On the recordSeptember 23, 2011
This week, President Obama went to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. He did so, remarkably for an American leader, from a position of weakness. As the Palestinian Authority began to campaign to upgrade its status at the U.N., this administration wavered and vacillated and did nothing for too long. This was a failure of leadership and leaves us, our Israeli allies, and the ever tense Middle East at an uncertain crossroads. The President might have been able to rescue the situation with a forceful speech laying down a clear marker of America's support for Israel. Instead, he falsely blamed Israel for the stalemated peace process. I have always believed that our relationship with Israel is unique in world history and critical to both countries. Those beliefs were reinforced when I had the opportunity to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu in May. President Obama must stand up, not only for Israel and the Israeli people, but also for a commitment to the peace process and the rule of law. ____________________
