In an earlier post over at JTA’s Telegraph blog, I argued that those claiming to stand with President Obama by opposing new anti-Iranian sanctions were actually advancing the "Deniis Kucinich/Ron Paul line."
Well maybe it’s the Bill Richardson line. An official with one of the groups on the left sent me an e-mail flagging this article by the former New Mexico governor and another of the ’08 candidates:
I have argued that saber-rattling is not a good way to get the Iranians to cooperate on ensuring that their nuclear program is limited to legitimate civilian spheres. It will not help in getting Iran’s help in stabilizing Iraq as U.S. troops withdraw, and it will not help in ensuring Iranian and Arab cooperation in Afghanistan as the United States develops an exit strategy.
Ending the Israeli-Arab conflict, on the other hand, will provide the United States with a much better environment to advance its diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis Iran.
It’s the difference between isolationism on the one hand and a faith in diplomacy on the other. Hope that gets me off the hook in time for Yom Kippur.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
