Thomas Daschle: “too often, the crush of daily business here in the Senate leaves us little time to discuss important issues that are not…”

“too often, the crush of daily business here in the Senate leaves us little time to discuss important issues that are not directly and immediately before us. Among the many issues that deserve greater attention, none is more important than the need for peace in the Middle East, and the security of our friend and ally, Israel. The urgency and importance of this issue couldn't be more stark. In this past week alone, a suicide bomber--the 68th in the last 21 months--blew up a fast food restaurant in Israel, killing a 15-year-old girl. Another bomb, placed near a road near Hebron, injured three Israeli teenagers. A third bomb, detonated next to a bus outside Tel Aviv, killed 17 Israelis. A fourth attack-- this one with guns, not bombs--killed a pregnant mother. Less than a week: three bombs; several attacks. The targets in each--civilians: fathers, mothers, teenagers, young children. Given the steady stream of terrorist acts, the historic enmity between the parties, and the stakes involved, the situation could hardly be more difficult. But we cannot turn our backs or allow the specter of violence to diminish our commitment. Our unique relationship with Israel, and the strategic importance of the Middle East, demand that the United States play a leading role in helping to end the current crisis.”