Will Congress show its support for Middle East envoy George Mitchell?
Will Congress show its support for Middle East envoy George Mitchell?
The pro-Israel, pro-peace group J Street is urging Congress to support a resolution (H. Res. 130) that expresses “support for the appointment of former Senator George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.” The resolution is sponsored by Rep. William Delahunt (D-MA), and it currently has 55 cosponsors. In an email, J Street’s Campaign Director Isaac Luria writes:
Wouldn’t you think it would be a no-brainer for Congress to express support for appointing as Middle East Peace Envoy the man who brought peace to Northern Ireland?
Not so fast. One prominent Jewish community leader objected to Mitchell because he would be too “fair.” Right-wing Christian Zionist Gary Bauer said Mitchell is too “even-handed.”
The fight here is, of course, much larger than support for this one resolution or even for George Mitchell.
It’s about whether President Barack Obama has the political support to make a serious effort to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – and how hard he’ll be able to push.
Check if your congressman is on the list of cosponsors. If not, give his/her office a call.
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How does Joe (I-Israel) Leibernam feel about it?
February 20th, 2009 at 9:53 amA special envoy to a world hot-spot is rejected because he is “too fair” or “too evenhanded” — WTF?
February 20th, 2009 at 9:54 amThese zionist-losers WANT to see the conflict perpetuated. They have no desire for negotiation or compromise. Their way or no way.
What other reason for their comments?
after their extermination of the Palestinians , Israel has proven itself unworthy of statehood.
there will be no two state solution……the best cure for Israeli apartheid is a Iranian nuke.
February 20th, 2009 at 9:54 amLast thing we want is a diplomat who’s too ‘fair’ and ‘even-handed’.
*rolls eyes*
February 20th, 2009 at 9:54 amThe more serious issue is Mitchell’s negotiating partner in Israel. Netanyahu will make a much bigger difference than whether Mitchell gets a Congressional endorsement or not.
I think I heard NY Governor David Patterson say Sen. Chuck Schumer was on a trip to Israel. His website says he’s touring NY. I thought Israel was America’s 51st state, but it appears to be New York’s Sixth Burrough.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/20/AR2009022000219.html?hpid=topnews
February 20th, 2009 at 9:55 amHow warped did the world get these past 8 years when too fair and even-handed is a reason not to select a diplomat?
February 20th, 2009 at 9:57 amThe US subsidizes Israel’s very existence. No US, No Israel. This is a fact that our elected officials should use to coerce Israel to do what we want.
If they want sovereignty, they can stop taking the handouts.
If they want the handouts (and that IS what they are) to continue, they need to play ball.
Simple.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:01 amOne prominent Jewish community leader objected to Mitchell because he would be too “fair.”
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I am reminded of how a guy couldn’t be an alderman in Chicago during Capone’s time if he was “too honest”.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:01 amYou know, nuclear weapons…particular those by countries with a nacent nuclear program…aren’t the most accurate buggers. Iran nukes Israel, hundreds of thousands Jews ANDArabs die.
Thank you for supporting genocide.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:03 amAfter everything their ancestors went through as a result of Nazi mentality, why are there so many Jewish people who refuse to seek peace? Never again, my arse.
Here’s a reality check – there are more Atheists in America than Jews in the world…
February 20th, 2009 at 10:04 am“Iran nukes Israel, hundreds of thousands Jews ANDArabs die. ”
and as the cloud of fallout drifts, so will thousands of chinese, russians, and others.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:05 amunbelievable Says:
“Never again” only refers to Jews.
It’s more like “All the f—ing time” for goy.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:06 amthe brown acid Says
February 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
The US subsidizes Israel’s very existence. No US, No Israel. This is a fact that our elected officials should use to coerce Israel to do what we want.
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Unfortunately, our elected officials are too afraid of AIPAC to do anything but quiver in their presence. I live for the day when somebody in Washington tells AIPAC to take a hike — that we will do what’s best for the United States, for Israel, for the Middle East, and for the rest of the world without AIPAC controlling the strings.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:07 amCheck if your congressman is on the list of cosponsors.
i knew without looking that my congressidjit, the ped ophile enabler sh!tkus was NOT on the list…
i was surprised to see at least 3 (R)s…
what the h*ll is going on?
president obama needs to call these obstructionists out… i remember an interview in which he said he doesn’t get angry and yell, but he does use fear and embarrassment.
it’s time, sir. … past time, but never too late.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:08 ammisshusseinmolly, does it ever seem to you AIPAC wields a disproportionate level of power? Ever wonder what kind of dirt they have on our elected officials?
February 20th, 2009 at 10:09 amthat was a 3rd time attempt… so the filter words are all or one of: sh!t, ped ophile, and/or h*ll …
wtf…
February 20th, 2009 at 10:09 amthe brown acid Says: “Never again” only refers to Jews.
I’m so sick of Conservative hypocrisy…
February 20th, 2009 at 10:12 amIsrael has become what it’s fought against for 60 years
February 20th, 2009 at 10:13 amthe brown acid Says: misshusseinmolly, does it ever seem to you AIPAC wields a disproportionate level of power? Ever wonder what kind of dirt they have on our elected officials?
I think they just own them via campaign contributions.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:15 amZimzone Says:
Israel has become what it’s fought against for 60 years
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One could make that point…
February 20th, 2009 at 10:16 amMe too unbelievable – and that nut Bibi the butcher Netanyahu is back in a seat of power (albeit shared). The situation does not look good.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:16 amthe brown acid Says: Me too unbelievable – and that nut Bibi the butcher Netanyahu is back in a seat of power (albeit shared). The situation does not look good.
As long as we coddle them, the chance of them starting a fight with Iran is going to increase.
I just watched the movie Munich again recently and was reminded how childish and violent middle eastern culture can be. Not a good combination…
February 20th, 2009 at 10:19 amEnnuiDivine Says: Thank you for supporting genocide.
i didn’t say that Iran had to use it. the only thing the authoritarian peabrained USA and Israel understand is a show of force and the only way to get any diplomatic respect from either of these two is to have nukes.
but hey, welcome to the israeli nuclear tyranny the area has lived under for decades….let’s see how israel likes it when the shoe is on the other foot.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:20 amI believe a lot of Israeli influence is tied to the Pentagon and the weapons industries. In the perpetual non-resolution of the oldest on going conflict in human history, the corporate militarists will always have an excuse for perpetual conflict capitalism.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:21 amThe primary export product of Israel is arms.
Mitchell is a good man. He would do great things in the Middle East. The repugs better figure this one out quick. Just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean they can’t be effective at their job.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:23 amExpecting religion to be rational requires a great deal of faith. Combining it with political power is just plains nuts.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:25 amthe brown acid Says:
… that nut Bibi the butcher Netanyahu is back in a seat of power (albeit shared). …
doesn’t sound like it…
Netanyahu formally tapped to form Israel govt.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:26 amUSA Today – 38 minutes ago
JERUSALEM (AP) – Benjamin Netanyahu of the hawkish Likud Party has received formal permission from Israel’s ceremonial president to put together the country’s next government.
Netanyahu Chosen by President to Form Next Israeli Government Bloomberg
Netanyahu picked to form Israel govt AFP
Hoodathunk Says:
Combining it with political power is just plains nuts.
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What? You’re opposed to the righteous chanting “With God On Our Side” as the march off to slay the infidels?
February 20th, 2009 at 10:31 amHoodathunk Says:
Expecting religion to be rational requires a great deal of faith…
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Religion ITSELF requires a great deal of faith… and therein lies the rub… when folks decide you need to take their faith as fact.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:32 amYou become what you hate
February 20th, 2009 at 10:36 amAll I have to say is Mitchell is an absolute bada$$…in a totally even-tempered, even-handed, mild-mannered sort of way. I met him once (his foundation gave me $1000/semester scholarship for college) and he was nothing by gracious, humble, and genuine in his desire to see the world become a better place via his work (both at home and abroad).
America might actually be able to accomplish something in Israel-Palestine with him in place.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:37 amsorry that should read “nothing BUT gracious”
February 20th, 2009 at 10:39 amZionism, started by Hertzl, an atheist, was about creating a land for the jewish people so they could find justice. It wasnt about the return of the messiah to him.
The orthodox followers of the jewish religion do not believe in using force to. Lets hear from them.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:48 am+1 that Xisithrus
February 20th, 2009 at 10:50 amSpeakng as soneone whi has benefitted from the excellent work of Senator Mitchell, I must say that our politicians do this sort of “who do you like” useless cr@p too. What a waste of time.
Are all the other problems in the world and country solved to such an extent that politicians can say “hands up who thinks Mitchell is going to be absolutely wonderful at his job”?
Christ…
February 20th, 2009 at 11:01 amPoor Israel. I used to care about their neighbors and how they hated you. I still think peace would be best, but I am naive. You have chosen Bibi to have yet another chance of wiping out your enemies. Peace is not at all important to the people, or they would have voted for someone that wanted it.
February 20th, 2009 at 11:17 amOur time protecting such a nation needs to come to a final chapter. They have never implemented any of the measures required by treaty, or UN mandate. They have exhausted their currency and are left bankrupt to the core.
belfastbiker Says:
Speakng as soneone whi has benefitted from the excellent work of Senator Mitchell, I must say that our politicians do this sort of “who do you like” useless cr@p too. What a waste of time.
February 20th, 2009 at 11:01 am
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I have to agree with this. The fact that this Congressional pat-on-the-back is being debated strikes me as ludicrous.
It’s one thing to have a resolution, say, urging Mitchell to take a particular stance or consider a particular perspective on the conflict – pushing for a two-state solution, settlement removal, stopping apartheid wall construction, etc. That I get. But a resolution to say “we like you, go do whatever you’re doing” seems a waste of Congressional time.
February 20th, 2009 at 11:35 amThe rise of Netanyahu does not bode well for the future.
That man has always brought trouble – and with his recent gains in power, this is a problem.
We need someone with a lot of ability, knowledge, tact, diplomacy and particular skills to deal with the volatility – apparently Mitchell possesses too much of those traits.
February 20th, 2009 at 11:49 am# 33
rec. You just said it all there.
February 20th, 2009 at 11:58 amHere is some shocking news from the United Nations:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f367aada-fec8-11dd-b19a-000077b07658.html
Gee! How did that happen? After all the assurances that we had years to deal with this problem.
Add in Bibi as PM of Israel? The only person I pity more than Mitchell is President Obama. I wonder if he won’t wind up wishing that Bush had lived up to the pledge to not leave Iran’s nukes to the next Administration?
February 20th, 2009 at 12:41 pmMitchell is as good US peace envoy as one could hope for coming from the US. But I seriously doubt he will make one iota of difference.
The US congress and administration are as ardent supporters of Israel as ever. And by now Israel has established enough “facts on the ground” on the West Bank to effectively crush any possibilities of a future Palestinian state. The ridiculous US led “peace-process”, and the “two-state solution” will continue to be a joke only favouring Israel.
Meet the new boss same as the old boss..
February 20th, 2009 at 2:18 pmKeltoi Says:
Here is some shocking news from the United Nations:
http://www.ft.com/ cms/ s/ 0/ f367aada-fec8-11dd-b19a-000077b07658.html
Gee! How did that happen? After all the assurances that we had years to deal with this problem.
February 20th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
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What’s shocking about it? It means nothing. We’ve already known Iran had a stockpile of low-grade uranium. Despite the headline, Iran does not have enough fissile material to produce a bomb, and we have no indication that they have the intent to produce a bomb.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:35 pmRegarding that scary article in the Financial Times:
That’s a big IF. Right now Iran has a “frightening” amount of LEU (i.e., not bomb grade) Uranium for those who want to be scared. Enriching the uranium further requires a whole new industry. It should be obvious by now that the Iranian fear mongering is not much different from the Iraq fear mongering.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pmKeltoi Says: 40
It isnt shocking. We have KNOWN for a while Iran is trying to develop nuclear POWER. This is a biased attempt to give a sinister motive to what Iran has EVERY RIGHT TO DO. The uranium enrichment is still low level about 8% to be used for a weapon it has to be refined to about 90% there is NO evidence this is happening. The article you linked to makes that clear. We have reason to distrust Irans INTENT we have no reason to believe they have a nuclear weapons PROGRAM. This is an easy diplomatic fix. Rafsanjani has made offers to take care of this problem at least three times.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:20 pmwait, Keltoi just passed judgment on everyone in the more domestic social justice threads (homosexual issues, etc) for being more important than this thread, and all he did was add a link to the usual fear-mongering about Iran? How funny to actually mention the Mitchell thread specifically, and that’s all he added, rather off topic.
did I say funny? I meant stupid.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:27 pmThe law says that Bush shall lose his Secret Service protection ten years after leaving office.
Then, no more money will be wasted on Secret Service protection of Bush.
Submitted by Andrew Yu-Jen Wang
B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1996
Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, 1993
“GEORGE W. BUSH IS THE WORST PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY” BLOG OF ANDREW YU-JEN WANG
ONLINE, ANTI-BUSH, EDUCATIONAL, SCHOLASTIC RESEARCH: LISTING OF MAJOR ISSUES
http://andrewyu-jenwang.blogspot.com/2009/01/online-anti-bush-educational-scholastic.html
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:23 pmI am very sorry—I intended my comment above to be for another article. I was absentminded.
Submitted by Andrew Yu-Jen Wang
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:00 pmB.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1996
Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, 1993