyler Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyler-perry/) > [There is an irreplaceable ally. It's called the United States of America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/there-is-an-irreplaceable-ally-it-s-called-the-united-states-of/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [It would have been easier to fight alone with inadequate forces than to have to accept...responsibility for our ally's lack of fighting qualities and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-kesselring/it-would-have-been-easier-to-fight-alone-with-inadequate-forces-than/) [Albert Kesselring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-kesselring/) > [It isn't until you begin to fight in your own cause that you become really committed to winning and become a genuine ally of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-morgan/it-isn-t-until-you-begin-to-fight-in-your-own-cause-that-you-become/) [Robin Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-morgan/) > [ Again, I hear almost everyday from atheists who write off religion as primitive, premodern nonsense. I summon Aquinas, Augustine, Paul \[of Tarsus\], Teresa of… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-barron/again-i-hear-almost-everyday-from-atheists-who-write-off-religion-as/) [Robert Barron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-barron/) > [My own take on the word "transgender" is that it's an umbrella term for anyone who breaks any rules, laws, guidelines or protocol of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-bornstein/my-own-take-on-the-word-transgender-is-that-it-s-an-umbrella-term-for/) [Kate Bornstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-bornstein/) [Browse all 1,053 Allies quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/allies/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We had people coming to our Foreign Relations Committee and saying, \"Oh, we need to arm the allies of Al Qaida.\" They are still saying this. It is a crazy notion. 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