Israel Matzav

Hillary's mideast policy would be remarkably like Bill's

They may not be faithful to each other as spouses, but when it comes to their policies on Israel, Hillary and Bill Clinton fit together like a hand in a glove.

That's the upshot of an article by Giuliani foreign policy adviser Martin Kramer that was published in today's Jerusalem Post and on his blog. Hillary recently published an article in Foreign Affairs setting out her foreign policy plans. The article included one paragraph on Israel and the 'Palestinians' and it was very different than a statement she made in September that was designed to bolster her standing with pro-Israel voters. What's the truth? Only Bill Huma Abedin (Hat Tip: Jammie Wearing Fool) knows for sure.

Here's the paragraph from Foreign Affairs:

Getting out of Iraq will enable us to play a constructive role in a renewed Middle East peace process that would mean security and normal relations for Israel and the Palestinians. The fundamental elements of a final agreement have been clear since 2000: a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank in return for a declaration that the conflict is over, recognition of Israel's right to exist, guarantees of Israeli security, diplomatic recognition of Israel, and normalization of its relations with Arab states. U.S. diplomacy is critical in helping to resolve this conflict. In addition to facilitating negotiations, we must engage in regional diplomacy to gain Arab support for a Palestinian leadership that is committed to peace and willing to engage in a dialogue with the Israelis. Whether or not the United States makes progress in helping to broker a final agreement, consistent U.S. involvement can lower the level of violence and restore our credibility in the region.

What's there and what's missing? One thing that's there is "Whether or not the United States makes progress in helping to broker a final agreement, consistent U.S. involvement...." Sounds just like the Bill Clinton years, doesn't it? Whether or not progress is being made, consistent U.S. pressure on Israel to make concessions. Where did that lead under Bill Clinton? To the Oslo War as many of us call it, which started in September 2000, about a month and a half after the spectacular failure at Camp David.

One thing that's missing is terrorism and a commitment to fight it. If you read Hillary's paragraph carefully, you will get the impression that this is a civil negotiation between two state actors trying to decide compensation for water rights. There's no terror and there's no need for a 'Palestinian' commitment to fight terror. Of course there is some mention of 'violence' as in "consistent U.S. involvement can lower the level of violence" but that morally neutral phrase is reminiscent of the 'cycle of violence' we heard so much about until Israel put a stop to it.

Note also that Hillary thinks that the deal for the 'Palestinians' ought to be the same as Bill offered them in 2000 (which they turned down). She doesn't stop to think for one minute that maybe - just maybe - there ought to be a price to pay for their behavior since 2000. It's as if 1000+ Israelis weren't murdered in the Oslo War and several thousand others weren't maimed for life. The 'Palestinians' get a free pass to go merrily about their ways in Hillary's book, regardless of what they have done in the past.

I've just given you a very short summary of some of Kramer's arguments. It's worth taking the time to read the whole thing. I won't guarantee you'll come out a Giuliani supporter and that's not Kramer's point. But I think you'll agree that if you support Israel and Israel is important to you, you cannot support Hillary Clinton for President.

By the way, the picture at the top of this post came from a great Zombietime collection of Hillary photos. I didn't give her (him?) a hat tip because I found the picture for him (her?) originally late one night when we were all looking for Hillary Clinton pictures for Zombie on Little Green Footballs. But the collection is worth checking out - especially if you need a funny picture of Hillary for your dartboard.

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posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:43 PM