"Syria is Iran's only ally in the Arab world. It's their route to the sea."
With that statement (along with the rest of his debate performance last night), Mitt Romney joins the ranks of Miss Teen South Carolina and Sarah Palin as foreign policy experts:
I personally believe, that U.S. Americans, are unable to do so, because uh, some, people out there, in our nation don’t have maps. and uh… I believe that our education like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as… and, I believe they should uh, our education over here.
In what respect, Charlie?
"Iran's route to the sea" is not just a gaffe, it's a Disqualification Statement: It's Gerry Ford on Poland, Sarah Palin on seeing Russia from her House and George W. Bush failing a pop quiz. And it's worse than a debate gaffe, because Romney has said it before, on the stump.
Steve Benen lays it out, complete with map here.
Finally, for those who still can't get enough of Miss Teen South Carolina: