The Jerusalem Post had a great article recently in which they sent the same question to many presidential hopefuls and then make the responses available. Let’s see how it went…
The question…
What’s the importance of Israel as a strategic ally and how would your administration manage ties between the two countries?
First up, John McCain. I will be quoting quite a bit of his response but it can’t be helped… it kicks ass. I added the bold.
“Indeed, Israel has never had the opportunity to take a holiday from history, for it has been tested more, in less time, than any nation on Earth. The tests continue today in the form of suicide bombers and rocket fire and in the existential threats issued routinely by the Iranian president.
Long considered a dear friend to America, today Israel is our natural ally in what is a titanic struggle against Islamic extremists – an enemy whose sinister nature I need not explain to the people of Israel.
If elected President of the United States, I will strengthen America’s bedrock commitment to the security of the State of Israel.
First and foremost, we must continue to provide Israel with whatever military equipment and technology required to retain Israel’s qualitative military advantage and to defend itself.
Just as important is the strengthening of our diplomatic ties. As President, I will invite Israel to play a leading role in the League of Democracies that I have proposed – an organization of like-minded nations working together in the cause of peace.
I would work to further isolate the enemies of Israel such as Syria, Hamas and Hizbullah and I would never pressure Israel to make concessions to states or movements committed to its destruction.
Finally, Teheran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons plainly poses an unacceptable risk to the international community, and Israel above all others.
Recently, it was reported that the Iranian regime has begun enriching uranium at an accelerated pace, which means we are that much closer to seeing Israel’s security being placed in grave jeopardy.
As President, I will pursue every option at my disposal to neutralize that threat. We cannot and must not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. I will make sure the American people understand that if we are to defeat the extremists that threaten our way of life, Israel’s security cannot be compromised.” – John McCain making sense.
This next snippet is, sadly, the toughest and most direct thing Hillary Clinto had to contribute. It’s short and sad.
“We are also united by a common strategic interest in fighting back against the forces of terrorism and nihilism.” – Hillary Clinton trying to sound tough
The real bummer is that Barack Obama makes Hillary sound like a hawk.
“Israel’s security – which is of vital importance to the United States – can best be guaranteed by reaching negotiated peace agreements with its neighbors.” – Barack Obama reminds us that appeasement never goes out of style
At least Barack has some grip on the issue of Iran, though one wonders if he woudl ever actually pull the trigger.
“Finally, I would pursue a comprehensive strategy – of direct engagement, increased economic pressure through international and US sanctions, and keeping the military option on the table – to keep Iran from achieving its goal of acquiring nuclear weapons, which is a danger we cannot tolerate.” – Barack’s version of tough love
Mitt Romney sounds like he might have a clue here. While he is far to in love with the idea fo negotiation, at least he seems to knwo what is at stake.
“Israel’s democracy has flourished and its economy has prospered in spite of multiple wars it has had to fight and the diplomatic and economic isolation by most of its neighbors. Israel is a trusted friend and ally in an increasingly hostile region.
Israel stands on the front lines of the struggle against radical Islam’s jihad, whose goals are not confined to the Middle East. Indeed, Jihadism’s goal of destroying Israel is coupled with its desire to overthrow modern Muslim nations and replace them with a caliphate, and to assault our security and our way of life on a global scale.
Among the many existential threats that Israel faces today, Iran poses the most serious. Iran’s leaders are determined to destroy Israel, dominate the region, and spread the poison of fear and intolerance far beyond their borders.
I believe the United States, Europe and others can and should do more to exploit the vulnerabilities of Iran’s regime. To this end, I have outlined a strategy consisting of economic sanctions, greater cooperation with modern Muslim states, a stronger military, and support for progressive Muslim communities and leaders.
As President, I would put this strategy to work in defense of US interests, in defense of Israel and for the sake of peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.
My administration would also remain focused on stopping the financial and weapons flows to Hamas and Hizbullah, insist that the Palestinians abandon terror and recognize Israel’s right to exist, and actively work towards a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict where Israelis and Palestinians can each live in security and dignity.” – Mitt has a clue
Bill Richardson is a write off.
“Spearhead a multilateral Marshall Plan for the Middle East and North Africa. For a small fraction of the cost of the Iraq war, which has made us so many enemies, we could coordinate a multinational effort to support and stabilize this volatile region and reduce anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments throughout the entire area”
Sam Brownback frankly surprised me. Hes response is a good oen at least as regards why Israel is a critical peice of the puzzle.
“We are engaged in a great struggle against militant Islamo-fascism. Our enemies have many targets – Western democracies, free societies, moderate Muslims - but if you listen to our enemies’ words and follow their actions, they single out America and Israel.
Why? Our two nations represent the greatest threat to the Islamo-fascists because, at our core, we strive for goodness. We seek wisdom, compassion, and humility. We aspire for moral excellence.
While campaigning I have said that if America ever loses its goodness, it will surely lose its greatness. Herein we see the importance of Israel: that it remains good in the face of darkness and hostility. America learns from Israel’s example. We learn when the people of Israel take great risks for peace, when Israeli response teams are first on the ground in disaster sites around the world, and when Israel removes from danger thousands of Ethiopian Jews and welcomes them into the country with open arms.
In my administration, I would center diplomatic ties with Israel on the fact that Israel’s existence is not only fully justified, but in fact it has enhanced the Middle East and the world. My administration would continue to support a peace process, but only from this perspective. Too often it seems that Israel is viewed by others as a burden – an obstacle to stability that must be overcome.” – Sam Brownback has a clue!
Enjoy!
Barack and Romney are both wrong. I hope the election does not come down to those two. There is no evidence that economic sanctions even work. We do know they hurt all people in America and the poor in the targeted country.