Jason Rosenbaum

McCain, AIPAC, and Israel [UPDATED]
by Jason Rosenbaum  ::  Filed Under Middle East / South Asia  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 9:57 am EST

While both candidates will speak at the AIPAC summit today, and they will both probably say similar things, here’s some highlights from McCain’s speech:

The threats to Israel’s security are large and growing, and America’s commitment must grow as well. I strongly support the increase in military aid to Israel, scheduled to begin in October. I am committed to making certain Israel maintains its qualitative military edge. Israel’s enemies are too numerous, its margin of error too small, and our shared interests and values too great for us to follow any other policy.

Honestly, I doubt Obama will say anything much better, but there you go.

Update:

Here’s Obama’s speech. A bit better (less talk of war with Iran, more talk of working with people, including Palestine, for peace), but there is still this:

At the same time, we must preserve our total commitment to our unique defense relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance and continuing work on the Arrow and related missile defense programs. This would help Israel maintain its military edge and deter and repel attacks from as far as Tehran and as close as Gaza. And when Israel is attacked, we must stand up for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself.

Not an increase in aid as McCain proposed, but not a decrease either.

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DISCUSSION

10 RESPONSES to “McCain, AIPAC, and Israel [UPDATED]”

kiloglobin says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 12:23 pm EST

honestly, the pro-israel lobby in the united states is redecilious. we should focus on our own security needs rather than provide a means for another unstable middle eastern territory.

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Tad Porter says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 12:35 pm EST

This was a good comment?

I’d love to hear someone say that Israel has made its own bed and should lie in it.

I don’t know where we get off being Israel’s protectors while they wage a war of attrition against Palestine. I for one am being sick of being the targets of terrorists because of support for the crap Israel does.

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Gary Brown says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 1:13 pm EST

I agree. Let%u2019s not also forget in their recent spying incidents against our nation. Why would Israel need to spy on the only true, undeniable, source of support they enjoy? I am for no further support, it does nothing but make those who want to attack us, even more determined. While we can still assist when absolutely necessary, blind support is not warranted. We should be making concrete (sweeping) attempts at making peace in the region, not threatening ones that only serve to ignite hatred. I compare our support for Israel like in high school where someone is being picked on all the time by a bully and someone always ready to help. Let them stand on their own. Israel%u2019s rhetoric has no true words (nor actions) of peace with the Palestinians. Take the billions or so we send them and strengthen our own country.

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Caspar says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 4:46 pm EST

this is totally unrelated to your post, but happy birthday homeslice! may life be good to you!

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    Jason Rosenbaum says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 4:56 pm EST

    Much appreciated!

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Raeefa says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 4:49 pm EST

the obama speech that is linked to is from last year’s policy conference. I don’t think he’s scheduled to speak until Wednesday morning.

to the commenters: i’m a member of aipac, and i don’t think many of its critics really understand that the u.s.-israel relationship is a mutual one. Yes, we give Israel a lot of money in aid, but we get massive returns on our investment b/c it is our ally and provides us with lots of support in counterterrorism. Here, I’m talking about shared security interests, not just shared democratic values.

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    Sebastian says  ::  June 2nd, 2008 @ 8:10 pm EST

    So, let me get this straight. They help America fight terrorists, in exchange for military support in a conflict that creates terrorists. And that is supposed to make it alright. You can’t see past your nose. Let’s evolve ideas here.

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a.m. schmitz says  ::  June 3rd, 2008 @ 6:25 am EST

In 04′Obama was very much for palestinians right to a state..that stance came to an abrupt end when he started his pres. campange..????againt aipac? no $$$$$$..no white house!..wow what a rock steady guy. draw back troops from Iraq..let me hold my other side har! har!..not untill we git our oil out of there sand will that conflict end..red yellow black or white who ever gits the white house this time around is gitting a train wreak..unless they undo what g.w. did day one in office there just like south parks talking turd.

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