RTT News: "Rick Perry and Rand Paul squared off in dueling U.S. foreign policy op-ed"

"As a veteran, and as a governor who has supported Texas National Guard deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, I can understand the emotions behind isolationism," Perry wrote.

He added, "Many people are tired of war, and the urge to pull back is a natural, human reaction. Unfortunately, we live in a world where isolationist policies would only endanger our national security even further."

Perry claimed that Paul seems "curiously blind" to the national security threat posed by the group now calling itself the Islamic State, which controls significant territory in Iraq and Syria.

"Ignoring the growth of the Islamic State and events in Syria and Iraq will only ensure that the problem will fester and grow," Perry wrote. "The United States needs to take seriously the threat this presents to our nation."

However, Paul shot back in a separate op-ed piece posted by Politico on Monday, accusing Perry of mischaracterizing his views on foreign policy.

"There are many things I like about Texas Gov. Rick Perry, including his stance on the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution," Paul wrote. "But apparently his new glasses haven't altered his perception of the world, or allowed him to see it any more clearly."

"I support continuing our assistance to the government of Iraq, which include armaments and intelligence," Paul wrote. "I support using advanced technology to prevent ISIS from becoming a threat."

"I also want to stop sending U.S. aid and arms to Islamic rebels in Syria who are allied with ISIS, something Perry doesn't even address," he added. "I would argue that if anything, my ideas for this crisis are both stronger, and not rooted simply in bluster."

A recent Quinnipiac University National Poll showed Paul with a slight lead in the race for the GOP nomination, with 11 percent of Republican and Republican-leaning voters saying they support the Kentucky Senator.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush were all tied for second at 10 percent, while Perry was toward the bottom of the list a 3 percent.