So..how's this fella Paul Ryan on our ally Israel?
Pretty good, actually.
From his official website:
America has no better friend in the Middle East than the nation of Israel. Not only is Israel the region’s only fully functioning democracy, with a government based on popular consent and the rule of law, but it is also a valuable ally against Islamic extremism and terrorism. Our shared democratic values and national interests are supported by maintaining a close friendship with Israel. Americans also have a strong interest in Israel achieving a lasting peace with its neighbors – including the Palestinians.
Reasonable people – including those who live in the Middle East – differ about how the conflict between Israel and Palestine can be resolved. However, I believe at least one thing is clear: we cannot advocate for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that jeopardizes Israel’s safety or legitimizes terrorism. Hamas, which is one of the two major Palestinian political factions, is an Islamist terrorist group whose charter calls for Israel’s destruction, refuses to recognize Israel’s existence, and calls Osama Bin Laden a “martyr.”
While I do not have a role in the diplomatic discussions over the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, America should not pressure Israel to agree to a peace deal that is unlikely to result in peace and security. Real peace will require Palestinians to recognize that Israel has a right to exist, even as it will require two states for the two peoples. Introduced by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor on May 13, 2011, H. Res. 268 reaffirms the United States’ commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations. I co-sponsored this legislation, and it passed the House on July 7, 2011 by a vote of 407-13. I was also a cosponsor of H.R. 4133, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, also introduced by Majority Leader Eric Cantor, which passed the House on May 9, 2012 by a vote of 411-2. H.R. 4133 states that it is United States policy to reaffirm the commitment to Israel’s security as a state, provide Israel with the military capabilities to defend itself, expand military and civilian cooperation, assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and encourage Israel’s neighbors to recognize its right to exist.
Ah, but there's more.
He's been the co-sponsor of no less than 5 pro-Israel bills and resolutions, and puts the issue "Israel" under the category "Homeland Security" on his Congressional website.
Ryan visited Israel in 2005 with a delegation of newly elected Republican congressman, organized by the American Israel Education Foundation...and he's been a consistently pro-Israel vote and voice in the House.
Not only that, but two sources tell me that they've heard Ryan being even more outspoken on the subject in private.
If the execrable Phillip Mondoweis refers to him as 'an AIPAC tool' you know he's been doing something right.
I'd say that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are pretty much on the same page when it comes to Israel, and their administration will be a welcome change....as in every other regard.
2 comments:
Good to hear!
Actually most American politicians and other government officials usually begin their careers as pro-Israel. Unfortunately once they enter into government service the pressures of a.)pandering to voters to be elected in the case of those government personnel who are elected, b.)the need to maintain favorable or at least not overtly hostile media coverage so electoral prospects are not placed in jeporady, c.)the need to have the support of special interests so one can continue to be elected and so they can properly represent the needs of the constituents, and d.)the need to gain the cooperation of important stakeholders within the US and the world in order achieve certain interests we have invariably causes government officials to drift away from support for Israel over time.
Generally a US government official who is pro Israel has VERY tough road to travel. The fact that most US government officials begin their careers as pro-Israel at least suggests that they have some understanding of what is right, however, the pressures of their positions lead them away from this path over time. This is NOT an excuse nor does it justify what they do. I'm merely trying to illustrate the challenges a pro-Israel government official faces.
I would assume that Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan are pro-Israel as of this writing, however, it is not so difficult for a relatively obscure Representative like Mr. Ryan or a former governor of MA like Mr. Romney to adhere to pro-Israel positions.
If they are elected to POTUS and VP, it will become VERY difficult. Specifficaly the need to obtain the support of certain special interests who can make it impossible for one to lead without their support and the need to obtain the support of certain important stakeholders in the world who can undermine our just interests if they are not given certain consideration will mean that all individuals execpt for those of utmost moral character will be drawn away from support for Israel over time.
I would not neccessarily assume that Mr. Romney or Mr. Ryan will be pro Israel or will remain as such. Should they be elected, time will tell. While its not place to tell Israelis what they should do, I think it would be prudent to assume that Romeny/Ryan will be just like most other American leaders who have come before them. Essentially they will show some token support for Isreal, toot their horns about it, and in all areas of substance will support Israel's enemies against Israeli interests.
I would tend to agree that we need change in the position of POTUS and VP. Hopefully my analysis of this position will turn out to be wrong and somehow team Romney will be different.
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