Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada was joined by Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin Tuesday in revealing a letter to al-Maliki asking him to denounce Hezbollah.
"Your statements are very troubling. Your failure to condemn Hezbollah's aggression and recognize Israel's right to defend itself raise serious questions about whether Iraq under your leadership can play a constructive role in resolving the current crisis and bringing stability to the Middle East," the letter reads. "It is imperative that the U.S. Congress and the world know immediately whether you support or condemn Hezbollah's acts of terrorism."
"Addressing a joint session of Congress and standing at the speaker's podium is a high honor. It has been bestowed upon those who have embraced fundamental values of liberty and freedom," Reid said.
Schumer and Durbin stopped short of saying they would boycott the joint address to Congress, indicated they would strongly consider not attending.
Reid said he would likely attend since he is the Democratic leader of the Senate, but it is a "matter for each senator" to decide whether to attend. Durbin and Schumer agreed, adding that the term "boycott" suggested an organized effort when in fact senators will make a personal decision whether to attend.
If you are not with us, we'll punish you anywhich way we see fit? Pulleez.. Click on quote for the full article.
I think asking another Arab to show sympathy for Israel is asking a bit much. Or condemning Hezbullah as I think that is a bit hypocritical. Apparently, Hamas (the military wing) is getting funding from Saudi Arabia among others and now they (SA) is telling Hezbullah to stop? I am sure you come to the same conclusion as me on that one..
ReplyDeleteIngrid
It seems bizarre that even the Democrats have yet to understand that their blind allegiance to Israel is not how the majority of the planet see this dispute.
ReplyDeleteAnd to expect the leader of any nation in the Middle East to be supportive of Israel while she engages in war crimes in Lebanon is simply delusional.
These people are crackpots.
Hi Ingrid
ReplyDeleteAn interesting posting about Malic whose independent thinking I think is very healthy, even if I don’t necessarily agree with him. I think this streak of independent thinking bodes well for the future of Iraq assuming the near civil war can ever be brought back to a semblance of peace. I think it’s also healthy that he has gained immensely in the courses of diplomacy, having to respond when others are grandstanding. I understand his speech to Congress on Wednesday broadly said all the things Senators wanted to hear, namely the United States has a critical role, etc, mentioned the possibility of peace.
Still he hasn’t adopted the white House's position on Israel and its right of force against Hezbollah. The appeased senators presumably were mollified by Iraq's foreign minister declaring they would join with other Arab League states to condemn Hezbollah's strikes against Israel. In fact most of the Arab world as far as I can gather would like to see Hezbollah isolated from Lebanon; they see Hezbollah as a real threat to them.
best wishes
Lindsay, no doubt (the)Arab nations see Hezbollah as a threat, so many things are a threat to their place in power. I agree with you on independent thinking. If you have to go according to someone else's script, it will not bode well for you. He has a huge problem facing him in Iraq and is going to need that noggin of his!
ReplyDeleteKel, there was the drama, the effect, the un-drama ... NEXT!
PT, you're right, if only if only, funny how you can draw so many paralel lines between marriage and politics.. if only if only..
Ingrid
Amen Mash! lol (must be that more conservative religious background of some since that requires blind faith and obedience of sorts..)
ReplyDeleteIngrid