Israel Matzav

Reckless engagement

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fl), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has issued a statement criticizing the Obama administration's plan to return an American ambassador to Syria.

“With this nomination, our foreign policy again risks sending the message that it is better to be an intractable enemy than a cooperative, loyal U.S. ally.

“Despite the Administration’s outreach, Syria continues to sponsor violent extremist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty, and to pursue unconventional weapons and missile capabilities.

“Recent reports say that Hezbollah has deployed advanced Syrian-made missiles capable of hitting almost any target in Israel. Syria also continues to deny international inspectors access to its suspect nuclear facilities.

“The U.S. response? Give more for nothing. This unconditional engagement is reckless and only serves to reward our enemies, undermine our allies, and leave our nation less secure.

“The President should, instead, increase pressure on Damascus by fully implementing the sanctions in the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act.

“Let us act now to prevent an escalation of the Syrian threat instead of standing idly by and watching Syria’s transformation into another Iran.”

Of course, she's right, but what could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:10 PM