Why Marco Rubio Should Prioritize Religious Freedom

When Antony Blinken served as Secretary of State, some people praised his support for LGBT rights and gender equity. Others criticized his handling of rogue regimes and terrorists. However, one issue stood out: his treatment of Christians. Under Blinken, many Christians faced persecution, especially in countries like Nigeria and Pakistan. Let's take Nigeria as an example. Blinken removed Nigeria from the religious freedom watch list during a visit. This move came even though Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari was involved in anti-Christian violence in the past. The result? More anti-Christian pogroms followed. Igbo Christians felt so desperate that they voted to separate from Nigeria. But Nigeria isn't the only case. Blinken also issued waivers to protect Pakistan from sanctions despite its blasphemy laws. In Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Christians happened under Blinken's watch, with no real action taken by the State Department.

Religious freedom is crucial. It's like a canary in a coal mine. When it's threatened, it's a sign that other freedoms are at risk too. Israel, for instance, is praised for its growing Christian population. Yet, Blinken was critical of Israel while funding Palestinian leaders who have seen Christianity decline in their territories. Senator Marco Rubio, likely to be the next Secretary of State, should learn from Blinken's mistakes. He should prioritize religious freedom and speak up for Christians under siege. This isn't about twisting reality but about recognizing that religion plays a big role in many parts of the world. If Rubio stands for religious minorities, he might just help many find freedom.

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