Ben Cardin actually said...

I think you have clarified that point, and I do not really think there is any misunderstanding here.

The Middle East is, obviously, a critically important area for U.S. national security.

But, again, if our policy actions drive them into the arms of Russia and China we will be undercutting these very priorities.

Women's equality is a moral and economic imperative of U.S. foreign policy.