Mr. Friedman's (et.al.) concerns notwithstanding, Bibi's talk in Congress is a fait accompli. Maybe he'll pleasantly surprise us. Let's hope so.
22
When all the dust settles from this blunder, Iran would emerge stronger and safer, because how in the world can Obama seriously consider the military action option in the event Iran refuses to compromise in the face of such reckless behavior by Netanyahu? Netanyahu is simply out of his mind to dream that Obama would follow him blindly to wage a costly war against Iran. Netanyahu himself made this literally impossible. The Iranians must be smiling with satisfaction.
175
Congratulations, Bibi. Your arrogance and duplicity have *conclusively* hardened Democrats against your plot to sabotage diplomacy with Iran. That's what you get when you so flagrantly disrespect both the office of our president and basic diplomatic decorum.
286
When it comes to Iran and these negotiations, it take a great deal of imagination-stretching to come close to the neighborhood where one could conceivably think that perhaps in some distant galaxy President Obama "has the best interests of Israel in the forefront".
The sadder part is that, at least when it comes to Iran and Islamic terror, it seems less and less sure that President Obama has America's best interests in the forefront.
The sadder part is that, at least when it comes to Iran and Islamic terror, it seems less and less sure that President Obama has America's best interests in the forefront.
36
Democratic senators and congressmen (and all senators and congressmen who believe that democracy has certain protocol that must be observed) should boycott Netanyahu's speech.
243
And we should listen to Republicans because of their expertise in matters dealing with foreign affairs and war, as they demonstrated when a Republican president and a Republican-controlled Congress conducted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in such an outstandingly successful way. Oh, wait . . . .
247
People have no idea how vulnerable Israel is without a nuclear umbrella protecting that tiny strip of land which can be overwhelmed by its hostile neighbors at any moment, if the West lets down its guard.
The US under Bush Jr. made a terrible mistake in 2006 of not allowing Netanyahu to take military action against Iran and dismantle its nuclear fuel enrichment process when it was in its nascent stages.
I'm afraid its is too late to put the nuclear genie back in the bottle without debilitating sanctions against Iran as a military option is off the table due to nuclear fallout risks at this stage of their enrichment process.
The US under Bush Jr. made a terrible mistake in 2006 of not allowing Netanyahu to take military action against Iran and dismantle its nuclear fuel enrichment process when it was in its nascent stages.
I'm afraid its is too late to put the nuclear genie back in the bottle without debilitating sanctions against Iran as a military option is off the table due to nuclear fallout risks at this stage of their enrichment process.
25
My French husband and I recently watched all the coverage (France, BBC, Al Jazeera) after the bombing of Charlie Hebdo offices and the ensuing march by so many world leaders. Everyone (Hollande, Merkel, Cameron, Saudi leaders, the Russian foreign minister, etc.) put politics aside and marched in union with the people of France against this horrific act of terrorism, a terrorism that nearly every nation on earth is experiencing.
But not Netanyahu. Oh no, he went to the temple in Paris with his entourage and give a speech that went on and on. He had to be the center of attention in the news at all times, calling attention to himself, his "prayers" at the temple, etc. My husband was neither amused or impressed. Neither was I.
Mr. Friedman, your article highlights the enormity of Netanyahu's ego, his complete lack of understanding of the pain and suffering of people of other countries, and his selfish political goals. Thank you for including many "sides" in this piece.
But not Netanyahu. Oh no, he went to the temple in Paris with his entourage and give a speech that went on and on. He had to be the center of attention in the news at all times, calling attention to himself, his "prayers" at the temple, etc. My husband was neither amused or impressed. Neither was I.
Mr. Friedman, your article highlights the enormity of Netanyahu's ego, his complete lack of understanding of the pain and suffering of people of other countries, and his selfish political goals. Thank you for including many "sides" in this piece.
215
Too much is at stake to be tiptoeing around Mr. Obama's sensitivities.
Looking back, how one wishes that world leaders were rude to Mr. Neville Chamberlain. But they were nice, and understanding, and did not wish to start a new war -- so they got in 1939 a war that was infinitely more terrible than the one that would have happened had it started in 1936, at the first signs of Hitler's aggressiveness.
Mr. Obama is now treading in Mr. Chamberlain's footsteps. "Give negotiations a chance" says Mr. Friedman. Well, two attempts have already been wasted, but people of Mr. Friedman's ilk have no spine to say "let's face it -- the negotiations have been tried, and have failed." They will always reach for another "chance" -- until it is too late.
Netanyahu and the Republicans are right, and are acting like statesmen. Obama, Friedman and the rest of the modern-day Chamberlain and Co are playing politics with nuclear fire.
Looking back, how one wishes that world leaders were rude to Mr. Neville Chamberlain. But they were nice, and understanding, and did not wish to start a new war -- so they got in 1939 a war that was infinitely more terrible than the one that would have happened had it started in 1936, at the first signs of Hitler's aggressiveness.
Mr. Obama is now treading in Mr. Chamberlain's footsteps. "Give negotiations a chance" says Mr. Friedman. Well, two attempts have already been wasted, but people of Mr. Friedman's ilk have no spine to say "let's face it -- the negotiations have been tried, and have failed." They will always reach for another "chance" -- until it is too late.
Netanyahu and the Republicans are right, and are acting like statesmen. Obama, Friedman and the rest of the modern-day Chamberlain and Co are playing politics with nuclear fire.
51
Mr. Netanyahu's maneuver represents the height of partisan politics, to the detriment of all the parties involved, proffered in part by people possessed of enormous wealth and ignorance. Very unfortunate.
109
Neither Boehner nor Netanyahu have achieved anything of note during their respective tenures -- and this will simply add to their legacies of arrogance and incompetence. They are twin peas in a pod, and histories of the era will not treat either kindly.
As Marlon said, "I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it."
As Marlon said, "I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it."
165
Growing up in India, our school teacher would always remind us how India lost its freedom and ruled by the foreign powers due to in-fighting!
Needless to mention, this interference is very offensive to any sane American.
Needless to mention, this interference is very offensive to any sane American.
105
sounds like a pretty bad idea, but lets look at it objectively. when was the last time a foreign leader was invited to address congress? when was the last time a foreign leader addressed congress to complain about current US policies? When was the last time a foreign leader addressed the US congress with the hope of getting them to use military force against a 3rd sovereign nation? anybody have any answers?
37
Personally I could care if he comes or not. Speeches are a complete waste of time in the internet age. Anything he could say in a speech he could say in an email or on a facebook page. But, what is more well established than that congress has duties with respect to foreign affairs too? Are they all (and I'm not suggesting that congress is any better) a bunch of babies? Who cares who Bibi goes over to play with on this day or that? For crying out loud, are not the issues surrounding the Middle East sufficiently serious that they all have time for this?
28
What we really need to do is : Stop funding wars and start funding the American people - education, health, infra-structure, jobs, revitalize American industry - not off-shore manufacturing, revise tax codes to reflect incrementally increasing percentages as income rises, simplify tax codes and get rid of ridiculous loopholes and tax breaks, etc.
What a disgrace the Republican party has become.
What a disgrace the Republican party has become.
213
The Republicans and Netanyahu seem to believe that if Iran fails to agree and to comply to those agreements about which the negotiations are addressing, then the President will not renew or increase the sanctions temporarily suspended, so they are going to make certain that Iran knows that Congress will. But it also sends an important message to Iran's parties to the negotiations, that the American negotiators have absolutely no authority to agree to anything, so the negotiations are a waste of their time. It's a well considered move that intends to make an invasion of Iran the only viable way to stop any possible nuclear weapons development. Yes sir, that Democratic President has got no creds so do not deal with him, according to the geniuses in the Republican Congress.
46
The impenetrable bubble of arrogance occupied by Boehner, Netanyahu and the Neocons is writ large. The American public have in fact readily spoken twice on war by electing President Obama and reinforcing his pragmatic approach to extricating America from Iraq---the Middle East folly that the Neocons and the GOP left him to untangle.
What a perfect pitch, Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech filled with hysteria and presumably ominous warnings about what else? Muslim owned WMD. It makes one wonder just how many new equivalent menacing metaphors there are for "smoking gun" and "mushroom cloud?" Against Iran, the very country strengthened by the toppling of Iraq's Saddam? Iran, the very country attacking Isis alongside America? Isis, the very entity born from the vacuum created by the GOP and Neocons?
By all means, Prime Minister Netanyahu, please do speak, your testimony will say volumes about why America's policy towards Iran should be for the benefit of Americans---not extremists in the Likud Party or the consistent follies of the Neocons.
What a perfect pitch, Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech filled with hysteria and presumably ominous warnings about what else? Muslim owned WMD. It makes one wonder just how many new equivalent menacing metaphors there are for "smoking gun" and "mushroom cloud?" Against Iran, the very country strengthened by the toppling of Iraq's Saddam? Iran, the very country attacking Isis alongside America? Isis, the very entity born from the vacuum created by the GOP and Neocons?
By all means, Prime Minister Netanyahu, please do speak, your testimony will say volumes about why America's policy towards Iran should be for the benefit of Americans---not extremists in the Likud Party or the consistent follies of the Neocons.
155
Netanyahu's collusion in this latest GOP stunt suggests it's time to reassess our relationship with our troublesome Isreali client state. It offers further proof that we have no allies in the Middle East; so let's stop acting as though we do. Enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend.
148
I agree. Mr. Netanyahu should remember how divided Americans are politically. It will not help Israel if half of America takes offense to his speech before congress. There will not always be a Republican congress and/or president. A lot of Americans think our involvement with Israel is already too costly.
108
It is regrettable that Israel has a leader who works against his country's best interests for immediate political gain, and that some Americans feel that they serve Israel's interests by supporting him. I suppose the same could be said about many of our congressional leaders.
If Iran attacks Israel, it will not result from anything Israel or the US does or does not do. And an attack is much more likely from some closer enemy, one that could also be an enemy of Iran.
The only positive outcome likely from all this is that it will over time encourage the replacement of Boehner and Bibi by better leaders in both counties.
If Iran attacks Israel, it will not result from anything Israel or the US does or does not do. And an attack is much more likely from some closer enemy, one that could also be an enemy of Iran.
The only positive outcome likely from all this is that it will over time encourage the replacement of Boehner and Bibi by better leaders in both counties.
69
For the 50 years I lived in the USA and the 15 I have lived in France I have supported Israel. I worked for Dr. Alan Shulkin in Dallas and can testify that after my husband Dr. Alan Shulkin is the most honest, fairminded, man with a sterling sense of personal integrity I have ever had the opportunity to know. Because of the Jews past history and because of the Jews I have known, I have supported Israel. I will no longer support Israel, because Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing checkers with Republicans. After GW Bush, with his brother's help, stole the first election and then invaded a country we were not at war with, I swore that I would never support nor help another Republican again as long as I live. Looks like Israel is Republican's Play Thing.
153
Why even comment?
I'm sick of Israeli duplicity. In America and elsewhere.
Time to move on?
I'm sick of Israeli duplicity. In America and elsewhere.
Time to move on?
99
"Personally, I’m still dubious that the U.S. and Iran will reach a deal that will really defuse Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Such a failure would be very serious and could end up, one day, with the U.S. deciding it has to use military force to set back Iran’s program. We surely don’t want Iran to get a bomb that sets off a nuclear arms race in an already unstable Middle East."
Hello! can we have some journalistic honesty and integrity here? Nuclear arms race in an already unstable middle east is already on. Israel started it. It is the first country in the middle east to actually have Nuclear Arms against all international 'nuclear non-proliferation' norms and regulations (conveniently omitting that fact by nationally renowned Pundit in internationally renowned New York Times does not change the fact). Iran knows it as well and is waiting for the right time and opportunity to link US/P5plus One nations' attempt to 'defuse' Iran's nuclear arms program by linking it with 'defusing' Israel's nuclear arms. If and when Iran feels that it has come to the end of the negotiation rope and is in imminent danger of US/Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities or additional crippling (more so than current) economic sanction that would threaten the Iranian regime it will make an offer that US/Israel
Hello! can we have some journalistic honesty and integrity here? Nuclear arms race in an already unstable middle east is already on. Israel started it. It is the first country in the middle east to actually have Nuclear Arms against all international 'nuclear non-proliferation' norms and regulations (conveniently omitting that fact by nationally renowned Pundit in internationally renowned New York Times does not change the fact). Iran knows it as well and is waiting for the right time and opportunity to link US/P5plus One nations' attempt to 'defuse' Iran's nuclear arms program by linking it with 'defusing' Israel's nuclear arms. If and when Iran feels that it has come to the end of the negotiation rope and is in imminent danger of US/Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities or additional crippling (more so than current) economic sanction that would threaten the Iranian regime it will make an offer that US/Israel
14
It's fascinating how Friedman complains that Israel is "under siege" on US college campuses from the Boycott Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement, but never discusses just why BDS keeps growing in strength.
As more young Americans choose to reject corporate-owned media as their only source of news, the picture of Israel's brutal treatment of the Palestinian people becomes crystal clear, and BDS gains more support. If Thomas Friedman wants to see a lifting of the "siege" on US colleges, he ought to try to convince his friends in Israel to dismantle their illegal settlements, lift the ongoing siege of Gaza, and end the occupation of the West Bank.
As more young Americans choose to reject corporate-owned media as their only source of news, the picture of Israel's brutal treatment of the Palestinian people becomes crystal clear, and BDS gains more support. If Thomas Friedman wants to see a lifting of the "siege" on US colleges, he ought to try to convince his friends in Israel to dismantle their illegal settlements, lift the ongoing siege of Gaza, and end the occupation of the West Bank.
130
Thanks Tom. Good article, though I think if anything you undersell the underhanded nature of this whole scheme. Most Americans are supporters of Israel. But tricks like this make it harder to remain so.
35
After this latest stunt by Boehner , you have to wonder who the GOP works for. America or Israel?
61
Thomas Friedman writes: "I’ve polled many of my non-Jewish friends, who follow world politics and are sympathetic to Israel, and they really don’t like this." Well, Tom, I am one of your Jewish admirers, and I really hate this example of Netanyahu's cynicism.
47
"I’ve polled many of my non-Jewish friends, who follow world politics and are sympathetic to Israel, and they really don’t like this. "
We Jews really don't like this, either.
We Jews really don't like this, either.
65
I think Thomas Friedman didn't emphasize strongly enough just how unprecedented this affair is. A foreign leader bypassing the executive branch, which is responsible for foreign affairs, to directly address the legislative branch to press their case. Parallels would be Boehner and McConnell or some other clowns in the republican stretch limo heading overseas to speak with leaders of foreign nations to tell them ignore our POTUS, Sec. of State, and all the intermediary bureaucrats and ambassadors in the State Dept. We think differently, and we'll cut you a deal. Pssst, can you persuade your foreign nationals to vote for our party and boycott the Dems?
Just the only worse scenario I can imagine would be if the CEOs of non-American corporations were to directly address Congress seeking to sway our future course of action on big ticket items like climate change, big oil, big pharma. Of course, they're working on that one already. With the TTP, corporations will be able to sue governments for alleged infringements on their profits. I'm sure the courts they'll set up will be transparent. Like the sky is yellow and the sun is blue.
Just the only worse scenario I can imagine would be if the CEOs of non-American corporations were to directly address Congress seeking to sway our future course of action on big ticket items like climate change, big oil, big pharma. Of course, they're working on that one already. With the TTP, corporations will be able to sue governments for alleged infringements on their profits. I'm sure the courts they'll set up will be transparent. Like the sky is yellow and the sun is blue.
176
In exactly what way does Mr. Netanyahu giving a speech to Congress impede the President's ability to continue his negotiations with Iran? He's going to veto increased sanctions if that matter comes up and will then proceed to handle
the negotiations with Iran precisely as he chooses.
As for Israel's opponents in the U.S., they would continue to dislike Israel if Mr. Netanyahu announced a cure for cancer tomorrow.
A silly column, from top to bottom.
the negotiations with Iran precisely as he chooses.
As for Israel's opponents in the U.S., they would continue to dislike Israel if Mr. Netanyahu announced a cure for cancer tomorrow.
A silly column, from top to bottom.
22
Are we Americans incapable of remembering the warning George Washington gave us?
"...a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.
Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification.
...and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country,
...such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils...
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake..."
Washington's Farewell Address
"...a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.
Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification.
...and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country,
...such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils...
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake..."
Washington's Farewell Address
45
Obama already hated Bibi and was working behind the scenes to remove him from office. What matters now is whether the US is prepared to guarantee Israeli security, or whether Israel will be left to solve the Iranian threat on its own. Obama is being played by the mullahs in the same way that both Carter and Reagan were played. There is no moderate faction in Teheran. The Supreme Leader is planning to wipe the zionist entity off of the map, in accordance with God's Will.
15
Not only have I imagined the Israeli opposition inviting Obama to speak to the Knesset, I have pleaded with them to do so (not that they know me from a hole in the wall). A rejection of an address by Likud and its allies would underline the partisan lack of respect for their American ally. After receiving such rejection in the Knesset, the invitation should be extended to the President to speak in Rabin Square, where Netanyahu's refusal to provide adequate security would be a major insult to the "special relationship."
Let us be clear. Even the Bush Administration refused to go to war with Iran over the nuclear issue. Israel's West Bank land grabs (supposedly by independent settler groups), accompanied by the destruction of houses whose occupants waited years for building permits to be approved (before making changes on their own lots) makes even the Philadelphia License and Inspections department look humane and efficient by comparison -- let alone an agency of equal opportunity to all of its citizens and occupant-owners.
Let us be clear. Even the Bush Administration refused to go to war with Iran over the nuclear issue. Israel's West Bank land grabs (supposedly by independent settler groups), accompanied by the destruction of houses whose occupants waited years for building permits to be approved (before making changes on their own lots) makes even the Philadelphia License and Inspections department look humane and efficient by comparison -- let alone an agency of equal opportunity to all of its citizens and occupant-owners.
26
Congress slapped Obama in the face with the Netanyahu invitation.
Hopefully we can enjoy 2 more years of face slapping....
Hopefully we can enjoy 2 more years of face slapping....
10
Yes, the whole world can see that the Republican dominated Congress will not support anything that any government spokesman or negotiator says for as long as Obama is President. It's a hoot to see the U.S. unable to function effectively globally just to show that Republicans dislike the Democratic President.
29
Many of us - of every political stripe - long for the days when there was still a modicum of decorum and respect for our highest institutions and officials, including our president. What a boorish nation we've become.
18
Which accomplishes what usefulness exactly?
31
The adjectives "churlish," "reckless" and "dangerous" are correctly used to define Boehner, and they could have been associated with the Speaker of the House prior to the Netanyahu invitation.
How could we describe the 60 plus votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act, especially when no alternatives have been offered?
Boehner will be remembered in history for his mischief, not his wisdom. The guy obviously is not interested in doing any real work for the benefit of the American people. How else could all the votes to repeal ACA be characterized? He is a well-paid "deadbeat" on the government dole.
How could we describe the 60 plus votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act, especially when no alternatives have been offered?
Boehner will be remembered in history for his mischief, not his wisdom. The guy obviously is not interested in doing any real work for the benefit of the American people. How else could all the votes to repeal ACA be characterized? He is a well-paid "deadbeat" on the government dole.
82
This Boehner-Netanyahu stunt disrespects not only our president but every American as well. It makes us look corrupt, foolish and weak as a country and reminds us that we have a government of special interests. Our friends must be shaking their heads and our enemies must be laughing at us. Democrats in Congress should boycott the speech.
92
People that play with fir usually get burned. I hope that is Netanyahu's fate but hopefully not at the expense of his people or ours.
This American is deeply insulted by this move by Boehner and Netanyahu and the likes of Ross Douthat write about the lack of PC in the liberal movement, really.
This American is deeply insulted by this move by Boehner and Netanyahu and the likes of Ross Douthat write about the lack of PC in the liberal movement, really.
37
To me it seems Boehner's action just shows how much he hates President Obama and all he stands for. Shame on Boehenr to be that blatently obvious about his hate for Obama and shame on Netanyahu who feels compelled to meddle in US politics and disrespects certain diplomatic boundaries. He is uncouth and seems to be a bully.
60
Maybe the pro-Netanyahu posters are correct, and Obama is too weak to deal with an external demagogue. In fact, Obama would be well advised to follow the Republicans in this matter, e. g. James Baker who banned Netanyahu from the State Department office building for saying American foreign policy in the Mideast "was based on lies and distortions".
39
I never agree with Thomas Friedman, but I agree with him today. Israel should always be a bipartisan issue and the Netanyahu should made it partisan.
14
Mr. Friedman may be missing the point; perhaps Israel is interested in making their country the 51st state of the Union, then they can rightly involve themselves in our internal politics to their hearts' content
21
The Dems, and most of the world recognize that the open threats to annihilate the Jews made by Iran and its armies in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza are empty. No one ever in history has followed through on their threats to annihilate the Jews except the Spanish Catholic Church, Russian Pogrums, Europeans in WWII, Romans in the first century.
I agree with the Dems and the President, Netanyau is being histrionic and hysterical for taking the threats of annihilation seriously.
We need another Chamberlain on the scene, he knew how to quiet those pesky Czech's in the Sudatenland. Yes Israel said Kerry and Obama, there will be peace in our time!
I agree with the Dems and the President, Netanyau is being histrionic and hysterical for taking the threats of annihilation seriously.
We need another Chamberlain on the scene, he knew how to quiet those pesky Czech's in the Sudatenland. Yes Israel said Kerry and Obama, there will be peace in our time!
20
Most Americans aren't against or about to go against Israel. But many are against the aggressive expansionist policies that the right wing there has adopted. The arrogance of Netanyahu both here and in his settlement plans while we provide the money in foreign aid which in part indirectly funds AIPAC is galling.
72
The aggressive, expansionist policy which you decry were those of an Israel that in 2000, 2001, and again in 2008 proposed a Palestinian state comprising 97%of Gaza and the WB (as swap of land for the remaining 3%) and the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem for a Palestinians capital. Those homeland deals were turned down by Arafat and Abbas always for the same reason: they did not allow five million Palestinians to make their homes in the Jewish homeland.
Before that, a week after their victory in the Six Day War, the Israeli cabinet offered to swap the conquered land for peace. On Sept.1, 1967 the Palestiniand and the 8 Arab states of the Khartoum summit replied with the famous three NOs. No recognition of Israel. No compromise. No peace.
Let's also remember that the Jews conquered the West Bank and Gaza in the Six Day War forced on them by the Palestinians and their Arab supporters who refused to accept the existence of any Israeli state.
Thereafter the Arabs settled down to a policy of simply refusing the Jews peace, believing, time is on their side. The Israelis responded with settlements to every Palestinian attack and intifada. The settlements say, the longer you stick to the 3 Nos of Khartoum, the less land there were be for a final status agreement. It is Israel's only weapon to make the Palestinians want peace.
But at this point, all Israeli settlement expansion is housing in areas that are already predominantly Jewish and sure to remain part of Israel.
Before that, a week after their victory in the Six Day War, the Israeli cabinet offered to swap the conquered land for peace. On Sept.1, 1967 the Palestiniand and the 8 Arab states of the Khartoum summit replied with the famous three NOs. No recognition of Israel. No compromise. No peace.
Let's also remember that the Jews conquered the West Bank and Gaza in the Six Day War forced on them by the Palestinians and their Arab supporters who refused to accept the existence of any Israeli state.
Thereafter the Arabs settled down to a policy of simply refusing the Jews peace, believing, time is on their side. The Israelis responded with settlements to every Palestinian attack and intifada. The settlements say, the longer you stick to the 3 Nos of Khartoum, the less land there were be for a final status agreement. It is Israel's only weapon to make the Palestinians want peace.
But at this point, all Israeli settlement expansion is housing in areas that are already predominantly Jewish and sure to remain part of Israel.
24
The trouble is that Israel cannot stand idly by while a deal is made with Iran that does not include an iron clad condition making it impossible for Iran to make a nuclear weapon as of immediately. Also, Washington seems to be making light of Iran's puppeteering instability in the Middle East and beyond. To say that Israel controls Washington is malicious excepting for its doing its level best to prevent Washington agreeing to anything that may impact negatively on its security. Just remember that Israel cannot lose a single war because it would be the end of the Jewish State which in times of rising racism against Jews and others is Jewry's only safe haven. I know it may seem partisan but Rudi Juliani is right to opine that Netanyahu should address to congress and give his reasons why he fears the type of deal with Iran that Washington appears ready to make and its consequences not just for Israel but far beyond. Iran threatens Israel in the strongest possible language, boasts of its missile capacity together with demonstrations of its missile launches. It has completely penetrated Lebanese politics to the extent of involving the long suffering Lebanese in its surrogate thug organization Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and provoking the inevitable reprisals. The fact is that Israel does not nor should trust President Obama's "real politik" because in his heart, for reasons we all know, he does not share prior Presidents' concern for the security of Israel.
21
And just what are the "reasons we all know"?
27
The speech, at least in part, is a cynical political ploy hatched by the Ambassador, Ron Dermer, a former American conservative political operator, and the GOP, to attempt to pull American Jews and their money to the GOP by trying to convince them that Obama and the Democrats are leaving Israel vulnerable to an attack by Iran. The GOP has made great strides with the American electorate by not overestimating the awareness of the US voters with the silliness and half-truths they spout almost daily. I doubt, though, many American Jews, except for Adelson and his ilk, actually believe the Bibi's rhetoric solely reflects the views of Israelites, or even the majority of Israel's elites... in this case, the GOP has severely underestimated their target audience. And they will pay politically for this mistake.
51
Why is it the fact that Israel has nuclear weapons escaping the debate? Why is it that Israel is not being asked to make concessions on its own nuclear program? The fact is that Israel is an atomic power and Iran is not. Israel is constatnly alluding to its desire to strike Iran first to stop its nuclear development. The recent show of force in Gaza should have us all concerned that Israel has the bomb. The entire Mid-East should be nuclear free-especially Israel.
57
This only shows how far Israel could go to protect its interest even at the back of stabbing its father nation, America.
35
The college campus point suggests that the damage is already done. Nothing against Jews but it has been clear for too long that the U.S.-Israeli relationship goes one way only. No boundaries. No respect. Take and take more.
71
The ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee broke rank with the President. Big-time. He was not the lone Democrat doing so. Why? Because, as you (under)state: "Netanyahu's concerns about Iran are not without merit." Putting aside for a moment the enormous damage Netanyahu has caused and continues to cause in Israeli-U.S. relations, as well as Boehner and Netanyahu's rank politicking , the issue is whether the Democrats who fervently believe further immediate sanctions are an absolute necessity, should have allowed the breach of protocol, abhorrent as it was, to cause them to back down when so much is at stake. The answer: no.
9
This hand-wringing about Israel's intrusion into American politics is quite laughable.
The fact is that Netanyahu does not give a fig for his critics anywhere, particularly in the US.
He has always relied on knee jerk support from the US for anything that Israel does without any fear of sanction.
Why should he start worrying now?
The fact is that Netanyahu does not give a fig for his critics anywhere, particularly in the US.
He has always relied on knee jerk support from the US for anything that Israel does without any fear of sanction.
Why should he start worrying now?
29
I don't see the harm in John Boehner welcoming Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his own home as well if Benjamin Netanyahu were to invite a United States Congress person to his home in Israel. However, the U.S. Conress is not John Boehner's home. It is his place of work. How does that work for an employee to do so in their own place of work without permission?
16
"...could end up, one day, with the U.S. deciding it has to use military force to set back Iran’s program...But, even if we do use force, success is hardly assured and the blowback unpredictable. That is why it is absolutely not in Israel’s interest to give even the slightest appearance of nudging America toward such a military decision."
Did I miss the memo?
Is there even a talk that US can afford a war with Iran???
Gosh, such grandiose statement, Mr. Friedman!
Did I miss the memo?
Is there even a talk that US can afford a war with Iran???
Gosh, such grandiose statement, Mr. Friedman!
13
Agree completely. Netanyahu should keep his head down, use back channels to communicate with Obama, Boehner and McConnell and not be co-opted by a very fickle Congress.
11
Netanyahu and Dermer were Americans before they were Israelis -- and perhaps still are. They love Republican presidents that let Israel do whatever it wants while we continue to supply billions in US aid every year. Make no mistake: Bibi is running on the Republican ticket just as he did for Romney. He doesn't want criticism of any kind, whether from Democrats or from Israeli members of his cabinet whom he has booted out for disagreement. His objective is to maintain Israeli control over the West Bank while leveling Gaza, and no Republican presidential candidate has opposed or will oppose him.
53
I don't agree with much of what Mr. Friedman writes, but on this count he is 100% correct. It is a catastrophic mistake and political malpractice of the highest order for Mr. Netanyahu to make any move that could push the Israeli US relationship toward becoming a partisan issue in the United States. And that is clearly what he has done. Israel needs friends on BOTH sides of the aisle in the US. The Israeli electorate should reject him and the Likud Party in the upcoming elections on this basis alone.
36
Bibi has never been known for subtlety, thoughtful analysis, or following accepted convention. Bibi is out for himself and has never gotten over that he's not his truly admirable late brother. Support for Bibi is not the same as support for Israel. I'm not sure that Bibi has the best interests of Israel in mind with any actions, including this one. He's in it for Bibi and always has been. Because President Obama actually has the best interests of Israel in the forefront, it is obvious that he would not agree with Bibi. The best outcome would be for Bibi to lose his election.
34
"I have to say I’m shocked.” said Chris Wallace on Fox news. Unfortunately Israel and its backers in USA think for a long time that they have more political clout than a sitting US President. They think Israel's interests take precedent over US interests and feel no qualms about going against stated USA policies, but they do not think USA has such a right. There is something fundamentally wrong in the terms of this relationship and there is urgent need to bring some sense and balance in this relationship.
47
Right on, Tom! Well said. This is a completely reckless decision by Netanyahu and clearly put Israel's interests at risk. Your point regarding the possible failure of negotiations and how that would impact Israel if the US had to use military action is on the money. Why would any responsible Israeli leader want to associate himself with any particular American political party or want to be perceived as edging America to war? This is madness and demonstrates that Netanayahu is clearly completely out of touch with reality. Let's hope Israeli voters wake up and kick him out. Bye bye Bibi!
20
The immaturity of Boehner and Netanyahu in concocting this juvenile stunt is amazing. They did it to pressure America's sensible President to stop negotiating and, rather, start threatening. If they go through with this it will fail -- Pres Obama does not respond well to manipulation, ultimatums, etc. Neither do the Iranians.
Democrats should boycott this embarrassing ploy, which can only hurt American/Israeli relations, BUT at the same time, find a way to show the world that our solidarity with and support for Israel is unequivocal and always will be.
Democrats should boycott this embarrassing ploy, which can only hurt American/Israeli relations, BUT at the same time, find a way to show the world that our solidarity with and support for Israel is unequivocal and always will be.
21
Ah, so Sheldon Adelson's involved. Now I see why this visit was arranged.
39
Perhaps President Obama will be gracious enough to extend a welcome hand to Bibi and invite him to The White House.
It's time to get off his "high horse" and stop snubbing world leaders.
It's time to get off his "high horse" and stop snubbing world leaders.
8
Baloney; Netanyahu, Boehner, et al, have deliberately disrespected the President.
43
Couldn't disagree more. I'd recall our ambassador!
18
" We surely don’t want Iran to get a bomb that sets off a nuclear arms race in an already unstable Middle East. " Yes, ...
but who has made it so unstable?
They had tried making peace with the Palestinians; and whenever some chance of peace appears, more violence happens; and that's used as an excuse... An excuse for example to continue the outrageous wars upon the Gaza Strip!
There have been continued excuses that Iran wants to demolish Israel. Just because they don't like Israel's actions, or the U.S.'s, doesn't prove such alleged intentions.
They just don't like any country to be controlled by fundamentalists, to become too allied with the U.S. as Saudi Arabia seems to be, which is also under control of religious fundamentalists ... who want to spread their kind of system, (and who else tries to impose its beliefs on others?) and Saudi Arabia is against Russia, in supporting Syria's current regime.
The power politics here is very much a factor in U.S. foreign policies.
And the instabilities are willfully perpetrated, contrary to Mr. Friedman's idea the U.S. cares about achieving any 'stability' in the Middle East. They are in any case, demanding extremely high a price for 'stability', by continuing to turn Syria into a moonscape rather than promote peace there.
This has meant continued wars, like the ongoing war against Syria, and now in Ukraine. For the U.S. or Israel, such pain and destruction are worth the cost? How can that remain realistic?
but who has made it so unstable?
They had tried making peace with the Palestinians; and whenever some chance of peace appears, more violence happens; and that's used as an excuse... An excuse for example to continue the outrageous wars upon the Gaza Strip!
There have been continued excuses that Iran wants to demolish Israel. Just because they don't like Israel's actions, or the U.S.'s, doesn't prove such alleged intentions.
They just don't like any country to be controlled by fundamentalists, to become too allied with the U.S. as Saudi Arabia seems to be, which is also under control of religious fundamentalists ... who want to spread their kind of system, (and who else tries to impose its beliefs on others?) and Saudi Arabia is against Russia, in supporting Syria's current regime.
The power politics here is very much a factor in U.S. foreign policies.
And the instabilities are willfully perpetrated, contrary to Mr. Friedman's idea the U.S. cares about achieving any 'stability' in the Middle East. They are in any case, demanding extremely high a price for 'stability', by continuing to turn Syria into a moonscape rather than promote peace there.
This has meant continued wars, like the ongoing war against Syria, and now in Ukraine. For the U.S. or Israel, such pain and destruction are worth the cost? How can that remain realistic?
6
Too many members of Congress act as though they are members of the Knesset.
56
Hey tony
.The reason congress supports Israel is for the most part they are the right side of history,, but like any other country their leadership has to be replaced, after a time & that time is now.
.The reason congress supports Israel is for the most part they are the right side of history,, but like any other country their leadership has to be replaced, after a time & that time is now.
7
A one-tie supporter of Israel, I regret any phrase uttered or action taken that suggests that Israel remains a legitimate player on the world stage.
The foreign policy of the United States should be conducted in the long-term best interests of the citizens of the United States. Israel is undermining the United States and we need to stop providing them any assistance in their deliberate, provocative campaign to destabilize the region.
The foreign policy of the United States should be conducted in the long-term best interests of the citizens of the United States. Israel is undermining the United States and we need to stop providing them any assistance in their deliberate, provocative campaign to destabilize the region.
48
Anybody who thinks that Netanyahu should listen to President Obama's desire to cancel the address to Congress, and allow the U.S. to make Iran into a nuclear power, should be asked if they would allow her/his family to be threatened with eradication in order to satisfy the President's personal political motives. Israel is now fighting for survival and the Friedman's of this world should realize this.
9
To Ivan:
Your premise that Netanyahu’s position of terminating negotiations with Iran for a verifiable treaty and commencing to bomb that country somehow makes Israel safer flies in the face of logic. It may come to that, but not yet and not on the Likud’s schedule. As far as President Obama being guided by “personal political motives”, think it through. It would be much easier for our president simply to go along with the highly lobbied Senate and House.
Do you realize, Ivan,that many Israelis strongly disagree with you and Netanyahu?
Your premise that Netanyahu’s position of terminating negotiations with Iran for a verifiable treaty and commencing to bomb that country somehow makes Israel safer flies in the face of logic. It may come to that, but not yet and not on the Likud’s schedule. As far as President Obama being guided by “personal political motives”, think it through. It would be much easier for our president simply to go along with the highly lobbied Senate and House.
Do you realize, Ivan,that many Israelis strongly disagree with you and Netanyahu?
19
Israel has plenty of bombs. Iran is not going to attack Israel.
17
Netanyahu is merely playing to his basic character. He cares nothing about America beyond what it can do for him and subsequently for Israel. Your call to reason will fall on deaf ears.
What is churlish is the continued behavior of John Boehner. This is where our endless campaign has led us. It is all about the next election and never about governing the country we are all suppose to love and support.
But it would be even more pointless to expect or call for good behavior from the Republican Congress. The same Congress that just passed yet another repeal of Obamacare instead of getting to work on the needs of American workers, retirees and most of all children.
If only there was someone in Washington D.C. that wasn't busy creating tag lines for Fox News. Alas, that is not to be.
What is churlish is the continued behavior of John Boehner. This is where our endless campaign has led us. It is all about the next election and never about governing the country we are all suppose to love and support.
But it would be even more pointless to expect or call for good behavior from the Republican Congress. The same Congress that just passed yet another repeal of Obamacare instead of getting to work on the needs of American workers, retirees and most of all children.
If only there was someone in Washington D.C. that wasn't busy creating tag lines for Fox News. Alas, that is not to be.
52
While Bibi is up in front of Congress in March, I hope he will remind everyone what a big fan he has been of the Iraq and Afghanistan invasions and occupations, and what enormous success he thinks those adventures have been.
33
If Mr. Obama wanted to stop this trip he could have but he did not. The state department can cancel anyone's visa at any time. The optics looks bad for Israel and the Republican and not for Mr. Obama. In fact this might work in his favor as the Iranians will feel pressure not from the President but from the rest. It is true they will not abandon their nuclear ambitions no matter what they might say. They believe they need them. So this maybe actually be a win-win for Mr. Obama - he gets to look good, his detractors not so good and Iranians will continue to feel the heat.
10
Cynical, but sadly, probably right.
4
How did we feel about Jane Fonda going to Hanoi while they were busy killing our kids? The analogy applies because, much as we seem to think otherwise these days, we are a nation. We must expect our leaders to carry themselves with maturity and composure in the international arena. Instead, we have Tel Aviv John and an appalling mess.
The decision to come to DC harms Israel's hard won relationship with many ordinary Americans by establishing a link between that country and our own partisan morass. How could any leader who may well need US blood and treasure to protect his people want to be associated with the pettiness of Congress? Bibi, Johnny and Barry are all diminished by the cheap spectacle of this affair.
The decision to come to DC harms Israel's hard won relationship with many ordinary Americans by establishing a link between that country and our own partisan morass. How could any leader who may well need US blood and treasure to protect his people want to be associated with the pettiness of Congress? Bibi, Johnny and Barry are all diminished by the cheap spectacle of this affair.
16
Why is Mitch McConnell lying back in this whole fiasco? He surely has something to say about the Senate's role in a speech to the joint session. As much as anything he has done in the last six years, this proves that he has played no positive role in our government. All politics, and absolutely no statesmanship!
14
Presently, with as much spending as we give Israel, and now Jordan, on top of Iraq, Afghanistan etc, but perhaps we need a law that forces more money spent on Discretionary Spending, like infrastructure projects and re-paying Social Security and fully funding our safety net dollar for dollar so that the Repubs, with their majorities, can fund wars, but only if they allocate that much more spending here at home at the same time.
DOING, things like this, instead of openly playing political games like they were a in a circus, would show them as actually competent representation. That they stoop to such lows in a clearly political fashion, defying a National Leader in such a way that would create a war in other venues, shows their incompetence instead, on both sides, the Republicans and the Israeli (Bibi) Parties.
Talk about being anti-American, perhaps this is treason on an entire Party Scale, with the Republican Party and Likud both committing treachery, each against their own Nations, with this move. Perhaps charges of Treason are warranted for the leadership and party structure of each, in both countries.
Better than starting another war, in my opinion!
DOING, things like this, instead of openly playing political games like they were a in a circus, would show them as actually competent representation. That they stoop to such lows in a clearly political fashion, defying a National Leader in such a way that would create a war in other venues, shows their incompetence instead, on both sides, the Republicans and the Israeli (Bibi) Parties.
Talk about being anti-American, perhaps this is treason on an entire Party Scale, with the Republican Party and Likud both committing treachery, each against their own Nations, with this move. Perhaps charges of Treason are warranted for the leadership and party structure of each, in both countries.
Better than starting another war, in my opinion!
11
Why do Republicans hate America? The nation has finally started to recover from Bush era policies of cowboy diplomacy and financial sector taxpayer funded debt indemnity, and the best the majority can do is foment the next war while giving away FDIC backed bank accounts for collateral in a new round of Wall Street Roulette. The 20% of registered voters who provided the Senate majority for a Mitch McConnell inspired raid on the treasury do not compose a mandate.
27
Inviting an unapologetic war criminal into our country to speak in front of our Congress. What an embarrassment for the always-unhibited, always-incompetent GOP and this country.
33
The so-called intelligentsia are not responsible for the "domino theory". That would be the military leadership and the politicians. There is also the "military industrial complex".
4
The time already lapsed in the Iran negotiations .. someone needs to send a message that a nuclear Iran is a threat to the entire world.
All this is is a speech from a foreign leader who seems to be one of the few with a sense of urgency about this entire issue. Yes it could have been handled better, but let's welcome the dialog and quit putting our heads in the sand about Iran.
All this is is a speech from a foreign leader who seems to be one of the few with a sense of urgency about this entire issue. Yes it could have been handled better, but let's welcome the dialog and quit putting our heads in the sand about Iran.
8
I have no doubt that Israel will instigate World War III.
9
Friedman hits the nail on the head. if the congress wants to hear from foreign leaders on their views of US policy, their views can be solicited without having them speak to the Congress. How about inviting some of our European allies to get their thoughts? In this case, there is no doubt about the views of this Prime Minister. What do they expect to learn? The Speaker has been conned into giving a foreign leader a platform with which to attack American policy; whether or not one agrees or disagrees with the policy, this is an outrageous and a dangerous precedent. And this is man who rejects a US policy going back over decades-- namely with respect to the "settlements". Who else will be invited to air their opposition to US policies? There are many foreign leaders who disagree with US policy. Is this the beginning? This is not the same as inviting a foreign leader to speak who is here at the invitation of the president, for example, Churchill. Our foreign policy is a matter for Americans to debate and decide. And we should take all views, including those of foreign leaders (as well as their opponents) into consideration. That can be done without an invitation to speak to a joint session. If the Speaker wants to change those policies, that is a domestic matter. This invitation should be withdrawn immediately... Get copies of his speeches and read them. Members of congress should not dignify this indignity by attending.
22
Netanyahu 'gambit' of addressing the US Congress must not be interpreted from the American but rather from Israel's perspective. What is going on?
The current right wing political leadership in Tel Aviv has lost trust in the 'unwavering' alliance with the US. President Obama refuses to go war against Iran on behalf of Israel's perceived national security interests. American public opinion is fed up with Middle Eastern 'doable' wars of W. era.
Netanyahu wants, first and foremost, show leadership prior to a crucial election. He feels very confident about Israel's support in Congress and among the Jewish American community, particularly the super rich.
Bibi is playing chess and think his gambit can win over Obama and adverse public opinion. If history serves as guide, Bibi will be the winner.
The current right wing political leadership in Tel Aviv has lost trust in the 'unwavering' alliance with the US. President Obama refuses to go war against Iran on behalf of Israel's perceived national security interests. American public opinion is fed up with Middle Eastern 'doable' wars of W. era.
Netanyahu wants, first and foremost, show leadership prior to a crucial election. He feels very confident about Israel's support in Congress and among the Jewish American community, particularly the super rich.
Bibi is playing chess and think his gambit can win over Obama and adverse public opinion. If history serves as guide, Bibi will be the winner.
16
It is a mistake, but I am unable to why it is a "bad mistake". What damage can possibly come from it?
I think it is childish for the US to be on bad terms with Iran. But Mr. Obama has not moved to achieve a reconciliation with Iran. So let Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Boehner posture. They will dominate the headlines for 24 hours, and then the event will be forgotten, unless Mr. Friedman keeps reminding us.
I think it is childish for the US to be on bad terms with Iran. But Mr. Obama has not moved to achieve a reconciliation with Iran. So let Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Boehner posture. They will dominate the headlines for 24 hours, and then the event will be forgotten, unless Mr. Friedman keeps reminding us.
2
What Bibi and the Republicans are missing is that a lot of Americans are getting fed up with the supposed friendship of Israel. More and more people are seeing their actions as high handed. The planned speech in front of Congress is just the latest example. As soon as America refuses to arm Israel, they will go to Russia. They will do whatever they want for the good of Israel. Americans are starting to believe that is what we should do-Whatever is good for America. Let Israel take responsibility and face the consequences of their actions, alone.
11
If this ludicrous meddling in US internal politics does happen, and does blow up, I wonder if John Boehner will shoulder the responsibility, or spin it off into yet one more drummed-up attack on the the President and the presidency? It infuriates me that a man who is not the (twice) duly elected Head of State should act so irresponsibly and in such contempt of our traditions and our protocol. Boehner's invitation to Mr. Netanyahu is a cowardly act of shabby political theater. He should be ashamed, but I suspect he is as far from shame as he is from taking responsibility.
275
The Congressional invitation to the Israeli prime to address it about the Iran negotiations seems to have been proffered solely for partisan expedient. In an interview for The Atlantic, however, the Israeli ambassador said that "the prime minister's visit ... is intended for one purpose--to speak about Iran, that openly threatens the survival of the Jewish state [which] is not a partisan issue. It is an issue for all Americans because those who seek Israel's destruction also threaten America. America and Israel have to face this threat together." That view is a breathtaking conflation of America's interests with Israel's survival. It nevertheless illuminates an increasingly deep flaw in the relationship between the US and Israel: the incorrect belief that US and Israeli interests are identical and the US must therefore acquiesce to Israel's wishes. In fact, their interests often diverge and the US has no such obligation. America and Israel do not "have to" face any threat together, whatever its source. The two countries have no mutual defense treaty because Israel refused to sign one. The US has for decades voluntarily spent vast sums to support Israel's development and ensure its safety--far more than it has given to any other nation. I would suggest that, for their fellow citizens' sake, American politicians MUST reassess their perception that the US owes Israel deference in any matter. Casting America as Israel's stooge on the world's stage is extraordinarily wrong-minded.
38
Oh no, the feckless mad Jews have forced Democrats from their normal position to open opposition of Israeli spinsters?
Which is different from their usual anti-Semitism how precisely?
IF you want someone to attack Israel, blame them for not being attacked more peacefully, AND claim to support them while wanting to cut them off; who other than a Democrat would you turn to?
This is like claiming the music from the ice cream truck makes me eat ice cream I don't want against my will; because I hate chocolate fudge ice cream; but once again I am forced to eat it.
Anyone buying that? Then why buy the anti-Israel left's claim that they're unfairly forced to oppose Israel yet again?
Which is different from their usual anti-Semitism how precisely?
IF you want someone to attack Israel, blame them for not being attacked more peacefully, AND claim to support them while wanting to cut them off; who other than a Democrat would you turn to?
This is like claiming the music from the ice cream truck makes me eat ice cream I don't want against my will; because I hate chocolate fudge ice cream; but once again I am forced to eat it.
Anyone buying that? Then why buy the anti-Israel left's claim that they're unfairly forced to oppose Israel yet again?
4
Is there a point buried in here - somewhere? It appears to be venting - though exactly why is unclear. Is this in support of the speech or a reflex to a principled stand. Perhaps it would be helpful to include at least one example of "their usual anti-Semitism"? Since it has been stated to be 'usual' a entire list should appear, soon.
I guess examples of 'attack', and 'blame' should also be included for those who only read mainstream, factually-based news publications.
Just sayin'...
I guess examples of 'attack', and 'blame' should also be included for those who only read mainstream, factually-based news publications.
Just sayin'...
4
Mr. Friedman:
While I consider the continued existence of Israel to be a moral imperative, I don't believe Mr. Netanyahu is the best way forward to ensure that priority. It has been dismaying to see the continuing rightward push in Israeli politics under his leadership. There are a great many Israeli citizens who do not agree with there policies. Yet, we hear little of their concern in the media. Bowing to ultra -conservative Orthodox funementalists can only lead to more violence.
His appearance before Congress will have no good outcome, for Israel, the U.S., or the region. His arrogance in accepting this invitation will only encourage more extremism. Mr. Boehner will rue the day he took this step. The only conclusion one can draw from this cowardly act by Congress is that we have become addicted to war. Yesterdays draft-dodgers are todays chickenhawks,trying to find a way back from their shame and self-loathing. Our politics are filled with them and they love tough guy Bibi, who at least has walked the walk. It doesn't seem to have helped his decision making.
While I consider the continued existence of Israel to be a moral imperative, I don't believe Mr. Netanyahu is the best way forward to ensure that priority. It has been dismaying to see the continuing rightward push in Israeli politics under his leadership. There are a great many Israeli citizens who do not agree with there policies. Yet, we hear little of their concern in the media. Bowing to ultra -conservative Orthodox funementalists can only lead to more violence.
His appearance before Congress will have no good outcome, for Israel, the U.S., or the region. His arrogance in accepting this invitation will only encourage more extremism. Mr. Boehner will rue the day he took this step. The only conclusion one can draw from this cowardly act by Congress is that we have become addicted to war. Yesterdays draft-dodgers are todays chickenhawks,trying to find a way back from their shame and self-loathing. Our politics are filled with them and they love tough guy Bibi, who at least has walked the walk. It doesn't seem to have helped his decision making.
18
You have stated that we want to avoid an arms race in the Middle East. That is not Israel's goal. It has already won that race. Israel's is to avoid being incinerated.Both Netanyahu and Obama know things we do not know about Iran's nuclear program and the negotiations. If Netanyahu knows that the U.S is about to accept a deal that will likely result in Iran getting nuclear weapons like North Korea has, he has an obligation to do everything he can to stop that from happening.
9
This is a "Shanda". (Yiddish for BLUNDER.). Difficult to repair. Think before one does stupid things. Hard to heal. Chicken soup will not help this one.
22
The whole event is driven by the same emotional logic that drives ISIS: show utter contempt for your adversaries, antagonize them whenever possible. It may not accomplish much externally, but it sure fires up the troops internally. And, whether we like it or not, that is in fact the future, in every venue: ever less rationality and problem solving, ever more tribalism and ruthlessness.
26
Dan -- You have given a voice to my deepest fear. I could not have said it better.
9
Does Israel have any allies left in the Arab world? The world wants a two-state solution but BiBi doesn't.
It would be in our best interest to promote a new PM in Israel if this is what Republicans in Washington insist on doing to the President. Whatever happened to a next move forward towards peace in the middle east versus all out war?
It would be in our best interest to promote a new PM in Israel if this is what Republicans in Washington insist on doing to the President. Whatever happened to a next move forward towards peace in the middle east versus all out war?
7
In my opinion, this is a great example of why McConnell and Boehner are not qualified to lead. It is a partisan play encouraged and endorsed by the donors to whom they are indebted. It undermines effective diplomacy across many long term interests and will also likely yield unintended consequences. So many of us are swayed school yard rhetoric when we decide for whom to vote and this is the result.
26
This is from the Times regarding an article they wrote w/r/t Netanyahus acceptance of the Bohner offer:
"An earlier version of this article misstated when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel accepted Speaker John A. Boehner’s invitation to address Congress. He accepted after the administration had been informed of the invitation, not before."
Clearly the Obama Administration does not have clean hands on this issue and apparently set Netanyahu up for a PR disaster (somewhat of his own making).
Netanyahu's job is first and foremost to protect the lives of Israeli's. Given Obama's retreat from Iraq, inaction in Syria, the rise of ISIS, and Iran's regular pronouncements on its intent to destroy the Zionist State coming from Iran while it is negotiating with the US on nuclear arms, Israel's leader has to do, rightly or wrongly what he believes is right to achieve his principal objective. Obama and his inane foreign policy will be gone in less than two years. Israel hopes to avoid destruction by its avowed enemies long after that.
"An earlier version of this article misstated when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel accepted Speaker John A. Boehner’s invitation to address Congress. He accepted after the administration had been informed of the invitation, not before."
Clearly the Obama Administration does not have clean hands on this issue and apparently set Netanyahu up for a PR disaster (somewhat of his own making).
Netanyahu's job is first and foremost to protect the lives of Israeli's. Given Obama's retreat from Iraq, inaction in Syria, the rise of ISIS, and Iran's regular pronouncements on its intent to destroy the Zionist State coming from Iran while it is negotiating with the US on nuclear arms, Israel's leader has to do, rightly or wrongly what he believes is right to achieve his principal objective. Obama and his inane foreign policy will be gone in less than two years. Israel hopes to avoid destruction by its avowed enemies long after that.
6
Bibi needed no help. He set himself up.
3
The key word here is "informed". Boehner said in the 60 Min interview that he informed the White House a couple of hours before the announcement. No consultation, no green light from the White House. The White House was "informed". Trying to say that the Obama administration had some complicity in this is really a stretch. Netanyahu and Boehner didn't want Obama finding out about it from a news bulletin.
Boehner, Netanyahu and Dermer own this mess. Not even Boehner is trying to implicate Obama in this fiasco. Boehner is the most inept Speaker in my memory and I'm 74. He can't control his caucus, he can't even count votes. He promises bills will be put to a vote and then withdraws them when he finds he doesn't have the votes. This has happened several times. Amateur Hour.
Boehner, Netanyahu and Dermer own this mess. Not even Boehner is trying to implicate Obama in this fiasco. Boehner is the most inept Speaker in my memory and I'm 74. He can't control his caucus, he can't even count votes. He promises bills will be put to a vote and then withdraws them when he finds he doesn't have the votes. This has happened several times. Amateur Hour.
10
This Republican party action should come as no surprise when they have consistently demonstrated that they view this president as illegitimate.
The Right does everything these days to put a stain on Obama and to elevate their own prospects for 2016. Even when it means causing damage.
The Right does everything these days to put a stain on Obama and to elevate their own prospects for 2016. Even when it means causing damage.
16
So does Friedman also think it would be fair to have Obama pull his political operatives out of the Israel election process or is that fair game and not an afront to Israels sovereignty? This is a losing issue for Obama as is every other confrontation he gets into with a strong, forceful leader(emphasis on leader).
4
Obama's only successes are those in which he retreats, in which case he appeals to those who want no involvement or those in which he is framing a future and defining success that hasn't occurred yet, in which case he sounds strong.
4
This was a completely unprecedented violation of the Logan Act and is an unconstitutional attempt to contradict the executive's right to conduct foreign affairs for the country. Never before has one party in Congress formally invited a foreign head of state to speak to a joint session without the intermediary of the State Department of the president.
Netanyahu is ignoring the two national elections that placed President Obama in office, with the last one alone representing almost 66 million American voters. One party in Congress, many of whom represent small population areas, is nothing equal to this democratic majority. This insult is to all of America, which despite Boehner, Adelson et al, cannot be ignored as cavalierly as the Republicans are ignoring President Obama.
George Washington in his Farewell Address in 1796 warned against the spirit of party which "opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions."
Netanyahu is ignoring the two national elections that placed President Obama in office, with the last one alone representing almost 66 million American voters. One party in Congress, many of whom represent small population areas, is nothing equal to this democratic majority. This insult is to all of America, which despite Boehner, Adelson et al, cannot be ignored as cavalierly as the Republicans are ignoring President Obama.
George Washington in his Farewell Address in 1796 warned against the spirit of party which "opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions."
25
" my non-Jewish friends, who follow world politics and are sympathetic to Israel, ...really don’t like this." Not sure how that's specifically significant, since I can assure you that Jews with any sense whatsoever--probably including many of your friends--don't like it either.
25
Ben and John have one thing in common. Their dislike for our President. John is a lost cause but Ben should think twice before attempting to force pols to take sides. He should remember that the political campaigns are almost upon us and all candidates will fight for the honor of loving Israel more than their opponents.
To Ben and his followers, their is a difference between working for peace in the Middle East and protecting Israel unconditionally. The U.S. Needs to accomplish the former if we are ever to end the terror that plagues us. Ben prefers the latter.
To Ben and his followers, their is a difference between working for peace in the Middle East and protecting Israel unconditionally. The U.S. Needs to accomplish the former if we are ever to end the terror that plagues us. Ben prefers the latter.
8
I have long been a supporter of the state of Israel and an admirer of Mr. Netanyahu's unapologetically assertive leadership style, but on this issue he has seriously overreached. In his zeal to rally U.S. support, Netanyahu has apparently become blinded to the ramifications of this ill-conceived attempt at an end-run around President Obama. Though I am deeply disappointed at Obama's unwise decision to distance his administration--and by extension--the United States from our only reliable ally in the Middle East, Netanyahu's heavy-handed, manipulative ploy will only succeed in further alienating the President and antagonizing otherwise sympathetic Americans. However, Netanyahu is not the sole owner of this breathtakingly intrusive attempt to manipulate both U.S. political processes and foreign relations policies. Speaker Boehner, also afflicted with agenda-blindness, is happily colluding while visions of "gotcha" dance in his head. Rational intervention...anybody?
9
This would be the second time only in our nation's history that someone has been invited to speak before a joint session of Congress to lobby against a sitting president's foreign policy on behalf of an American ally with whom he disagrees.
The last time this occurred was on April 19, 1951, when, at the invitation of then-House Speaker Joseph Martin, Gen. Douglas MacArthur spoke against the Truman administration's decision to try to negotiate a settlement with the new Chinese communist regime to end the Korean conflict. MacArthur, smarting from the defeat inflicted upon American forces the previous winter, demanded that the American government wage all out war against the Chinese army opposing him, including the use of nuclear weapons. After MacArthur publicly sabotaged Truman's peace overtures, the president fired him.
MacArthur's appearance before Congress may have been the emotional high point of his entire life, but in the end, even the general's most fervent supporters had to concede that what he was advocating was, in the words of Gen. Omar Bradley, "the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy."
Unlike MacArthur, Bibi Netanyahu has little standing with the American people. He has perpetrated a gross abuse of America's friendship toward Israel. For Speaker Boehner, this is a blatant undermining our nation's foreign policy for partisan political gain, and risks touching off a war that nobody wants. What kind of patriot does that?
The last time this occurred was on April 19, 1951, when, at the invitation of then-House Speaker Joseph Martin, Gen. Douglas MacArthur spoke against the Truman administration's decision to try to negotiate a settlement with the new Chinese communist regime to end the Korean conflict. MacArthur, smarting from the defeat inflicted upon American forces the previous winter, demanded that the American government wage all out war against the Chinese army opposing him, including the use of nuclear weapons. After MacArthur publicly sabotaged Truman's peace overtures, the president fired him.
MacArthur's appearance before Congress may have been the emotional high point of his entire life, but in the end, even the general's most fervent supporters had to concede that what he was advocating was, in the words of Gen. Omar Bradley, "the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy."
Unlike MacArthur, Bibi Netanyahu has little standing with the American people. He has perpetrated a gross abuse of America's friendship toward Israel. For Speaker Boehner, this is a blatant undermining our nation's foreign policy for partisan political gain, and risks touching off a war that nobody wants. What kind of patriot does that?
33
Great comment. This is the most relevant precedent. Is it possible that John Boehner does not know this?
6
I can't imagine what Bibi might tell congress at this point that they haven't already heard.
Anyhow, Republicans missed the boat in terms of soliciting Israel's input. A better time to do it might have been prior to the invasion of Iraq. I'm pretty sure Israeli intelligence and military community would have been happy to reassure Americans that Saddam in no way represented a military threat to the US. In fact, they might have said that their real concern was Iran, and how would attacking Iraq help that?
Anyhow, Republicans missed the boat in terms of soliciting Israel's input. A better time to do it might have been prior to the invasion of Iraq. I'm pretty sure Israeli intelligence and military community would have been happy to reassure Americans that Saddam in no way represented a military threat to the US. In fact, they might have said that their real concern was Iran, and how would attacking Iraq help that?
13
Israeli voters should duly note how Netanyahu is risking making U.S. support for Israel a partisan issue. It is in Israel's national interest to have the strong support of both political parties in the U.S. Netanyahu is also jeopardizing the support of the American Jewish community most of whom are Democrats. He's being foolish with Israel's interests. He needs to find a more diplomatic way to make his points on Iran.
104
The day John Boehner arrived in politics was a sad one for our country. This outrageous invitation was over-playing his hand even for him and his GOP cohorts. The fact that Netanyahu accepted the invite only shows that he's not as wily as he thinks. Both these men are hoist with their own petard. Cancel this visit and cut your losses guys.
19
Maybe Netanyahu will reconsider his rash decision to subvert American democracy and cancel his speech. We all know what he wants anyway, so why would he intentionally raise hackles here by sticking it to President Obama and trying to torpedo his negotiations with Iran? Many Americans, and they're not anti-semites, believe that Israel, using AIPAC, already gets nearly everything it wants regardless of whether it's in American, or even Israeli, interest. If Netanyahu really wants Israel to be a good friend of the U.S., he should throttle his supreme arrogance and cancel the address to Congress.
16
The amount of Anti-Semitism expressed by the readers and columnists of the NYT is stunning. Shame. Israel is one of the few allies left standing in the area and the only functioning democracy. Amazing that we have any allies after Obama's swath of destruction. We are facing an enemy that has declared war on civilization, that is waging a war of genocide and the NYT is concerned about optics?
5
What color is the sky in your world?
6
When I read a comment like this, I assume it must be deliberately facetious. No one could write this with a straight face. Could they?
13
As an American Jew I unequivocally think that it is an abomination for Netanyahu to speak to our Congress. Neither Netanyahu nor Boehner make the policy for the United States. I am am glad that Obama is using restraint before getting us into another war. If Netanyahu and Boehner are so eager to have us go to war with Iran, let Israel send their young men and women to fight, alongside Boehner's children. To criticize Netanyahu is not anti-semitic. What is anti-semitic is a comment like yours that implies that as a Jew, I'm supposed to support anything and everything Israel does, whether it is harmful to my own country and its people. I am not a robot. I and most Jews can think for ourselves.
19
Netanyahu is playing the Congress for fools. Ostensibly his talk will be about absolutely denying Iran "forever" the opportunity to develop nuclear weapons. Whether or not he speaks, that's very likely to happen as long as current negotiations continue.
But Netanyahu wants economic sanctions against Iran to continue indefinitely. That will happen if he is able to subvert the current negotiations.
In short, his strategy of "No Nukes, Ever" is the gram-equivalency of the Bush-Cheney claim of WMD's in Iraq to justify their war there. It's time to call the Netanyahu bluff for what it is -- send him home and get on with the negotiations with Iran. Why isn't anyone speaking the truth from this angle?
But Netanyahu wants economic sanctions against Iran to continue indefinitely. That will happen if he is able to subvert the current negotiations.
In short, his strategy of "No Nukes, Ever" is the gram-equivalency of the Bush-Cheney claim of WMD's in Iraq to justify their war there. It's time to call the Netanyahu bluff for what it is -- send him home and get on with the negotiations with Iran. Why isn't anyone speaking the truth from this angle?
7
Mr Friedman states that the failure of a nuclear deal with Iran "....could end up, one day, with the U.S. deciding it has to use military force to set back Iran’s program". Well let's hope we come to our senses and do no such thing, no matter what red lines we've set.
Who exactly appointed us World Policeman or gets to decide who gets nuclear power and who doesn't? Do we really want to start what could be another messy and destructive Middle East war for an Israel controlled by a right-wing zealot who is trying to manipulate American public opinion as well as the government into attacking Iran.
Iran may or may not acquire a nuclear weapon capacity but if they do we may have to live with it. It's not what we want but we already tolerate one crazy nation with nuclear weapons and the sky hasn't fallen. And Iran's government is not crazy and there's no reason to believe they want to commit national suicide by dropping a nuke on Israel.
If Netanyahu wants to attack Israel good for him. But leave us out of it.
Who exactly appointed us World Policeman or gets to decide who gets nuclear power and who doesn't? Do we really want to start what could be another messy and destructive Middle East war for an Israel controlled by a right-wing zealot who is trying to manipulate American public opinion as well as the government into attacking Iran.
Iran may or may not acquire a nuclear weapon capacity but if they do we may have to live with it. It's not what we want but we already tolerate one crazy nation with nuclear weapons and the sky hasn't fallen. And Iran's government is not crazy and there's no reason to believe they want to commit national suicide by dropping a nuke on Israel.
If Netanyahu wants to attack Israel good for him. But leave us out of it.
15
If Netanyahu is so convinced that Iran is making a nuclear weapon, why hasn't he acted already? Why does he need the US to do his dirty work for him?
9
This would be for the second time only in our nation's history that someone has been invited to speak before a joint session of Congress to lobby against a sitting president's foreign policy on behalf of an American ally with whom he disagrees.
The last time this occurred was on April 19, 1951, when, at the invitation of then-House Speaker Joseph Martin, Gen. Douglas MacArthur spoke against the Truman administration's decision to try to negotiate a settlement with the new Chinese communist regime to end the Korean conflict. MacArthur, smarting from the defeat inflicted upon American forces the previous winter, demanded that the American government wage all out war against the Chinese army opposing him, including the use of nuclear weapons. After MacArthur publicly sabotaged Truman's peace overtures, the president fired him.
MacArthur's appearance before Congress may have been the emotional high point of his entire life, but in the end, even the general's most fervent supporters had to concede that what he was advocating was, in the words of Gen. Omar Bradley, "the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the real enemy."
Unlike MacArthur, Bibi Netanyahu has little standing with the American people. He has perpetrated a gross abuse of America's friendship toward Israel. For Speaker Boehner, this is a blatant undermining our nation's foreign policy for partisan political gain, and risks touching off a war that nobody wants. What kind of patriot does that?
The last time this occurred was on April 19, 1951, when, at the invitation of then-House Speaker Joseph Martin, Gen. Douglas MacArthur spoke against the Truman administration's decision to try to negotiate a settlement with the new Chinese communist regime to end the Korean conflict. MacArthur, smarting from the defeat inflicted upon American forces the previous winter, demanded that the American government wage all out war against the Chinese army opposing him, including the use of nuclear weapons. After MacArthur publicly sabotaged Truman's peace overtures, the president fired him.
MacArthur's appearance before Congress may have been the emotional high point of his entire life, but in the end, even the general's most fervent supporters had to concede that what he was advocating was, in the words of Gen. Omar Bradley, "the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the real enemy."
Unlike MacArthur, Bibi Netanyahu has little standing with the American people. He has perpetrated a gross abuse of America's friendship toward Israel. For Speaker Boehner, this is a blatant undermining our nation's foreign policy for partisan political gain, and risks touching off a war that nobody wants. What kind of patriot does that?
8
"MacArthur's appearance before Congress may have been the emotional high point of his entire life" I would argue that the actual emotional high point of his life was when he had platforms constructed for news photographers to stand upon and film his rehearsed and practiced wading through the water to the beach for his dramatic return to the Philippines.
3
I completely agree with this analysis; but it is also a childish and (another) wrongheaded move by Boehner, and can only erode further his reputation as a mature and thoughtful politician. It will be a glorious day for the country when this duplicitous person finally retires.
11
If the Democrats were not afraid to offend their Jewish voters, all of the Democrats would boycott PM Netanyahu's address.
It unfortunate that the Jewish lobby thinks more of Israel than it does of the country in which it exist. Without the US's, Israel would find itself in quite a pickle. The US need to stop supporting Israel in the UN and in its activities in the Middle East until its PM starts to respect the country that is its biggest supporter.
It unfortunate that the Jewish lobby thinks more of Israel than it does of the country in which it exist. Without the US's, Israel would find itself in quite a pickle. The US need to stop supporting Israel in the UN and in its activities in the Middle East until its PM starts to respect the country that is its biggest supporter.
10
Perhaps Netanyahu is thinking strategically to post-2016. His desire to take military action against Iran has been clear for years. His goal must be to encourage the Congressional approval of further sanctions on Iran this causing Iran to breakoff further negotiations. Then, if there were to be a hawkish Republican elected in 2016, he believes that he could get the US to, again, fight his wars.
3
I had supported Israel my whole life, but somewhere in the last few years, they totally lost me. Now, I believe Israel has become the thing it fought against - a right-wing, increasingly tyrannical state. This is just one more blow to American faith that we were supporting a reasonable, western, democratic nation. More and more, they seem rather like their opposition.
23
What this shows, more than anything else, is that what passes for Republican leadership these days knows of no higher calling than partisan politics. There is at least one, of course. It's called patriotism.
10
What I don't understand is why just about every report on this controversy neglects to mention that the ambassador, Ron Dermer, is an American citizen, who was previously a Republican Party operative.
That explains the entire situation, in my opinion.
That explains the entire situation, in my opinion.
22
When America sees Bibi give his speech to Congress, it will really question why the head of another state is trying to affect our foreign policy.
Bibi, GO HOME
Bibi, GO HOME
14
It bothers me that anyone who is anti-Netanyahu or anti-Likud is automatically considered anti-Israel — at least according to many commenters here. As long as Netanyahu, Likud and other right-wing parties in Israel are working toward a goal of Greater Israel, there will never be peace in the Middle East. There is a huge amount of fault on the Palestinian side, of course, even more I'd say, but Israel's current settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem makes a two-state solution impossible. Frankly, I can understand why Iran feels threatened, considering that Israel already possesses nuclear arms.
14
It is pertinent for Israel to understand that America's support is underwritten by its public whose representative is our President. For Israel's elected leader who is a representative of the Israel public to disrespect our President would be a gross mistake that will directly reflect onthe Israel nation itself and not just on Mr. Netenyahu and the Likud party. It would be perceived as an insult not only to mr. Obama but to our constitution and the American people. It's implications are frightening not only on our support for Israel but for Jews everywhere. The insidious virus of antisemitism resides serruptitiously in the world and here as well. Why prove it with a partisan rant right here in our congressional hall?
12
An editorial by Bret Stephens in yesterday’s WSJ concluded:
“Above all, Mr. Netanyahu needs to speak because Israel cannot expect indefinite support from the U.S. if it acts like a fretful and obedient client to a cavalier American patron. The margin of Israel’s security is measured not by anyone’s love but by the respect of friends and enemies alike. By giving this speech, Mr. Netanyahu is demanding that respect. Irritating the president is a small price to pay for doing so.”
In addition to Mr Friedman’s points, Americans and Mr. Stephens should consider why America owes its respect for Israel:
Is it because . . .
. . . Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East (though nearly half of its occupants are denied the same rights given to the other half and a movement is underfoot allowing only Jews to have full civil rights).
. . . the respect it gives our form of democracy by sidestepping the President (the one officeholder who is elected by the majority of all Americans).
. . . their coalition government takes the wrong path to appease internal fringe elements (causing continual turmoil with the rest of the world).
Or simply because they live in a very rough neighborhood and are less scary than their neighbors.
“Above all, Mr. Netanyahu needs to speak because Israel cannot expect indefinite support from the U.S. if it acts like a fretful and obedient client to a cavalier American patron. The margin of Israel’s security is measured not by anyone’s love but by the respect of friends and enemies alike. By giving this speech, Mr. Netanyahu is demanding that respect. Irritating the president is a small price to pay for doing so.”
In addition to Mr Friedman’s points, Americans and Mr. Stephens should consider why America owes its respect for Israel:
Is it because . . .
. . . Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East (though nearly half of its occupants are denied the same rights given to the other half and a movement is underfoot allowing only Jews to have full civil rights).
. . . the respect it gives our form of democracy by sidestepping the President (the one officeholder who is elected by the majority of all Americans).
. . . their coalition government takes the wrong path to appease internal fringe elements (causing continual turmoil with the rest of the world).
Or simply because they live in a very rough neighborhood and are less scary than their neighbors.
8
Bret Stevens might as well be on the payroll of the Israeli government with an op-ed using words like "cavalier" to describe an American foreign policy that has been completely subservient to Israel's "demanding" and "irritating" and might I add the word 'expensive'?...decades-long patronage of the American treasury and political establishment. The very value of our foreign policy in the region, that Mr. Stevens considers so important, has long since been compromised by successive American administrations kowtowing to AIPAC's every whim, long before Iran's nuclear program assumed its place in the pantheon of threats to Israel, even causing us to part with our much older (and closer) partners in Europe on many issues in world councils.
And still, this isn't enough for some in Israel? The United States is treated like some recalcitrant Israeli district, that needs to be reminded what's in its best interests? It is incredibly presumptuous for Israel to essentially kick in the teeth of its biggest defender on the global stage.
But lets not forget the other party here: Mr. Boehner and the GOtP. First, our domestic politics becomes a victim to political blackmail not seen since the 1860s, and now the leader of the same party that shut down the American goverment twice in recent years, presumes to use our Congress to affect its own foreign policy?
And he's the one suing the president for 'overreach'? There's also a statute somewhere that involves the word 'treason'.
And still, this isn't enough for some in Israel? The United States is treated like some recalcitrant Israeli district, that needs to be reminded what's in its best interests? It is incredibly presumptuous for Israel to essentially kick in the teeth of its biggest defender on the global stage.
But lets not forget the other party here: Mr. Boehner and the GOtP. First, our domestic politics becomes a victim to political blackmail not seen since the 1860s, and now the leader of the same party that shut down the American goverment twice in recent years, presumes to use our Congress to affect its own foreign policy?
And he's the one suing the president for 'overreach'? There's also a statute somewhere that involves the word 'treason'.
10
Mr. Friedman, don't you ever read history? Don't you understand? Mr. Boehner does. Bibi is fighting for the very existence of Israel, than God. When one is threatened by a large and powerful country, of complete eradication from this earth, one usually does not sit down and wait for it to happen. When Hitler's machine had gobbled up most of Europe, and he was smacking his lips in Jersey, just 20 miles away from the shores of England, we were prepared to fight to the limit with our leader, Winston Churchill. Easy to make judgments and arrogant opinions based on no real life experience.
4
And??????? We are Israel's allies not their keepers and more so not here to do their bidding. Many of us are growing skeptical of the preferential financial treatment of one conclave or nation over another, especially given the way Israel operates as a democracy. Like Cuba maybe it is time to change our policies in the Middle East to a more inclusive effort rather than the umbrella we now employ with Israel. With their current political structure the whining never stops nor is it ever enough.
12
"But, even if we do use force, success is hardly assured and the blowback unpredictable." Based on our track record in the Middle East, I'd amend Mr. Freidman's comment to say "But, even if we do use force, failure is guaranteed, and the blowback will be horrendous."
14
A bad mistake and cynical! With a brainless John Boehner and cohorts from Congress and Aipac, we can expect a behavior like that any time. Obviously many Israelis citizens do not agree with his attitude of Netanyahu's polical party. Unfortunately Netanyahu is strong ideologist running Israel in a very selfish way, ignoring people with peaceful progressive views. He'll not change his bully behavior or political games. America is the biggest problem inside the UN Security Council protecting Israel no matter what, or given veto every time when other nations disagree. This will continue until, we change our foreign policy, specially in direction to Israel and Saudi Arabia. Stop listen to Mr. Kissinger or stop giving green signal for lobbyists from Aipac would help. Our unintelligent foreign policies are causing so many problems around the globe. The world is not stupid or blind. Why Iran is danger than Israel ?Israel nuclear issues was never transparent, but we accept that,other nations , we'll act with violence (invasions, bombing). The game that America plays is out of date and unscrupulous. We need to stop preaching democracy, ( look Saudis !! Time to have a smart analyses about what to change in our foreign policy, or how to make a better diplomatic solutions, stop with Military violence ( drones). Stop with wrong protections. We don't need instigators against Iran. We need a smart analysts, because we have plenty bullies in this nation applauding violence.
4
Maybe "the future of Israel-American relations" is less important to Netanyahu, than the future of his country.
The administration's 2012 promise to deny Iran a nuclear weapon capability, is being replaced with the goal of forestalling that capability until Obama is out of office.
Reuters reports on a compromise deal to work around Tehran's refusal "to meet U.S.-led demands for deep cuts in the number of centrifuges it uses to enrich uranium, a process that can create material for anything from chemotherapy to the core of an atomic bomb.
"Experts warn that any reduction in centrifuge efficiency is reversible more quickly than a straight decrease in the number of machines, an argument that could be seized upon by powerful critics of the talks in the U.S. Congress."
The AP reports: "According to the diplomats, the proposal could leave running most of the nearly 10,000 centrifuges Iran is operating but reconfigure them to reduce the amount of enriched uranium they produce."
This deal would have various safeguard conditions. They all however,could be easily and quickly reversed. Iran's quest for a bomb, far from being ended, would come closer to fruition, with Israel remaining the primary target of the fanatic mullahs.
Who can blame Netanyahu for grasping at an opportunity to warn the Congress and the American public against the coming catastrophe, one which the Obama administration considers inevitable and is content to oppose for show rather than for real.
The administration's 2012 promise to deny Iran a nuclear weapon capability, is being replaced with the goal of forestalling that capability until Obama is out of office.
Reuters reports on a compromise deal to work around Tehran's refusal "to meet U.S.-led demands for deep cuts in the number of centrifuges it uses to enrich uranium, a process that can create material for anything from chemotherapy to the core of an atomic bomb.
"Experts warn that any reduction in centrifuge efficiency is reversible more quickly than a straight decrease in the number of machines, an argument that could be seized upon by powerful critics of the talks in the U.S. Congress."
The AP reports: "According to the diplomats, the proposal could leave running most of the nearly 10,000 centrifuges Iran is operating but reconfigure them to reduce the amount of enriched uranium they produce."
This deal would have various safeguard conditions. They all however,could be easily and quickly reversed. Iran's quest for a bomb, far from being ended, would come closer to fruition, with Israel remaining the primary target of the fanatic mullahs.
Who can blame Netanyahu for grasping at an opportunity to warn the Congress and the American public against the coming catastrophe, one which the Obama administration considers inevitable and is content to oppose for show rather than for real.
3
Very interesting column. Only in the second to the last paragraph do I start to fall out with you. But it's a difference of degree, not kind.
"...if we do use force, success is hardly assured and the blowback unpredictable"
Success doesn't mean you fly in, blast off a few mountaintops and, don't lose any airman. It means you have some idea what you were trying to do. It means if you think starting a new war is success, then (TBD)...
And, "unpredictable" contains one too many prefixes. Nothing is more PREdictable than the blowback “force” would engender. Domestic blowback doesn't matter: all Americans know how to do these days is play polarised. On the other hand, the Al Quds Brigade of the Revolutionary Guards (e.g.), is not a nuclear weapons program, nor is a nuclear weapons program the Al Qkuds Brigade. Not right now, anyway.
I use the indefinite article, "a" nuclear weapons program, instead of the definite article, "the...", because so far nobody has shown me any proof. Nor do I see proof of the contrary. Not that a program isn’t there. In the absence of reliable empirical evidence, not only can I not run an experiment, I can't form a hypothesis.
I'm left with only unfocussed doubt, in either direction. Come on, people, systematise my doubt! My thinking will be more scientific!
But: no "proofs" from unintelligence agencies, please! I didn't say propaganda and hearsay or Tex Avery time-bomb cartoons, I said proof.
"...if we do use force, success is hardly assured and the blowback unpredictable"
Success doesn't mean you fly in, blast off a few mountaintops and, don't lose any airman. It means you have some idea what you were trying to do. It means if you think starting a new war is success, then (TBD)...
And, "unpredictable" contains one too many prefixes. Nothing is more PREdictable than the blowback “force” would engender. Domestic blowback doesn't matter: all Americans know how to do these days is play polarised. On the other hand, the Al Quds Brigade of the Revolutionary Guards (e.g.), is not a nuclear weapons program, nor is a nuclear weapons program the Al Qkuds Brigade. Not right now, anyway.
I use the indefinite article, "a" nuclear weapons program, instead of the definite article, "the...", because so far nobody has shown me any proof. Nor do I see proof of the contrary. Not that a program isn’t there. In the absence of reliable empirical evidence, not only can I not run an experiment, I can't form a hypothesis.
I'm left with only unfocussed doubt, in either direction. Come on, people, systematise my doubt! My thinking will be more scientific!
But: no "proofs" from unintelligence agencies, please! I didn't say propaganda and hearsay or Tex Avery time-bomb cartoons, I said proof.
2
I don't have an issue with a foreign Head of State talking directly with the Congress.
However, such a talk should have been done in front of a House or Senate committee hearings on the subject at hand.
The problem is one of style. Speaking before Congress as a whole should be reserved to foreign leaders as an acknowledgment of some great deed or life of work that directly or indirectly helped the people of the United States. It should not be for some narrow policy reason.
The fact the Speaker of the House does not get that tells me that he is not capable of getting anything. I have not agreed with the Speakers politics in the past, but I had some respect for his him. Now I think he is just an idiot and going forward everything he says or does is suspect.
However, such a talk should have been done in front of a House or Senate committee hearings on the subject at hand.
The problem is one of style. Speaking before Congress as a whole should be reserved to foreign leaders as an acknowledgment of some great deed or life of work that directly or indirectly helped the people of the United States. It should not be for some narrow policy reason.
The fact the Speaker of the House does not get that tells me that he is not capable of getting anything. I have not agreed with the Speakers politics in the past, but I had some respect for his him. Now I think he is just an idiot and going forward everything he says or does is suspect.
10
Let's put aside for a moment whether Netanyahu should have accepted the invitation to speak to Congress. And let's even put aside the fact that President Obama had Prime Minister David Cameron lobby members of Congress to delay sanctions legislation.
Let's focus on the outrage of the White House. How dare an ally like Israel do something so outrageous to its ally the United States like accept an invitation to speak to Congress. Really?? The Obama Administration has done some pretty outrageous things to Israel. President Obama was caught on an open microphone to agree with President Sarkozy that Netanyahu was a terrible person. Is that how one stands up for an ally? How about when John Kerry said that Israel could become an apartheid state? And what about the recent comments by a senior White House official who called Netanyahu 'chikensh--'? Was that person ever reprimanded? But above and beyond all that, how should our ally Israel feel when they hear about secret nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran that kept Israel in the uninformed dark?
Outrage is a funny thing. It tends to be a one way street with this Administration.
Let's focus on the outrage of the White House. How dare an ally like Israel do something so outrageous to its ally the United States like accept an invitation to speak to Congress. Really?? The Obama Administration has done some pretty outrageous things to Israel. President Obama was caught on an open microphone to agree with President Sarkozy that Netanyahu was a terrible person. Is that how one stands up for an ally? How about when John Kerry said that Israel could become an apartheid state? And what about the recent comments by a senior White House official who called Netanyahu 'chikensh--'? Was that person ever reprimanded? But above and beyond all that, how should our ally Israel feel when they hear about secret nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran that kept Israel in the uninformed dark?
Outrage is a funny thing. It tends to be a one way street with this Administration.
4
Why do we continue to financially support Israel when all they do is try to push a war with some country. dont they have anything better to worry about? Why do their people continue to elect such a stubborn war monger to run the country. What do they have against peace? what would they do if they had to buy their own weapons and go to war themselves without us? We need to give that path a try.
16
Are you joking? What does Israel have against peace? How many times has Iran threatened to annihilate Israel? How many missiles have they provided to Hezbollah? Should they go to war by themselves, which Israel will do if they feel there is no other choice, the repercussions will be felt thruout the world. Neither Israel nor the US wants to do that. But, a weak agreement will eventually lead to Iranian nuclear warheads-we all know that. Then what? Have you thought that thru, mdalrymple?
4
As much as I dislike Netanyahu, I blame the GOP for this insult. The GOP hopes to drive a wedge between Jewish-American voters and the Democratic Party by pandering to Israeli interests. Alarmingly, the GOP may be willing sacrifice our own interests to oblige Israel, costing more young American lives and potentially billions of dollars, if they think doing so will benefit them politically. Both Netanyahu and the GOP are playing with fire.
15
They are, simply, war mongers of the 21st Century. But Israel and the US have much money and lots of armaments, including nukes, and continually threaten to use the,. ISIS by other names, simply put.
1
Benjamin Netanyahu may be unaware that the President of the US is Commander in Chief and the duly elected President of the United States. John Boehner is a Congressman from Ohio from the 8th Congressional District. In the event of a war, it is the POTUS who must make the hard and difficult decisions. Boehner and Netanyahu put Israel on thin defensive ice. It is a fool's errand to alienate himself and his country from the POTUS.
8
hitobito, I have little use for either Netanyahu or Boehner. But you need to understand that Boehner is more than just a Congressman. He is 3rd in line for the U.S. Presidency after Vice-President Biden.
3
Why don't we wait and see what Netanyahu has to say before making judgements about the invitation and speech.
2
Mr. Friedman - you make it sound like this speech to Congress by Netanyahu is happening in a time vacuum. We are six years into an Obama administration and there is a record - one that is clearly hostile to Israel limited only by what they think they can get by with. At this point, Israel has made a calculation -correctly in my opinion - that with this President it has nothing further to lose.
4
When people like Friedman are saying Neti shouldn't be giving the speech, it means Neti has lost. Now will he have the guts to cancel. Yes, it will leave the Repubs out to dry along with the Israeli ambassador. But it is their fault to begin with, along with Neti's. No matter how this plays out, Neti has done damage to Israel. Play with matches and you can get burned.
7
How about if President Obama recalls Ambassador Ron Dermer from Israel, then dismisses him? Dermer apparently has no clue what diplomacy is all about, namely serving the best interests of the State Department, the President and the nation at large. Dermer has failed miserably in his responsibilities and must be held responsible for his indiscretion.
5
Please keep in mind that Mr. Dermer is the Isreali ambassador to the US, not the US's ambassador to Isreal. In order to get rid of him, we would need to declare him persona non grata, which would be a big step for the US to take against a close ally like Isreal. Mr. Dermer was until recently a US resident and citizen, and has been identified with Republican causes for many years. Some might consider his appointment a slap at the Obama administration by Mr. Netanyahu. Isreal is imposing on its relationship with the US, which will make it harder to the US to take positions and actions that favor Isreal without antagonizing Isreal's middle eastern neighbors.
5
Ron Dermer IS NOT our ambassador to Israel, he is Netanyahu's ambassador to the United States. President Obama should expel him from the United States for interfering in our internal affairs! As for the rest of your statement about his competance, I agree completely.
4
Bibi needed a talking to from the William Frawley character in Miracle on 34th Street who outlined to the Judge what a stupid idea it would be to declare publically that Santa Claus is a fraud. “Yeah Bibi, you’re going to be a real popular fellah”
2
Personally, I sort of doubt that Boehner was anything more than a pawn in this game. It's just not his style...he'll do petty meaningless lawsuits, but I bet even he had to have his arm twisted on this one.
But, it sure does have Bibi,Dermer, and Adelson's fingerprints all over it. Bibi and Adelson are furious that The U.S. President doesn't fall to their bullying and this is what mean, angry, childish boys do when someone stands up to them.
Regardless, they have overplayed their hands...who knows what the price will be...we already know they have pushed many American's further from Israel than they have EVER been before. Israel would do well to be rid of both Bibi and Dermer.
But, it sure does have Bibi,Dermer, and Adelson's fingerprints all over it. Bibi and Adelson are furious that The U.S. President doesn't fall to their bullying and this is what mean, angry, childish boys do when someone stands up to them.
Regardless, they have overplayed their hands...who knows what the price will be...we already know they have pushed many American's further from Israel than they have EVER been before. Israel would do well to be rid of both Bibi and Dermer.
10
If Boehner genuinely wants a debate on Iran's Nuclear ambitions, rather than just poking Obama in the eye, then he should also invite Catherine Ashton, David Cameron, and many of the others in the P5+1 who have been working hard to resolve this problem, to present the other side of the debate, while Congress is in joint session.
Just to provide a platform for Netanyahu's eloquent scare mongering will in the end serve no one's best interest, not ours, not Europe, not Iran, and also not Israel's.
Just to provide a platform for Netanyahu's eloquent scare mongering will in the end serve no one's best interest, not ours, not Europe, not Iran, and also not Israel's.
8
"Personally, I’m still dubious that the U.S. and Iran will reach a deal that will really defuse Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Such a failure would be very serious and could end up, one day, with the U.S. deciding it has to use military force to set back Iran’s program." And what and whose military force would Friedman advocate to set back U.S. nuclear program.
3
Mr. Netanyahu's plan to speak before Congress in a show of disrespect for President Obama only demonstrates his lack of good judgment who chooses to grandstand in the ultimate act of self-aggrandizement over the advancement of his nation and its interests. Mr. Netanyahu shows the world who he really is, and one would hope that the Israeli people, now that they can see his lack of judgment and misplaced priorities, will show him the door.
8
Israel supporters frantically argue that should Iran obtain a nuclear weapon there would be a power upheaval in the Middle East. It seems that should Iran do that it will give pause to and hopefully put a halt to Israel’s habit of bombing its neighbors at will, invading and illegally annexing their territory, and confiscating (stealing) the property of those it occupies under brutal military rules. Some would credibly argue that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Iran can and will build nuclear weapons if it decides the threat from Israel and the U.S. is such as to leave them no choice. Such a project can only be delayed, not stopped. The fact that Iran is attempting to negotiate limits on their capability to build such weapons, even while the Israel and many U.S. politicians heap threats of military attack and additional war-like sanctions, indicates that Iran would probably prefer not to force the issue. We must not let those who constantly drum beat for war against Iran to overrule the diplomatic caution shown by President Obama and to torpedo his efforts to resolve this issue peacefully.
Iran can and will build nuclear weapons if it decides the threat from Israel and the U.S. is such as to leave them no choice. Such a project can only be delayed, not stopped. The fact that Iran is attempting to negotiate limits on their capability to build such weapons, even while the Israel and many U.S. politicians heap threats of military attack and additional war-like sanctions, indicates that Iran would probably prefer not to force the issue. We must not let those who constantly drum beat for war against Iran to overrule the diplomatic caution shown by President Obama and to torpedo his efforts to resolve this issue peacefully.
7
AIPAC has "legitimately" bought (at least paid for) every seat in Congress. Now the paymasters demand that their foreign representative speak before the bought assembly. Why get upset? The Supreme Court has declared that every dollar is equal and that purchasing any seat, not to mention every seat, is legal.
Yes, I'm being facetious - but, it's better to demand a fundamental change rather than simply react to one perceived insult. That is truly pathetic.
Yes, I'm being facetious - but, it's better to demand a fundamental change rather than simply react to one perceived insult. That is truly pathetic.
5
It shows the Israeli Prime minister is manipulating our political system,
which makes him losing the support of the American people as they think he
is not coming across as an honest broker for peace and progress in the Middle East and is interested considering also our concern.
which makes him losing the support of the American people as they think he
is not coming across as an honest broker for peace and progress in the Middle East and is interested considering also our concern.
3
I think it is a poor decision, and I have always been a fan of Mr. Netanyahu.
I have every confidence that Israel will figure out it is self defeating:
to stick your thumb in the eye of your powerful protector
to interfere in the foreign policy of the only powerful country in the world that protects your right to have nuclear weapons while at the same time opposing your enemy's right to develop nuclear weapons
to allow your politician to boost his election prospects by siding with one political party trying to embarrass the other political party and its President when both political parties have protected your country
It's a pretty simple puzzle to solve
to stick your thumb in the eye of your powerful protector
to interfere in the foreign policy of the only powerful country in the world that protects your right to have nuclear weapons while at the same time opposing your enemy's right to develop nuclear weapons
to allow your politician to boost his election prospects by siding with one political party trying to embarrass the other political party and its President when both political parties have protected your country
It's a pretty simple puzzle to solve
4
As a Jew who supports Israel, albeit not blindly, I have changed my mind. They can swing in the wind for all I care if after this stunt, Israel does not throw out Netanyahu and his entire coalition in the upcoming elections.
13
My take is that Bibi took all of this into consideration and decided to accept the speech anyway. I guess they consider the Iranian threat a big enough threat that Bibi feels he needs to do this.
1
Were Israel in serious negotiations with any of its neighbors that were truly interested in establishing peace Netanyahoo would be an afterthought. He knows it and that is why Israel is now on constant war footing. Perhaps if young Palestinians had some kind of job to go to, like say rebuilding their communities, they would be less inclined to lob their large pop bottle rockets into Tel Aviv.
Perhaps if those who insist Israel has the right to borders that were relevant 3,000 years were quieted some of her enemies would have less of an audience. And if those settlements were given back to the Palestinians perhaps some atonement might begin.
For almost 70 years Israelis has felt like they are locked in an existential battle for survival. And at times they are pretty close. But they have won every battle. When does a country declare victory and get on with it? Iran's hardliners might be every bit as much the zealots as Israel's, but I doubt either side wants to see the nuclear confrontation that would result in all out war.
The only people wanting to see that are American zealots who somehow believe the Prince of Peace will come for them after they stir up armageddon.
Perhaps if those who insist Israel has the right to borders that were relevant 3,000 years were quieted some of her enemies would have less of an audience. And if those settlements were given back to the Palestinians perhaps some atonement might begin.
For almost 70 years Israelis has felt like they are locked in an existential battle for survival. And at times they are pretty close. But they have won every battle. When does a country declare victory and get on with it? Iran's hardliners might be every bit as much the zealots as Israel's, but I doubt either side wants to see the nuclear confrontation that would result in all out war.
The only people wanting to see that are American zealots who somehow believe the Prince of Peace will come for them after they stir up armageddon.
3
"They" don't declare victory until those whose electoral success is dependent on being on a war footing vanish - or are banished - from the scene. Obviously not going to happen while Mr. Netanyahu is on the scene. But we need to keep in mind an old adage, "Just 'cause you're paranoid doesn't mean there's not somebody after you." History has shown that Israel and every other country in the middle east should continue to be wary.
2
Do American taxpayers understand that annually $3.1 billion of their hard-earned tax dollars goes to support a foreign state which has conducted obvious human rights abuse and possible war crimes.
And now the leader of that foreign state insults the American presidency!!
And now the leader of that foreign state insults the American presidency!!
18
The single biggest existential threat posed to Israel is now the unfortunate Benjamin Netanyahu and those Israelis who re-elect him to inflict his reckless policies on the rest of the world.
As an ardent supporter of Israel, I support President Obama's appropriate behavior toward Mr. Netanyahu and urge him to follow the wiser course for this country rather than giving heed to the Greater Israel crowd and the Israeli extremists who support that movement (and, by and large) now control the current Israeli government.
As an ardent supporter of Israel, I support President Obama's appropriate behavior toward Mr. Netanyahu and urge him to follow the wiser course for this country rather than giving heed to the Greater Israel crowd and the Israeli extremists who support that movement (and, by and large) now control the current Israeli government.
5
We need to disengage from Israel, financially, militarily and politically. Israel is a liability in virtually all of our dealings with the rest of the world. We have more than enough to concern us without shouldering the problems of a biased-militaristic enclave that has no respect for our government and wants only our blood and coin to protect it.
13
Friedman writes, "You know how this happened: Netanyahu; his ambassador; the pro-Israel lobby Aipac; Sheldon Adelson, the huge donor to Bibi and the G.O.P.; and Boehner all live in their own self-contained bubble."
It has been said, we are all prisoners of our own perceptions. When you view the world incorrectly, you make bad decisions. And this is a very bad decision.
Furthermore, and perhaps more damaging long term, our major policy decisions (both foreign and domestic, for both Republicans and Democrats) are prisoners of the flood of money that distorts the perceptions of our politicians and policymakers so they only view the world through the eyes of their supporters and donors (a world of winners and losers) and not the world we have been given to use for the common good. It's not just Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Boehner that are the villains here. Sheldon Adelson and his billions are playing a major and disruptive role. And for his part, President Obama isn't helping matters either as a number of other commenters have already noted. It's a sorry state of affairs indeed.
Twitter: @RayGlennon
It has been said, we are all prisoners of our own perceptions. When you view the world incorrectly, you make bad decisions. And this is a very bad decision.
Furthermore, and perhaps more damaging long term, our major policy decisions (both foreign and domestic, for both Republicans and Democrats) are prisoners of the flood of money that distorts the perceptions of our politicians and policymakers so they only view the world through the eyes of their supporters and donors (a world of winners and losers) and not the world we have been given to use for the common good. It's not just Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Boehner that are the villains here. Sheldon Adelson and his billions are playing a major and disruptive role. And for his part, President Obama isn't helping matters either as a number of other commenters have already noted. It's a sorry state of affairs indeed.
Twitter: @RayGlennon
3
Friedman's whole premise is flawed. He somehow thinks we have an honest broker in the White House. We obviously do not.
Obama is out to weaken Israel and force them into disastrous negotiations with the Palestinians, where Israel makes all the concessions. Obama will not stop Iran from going nuclear and he believes it will balance Israel. It's obvious how this administration views the world, and it is based on a view of moral equivalence between the East and West, with the West just a bit lower. Cheers to Bibi and the Congress for having him speak. Obama won't tell the truth - someone has to.
Obama is out to weaken Israel and force them into disastrous negotiations with the Palestinians, where Israel makes all the concessions. Obama will not stop Iran from going nuclear and he believes it will balance Israel. It's obvious how this administration views the world, and it is based on a view of moral equivalence between the East and West, with the West just a bit lower. Cheers to Bibi and the Congress for having him speak. Obama won't tell the truth - someone has to.
3
It's absolutely alarming that, individually and collectively, members of congress are so weak and scared of the power of the Israel Lobby to keep them from winning their own elections and representing their own people that they cede the floor and the power to legislate to the prime minister of Israel. Something is rotten in a lot more than the State of Denmark. Shame.
In Netanyahu's pending speech to a joint session of our congress we have the Israeli prime minister undermining US foreign policy and blatantly trying to get the US to provoke and fight a war with Iran.
Israel's interests are not America's interests. The Likud / settler / greater Israel agenda is opposite America's interests. US separation of church and state means we have no business supporting the religious convictions, aggression and land theft of greater Israel. We should pull the plug on the $3+ billion a year to Israel now and also make Israel pay for American military goods on their own.
The Neocon-fostered US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan netted us massive loss and deflected us from not addressing many constructive opportunities. And it also spawned ISIS, a virulent strain.
For Israel there was no Hezbollah before Sharon's campaign in Lebanon, and no Hamas before Israel pounded of the 1987 intifada. Israel's recent beat-down of Gaza will spawn similar results.
Likud / greater Israel / Netanyahu all want to just blast away and even have the US do it for them.
In Netanyahu's pending speech to a joint session of our congress we have the Israeli prime minister undermining US foreign policy and blatantly trying to get the US to provoke and fight a war with Iran.
Israel's interests are not America's interests. The Likud / settler / greater Israel agenda is opposite America's interests. US separation of church and state means we have no business supporting the religious convictions, aggression and land theft of greater Israel. We should pull the plug on the $3+ billion a year to Israel now and also make Israel pay for American military goods on their own.
The Neocon-fostered US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan netted us massive loss and deflected us from not addressing many constructive opportunities. And it also spawned ISIS, a virulent strain.
For Israel there was no Hezbollah before Sharon's campaign in Lebanon, and no Hamas before Israel pounded of the 1987 intifada. Israel's recent beat-down of Gaza will spawn similar results.
Likud / greater Israel / Netanyahu all want to just blast away and even have the US do it for them.
11
How about pulling the billions we give the middle east in oil money until they stop indoctrinating their children with terror as a political tool, and reject the radical faction of their ideology? Religion is their driving force...to not recognize/name it as that is to willfully ignore reality.
2
"Israel's interests are not America's interests. Wrong. Israel's interests are not the White House's interests...and Americans perceive that is true, and are accordingly alarmed. Netanyahu knows this, and wants to make sure Obama's pacifist stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions is balanced with reality. He has correctly concluded that the truth is far from this White House, to our detriment. Perhaps he has also correctly concluded that this Presidents lies and deceit led to the decimation of the Democratic party in November, and that Obama's stance on any issue today is viewed with at best, distaste, and at worst, with ridicule.
1
“Our only ally in the Mideast, Israel,” deliberately provoked the government of Iran and Hezbollah with high-level assassinations. The NYTimes reported on January 20:
“An Iranian general was among the dead in an Israeli airstrike that also killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Syria over the weekend, the official Iranian news media announced on Monday. . . . Also killed in Sunday’s strike was Jihad Mughniyeh, the son of Imad Mughniyeh, a top Hezbollah military commander who was assassinated in Damascus in 2008 in an attack that Hezbollah attributes to Israel. A senior Hezbollah commander was also said to have been killed.”
NYTimes then reported: “In a breach of sense and diplomacy, House Speaker John Boehner and Ron Dermer, Israel’s ambassador to Washington, have taken it upon themselves to invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to Congress to challenge President Obama’s approach to achieving a nuclear agreement with Iran.”
All this is the work of Benjamin Netanyahu. John Boehner and Ron Dermer are only his pawns. It is Netanyahu that wants to address Congress and then have his minions in AIPAC pressure individual members of Congress to conform to Netanyahu's way of thinking.
Netanyahu does not want a diplomatic solution to achieving a nuclear agreement with Iran. Netanhahu wants a military solution with the United States and Israel joining forces to destroy militarily any and all capability that Iran may have to build a nuclear weapon.
“An Iranian general was among the dead in an Israeli airstrike that also killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Syria over the weekend, the official Iranian news media announced on Monday. . . . Also killed in Sunday’s strike was Jihad Mughniyeh, the son of Imad Mughniyeh, a top Hezbollah military commander who was assassinated in Damascus in 2008 in an attack that Hezbollah attributes to Israel. A senior Hezbollah commander was also said to have been killed.”
NYTimes then reported: “In a breach of sense and diplomacy, House Speaker John Boehner and Ron Dermer, Israel’s ambassador to Washington, have taken it upon themselves to invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to Congress to challenge President Obama’s approach to achieving a nuclear agreement with Iran.”
All this is the work of Benjamin Netanyahu. John Boehner and Ron Dermer are only his pawns. It is Netanyahu that wants to address Congress and then have his minions in AIPAC pressure individual members of Congress to conform to Netanyahu's way of thinking.
Netanyahu does not want a diplomatic solution to achieving a nuclear agreement with Iran. Netanhahu wants a military solution with the United States and Israel joining forces to destroy militarily any and all capability that Iran may have to build a nuclear weapon.
12
As a non American or always strikes me the degree of respect for the office of President even when the person himself is despised by some. This is a violation of ideal by the Congress and inexcusable for a foreign leader so week versed on the USA. When you start disrespecting ideals like this, it is a short road to devilish problems. In Congresses case of it feels the president had done the same to it with executive orders, it needs to find another way to address it. But there are no great minds of high ethical and moral integrity in Congress, it is all cheap strategy from smaller minds that sir in the background with the main objective of winning by any means. What you have now in government is like having your entire armed forces served by mercenary contractors. It is similar in Canada and all of the west I think, just less advanced down that ruinous road.
1
Boehner is not America. He is using Netanyahu to play his political game. This will crack the relation between America and Israel. Israel may be very strong country and does not need America to defend . But it still needs 3 billion dollars
America Taxpayers money, diplomatic support and arms from America. Our politicians in Washington are scared to death of AIPAC but the ordinary citizens do not like any foreign leader insult the office of presidency or play in our politics. Boehner may break the American Jewish support to Democratic party at the cost of American-Israel relation. It is stupid.
America Taxpayers money, diplomatic support and arms from America. Our politicians in Washington are scared to death of AIPAC but the ordinary citizens do not like any foreign leader insult the office of presidency or play in our politics. Boehner may break the American Jewish support to Democratic party at the cost of American-Israel relation. It is stupid.
12
I hope the Democrats in Congress boycott this speech if it takes place. While this idiotic maneuver of Boehner's and Netanyahu's clearly disrespects a fairly elected president, it is also a slap in the face to the American people.
Republicans in Congress may be in thrall to the Kochs and Adelson, but we, the people, are not--and neither are our Democratic representatives. I have already contacted my Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky, to boycott this speech and I hope everyone will urge their own representatives to boycott it as well. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who attends this speech is in defiance of the will of the people and is tacitly agreeing with Boehner's positions.
Let the world see the Republicans and Netanyahu for the fools they are.
Republicans in Congress may be in thrall to the Kochs and Adelson, but we, the people, are not--and neither are our Democratic representatives. I have already contacted my Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky, to boycott this speech and I hope everyone will urge their own representatives to boycott it as well. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who attends this speech is in defiance of the will of the people and is tacitly agreeing with Boehner's positions.
Let the world see the Republicans and Netanyahu for the fools they are.
18
A boycott by the Democrats would certainly send a message. It is the 'right thing to do'.
7
Thank you Mr. Friedman for your article. As one who is a lifetime supporter of Israel, I am not a supporter of Bibi who's in the pocket of religious Zealots in Israel.If the Jews in Israel knew Yiddish they would know the word Chutzpah, which is best described by a person who murdered his parents, & asks the court for lenience because he was an orphan.Bibi is the epitome of Chutzpah .Bibi must be made to understand that American Jews like myself are outraged by his interference in our political system.My Holocaust Generation are dying out & with it is our unconditional support for Israel, right or wrong.
American Jews have lived,fought & died for America since the Revolutionary
War.Most of us are secular, & not bound by the literal interpretation of the
Torah.We are Americans first, Last & always, we love our home & the American people who are the most charitable & generous people on earth.America is our home not Israel, & we reject your interference,in our country.
American Jews have lived,fought & died for America since the Revolutionary
War.Most of us are secular, & not bound by the literal interpretation of the
Torah.We are Americans first, Last & always, we love our home & the American people who are the most charitable & generous people on earth.America is our home not Israel, & we reject your interference,in our country.
15
Netanyahu and AIPAC are doing huge damage to Israel. They are alienating large numbers of younger American Jews. There will come a time when they finish patting themselves on their backs for their cleaver this that they will have lost America's support for Israel.
4
The only time I can recall someone being invited to speak at a joint session of congress to cause a curfuffle with the president was when General Douglas MacArthur spoke after being relieved of command in Korea. This time it is not so noble a reason.
I hope Netanyahu speaks so that we can finally reveal Israel as the burr under the saddle in the Middle East.
I hope Netanyahu speaks so that we can finally reveal Israel as the burr under the saddle in the Middle East.
11
I agree completely Mr. Friedman with your conclusion about the fecklessness and political stuntsmanship between Mr. Netanyahu and the Republican leadership. Their irresponsible actions displayed tremendous immaturity and a lack of long term thinking in favor of a short spike in political popularity.
If Israel were to take a more long term strategic position, as indicated by your comments regarding the Israeli military and intelligence apparatus, they would probably conclude that coming to a compromise with Iran is in their country's best interest. Iran is a growing and developing country and has influence over more militant and angry forces in the region. In the past, just as China, Iran has never shown itself to be aggressive in world events other than to covertly fund subversive forces without effecting it's own internal affairs. The more affluent and prosperous Iran with cooperation from outside superpowers like the U.S., will be encouraged to eventually grow out of it's defensive and prickly past which utilized religion in order to maintain control over the population. If Iran aspires to join the modern global community along with its more prosperous Arab neighbors, they will have to learn to change and adapt. Israel and the Republican party should also be expected to adopt a mature and leadership position as well in order to garner respect from the rest of the world.
If Israel were to take a more long term strategic position, as indicated by your comments regarding the Israeli military and intelligence apparatus, they would probably conclude that coming to a compromise with Iran is in their country's best interest. Iran is a growing and developing country and has influence over more militant and angry forces in the region. In the past, just as China, Iran has never shown itself to be aggressive in world events other than to covertly fund subversive forces without effecting it's own internal affairs. The more affluent and prosperous Iran with cooperation from outside superpowers like the U.S., will be encouraged to eventually grow out of it's defensive and prickly past which utilized religion in order to maintain control over the population. If Iran aspires to join the modern global community along with its more prosperous Arab neighbors, they will have to learn to change and adapt. Israel and the Republican party should also be expected to adopt a mature and leadership position as well in order to garner respect from the rest of the world.
9
Israeli government and GOP, both in their own way, are putting their political benefits ahead of national interest. Israel does have too much power in Washington.
When any country has more power and influence in Washington than U.S. President, it is time to wake up and say, enough is enough, we want Americans to drive U.S. foreign policy.
When any country has more power and influence in Washington than U.S. President, it is time to wake up and say, enough is enough, we want Americans to drive U.S. foreign policy.
11
"I’ve polled many of my non-Jewish friends, who follow world politics and are sympathetic to Israel, and they really don’t like this." Mr. Friedman, I am certain that many of your Jewish friends would join in condemning this affront to all Americans by the Israeli Prime Minister!
8
Remember this same country practicing reckless diplomacy has the bomb. If Israel would divest itself of nuclear weapons then Iran would have no reason to have nuclear weapons and this whole issue would vanish.
14
That is a silly comment. There's an old saying- if the Arab nations would lay down their arms there would be peace, if Israel laid down it's arms there would be no Israel. Israel has had nukes for a long time and has never used them. There is no parallel to Iran's seeking nuclear weapons.
4
The Speaker has trampled all over protocol and the law in his puerile eagerness to embarrass a chief executive with whom he not only disagrees , but despises for reasons having to do with the fact that Mr. Obama is not only Black, but far more intelligent and poised than Mr. Boehner can ever hope to be.
There is a law, called the Logan Act , dating back to 1790 or so , which expressly forbids persons such as Mr. Boehner, from interfering in such diplomatic processes, They are not within his purview and are none of his business.
The Speaker, a mediocre leader at best, has had great difficulty in controlling the unruly mob that comprises about one quarter or so of his chamber and has absolutely no interest other than bringing down the very government for whom it is supposed to work.
Now, apparently , Mr. Boehner has become delirious with the new Congressional majority, and has taken this to mean that he has been elevated to Emperor
By doing so, the Speaker has abdicated the interests of his country and his party. He has become the puppet of a bellicose , unreasonable Israeli leader who proposes to lecture the United States Congress on how to best derail their own interests by accommodating his thirst for Iranian blood.
Mr. Boehner's self serving departure from the needs of this country are tantamount to treason and it is hard to imagine that he should continue as either a member of the House of Representatives or as a bona fide citizen of the country that he has disgraced.
There is a law, called the Logan Act , dating back to 1790 or so , which expressly forbids persons such as Mr. Boehner, from interfering in such diplomatic processes, They are not within his purview and are none of his business.
The Speaker, a mediocre leader at best, has had great difficulty in controlling the unruly mob that comprises about one quarter or so of his chamber and has absolutely no interest other than bringing down the very government for whom it is supposed to work.
Now, apparently , Mr. Boehner has become delirious with the new Congressional majority, and has taken this to mean that he has been elevated to Emperor
By doing so, the Speaker has abdicated the interests of his country and his party. He has become the puppet of a bellicose , unreasonable Israeli leader who proposes to lecture the United States Congress on how to best derail their own interests by accommodating his thirst for Iranian blood.
Mr. Boehner's self serving departure from the needs of this country are tantamount to treason and it is hard to imagine that he should continue as either a member of the House of Representatives or as a bona fide citizen of the country that he has disgraced.
18
Perhaps a short statement of principle will assist Congressional Democrats who wish to make their views known: "I support the State of Israel, and I treasure the special relationship between the United States and the State of Israel. That is why I will not be in attendance at the upcoming joint session of Congress."
15
The Israeli ambassador should be dismissed and given 24 hours to depart the country a day or two before the speech. This is unacceptable behavior from a supposed ally.
15
All Americans should be asking themselves why a foreign leader who blatantly practices human rights abuse, who consistently violates international law, and who is now being investigated for war crimes, has been invited as an honoured guest to Congress. American values are being tarnished in front of the world public.
21
Let's step back and look at this - clearly Netanyahu is acting as a member of the Republican Party: Overseas Branch. And Boehner is acting as a member of Likud: US Branch. But, is this a bad thing? As we move toward a globalized world, where the old Nation States lose importance and stateless Corporations become dominant, isn't it realistic for our governments to start to share DNA? I mean, this particular example is kind of repellant, but in principle, can't it be seen as a glimpse of the passing of the tired old concept of National Sovereignty? (Wow, try even spelling that one - good riddance, I say.) Sort of like NAFTA and the upcoming Asian Trade Pact, or whatever they call it. Now, if we could just figure out ways for the democratic elements to share some DNA, too, following the example of the highest-level elites...
1
It's not in Israel's interest to give the slightest appearance that it's trying to
get the US into military action against Iran? Isn't that too late by
10,000 or more stories and speeches and years things going back to the very
same gig regarding invading Iraq?
Friedman's statement about "American interests" puts him far above the
rest of those Israeli interest pundits whose advice against the speech speaks
only of Israel's iterests, still pretending nobody knows of Netanyahu's
interest in US striking Iran is ridiculous.
get the US into military action against Iran? Isn't that too late by
10,000 or more stories and speeches and years things going back to the very
same gig regarding invading Iraq?
Friedman's statement about "American interests" puts him far above the
rest of those Israeli interest pundits whose advice against the speech speaks
only of Israel's iterests, still pretending nobody knows of Netanyahu's
interest in US striking Iran is ridiculous.
4
The intrusion of Israel in American political affairs is not a new circumstance. The latest example is probably not even the most egregious. Israel mostly gets a pass from the Americans because of the power its lobbies have acquired in Washington. Period.
The overrding problem though is not Israel's meddling in American politics. The larger issue is---surprise!--how power is wielded in Washington. As long as lobbies in general are permitted to corrupt the American political process, American interests, foreign and domestic, will be damaged.
The overrding problem though is not Israel's meddling in American politics. The larger issue is---surprise!--how power is wielded in Washington. As long as lobbies in general are permitted to corrupt the American political process, American interests, foreign and domestic, will be damaged.
8
This certainly is a break in protocol. However, extreme times require extreme action. President Obama has engaged in some pretty reckless policy that is now having devastating consequences. His lackeys in the media will never say this but his decision to remove all of our troops from Iraq is the single biggest factor in the rise of ISIS. Even Mr. Friedman acknowledges that the Iran negotiations will be fruitless. For Mr. Netanyahu and Israel an Iranian nuke means the end of their nation. I know Mr. Obama thinks the force of his personality in enough to change the world but it is not. It is great that we elected our first black president next time I hope we elect a competent one.
4
The single biggest factor in the rise of ISIS was the invasion and occupation of Iraq under the false pretense that they had chemical weapons. After that, it was the now meticulously documented incompetence of the Bush administration in managing the occupation. There are dozens of good books on this subject, amongst them Thomas Rick's "Fiasco."
1
Well said. Friedman's analogy of Obama speaking to the Knesset without asking permission is laughable. Israelis insult their leaders so regularly no one would notice. Be that as it may, Friedman and the rest of Netanyahu's Jewish and conservative critics forget one thing, Jews will never again allow themselves to be slaughtered quietly. His advice to "just lie low" has a familiar and ominous ring which this impressively "stiff-necked" Prime Minister will rightfully ignore. Americans respond to the courage of world leaders and even if he addresses a half-empty Congress he is obliged to speak out for the dead millions and tell the whole world "never again".
2
This isn't about Obama...its about Boehner and his desperate attempt to diminish the President . This is disgusting and unforgivable.
3
If this is not a direct evidence that Israel control US foreign policy in the Middle East, I don't know what is.
19
Of course it is "a cynical political move", Netanyahu is a cynical politician. Speaking before Congress is a bad idea and I hope that Netanyahu cancels the speech, which I think he will. Having said that, the criticism does seem more than a little over the top. I missed the part where Netanyahu was proposing to strangle a puppy at the beginning of the speech. This must be the ten thousandth article/editorial against the speech.
Sure the proposed speech is a bad move, but like everything with Israel, the reflexively anti-Israel press is going way over the top in their criticism. Take it down a notch.
Sure the proposed speech is a bad move, but like everything with Israel, the reflexively anti-Israel press is going way over the top in their criticism. Take it down a notch.
2
A Republican Congress, in general, and a Boehner, in particular, will not solve Israeli problems with Iran or its Arab neighbors. The demographic trends in the Middle East are clearly irreversible, and Israel should be negotiating now to preserve its future and avoid what will be inevitable if it continues on its path of denial.
7
Netanyahu's behavior is unacceptable...in Gaza, in Lebanon. And now usurping the President of the United States. I'm appalled by his arrogance and disrespect towards a people who he wants to fight his wars for him. As an American taxpayer I and done with him.
23
And I think he is also done with your interference in the affairs of the middle east. So there.
What we need is several hundred thousand angry voters in Washington on the day of Netanyahu's speech to demonstrate against this insult to the President of the United States. That will get both Bibi's and the Republican's attention.
22
Friedman and other columnists who were cheerleaders for the disastrous invasion of Iraq could make partial restitution for their own partisan "bad mistake" by jointly telling Netanyahu to cancel this speech. They once joined voices to call for an evil and catastrophic war, let them now--with their vision clarified by recent events in the Middle East--join voices to prevent Netanyahu from squandering any remaining good-will that the US has for Israel.
14
Time to cut off the comments.
they are getting less and less thoughtful.
they are getting less and less thoughtful.
1
There seems to be a reasonable assumption that Bibi will say the US should not give Iran talks a chance, but increase sanctions right away. What if he does not say that, but instead tones things down. Unlikely as that would be, and I don't know if his speech has been circulated or even written, it would certainly backfire on congress.
Is this column about what's in Israel's interest or what's in America's interests? By the end, it seems all to be about calculating how best to nudge America to do something (e.g,. an eventual military confrontation with Iran) in Israel's interests -- against the wishes of many Americans (who presumably care about America's own interests), while appearing to keep Israel's hands off. It's tiresome and sickening the ways in which US Middle Eastern policy, and the lives and treasure it costs here and abroad, are so wholly shaped by one small foreign country's interests. No other foreign country exerts such sway over our national policies (and indirectly over our domestic policies, as the highly political visit of Netanyahu demonstrates). It really should end.
11
Of course the call for increased sanctions, which Netanyahu will certainly make, would decrease rather than increase the likelihood of overt military action by both Israel and US of A. Without sanctions the talks will almost certainly fall apart as Iran will be led to believe the West is a paper tiger and can be simply ignored; the nuclear weapon development will continue apace and the end result will be that preventing nuclear Iran will require military action.
2
So the rule is: no interference in another country's elections? Ok. This from the Washington Post:
"While White House officials were threatening Israel, the news broke that Obama’s 2012 national field director, Jeremy Bird, was headed to Tel Aviv to manage a grass-roots campaign to oust Netanyahu. Bird would not be working to defeat Netanyahu if he thought Obama opposed it. . . . It further emerged that the group behind Bird’s anti-Netanyahu effort has received State Department funding and lists the State Department as a “partner” on its Web site."
"While White House officials were threatening Israel, the news broke that Obama’s 2012 national field director, Jeremy Bird, was headed to Tel Aviv to manage a grass-roots campaign to oust Netanyahu. Bird would not be working to defeat Netanyahu if he thought Obama opposed it. . . . It further emerged that the group behind Bird’s anti-Netanyahu effort has received State Department funding and lists the State Department as a “partner” on its Web site."
3
Of course the call for increased sanctions, which Netanyahu will certainly make, would decrease rather than increase the likelihood of overt military action by both Israel and US of A. Without sanctions the talks will almost certainly fall apart as Iran will be led to believe the West is a paper tiger and can be simply ignored; the nuclear weapon development will continue apace and the end result will be that preventing nuclear Iran will require military action.
2
Right on! Bibi's actions and statements since the 2012 U.S. elections echo the GOP's. I thought Bibi was a Likudnik, not a Republican.
1
Isn't it time for Thomas Friedman, or any other pundit who is a "friend of Israel" to address the fact that not all Jews, perhaps not many, are either in thrall to Israel or Aipac; that the free-wheeling accusation of "anti-semite" for criticizing Israel or indiscriminate support of Israeli policies (which doesn't even include all Israeli Jewish citizens) is a political ploy that should have no place in democratic politics.
12
This is an important matter of national interest and President Obama should fight fire with fire. The President has the perogative and the right to make a national address to the nation on this important issue which would be carried by the major networks, CNN and MSNBC and it should be delivered at the same time of Netanyahu's speech. If this could be arranged, the only network televising Netanyahu would be Fox News. What a Shock!
5
There seems to be a reasonable assumption that Bibi will say the US should not give Iran talks a chance, but increase sanctions right away. What if he does not say that, but instead tones things down. Unlikely as that would be, and I don't know if his speech has been circulated or even written, it would certainly backfire on congress.
Cut of ALL aid and assistance to Israel while Netanyahu holds a position in government. Period.
6
It is naive to ask Netanyahu to not "play in our politics."
Without him having had carte blanche from the US Congress to do whatever he wants as Israeli prime minister, regardless of the interests of America, the interests of Israel, or common sense, he would most probably be out of power, Israeli voters having woken up to insist on a less fanatical and destructive leader and spokesperson.
Maybe his latest outrage will help the US Congress remember what its job is. I wouldn't bet on it, though.
Without him having had carte blanche from the US Congress to do whatever he wants as Israeli prime minister, regardless of the interests of America, the interests of Israel, or common sense, he would most probably be out of power, Israeli voters having woken up to insist on a less fanatical and destructive leader and spokesperson.
Maybe his latest outrage will help the US Congress remember what its job is. I wouldn't bet on it, though.
5
Netanyahu's March address to Congress is a done deal. There's no pulling back from it now, especially considering the bone-headed protagonists who so cavalierly put their parochial partisan prejudices ahead of their respective nations' interests.
This entire circus act rightfully casts the Israeli Prime Minister as a meddling buffoon and the US House Speaker as his treasonous luggage-carrier. To them, such a breach of centuries-old diplomatic protocol seems worth the pointless malice of eye-gouging the twice-duly elected US President.
Were it not for the well-established reputations of the players involved, this foolish, feckless escapade would defy all belief.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
This entire circus act rightfully casts the Israeli Prime Minister as a meddling buffoon and the US House Speaker as his treasonous luggage-carrier. To them, such a breach of centuries-old diplomatic protocol seems worth the pointless malice of eye-gouging the twice-duly elected US President.
Were it not for the well-established reputations of the players involved, this foolish, feckless escapade would defy all belief.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
9
I suggest mr. friedman and every American read the portion of George washingtons farewell letter to the American people regarding foreign policy and entangling alliances. he warned about the domestic and foreign policy consequences of uncritically allying the country with the interests of any foreign country. that is still good advice
4
I never hear a cogent explanation as to how Israel is truly a US ally. How did they help us in either the Iraq or Afghanistan wars? How have they helped fight ISIS? Is their human rights history defensible? How many suffering Syrian refugees have found assistance in Israel? How many Palestinian civilians have been killed, wounded or impoverished?
The only things Israel provides the US are campaign funds and votes for easily purchased politicians. No doubt, our insatiable politicians will be jumping to their feet and wagging their tails when Bibi cracks the whip. Our Founding Fathers would be appalled to see this show.
The only things Israel provides the US are campaign funds and votes for easily purchased politicians. No doubt, our insatiable politicians will be jumping to their feet and wagging their tails when Bibi cracks the whip. Our Founding Fathers would be appalled to see this show.
15
@Joseph Israel hasn't helped us with boots on the ground in the various wars having been told to stay out of it so as not to destroy fragile alliances with Arab countries, but has provided intel that the US is not in a position to obtain otherwise. You ask how many suffering Syrian refugees have found assistance in Israel? I suggest that you read about the hospitals in Northern Israel that are treating wounded Syrian civilians fleeing Syria. And instead of asking how many palestinians have been killed or wounded, I suggest you read about how many palestinians from Gaza and the west bank are treated in Israeli hospitals each year.
5
"If Netanyahu wants some intelligent advice...." An oxymoron if I ever experienced one. Then there's the grim weeper, John Boehner, who plays the title role in a post-modern Shakespearean type drama titled, "Benedict Arnold Revisited".
7
This is one more example why we must be able to criticize Israel without being called anti-Semitic. These divided allegiances by both some American Jews and gentile Zionists are troubling for our national unity.
8
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Boehner do not even realize they live in a bubble. This was not intentional. This was stupid. The fact that they both have allowed this to go on so long is even more imbecile. When embarrassment is in short supply, others will fill in the blanks. Let Netanyahu talk to Congress. He will learn that Boehner is not a helpful person to his friends or enemies alike. Boehner defends Edelson. Netanyahu is used by them both. Israel is diminished. Obama rises above the fray. Iran cares less.
5
this comment leapt out at me...because if we do have to strike iran......
reserving the right to attack whomever it pleases is, I guess, an American birthright. i don't like iran's policies nor its theocracy. however, I've never thought they had a national suicide wish. many countries have nuclear bombs. many more could, but don't. there is only one country that has used the bomb.....twice.
reserving the right to attack whomever it pleases is, I guess, an American birthright. i don't like iran's policies nor its theocracy. however, I've never thought they had a national suicide wish. many countries have nuclear bombs. many more could, but don't. there is only one country that has used the bomb.....twice.
6
Mr. Friedman wrote: " We surely don’t want Iran to get a bomb that sets off a nuclear arms race in an already unstable Middle East. "
But who has made it so unstable? It had been the reckless war against Iraq, There is much more to this than Iran.
with unwarranted aggressions against Arab nations at least since when Ambassador April Glaspie was sent, and Saddam Hussein was deceived. As a result, there was the invasion of Kuwait, which was then stopped by force. The Arab Spring uprisings were instigated and helped by outside groups. Known terrorists like al Qaeda were secretly given heavy arms including tanks and surface-to-air artillery, to help defeat Libya's govt.
Today we are still in league with Saudi Arabia to try to dismantle Syria's government. Israel may be behind that too. Qatar supported the war against Libya.
Britain & Israel certainly backed the mainly U.S.-led war against Iraq. We need to stop supporting these wars, and stop backing the ongoing extreme destruction of the Cradle of Civilization.
Why did George W. Bush not care more about fact the Garden of Eden is in Babylon. And Pres. Obama should care more about stopping the war in Syria, with or without its government's security apparatus.
But who has made it so unstable? It had been the reckless war against Iraq, There is much more to this than Iran.
with unwarranted aggressions against Arab nations at least since when Ambassador April Glaspie was sent, and Saddam Hussein was deceived. As a result, there was the invasion of Kuwait, which was then stopped by force. The Arab Spring uprisings were instigated and helped by outside groups. Known terrorists like al Qaeda were secretly given heavy arms including tanks and surface-to-air artillery, to help defeat Libya's govt.
Today we are still in league with Saudi Arabia to try to dismantle Syria's government. Israel may be behind that too. Qatar supported the war against Libya.
Britain & Israel certainly backed the mainly U.S.-led war against Iraq. We need to stop supporting these wars, and stop backing the ongoing extreme destruction of the Cradle of Civilization.
Why did George W. Bush not care more about fact the Garden of Eden is in Babylon. And Pres. Obama should care more about stopping the war in Syria, with or without its government's security apparatus.
5
". . .Many of Israel’s friends will be uncomfortable, and the anti-Semites, who claim Israel controls Washington, will have a field day."
I take exception to the presumption that one must be anti-Semite to claim that Israel and Aipac have too much lobbying power in Washington. I realize this may not be Friedman's premise- but even as a hypothetical comment it is too easy to say without due consideration of the words, themselves. My half-Jewish family, with Israeli relatives, is torn asunder by this very presumption, because some of us are against the American/Israeli war machine and not blind to the Palestinian apartheid Jimmy Carter wrote about. Does that make us anti-Semites? I don't think so. Anti-Zionists, perhaps.
I take exception to the presumption that one must be anti-Semite to claim that Israel and Aipac have too much lobbying power in Washington. I realize this may not be Friedman's premise- but even as a hypothetical comment it is too easy to say without due consideration of the words, themselves. My half-Jewish family, with Israeli relatives, is torn asunder by this very presumption, because some of us are against the American/Israeli war machine and not blind to the Palestinian apartheid Jimmy Carter wrote about. Does that make us anti-Semites? I don't think so. Anti-Zionists, perhaps.
16
I have to completely agree as I was going use the same phrase in my comment. The Republicans control Congress and are in full support of the Israeli position and they are fully supported by American Jewish money in the person of Sheldon Adelson and AIPAC. The logic then follows that Israel controls the United States Congress. Netanyahu has no desire to reach a compromise with the Palestinians and from what I read of the Republicans neither do they.
3
Let's not forget that Netanyahu is desperate to retain power in Israel. What is the best way to do this? Make his constituents believe that they are under constant threat. Make them believe he is the only one who truly understands how dangerous the world is for Jewish people. And make them believe he, and only he, has the power and political will to keep them safe. After all, this is the man who told French Jews after the recent "Charlie" attacks to move to Israel because they could no longer count on their own Country to make them secure.
As for accepting Boehner's invitation to speak to the Congress? Well, this just feeds in to his own narcissism. I mean, in Netanyahu's way of thinking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would not behave in such an egregious fashion for just anyone, now, would he?
Netanyahu is loving every minute that he is the cause of such intense debate currently taking place in America. I cannot say for certain but, I am fairly sure the same amount of television coverage and newsprint is probably occurring in Israel. Well, I used to be able to say that you could not buy this amount of publicity just before an election, but that is another argument for another day.
As for accepting Boehner's invitation to speak to the Congress? Well, this just feeds in to his own narcissism. I mean, in Netanyahu's way of thinking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would not behave in such an egregious fashion for just anyone, now, would he?
Netanyahu is loving every minute that he is the cause of such intense debate currently taking place in America. I cannot say for certain but, I am fairly sure the same amount of television coverage and newsprint is probably occurring in Israel. Well, I used to be able to say that you could not buy this amount of publicity just before an election, but that is another argument for another day.
5
It is commendable that the media/press is addressing this serious over-stepping by all involved..Ron Dermer, Boehner, Netanyahu, AIPAC, Sheldon Adelson ( who has NO business in politics...least of all Israeli politics.) . As mentioned in the article..they are all in a mental bubble.
One statement, however, was somewhat disturbing...
"Many of Israel’s friends will be uncomfortable, and the anti-Semites, who claim Israel controls Washington, will have a field day.”
Why would those who claim Israel controls Washington be considered anti-semites ? This observation does not necessarily indicate a negative attitude for those of Jewish faith or ethnicity. It very well could be an honest observation of witnessing very little criticism from Congress when it comes to Israel's activities. The U.S. is often seen as the big tough brother who is ready to stomp on anyone who might retaliate against the bullying of our younger brother. Maybe it's time to let the little fellow fight his own battles.
One statement, however, was somewhat disturbing...
"Many of Israel’s friends will be uncomfortable, and the anti-Semites, who claim Israel controls Washington, will have a field day.”
Why would those who claim Israel controls Washington be considered anti-semites ? This observation does not necessarily indicate a negative attitude for those of Jewish faith or ethnicity. It very well could be an honest observation of witnessing very little criticism from Congress when it comes to Israel's activities. The U.S. is often seen as the big tough brother who is ready to stomp on anyone who might retaliate against the bullying of our younger brother. Maybe it's time to let the little fellow fight his own battles.
18
Three points:
1. An Iranian nuclear weapons capability is a threat to the U.S -- of about the same magnitude as the North Korean threat. (BTW, you don't see the sizable Korean-American community here demanding war against the DPRK, even though Seoul is a lot closer to Pyongyang than Tel Aviv is to Tehran.)
2. An Iranian nuclear capability is preferable to a war with Iran.
3. The only durable solution is a regional no-nukes agreement, similar to the one in place in Latin America (that includes Cuba). Israel lifted the Sword of Damocles over the Middle East, and now it must bear the consequences.
1. An Iranian nuclear weapons capability is a threat to the U.S -- of about the same magnitude as the North Korean threat. (BTW, you don't see the sizable Korean-American community here demanding war against the DPRK, even though Seoul is a lot closer to Pyongyang than Tel Aviv is to Tehran.)
2. An Iranian nuclear capability is preferable to a war with Iran.
3. The only durable solution is a regional no-nukes agreement, similar to the one in place in Latin America (that includes Cuba). Israel lifted the Sword of Damocles over the Middle East, and now it must bear the consequences.
11
What actually scares Netanyahu and the Israelis about a nuclear deal between the US and Iran, is that such a deal would require Iran to submit to a continual, invasive inspection of its nuclear capabilities.
If that happens, people are going to start demanding that Israel also submit to an inspection of Israel's nuclear capabilities.
If that happens, people are going to start demanding that Israel also submit to an inspection of Israel's nuclear capabilities.
12
You don't have to be an anti-Semite to believe that Israel controls Washington .
23
Actually, that's pretty much the definition of being an anti-semite.
4
I find it distressing that so many writers are condemning Israel for this, not without a small amount of old-fashioned anti-semitism. But this is not an Israeli effort; it is simply the effort of Netanyahu, who happens to be running again for Prime Minister. Are you Israel haters not able to distinguish between a country and one of its leader at the moment? Like many Jews (here and in Israel), I strongly support the State of Israel but dislike and distrust its present Prime Minister. Let's turn this around for a moment. Many American citizens dislike either our current Administration led by President Obama, or our current Republican Congress. Does this dislike of some individuals automatically signify that we ALL hate the United States? It is a stupid conclusion that the Israeli bashers are always making.
1
A few points: Michael Oren is now in political opposition to Netanyahu. He joined a party that has split off from Likud. His statement has to be viewed therefore in the context of an Israeli election campaign.
Secondly, Chris Wallace was not merely aghast at the fact that the Israeli Ambassador failed to inform Kerry, he was shocked the extent of the deterioration of relations between the heads of government of the two traditional allies, at how bitterly divisive it all has become.
The real bubble is the Obama bubble and its Chamberlain-like attempt to achieve peace in our time with Iran, which, it is clear, is playing Obama like a puppet. Israel knows that Obama believes selling Israel's viability down the river would be a small price to pay for a tamer Iran, albeit an Iran that will be allowed to achieve nuclear capability. The stakes for Israel are huge here and Boehner, who in this case represents a strong majority of the American people as well as the First Branch of Government, realizes that the interests of both Israel and the United States are potentially in the process of being seriously compromised. Given Obama's performance in world affairs to date, can anyone seriously doubt that those concerns are justified?
Friedman's analysis of this as a Republican v. Democrat dispute in which Netanyahu is taking the wrong side, is flawed and as usual shallow. Very dangerous policy decisions are being made and they are warning us of that. That's their duty.
Secondly, Chris Wallace was not merely aghast at the fact that the Israeli Ambassador failed to inform Kerry, he was shocked the extent of the deterioration of relations between the heads of government of the two traditional allies, at how bitterly divisive it all has become.
The real bubble is the Obama bubble and its Chamberlain-like attempt to achieve peace in our time with Iran, which, it is clear, is playing Obama like a puppet. Israel knows that Obama believes selling Israel's viability down the river would be a small price to pay for a tamer Iran, albeit an Iran that will be allowed to achieve nuclear capability. The stakes for Israel are huge here and Boehner, who in this case represents a strong majority of the American people as well as the First Branch of Government, realizes that the interests of both Israel and the United States are potentially in the process of being seriously compromised. Given Obama's performance in world affairs to date, can anyone seriously doubt that those concerns are justified?
Friedman's analysis of this as a Republican v. Democrat dispute in which Netanyahu is taking the wrong side, is flawed and as usual shallow. Very dangerous policy decisions are being made and they are warning us of that. That's their duty.
3
Like so many in the media, Freidman states it as a fact that Iran has a nuclear weapons program, just as it became a "fact" that Iraq had WMDs and a nuclear weapons program that if it wasn't destroyed would lead to " mushroom clouds " over American cites. Fact is that two exhaustive US intelligence reports released in 2007 and 2012 concluded that Iran did not have a nuclear weapons program. Moreover, CIA Director Petreous and General Clapper both testified to Congress that Iran did not have a nuclear weapons program. Yet, Natanyahu and his bought and paid for congressmen, are now doing all in their power to scuttle the talks with Iran. We all know what will happen if the negotiations fail. America will once again be dragged into abloody and bankrupting war against another Mideast nation over its alleged WMD program. Just so disgusted with columnists like Friedman once again repeating the lies of the neoconservative crowd. Recall that Friedman was also a cheerleader for the Iraq debacle.
9
We should insist that Obama be invited to Israel to address the Knesset on why the continued development of new settlements in the occupied territories is illegal and immoral.
9
Making Dermer officially persona non grata would grant him figurative political martyr status, domestically and in Israel. I assume that's precisely what he wants, so why give it to him? Let him stay in washington.
Demers can go through the metal detectors and line up to get an appointment for a meeting with a low level functionary at the State Department. Then if Bibi actually wants access to the executive he'll have to replace this clownish political operative with a diplomat in the role of ambassador, or wait for the request to filter up the chain of command.
Sounds about equivalent a snub given the facts on the ground...
Demers can go through the metal detectors and line up to get an appointment for a meeting with a low level functionary at the State Department. Then if Bibi actually wants access to the executive he'll have to replace this clownish political operative with a diplomat in the role of ambassador, or wait for the request to filter up the chain of command.
Sounds about equivalent a snub given the facts on the ground...
13
Brilliant!
3
Article II, Sec. 3, U.S. Constitution (excerpt):
"...he" (the President) "shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers;"
The Framers' intent seems clear enough to me. One of their predominant concerns was the possibility of attempts by foreign persons and/or governments to undermine and bring down our new republic by means other than war. Hence the Article II provision that representatives of foreign governments should address themselves to our Head of State.
Unsaid was the obvious: individual members of the legislative body were seen to be more likely to be influenced by intimidation, seduction and even bribery than the Chief Executive.
I think the fault lies not nearly so much with Netanyahu - who's simply being opportunistic - as with Boehner, whose long-running opposition to President Obama now cynically takes our internal political wars beyond our borders. For Boehner to enlist the subtle aid of a foreign "public minister" to enhance his own political image domestically is offensive in the extreme.
Surely, such a gambit would have made the Framers very uneasy.
"...he" (the President) "shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers;"
The Framers' intent seems clear enough to me. One of their predominant concerns was the possibility of attempts by foreign persons and/or governments to undermine and bring down our new republic by means other than war. Hence the Article II provision that representatives of foreign governments should address themselves to our Head of State.
Unsaid was the obvious: individual members of the legislative body were seen to be more likely to be influenced by intimidation, seduction and even bribery than the Chief Executive.
I think the fault lies not nearly so much with Netanyahu - who's simply being opportunistic - as with Boehner, whose long-running opposition to President Obama now cynically takes our internal political wars beyond our borders. For Boehner to enlist the subtle aid of a foreign "public minister" to enhance his own political image domestically is offensive in the extreme.
Surely, such a gambit would have made the Framers very uneasy.
12
Why is anyone afraid to hear from the Israeli PM? Are his thoughts that scary to you? His country and its people are surrounded by those who inflict violence everyday, have inflicted violence everyday, and promise to inflict violence at its extreme until Israel no longer exists. Our nation has turned its back on Israel as has its leadership. You hear no one in the administration castigating ISIS/ISIL leadership although they will characterize their actions. The inequality is obvious, stark and disturbing. He's only trying to rally support against those who would commit genocide completing what the Germans started and were unable to finish. The appropriate Germans were thusly treated as war criminals. What has changed? Why are we unwilling to do the same today?
20
Violence begets violence and at some point, the adult has to step in and intercede about the role of peace otherwise the cycle of hatred will never cease. Japan committed atrocious acts during WWII and bombed Pearl Harbor although seemed to have transformed like a caterpillar into a moth and risen to the 3rd most prosperous country in the world. At some point, if Israel agreed to greater accommodations in the disputed territorial regions, they may also grow in proportion to their willingness to surrender authority in the expectation of peace and fortune for their people.
1
You may have forgotten that Israel is a foreign, sovereign country. It's defense has never been a legitimate American responsibility, especially if young American lives must be sacrificed to achieve it. Obama may be one of the few American politicians who understands that.
3
Nobody's "afraid" of what Netanyahu is going to say. It's the idea that disrespect is being shown to our country's head of state, that the GOP leadership has the gall to try to make foreign policy and stick its finger in President Obama's eye any way it can by doing an end run around him. Netanyahu is showing the same amount of disrespect. There's also the problem of how Iran is going to interpret what's going on - perhaps that the US is weak and divided by letting one branch of government preempt the other, which is going to torpedo any chance we have of a diplomatic solution to the situation with their nukes.
3
I share Mr. Friedman's anger at Netanyahu for this mess. However, I think he should have spent more inches of his column on the real villain of the piece- the GOP, or at least John Boehner. Netanyahu could have jonesed all he wanted to about coming to the US to address Congress, and Adelson could have offered all the money he wanted to to make it happen, but Boehner and the GOP didn't have to invite Nentayahu or accept Adelson's money. None of this would have happened without the cowardice on the part of the GOP in the face of big money or the weakness of character (and lack of respect) to refuse such a delicious way to poke President Obama in the eye yet again.
6
Perhaps the GOP will soon want to open their own embassy in Israel. I would not put it past them.
6
Not to worry Robert, they will have one in just two years.
3
Look on the bright side. Maybe Israeli voters will wise up and vote this morally compromised buffoon out of office permanently
8
This is not only A Bad Mistake but it further shows the lack of interest of the American voter. Who really is running this country, "we the people" or Isreal ?
5
As a rule, Americans oppose religious states. But we have traditionally made an exception for Israel, on various grounds: Jews have been uniquely persecuted so that a Jewish state is a matter of Jewish survival; despite being a religious state Israel is more democratic and more respectful of religious minorities than any of the other (also religious) states in the Middle East; and Israel is a close ally.
Now Netanyahu will campaign against our President and against our foreign policy, and campaign for his own re-election, from the Congressional podium. This kind of egregious overreach into an ally's affairs risks deep and lasting alienation. Netanyahu is practically inviting American re-examination of our alliance with Israel.
And Israel's entanglement of religion and government, to a degree we would never accept at home in the U.S., provides the perfect basis for such re-examination by those who would prefer a more distant relationship to Israel.
Netanyahu needs to be more careful what he wishes for.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Now Netanyahu will campaign against our President and against our foreign policy, and campaign for his own re-election, from the Congressional podium. This kind of egregious overreach into an ally's affairs risks deep and lasting alienation. Netanyahu is practically inviting American re-examination of our alliance with Israel.
And Israel's entanglement of religion and government, to a degree we would never accept at home in the U.S., provides the perfect basis for such re-examination by those who would prefer a more distant relationship to Israel.
Netanyahu needs to be more careful what he wishes for.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
10
Perhaps this end run by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu around protocol and a direct insult to President Obama will allow us to rethink our financial and military relationship with Israel. In particular: Why to such an extent? Israel enjoys a veritable bounty of US support; which it takes so much for granted that its Prime Minister is welcome to make such a "churlish' move (to say nothing of Israel's all but veneration of Pollard, the American who betrayed his nation to serve Israel). We have gone far from supporting Israel's right to exist. It exists, it will continue to exist; it can do so without the overwhelming aid it now receives from the US. Other than anger from a good part of the world, including Arab allies, what exactly are we getting from this relationship? Welcome, Mr. Netanyahu; have your chat. Perhaps there will also be some consequences that you haven't counted on...
11
The intelligentsia warned us about the "Domino Theory" as we were told the world would fall to communism if we didn't fight in Vietnam. Now the newest set of geniuses is telling us that there will be a nuclear arms race in the Middle East if Iran is allowed to get "the bomb". The last theory fell flat on its face and the only time anyone had to answer for it was the other day when Henry Kissinger felt some mild protest to his rear while John McCain apologized to his face for ordinary Americans using their first amendment rights against one of his crony elites. What evidence do you have for your race for the bomb Mr. Friedman?
7
There is a wide-spread belief among Republicans that portraying Obama as (what else) anti-Israel is good politics. As if not being loved by a cynical extremist like Bibi is evidence of anti-Israel policies, or, to be more accurate, "feelings" or "ideas", which is what Obama's harshest critics are always talking about being they have little more to complain about than his "beliefs",which they claim to know even though he acts and says otherwise.
It is not anti-Israel to fail to endorse every thing this client state does, enabled with our $3 billion a year in military aid, which Obama, just like any other US President, will never threaten to withhold.
This stupid move by Boehner is meant to fuel that narrative, and it is shortsighted and foolish. I don't often commend Friedman's columns, but everyone ought to read this one. Maybe twice.
It is not anti-Israel to fail to endorse every thing this client state does, enabled with our $3 billion a year in military aid, which Obama, just like any other US President, will never threaten to withhold.
This stupid move by Boehner is meant to fuel that narrative, and it is shortsighted and foolish. I don't often commend Friedman's columns, but everyone ought to read this one. Maybe twice.
11
Nathanyhu is hardly able to resist the limelight and much less to benefit his country. Accusing Israel's enemies is his habitual MO ,hoping to alarm his audiences to be sure to convince them he is the sole leader who is capable of proteting Israel while the truth is the opposite. His elloquence is mainly a cover up for his lack of ability to create a peaceful solution in the region and will continue to do so should he be re-elected. His upcoming appearance at US Congress is one way to bamboozle audiences , not to mention trifling with the Obama's administration which Israel can hardly afford to do.
6
Netanyahu's actions demonstrate that he is the wrong man to be entrusted with the delicate and precarious state of the middle east.He takes both our money and good will and then sabotages our intentions for peace in the region. Throw this into the mix with Boehner's cynicism and gross inability to govern, and it is apparent that statesmanship is dead and only self interest applies. One hopes this blows up in their faces.
11
The same thing happened in 2011, when PM Netenyahu was invited to speak to Congress without asking permission from the White House. The White House had no problem with this at the time, since Obama had an election he needed to win. Now that the president does not need the Jewish vote anymore, he can manufacture outrage over this. Israel is our friend. If the president had any class, he would graciously attend the speech.
3
Reckless, and disrespectful? To this president, the most reckless and least deserving of respect in our nations history. Something needs to be done and it is obvious that our president does not have the will or the stomach to do anything. The republicans and Netanyahu have been forced into this situation.
4
"the anti-Semites, who claim Israel controls Washington, will have a field day.”
Anti-Semites? I guess you mean all those who value the human rights of subjugated peoples and think a government shouldn't have the right to kill thousands of men, women and children and destroy their homes with impunity whenever it feels like it.
You don't have to be an anti-Semite to claim Israel controls Washington. You only have to be paying attention to what Washington says and does.
Anti-Semites? I guess you mean all those who value the human rights of subjugated peoples and think a government shouldn't have the right to kill thousands of men, women and children and destroy their homes with impunity whenever it feels like it.
You don't have to be an anti-Semite to claim Israel controls Washington. You only have to be paying attention to what Washington says and does.
22
Yes its indeed curious that Mr Friedman believes that only anti-semites believe that Washington is controlled by Israel.
Probably the most revealing statement in the entire article.
Probably the most revealing statement in the entire article.
3
Although the column rightly blames PM Netanyahu and his ambassador to Washington for most of this mess, it lets the Republicans, especially John Boehner, off the hook way too easily. The GOP has stuck their fingers in President Obama's eye from the day he was sworn in, a constant diet of obstructionism, negativity and outright lies. This is just the latest example.
And can you imagine the outrage in right-wing precincts if a Democratic Congress had invited the leader of a foreign country to address it during the time of Reagan or Bush, especially on a matter in the midst of negotiations with an adversary that could greatly affect America's foreign policy?
And can you imagine the outrage in right-wing precincts if a Democratic Congress had invited the leader of a foreign country to address it during the time of Reagan or Bush, especially on a matter in the midst of negotiations with an adversary that could greatly affect America's foreign policy?
7
I'm sure the Iranians realize that no matter what deal they could ever work out with the current administration, the Republicans would never vote for it in Congress. So, it really doesn't make any sense for Iran to change course, because the sanctions will never be lifted. (Take Cuba, as an example. You don't see the Republican Congress initiating the lifting of sanctions against a tiny little island of hostility whose major export is sugar!) I would recommend that the President propose that he be given the options to lift all sanctions against Iran before entering into negotiations with Iran. Although, maybe the Europeans and other countries will lift their sanctions against Iran which would make our sanctions superfluous .
By the way, we aren't going to attack Iran because the American public isn't going to buy into another Middle East war.
By the way, we aren't going to attack Iran because the American public isn't going to buy into another Middle East war.
3
"laying low" is easy to say when you don't have The Ayatollah calling for Israel's destruction and building a weapon that could do just that
Iran is controlled by death worshipping fundamentalists who would consider their greatest gift to Allah -a smoldering Israel
Oh AND their being destroyed in the process? Just a mass nuclear suicide on the way to paradise.
Netanyahu does not want that on his conscience -nor should he -or anyone!
Iran is controlled by death worshipping fundamentalists who would consider their greatest gift to Allah -a smoldering Israel
Oh AND their being destroyed in the process? Just a mass nuclear suicide on the way to paradise.
Netanyahu does not want that on his conscience -nor should he -or anyone!
2
While Netanyahu has shattered Israel's image with three wars in six years, he is leading his country down the road towards isolation with his apartheid policies. He is turning Israel into a rogue state comparable with the bad old days of South Africa.
John Boehner and the GOP have turned their collective backs on the American public to side with Israel in the interests of Israel. I think that's called treason,
John Boehner and the GOP have turned their collective backs on the American public to side with Israel in the interests of Israel. I think that's called treason,
10
If you write Congress about an Israeli transgression you get in return a form letter about our commitment to Israel. Perhaps an address by Netanyahu will illustrate to these congressmen just how explosive the Middle East is at this moment. Our catastrophic failure in Iraq, Afghanistan and unconditional support for the Israeli state has produced ferocious BLOW BACK.
After Bibi's address they should realize our policies in the Middle East will produce a reaction leading to WW III.
After Bibi's address they should realize our policies in the Middle East will produce a reaction leading to WW III.
6
Once again Friedman places a tidbit of propaganda into an otherwise good essay: ..... "Personally, I’m still dubious that the U.S. and Iran will reach a deal that will really defuse Iran’s nuclear weapons program.."
There is a pattern of Friedman inserting "Iran's nuclear weapons program" into his dialogues, presenting an unknown as a fact. As stated by many intelligence experts, there is no evidence that Iran has a nuclear weapons program.
Friedman is acting like an Israeli sleeper agent.
There is a pattern of Friedman inserting "Iran's nuclear weapons program" into his dialogues, presenting an unknown as a fact. As stated by many intelligence experts, there is no evidence that Iran has a nuclear weapons program.
Friedman is acting like an Israeli sleeper agent.
10
Yes indeed its typical of Mr Friedman. The other self revealing statement was when he wrote that only anti semites believe that Washington is controlled by Israel. Is that true?
1
Mr. Friedman should learn from the past...as per Chamberlain and Britain when faced with annihilation from a maniacal dictatorship......
"There will be peace in our time"
"There will be peace in our time"
2
I have written to my congressman and both senators and asked them to not attend this spectacle. I've also written Amb. Dermer and told him how supportive of Israel I've been over the years, but yet what a bad idea this is.
2
I think this article is spot-on; it is important to disentangle three elements of this situation: (1) the question of diplomatic protocol, (2) Israeli involvement with US foreign policy, and (3) the content of the Iran policy. On (1) there is no question by any standard that the Netanyahu visit would be outrageous. On (2) there is a long established principle that countries determine foreign policy based on their perception of their national interests, and that applies to the US as well; whether those interests overlap with Israeli interests is a by-product, not a determinant. On (3) extreme care is needed for all kinds of reasons, and if at the end of the day it emerges that Iran has nuclear weapons capability that will make them the second country in the region with this capability - the other being Israel. Perhaps less of an issue than one may think, because either of them would be unbelievably foolish to use it; but then again, both of them have a track record of foolishness, so good thing the US has not run out of options behind its appropriately cautious approach.
1
I'd be interested in knowing which world leaders actually hold any respect for President Obama. He's burned every bridge out there. A dangerous place..
3
As usual, Friedman spends a whole column and ends up pure Netanyahu. The US should bomb Iran, and Netanyahu has made a tactical mistake in making it politically more difficult. That is the bottom line pure and simple.
Why we should take on the burden of bombing Iran I cannot imagine. All Netanyahu has done is get us involved in 10 years of war while Israel does nothing. Naturally Friedman was a big supporter of the Iraq War telling Bush in his column that Iraq was secular.
Iran has no interest in Israel. It simply wants to balance the Sunni, unstable, nuclear Pakistan when it seeks a bomb.
With an Iranian-Pakistan war quite possible when Afghanistan breaks apart, Russia and Iran have a common interest in defending the Afghan Farsi--Iranians--also known as the Tajiks. I would suspect that Putin will send his planes into Iran to protect against an air attack. That is certainly what our mad neo-Con policy seems likely to lead to.
Why we should take on the burden of bombing Iran I cannot imagine. All Netanyahu has done is get us involved in 10 years of war while Israel does nothing. Naturally Friedman was a big supporter of the Iraq War telling Bush in his column that Iraq was secular.
Iran has no interest in Israel. It simply wants to balance the Sunni, unstable, nuclear Pakistan when it seeks a bomb.
With an Iranian-Pakistan war quite possible when Afghanistan breaks apart, Russia and Iran have a common interest in defending the Afghan Farsi--Iranians--also known as the Tajiks. I would suspect that Putin will send his planes into Iran to protect against an air attack. That is certainly what our mad neo-Con policy seems likely to lead to.
5
Any conflicts between the Executive and Legislation branches remind me of Wilson's failed attempts to put the U.S. in the League. If Washington was not known for gridlock, government shutdown, and petty partisan antics, then it would not look as unfortunate as it does. Or does the Speaker just like to flex?
"But, even if we do use force, success is hardly assured and blowback unpredictable." That seems an understatement to me, though I appreciate your column and grasp why it needs to be reasoned and calm. Behold the Middle East since the invasion of Iraq, a cauldron of unrest. While Israel and perhaps Sunni Saudi Arabia would love to see the U.S. throw another match into the region to set back Iran's nuclear program, most sentient Americans can predict with absolute certainty that success will not be the result.
6
Those attacking Netanyahu and Israel should keep the following in mind: Though they may dislike the Prime Minister and Israel,the majority of Americans, in excess of two-thirds, are in support of Israel. Secondly, the majority of Americans do not supportPresident Obama and his policies. The level of those who strongly disagree with his policies is staggering. Finally, let’s not forget what occurred in the past election. That landslide leading to change in leadership at the Federal and State levels is called democracy. With it comes change;whether the President and his followers like it or not.
13
If Israel continues engaging in negative publicity like Netanyahu, the excess of two-thirds statistic that you threw out will begin to dwindle inexorably towards those countries in the region that show cooperation and maturity in working with our President like Jordan for instance. With irresponsibility comes change, just as the wind when the weatherman is looking the other way.
1
Lot of Americans may not like Obama or hate Democratic party, but no Americans like any foreign leaders insult the office of presidency or the country. Obama is still the president of the country and elected twice by Americans. He did not fall from the sky. Israel needs good relationship with America . But Mister A is wrong to think that Israel needs only Republican party because they won the midterm election. Boehner is using Bibi to advance his partisan narrow agenda to break the Jewish support to the Democratic party. This is a bad choice for Israel and also the Republican leadership. This is will cause a deep crack in US-Israel relation.
2
"The majority of Americans do not agree with the President or his policies." I respectfully disagree, Sir. In fact, I would suggest that a majority of the electorate disagrees with the Right Wing Party. The mid-term elections had the lowest turnout of any election in 70 years. (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/2014-midterm-election-turnout-lowest.... This was not because the electorate disagree with the President's policies, but rather over the top gerry maundering by the GOP, Voter Suppression by the GOP and rabid distortion of the President's policies. The "Landslide" you speak of was achieved through dubious tactics, at best. No. This country does not disagree with the President. Not at all.
3
Mr. Friedman, we all agree, somewhat, that the manner in which Netanyahu accepted to speak wasn't finessed. But, it may be overkill to assume Boehner did this because of Adelson. Maybe the Republicans really are afraid our President will accept an overly compromised agreement with Iran. What about the Menendez/Kirk bill-bet that has something to do with the speech. And for the anti-Israel crowd to shout that AIPAC controls Congress, or the Republican part of it, is uglier than Mr. Netanyahu's breach of protocol. Smacks heavily of "the Jews control this country." Oh boy! What false seeds have you inadvertently sown?
2
When he made it clear during the 2012 U S. presidential election to make it clear that he favored Romney. Yes, it is understandable that he and Romney were "friends" and he inferred that if Romney was elected he would be more sympathetic to Israel. But, predictions can go wrong and morph into a bane for the P. M.
This was Netanyahu's greatest error. And if we factor in the new love for Israel by the clown car Tea Partiers and other right wing GOPers -- not because they like Jews -- but, rather as they wait for the "final days' and the apocalypse.
But we all know who, in who was reelected and now Netanyahu was left with Obama. Now the P. M. had burned Obama and being human the president
had to live with the situation for another four years
But, P. M. Netanyahu instead of using moderation, he chose to become thorn in the side of Obama... It called pestering. So the relationship between the two deteriorated even more.
Enter the new Speaker John Boehner who used another GOP cheap trick by inviting the P. M. to speak before a joint session of the Congress -- without even informing Obama and the State Department, Never before in my lifetime. A week later the dysfunctional house voted for the Nth time to abolish "Obamacare."
Netanyahu took a large bite out of a rotten apple given to him by Boehner as he offended Obama once again.
The U. S. is the nation that allows Israel to exist. Be thankful. So, never offend the President and don't interfere with internal politics overtly.
This was Netanyahu's greatest error. And if we factor in the new love for Israel by the clown car Tea Partiers and other right wing GOPers -- not because they like Jews -- but, rather as they wait for the "final days' and the apocalypse.
But we all know who, in who was reelected and now Netanyahu was left with Obama. Now the P. M. had burned Obama and being human the president
had to live with the situation for another four years
But, P. M. Netanyahu instead of using moderation, he chose to become thorn in the side of Obama... It called pestering. So the relationship between the two deteriorated even more.
Enter the new Speaker John Boehner who used another GOP cheap trick by inviting the P. M. to speak before a joint session of the Congress -- without even informing Obama and the State Department, Never before in my lifetime. A week later the dysfunctional house voted for the Nth time to abolish "Obamacare."
Netanyahu took a large bite out of a rotten apple given to him by Boehner as he offended Obama once again.
The U. S. is the nation that allows Israel to exist. Be thankful. So, never offend the President and don't interfere with internal politics overtly.
6
Mr. Friedman mentions the role that the Israeli ambassador Ron Dermer played -- or should I say DIDN'T play -- in this saga, but he failed to provide any background on Dermerl's prior role in Republican politics. Al Kamen, writing for the Washington Post, rhetorically asks if this is the same Ron Dermer, who "according to Politico Magazine, used to work for conservative pollster Frank Luntz way back when? The guy who helped write Newt Gingrich’s 1994 Contract with America, moved to Israel and later became Netanyahu’s top aide and closest adviser?"
Kamen's entire article can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/01/28/politics-i...
Kamen's entire article can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/01/28/politics-i...
5
I don't think Bibi cares, possibly because he thinks Israel really does control Washington. Wonder where he got that idea?
9
Too subtle by half, Tom. Bibi and the Republicans do not trust the president implicitly, as you do, when it comes to tough problems in war and diplomacy. They feel the need to focus his attention in an unequivocal way. You may disagree, but you don't have responsibility for Iran and the nuclear question.
2
Who said anything about a nuclear weapons program???
Mr. Friedman, take a walk around the halls of Congress on March 3rd when hundreds of AIPAC lobbyists invade the hill. Then tell us that Israel does not control our Congress. It is not anti-Semitic. It is a FACT!!!! Of course, you had to weave anti-Semitism into your piece in some way. Thank goodness that there is no racism in Israel and there is endless freedom of expression.
9
Three SEPARATE but EQUAL branches of government. Get it lefty loons? Obama is not the boss of Congress. Congress is not the boss of Obama. Rinse repeat with SCOTUS. Does this make sense? SEPARATE but EQUAL.
3
Yeah, but they also have different functions. And foreign policy is the job of the executive. And it seems that some righty loons also don't like the idea.
I think insulting language has no place in what should be a (more or less) civilized discussion.
I think insulting language has no place in what should be a (more or less) civilized discussion.
3
The once proud and respected American democracy is now debased into a system of auctioning 'democratic" votes to the highest bidder. The people's vote has become a sham. The "people" simply vote to send a person with money to Washington where he/she can make more money from the lobbyists.
7
I sure hope Bibi and the Republicans follow through with their plans, as that will help to further isolate Israel internationally and put pressure on the population of Israel- with its apartheid regime in the West Bank and open air prison in Gaza- to end the occupation. But there is another analogy to South Africa that seems relevant.
The White regime there ultimately capitulated only when the cost of continuing its policies- in terms of rebellion within and isolation internationally- became greater than its benefits. As internal resistance and external opposition builds (helped by the arrogance of Netanyahu and the Republicans), here's hoping that Israelis begin to realize that the cost of the occupation is no longer worth it. Israel has already trashed the proud legacy of Jewish humanism, so perhaps "enlightened self-interest" will eventually let it realize that its policies have no exit.
The White regime there ultimately capitulated only when the cost of continuing its policies- in terms of rebellion within and isolation internationally- became greater than its benefits. As internal resistance and external opposition builds (helped by the arrogance of Netanyahu and the Republicans), here's hoping that Israelis begin to realize that the cost of the occupation is no longer worth it. Israel has already trashed the proud legacy of Jewish humanism, so perhaps "enlightened self-interest" will eventually let it realize that its policies have no exit.
5
The Israel ambassador should be declared Persona Non Grata.
11
I emailed this to the Times, maybe they'll publish it here.
I don't care what party you belong to or what your stance is on America's foreign policy, Americans are right to be completely appalled by the invitation by the Speaker of the House, Republican John Boehner, to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netenyahu to present a lecture to a joint session of Congress which in no uncertain terms will be used to undermine the efforts of our President to avoid further and future conflict in the Middle East as he negotiates with Iran.
This is a slap in the face to America initiated by a seditious American partisan who deserves America's scorn. If this lecture comes about I urge my congressman, Frank LoBiondo and congressman of my neighboring district, Donald Norcross, along with Senators Menendez and Booker to boycott this joint session. This intrusion upon the accepted norm of foreign policy implementation by a rank amateur must not be allowed to stand.
I don't care what party you belong to or what your stance is on America's foreign policy, Americans are right to be completely appalled by the invitation by the Speaker of the House, Republican John Boehner, to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netenyahu to present a lecture to a joint session of Congress which in no uncertain terms will be used to undermine the efforts of our President to avoid further and future conflict in the Middle East as he negotiates with Iran.
This is a slap in the face to America initiated by a seditious American partisan who deserves America's scorn. If this lecture comes about I urge my congressman, Frank LoBiondo and congressman of my neighboring district, Donald Norcross, along with Senators Menendez and Booker to boycott this joint session. This intrusion upon the accepted norm of foreign policy implementation by a rank amateur must not be allowed to stand.
22
History shows that world ignores the occopation of Isriles as long as the American ground force are acting in the Middle East. Netanyahu wants American ground force back in Middle East and Obama is not willing to do that. Obama is against sending American ground force in the Middle East and interested to find a long lasting solution for that. The necluar deal of Iran is an excuse for the Netanyahi to achieve his objective and the defense and oil lobbies of GOP are aiding him.
The important question is when American politics will reach "Tripping Point"? Once that happens. Isreils will be on its own and that outcome will not be pleasant for the state of Isreils.
The important question is when American politics will reach "Tripping Point"? Once that happens. Isreils will be on its own and that outcome will not be pleasant for the state of Isreils.
2
I feel this article misses the point.
The White House does not want to accept that Iran is clearly not negotiating in good faith - as so doing would admit that negotiation; the only tool acceptable
to the administration; is useless without attendant tangible penalties.
As our own leadership refuses to face this truth, and Congressional voices are inherently dismissable as partisan; it is not unreasonable that we open the podium to an individual who speaks with the clarity of one who will directly
face the consequences of an ineffective strategy.
It wastes a valuable opportunity to reduce this to a merely political matter.
Whether Mr. Netanyahu's appearance should have been arranged more gracefully should not obscure the importance of the insight he is uniquely capable of providing.
The White House does not want to accept that Iran is clearly not negotiating in good faith - as so doing would admit that negotiation; the only tool acceptable
to the administration; is useless without attendant tangible penalties.
As our own leadership refuses to face this truth, and Congressional voices are inherently dismissable as partisan; it is not unreasonable that we open the podium to an individual who speaks with the clarity of one who will directly
face the consequences of an ineffective strategy.
It wastes a valuable opportunity to reduce this to a merely political matter.
Whether Mr. Netanyahu's appearance should have been arranged more gracefully should not obscure the importance of the insight he is uniquely capable of providing.
1
My husband is Iranian and I have traveled there. Everyone knows that Iran isn't negotiating in good faith. They want a good deal for them.
Netanyahu does not have anything fresh to add to the debate. Furthermore, he has entered American partisan politics, an ugly realm indeed. He will turn off more than half our population on that merit alone.
Furthermore, he will also offend some republicans, people not known for wanting the advice of foreigners.
This is a big mistake from any angle viewed.
Netanyahu does not have anything fresh to add to the debate. Furthermore, he has entered American partisan politics, an ugly realm indeed. He will turn off more than half our population on that merit alone.
Furthermore, he will also offend some republicans, people not known for wanting the advice of foreigners.
This is a big mistake from any angle viewed.
2
Because of the underhanded way in which this appearance has been arranged, his speech will be remembered as just "blah, blah, blah."
Even many Obama opponents are appalled at the sneakiness of the whole affair.
Even many Obama opponents are appalled at the sneakiness of the whole affair.
2
Negotiation using "tangible penalties" is not negotiation in good faith but rather bullying. It is preferable to believe that the US is negotiating with Iran in good faith (let us hope so) because we need Iran's help in fighting ISIS and also because we do not have a real case against Iran any more and the relentless, obsessive fear-mongering about of Iran' nuclear capabilities is losing credibility.
1
Your analysis is accurate. I have sent numerous tweets to Netanyahu saying precisely what you said, as have many others.
4
I sincerely hope that if Bibi goes through with this address that Dems will stand with their president and remove themselves from the chamber; boycott.
14
Who's Boehner's puppet master? Shelden Addelson of course. Just proves the GOP is for sale to the highest bidder. Remember when the very first person that Paul Ryan visited after he accepted the VP slot for Mitt? Sheldon. He went to pay homage and to collect the big bucks. Between Sheldon and the Koch brothers who have already said they will be spending 950 million on the 2016 campaign, the GOP has sold its soul to the highest bidder.
Gee, I wonder who is really running the GOP?
Gee, I wonder who is really running the GOP?
20
Tom is right. But in a way, this ugly insult is a good thing as it highlights the unhealthy incestuous relationship between Israel and the United States. Effective approval of Israeli actions undermines all credibility of the United States as a fair nation acting intelligently for the world's good as well as its own. If we are lucky, Bibi might tilt the table a bit too far and Israel will start to receive the same sanctions as Iran until it humanizes its behavior.
11
If a Democratically controlled Congress had invited a left of center head of state to speak before them whilst a Republican president was seated in the White House, the GOP--and the vocal right-wing media--would be in full-blown outrage. If this all happened to involve underwriting by, say, someone like George Soros, that would only throw gasoline on the blaze.
A nation can really have only one front-line spokesman for the diplomacy of the country, and that's the president and his secretary of state. Congress can advise and, as you observe, hear experts testify on matters for their further information. Otherwise though, you get a political gaff like this one. And it is politics. Mr. Netanyahu no more represents the full spectrum of Israeli politics than does the leadership of the current, Republican controlled Congress reflect the full spectrum here in the United States.
While international diplomacy is admittedly an imperfect art, it normally strives to rise above something like this.
This column and, interestingly, Chris Wallace are wise to call a serious foul on the maneuver by Speaker Boehner. His sanction of Mr. Netanyahu's appearance is an indication of how dangerously far off center the process of government and diplomacy have veered in Washington.
A nation can really have only one front-line spokesman for the diplomacy of the country, and that's the president and his secretary of state. Congress can advise and, as you observe, hear experts testify on matters for their further information. Otherwise though, you get a political gaff like this one. And it is politics. Mr. Netanyahu no more represents the full spectrum of Israeli politics than does the leadership of the current, Republican controlled Congress reflect the full spectrum here in the United States.
While international diplomacy is admittedly an imperfect art, it normally strives to rise above something like this.
This column and, interestingly, Chris Wallace are wise to call a serious foul on the maneuver by Speaker Boehner. His sanction of Mr. Netanyahu's appearance is an indication of how dangerously far off center the process of government and diplomacy have veered in Washington.
13
What do the Republicans hope to gain by having Mr. Netanyahu speak to congress by their invitation and not our president's wishes for it to happen.
And does Mr. Netanyahu believe that by speaking to congress he will be able to influence it enough to get them to vote against what the WH is trying to accomplish in contacts with Iran and actually succeed?
Mr. Boehner et al are giving fodder to the Muslim belief that America is ruled by Israel and the Jews. Anti-semitic attitudes are cropping up again in Europe. It won't be long before it starts to become a problem in America, and Mr. Boehner will have a hand in that even when he thinks he doesn't.
And does Mr. Netanyahu believe that by speaking to congress he will be able to influence it enough to get them to vote against what the WH is trying to accomplish in contacts with Iran and actually succeed?
Mr. Boehner et al are giving fodder to the Muslim belief that America is ruled by Israel and the Jews. Anti-semitic attitudes are cropping up again in Europe. It won't be long before it starts to become a problem in America, and Mr. Boehner will have a hand in that even when he thinks he doesn't.
14
Senator John Cornyn criticized Attorney General Eric Holder for saying he was wingman for the man to whom he reports -- the President of the United States.
Meanwhile Cornyn, McConnell and Boehner are wingman for Netanyahu.
The allegiance of United States senators and representatives should be to the United States, not to Israel.
Meanwhile Cornyn, McConnell and Boehner are wingman for Netanyahu.
The allegiance of United States senators and representatives should be to the United States, not to Israel.
20
Pre-election positioning for Bibi and for the GOP, which can later bluster on about how they are each other's friends, each trying to demonize Iran for their own political purposes. With friends like, our enemies are looking more reasonable!
4
Netanyahu relies on but one tool in his toolbox: an aggressive, 'tough guy' stance to 'protect Israel by demonstrating mega-macho strength at all costs'. The "one-tool solution" may appeal to his base prior to an election, but he needs an array of far more diverse, effective and sophisticated tools. An intelligent, knowledgeable leader does not further alienate the US and other Western supporters experiencing 'Israel fatigue' in becoming that tool himself while Ron Demer and Sheldon Adelson provide praise and favorable feedback. Public opinion and Western support for Israel is also a vital tool both in diplomacy and good will.
"Israel, right or wrong - when right to be kept right and when wrong to be put right". Put it right by replacing Ron Demer who has no diplomatic tools or skills - nor does Sheldon Adelson. While Demer may provide a useful mirror to Netanyahu and Adelson provides huge donor support, Israel needs the US and the West. Disrespect for the US President, our system and 'diplomatic boundaries', as Tom Friedman states, is a large, heavy hammer - or an ax. Tools that do not belong in this Israeli leader's toolbox now - even when perceived to be valuable by a 'tough' right-wing Likud Party and Mr Netanyahu.
"Israel, right or wrong - when right to be kept right and when wrong to be put right". Put it right by replacing Ron Demer who has no diplomatic tools or skills - nor does Sheldon Adelson. While Demer may provide a useful mirror to Netanyahu and Adelson provides huge donor support, Israel needs the US and the West. Disrespect for the US President, our system and 'diplomatic boundaries', as Tom Friedman states, is a large, heavy hammer - or an ax. Tools that do not belong in this Israeli leader's toolbox now - even when perceived to be valuable by a 'tough' right-wing Likud Party and Mr Netanyahu.
8
Bad news for Israel, yes. But Bibi's arrogance isn't necessarily such bad news for America. Sheldon A. may imagine he has bought the government like another casino, but he can't take title without the White House, which he clearly doesn't have (though not for lack of trying by bankrolling Romney in 2012!). Bibi's speech is just the excuse the American President needs to free himself, and us, from the quasi-hostage status we have been in for years.
What would a Mideast policy look like if it were formulated solely with the interests of the United States in mind? Yes, it's easy to say that Israel's security is our security, but is that so? Is Israel ... and that includes Jerusalem's refusal to curb West Bank settlements, thereby thwarting any agreement with the Palestinians indefinitely ... what stands between the present and a future dictated by ISIS, al Qaeda, etc.? Is America's support for Israel and its strong-arm policies in Gaza helpful or harmful in influencing vox populi Arabic?
These are unasked questions in a world influenced unduly by AIPAC. No need for even a small dose of anti-Semitism to answer them. Simply accepting the "invitation," almost certainly the invention of the Israeli ambassador at the get-go, Netanyahu opened his own Pandora's box of Q&A in Washington, which remains the locus of American foreign policy (doesn't it?).
Sheldon, Bibi, Ron, et al. will discover that no, money can't buy everything after all. It could prove a very expensive lesson.
What would a Mideast policy look like if it were formulated solely with the interests of the United States in mind? Yes, it's easy to say that Israel's security is our security, but is that so? Is Israel ... and that includes Jerusalem's refusal to curb West Bank settlements, thereby thwarting any agreement with the Palestinians indefinitely ... what stands between the present and a future dictated by ISIS, al Qaeda, etc.? Is America's support for Israel and its strong-arm policies in Gaza helpful or harmful in influencing vox populi Arabic?
These are unasked questions in a world influenced unduly by AIPAC. No need for even a small dose of anti-Semitism to answer them. Simply accepting the "invitation," almost certainly the invention of the Israeli ambassador at the get-go, Netanyahu opened his own Pandora's box of Q&A in Washington, which remains the locus of American foreign policy (doesn't it?).
Sheldon, Bibi, Ron, et al. will discover that no, money can't buy everything after all. It could prove a very expensive lesson.
18
Will the GOP be treating Mr. Netanyahu to a free lunch while he is here? He should have to open his wallet and pay for his own lunch.
I'd also like to see a slew of Muslim-Americans lined up to serve him, from the minute he enters our country. Waiters, drivers, hoteliers ... let him see the Muslim-Americans being accepted here equally as citizens of our country.
They should smile, look him in the eye, and treat him well. It's the American way.
Then send him home empty-handed.
We're all warred out, sir. And our pockets here are empty as well.
Then, I'd like to see Mr. Netanyahu driven to Walter Reed rehabilitation hospital, to meet some real soldiers and some real American men. I wonder if he could mumble a "thank you" for their war sacrifices, while he urges more and more young American men on to the same fate...
I'd also like to see a slew of Muslim-Americans lined up to serve him, from the minute he enters our country. Waiters, drivers, hoteliers ... let him see the Muslim-Americans being accepted here equally as citizens of our country.
They should smile, look him in the eye, and treat him well. It's the American way.
Then send him home empty-handed.
We're all warred out, sir. And our pockets here are empty as well.
Then, I'd like to see Mr. Netanyahu driven to Walter Reed rehabilitation hospital, to meet some real soldiers and some real American men. I wonder if he could mumble a "thank you" for their war sacrifices, while he urges more and more young American men on to the same fate...
9
If Iran just MAKES a nuclear bomb, and it becomes an open secret, even without making a threat--that would be national suicide. If Iran hatches a nuke, keeps it utterly secret and then without warning deploys it, that would be national suicide. If Iran makes a nuke AND threatens to use it, that of course is instant suicide. Even if they destroy Israel, they would have very few minutes of demented celebration before their utter doom. It is hard to grasp what upside Iran could gain from owning a nuke. Naive? This 100% certainty that Iran's nuclear power capacity would usher in Apocalypse seems just a bit of a stretch. If Bibi does in fact make his self-righteous speech, perhaps he should admit the open secret that Israel already has many nuclear weapons, and that many Israelis are increasingly leery about the right-ward swing and contradictory nature of his Middle East policies. It could well come to pass that Bibi and Israel, with the help of exalted luminaries like Boehner and McConnell, bring about the very Armageddon that their smug swagger deludes them to believe they are averting. One relatively bloodless means for Israel to dissuade Iran from nuclear anything might be taking extremely difficult but courageous good-faith steps to reduce its own nukes and, at the least, refraining from more antagonistic settlements in the West Bank, if they cannot accomplish the far more unlikely task of withdrawing altogether. Otherwise, it's hard to imagine a good outcome.
4
Netanyahu is just trying to prevent Kerry and Obama from repeating the diplomatic mistakes that Chamberlain made 70 years ago which led to WWII.
3
It is astonishing how defensive the Netanyahu supporters are about this diplomatic breach. The simple reality is that If positions were reversed Obama would be cursed as interfering and the GOP would be talking about his feckless foreign policy. There simply is no explanation except a political one for how this unfolded. Tom is correct in pointing out the long term strategic "danger" in the situation which will weaken Israeli's position. this would not have happened but for the Republican leader's desire to save face with his caucus but we all have seen the evidence of his judgment.
5
Why do I sense desperation here. Are both republicans and democrats so fearful of Obama giving away the bomb to Iran that they must do everything possible to garner support for a pushback or perhaps to cause Obama to hesitate and not capitulate to the Iranians in order to score another hollow victory for his presidency?
I wish I were more confident of the administration getting the negotiations and outcome which rolls back the Iranian bomb, a failure of which would nuclearize the entire region compounding the Jihidist threat to world peace.
I wish I were more confident of the administration getting the negotiations and outcome which rolls back the Iranian bomb, a failure of which would nuclearize the entire region compounding the Jihidist threat to world peace.
1
Israel nuclearized the region back in the 1960's when they stole nuclear plans and materials from the USA.
Quit point a finger at Iran as being a source of trouble.
Quit point a finger at Iran as being a source of trouble.
2
When has Netanyahu taken into account the feelings of others as he bullies his way through the corridors of powers?
Netanyahu, Boehner and Dermer insult not only the Office of President, he sides with the Republican and insults the electorate.
The circus is intended to pressurise Obama into imposing further sanctions against Iran while electioneering for the Israeli public.
Netanyahu is driven by one vision, that of a Greater Goliath and he intends for nobody to stand in his way.
Netanyahu, Boehner and Dermer insult not only the Office of President, he sides with the Republican and insults the electorate.
The circus is intended to pressurise Obama into imposing further sanctions against Iran while electioneering for the Israeli public.
Netanyahu is driven by one vision, that of a Greater Goliath and he intends for nobody to stand in his way.
9
Well said - the GOP cannot be seen as anything but arrogantly disrespectful to the President and the United States in this situation. While I once truly respected Israel and it's right to the land it sits on, "I have become very disenchanted with Jerusalem's refusal to curb West Bank settlements, thereby thwarting any agreement with the Palestinians indefinitely ... " as noted previously by JO. When Israel goes out of its way to break the previous accord by "invading" the land given to Palestinian settlements, it is hard to see any reason to continue to support their leaders who now feel free not to honor legitimate agreements made previously on their behalf. What happens when they choose not to honor agreements made with us? Shame on Netanyahu and Boehner, war-mongerers both of them!
1
It seems few are considering the long-term consequences of this upping the ante by Boehner and the Republicans. Foreign policy is constitutionally the purview of the President. Do we really want to politicize international relations? I've always respected the British system where MPs can quiz the Prime Minister, but he or she can defer questions it is not appropriate to discuss in a public venue. If we have highly visible lobbying by foreign leaders to Congress like this unprecedented speaking engagement, how can Americans others around the world not feel Congress is simply for sale to the highest bidder.
Others have noted circumstances where foreign officials have contacted Congress members, but this engagement so close to the Israeli election is unprecedented in my memory and entirely different. The President has correctly, I think, limited such engagements lest we appear to be trying to impact foreign elections.
Others have noted circumstances where foreign officials have contacted Congress members, but this engagement so close to the Israeli election is unprecedented in my memory and entirely different. The President has correctly, I think, limited such engagements lest we appear to be trying to impact foreign elections.
8
Seems to me that Israel has already set of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
3
Good article and good advice, but there is a part of me that would love to see this visit go forward simply because it is so easy to characterize as shameless treachery. This permanent alliance with Israel is not healthy for the United States; if it takes episodes like this to make this clear, the so be it. Let it happen.
6
I'd agree although with a caveat; a permanent alliance with Israel is not healthy [if it means shutting down constructive dialogues with other regional and U.S. interests.] The world is evolving and Israel should continue to adapt or be left behind the average mean curve.
I just want to call readers' attention to one point Friedman makes: were we or Israel to attack Iran, success would not be assured, and the blowback would be highly unpredictable. This should be obvious to everyone based on the past two decades of American and Israeli military action in the Middle East, but somehow it seems not to be. There's magical thinking afoot that the Marines, the US Air Force, Mossad, etc. can simply destroy Iran's nuclear program by force. Several years ago, James Fallows brought together several leading military and strategic experts to wargame this out. The results, as he writes, were sobering. Those who are so desperate to end negotiations ought to be very clear about the path they propose. We in America are slow learners, but our optional war in Iraq did not happen that long ago. The same people who thought that would be a cakewalk are telling us this will be, too.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2004/12/will-iran-be-next/30...
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2004/12/will-iran-be-next/30...
9
I, as an American Jew and a supporter of Israel, am deeply offended by both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Boehner's behavior. Their actions are deeply insulting to the American President and the American Public.
This only proves that money controls the American Congress. Specifically, Mr Adelson's money controls Congress and the GOP's need to humiliate the President. We can only thank the SCOTUS for this result.
Mr. Netanyahu's actions are harming Israel's position in the world.
This only proves that money controls the American Congress. Specifically, Mr Adelson's money controls Congress and the GOP's need to humiliate the President. We can only thank the SCOTUS for this result.
Mr. Netanyahu's actions are harming Israel's position in the world.
16
Not just a mistake but unpatriotic! Who elected Netanyahu to influence our foreign policy? Any member of Congress who attends the address should be accused of treason.
5
There, you said it "don't give anti-Semites bait''. I hear bad historical echoes in that advice and chose a different view --- my personal separation of church & state. Netanyahu is just another politician scrambling for votes and power in just another state-Israel... It is both liberating and sad but maybe consequence of global maturation to recognize all theocracies eventually play God--all too humanly.
3
Though I am a supporter of Israel, I find Netanyahu's visit to Congress an appalling act of hubris and deceit. This intransigence to protocol is not what American people want from trusted allies whom they generously support with tax dollars and military equipment. Even worse, the visit undermines the Palestinian issue and portrays an image of Israelis as underhanded and disrespectful, which is exactly why Israel's reputation is constantly on the defense. Once again, Netanyahu's brashness has damaged Israel's standing for his own gain.
238
Friedman is part contributor to this arrogance of Netanyahu. His present stand is commendable as he sees it is not in the best interest of Israel. A consistent approach by Friedman and others in the press would have helped.
Israelis should know that the U.S. is not going to war with Iraq because Netanyahu think Iran can develop a nuclear weapon. Iran knows that Israel has many nuclear weapons and they may use it against them as a last resort. These are simple facts and they alone will prevent Iran to be more responsible.
Israelis should know that the U.S. is not going to war with Iraq because Netanyahu think Iran can develop a nuclear weapon. Iran knows that Israel has many nuclear weapons and they may use it against them as a last resort. These are simple facts and they alone will prevent Iran to be more responsible.
3
I’m still dubious that the U.S. and Iran will reach a deal that will really defuse Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Such a failure would be very serious and could end up with the U.S. deciding it has to use military force to set back Iran’s program. We surely don’t want Iran to get a bomb that sets off a nuclear arms race in an already unstable Middle East.
----------------
Speak for yourself, Tom.
1) The American people have tired of endless war. The "gains" compared to the costs are negligible. We have killed hundreds of thousands, displaced more, spent billions, and if you polled most Americans? It would have been better never to have attacked and bombed over there, stirring up more support for terrorists who act violently in response to our killings. Who have our wars of choice made safer exactly?
2) The American military will NEVER attack Iran. We're simply not that stupid. We waited out the hostage crisis in the late 1980s, and if we did not have a good cause to go to war with Iran then, America will not invent one now.
3) If the IDF eventually tires of bombing refugees and poor man's armies, then let them take on Iran. Still, I do not think Israel will be supported by Americans -- financially, morally, or militarily -- if they step up on this one. We're sick of war not accomplishing anything but bills. Israel can go for it, but let them figure a way to pay for this "arms race" themselves.
America out of the MidEast by 2020.
----------------
Speak for yourself, Tom.
1) The American people have tired of endless war. The "gains" compared to the costs are negligible. We have killed hundreds of thousands, displaced more, spent billions, and if you polled most Americans? It would have been better never to have attacked and bombed over there, stirring up more support for terrorists who act violently in response to our killings. Who have our wars of choice made safer exactly?
2) The American military will NEVER attack Iran. We're simply not that stupid. We waited out the hostage crisis in the late 1980s, and if we did not have a good cause to go to war with Iran then, America will not invent one now.
3) If the IDF eventually tires of bombing refugees and poor man's armies, then let them take on Iran. Still, I do not think Israel will be supported by Americans -- financially, morally, or militarily -- if they step up on this one. We're sick of war not accomplishing anything but bills. Israel can go for it, but let them figure a way to pay for this "arms race" themselves.
America out of the MidEast by 2020.
3
Let's look at it from the players' points of views, and possible motivations.
Netanyahu - If Iran makes an a-bomb and follows through on its oft repeated declaration to annihilate Israel and bombs TelAviv, 25% of the world's Jews will be incinerated.
Boehner - He reads the US constitution and notes that the Congress has exclusive authority to propose laws and to approve treaties - a delicate balancing act with the President. Congress needs information to inform its law writing. The President has been stone walling Congress re involvement in the Iran negotiations - which Obama seems to be continually extending beyond his set deadlines.
Obama - Tells us that he has a phone and a pen - and that's all he needs to lead. He also makes it no secret that he intends to transform the US (and the world?) - and that he has an intense dislike for Republicans generally.
Iran leadership - If they lose Tehran in a retaliatory nuclear strike only 0.001% of the world's Moslems are sacrificed for the cause of annihilating Israel. And they have all the time in the world to make the bomb, while Obama has less than 23 months to palaver (to kick the can down the block?)
Netanyahu - If Iran makes an a-bomb and follows through on its oft repeated declaration to annihilate Israel and bombs TelAviv, 25% of the world's Jews will be incinerated.
Boehner - He reads the US constitution and notes that the Congress has exclusive authority to propose laws and to approve treaties - a delicate balancing act with the President. Congress needs information to inform its law writing. The President has been stone walling Congress re involvement in the Iran negotiations - which Obama seems to be continually extending beyond his set deadlines.
Obama - Tells us that he has a phone and a pen - and that's all he needs to lead. He also makes it no secret that he intends to transform the US (and the world?) - and that he has an intense dislike for Republicans generally.
Iran leadership - If they lose Tehran in a retaliatory nuclear strike only 0.001% of the world's Moslems are sacrificed for the cause of annihilating Israel. And they have all the time in the world to make the bomb, while Obama has less than 23 months to palaver (to kick the can down the block?)
"Iran leadership - If they lose Tehran in a retaliatory nuclear strike only 0.001% of the world's Moslems are sacrificed for the cause of annihilating Israel."
Oh, this is really brilliant. I'm sure that's exactly how Iran's leaders are thinking. First of all, Iranis are Persians not Arabs. Second of all Iranis are mostly Shiite, not Sunni. Lastly, Israel won't just bomb Tehran. Israel has at last 200 nuclear warheads. Israel will take out the 67 largest Irani citizens, killing 30 million, and rendering the rest of Iran uninhabitable.
If the Iranis felt that they total loss of their population was of no consequence in the context of how many Muslims there are in the world, they have never had to wait to have nuclear weapons. They could have just moved on Israel en masse, a nation of nothing but suicide bombers. But they haven't, have they.
Oh, this is really brilliant. I'm sure that's exactly how Iran's leaders are thinking. First of all, Iranis are Persians not Arabs. Second of all Iranis are mostly Shiite, not Sunni. Lastly, Israel won't just bomb Tehran. Israel has at last 200 nuclear warheads. Israel will take out the 67 largest Irani citizens, killing 30 million, and rendering the rest of Iran uninhabitable.
If the Iranis felt that they total loss of their population was of no consequence in the context of how many Muslims there are in the world, they have never had to wait to have nuclear weapons. They could have just moved on Israel en masse, a nation of nothing but suicide bombers. But they haven't, have they.
1
It is incredibly short sighted for political parties or statesmen in either country to appear to take sides in an internal political battle in the other country. This will hurt support for Israel here in the US. Israel has enjoyed bipartisan support in this country and by taking sides will alienate half that base. Meanwhile for the US, Congress giving an extraordinary voice to Bibi only reinforces the view that Israel may be pulling the strings in DC.
3
As a great supporter of Israel I can say this aggressive move on the diplomatic stage may be akin to what Obama, and many others, mean when they encourage Israel to cool it on the West Bank settlements and allow diplomacy and discussion to take place. Maybe, my eyes are a bit more open to this thought now that Netanyahu and his ambassador have taken such an unfortunate path.
4
Imagine a scenario where a Democratically-controlled Congress invited the leader of a nation to speak before a joint session of Congress, so that this leader - who had tense relations with a Republican-led White House - could criticize the actions of the sitting Republican president.
Republicans and conservatives all over the country would be crying treason once they got up from their fainting couches.
I wish I could say I'm surprised by Congress's actions, but by this time it's quite clear that there is nothing the Republican party won't do - including breaching protocols and disrespecting the office of the president - to stick their eye in this president's eye.
Republicans and conservatives all over the country would be crying treason once they got up from their fainting couches.
I wish I could say I'm surprised by Congress's actions, but by this time it's quite clear that there is nothing the Republican party won't do - including breaching protocols and disrespecting the office of the president - to stick their eye in this president's eye.
7
I was raised Jewish and many in my family are firm believers. However, I am outraged by this situation. I will tell my Democratic representative to stay home. And I will recommend introducing a bill to reduce funding to Israel.
Churchill addressed Congress. Netanyahu is no Churchill...
Churchill addressed Congress. Netanyahu is no Churchill...
9
And Churchill's invitation was endorsed by the Executive before it was offered.
2
Of course Bibi is not Churchill. He is Bibi , and this is now, not 80 years ago. As was Churchill, Bibi is an inspiring, respected, strong and tough leader, fighting for his countries' survival ; which is exactly what one needs when continually challenged by severe adversity and threats of complete annihilation - don't you think?
2
"Many of Israel’s friends will be uncomfortable, and the anti-Semites, who claim Israel controls Washington, will have a field day.”
Really Tom, you too? Trying to conflate Zionism and Judaism and then labeling all those opposed to Israel’s colonial and racist policies as anti-Semites? Please. You can fool some people sometimes but you can’t fool all the people all the time. And yes the Israeli lobby has undue influence in Washington. Seeming being even a bit anti-Israel in American politics is a death knell to your political career. If that’s not control of Washington I don’t know what is.
Really Tom, you too? Trying to conflate Zionism and Judaism and then labeling all those opposed to Israel’s colonial and racist policies as anti-Semites? Please. You can fool some people sometimes but you can’t fool all the people all the time. And yes the Israeli lobby has undue influence in Washington. Seeming being even a bit anti-Israel in American politics is a death knell to your political career. If that’s not control of Washington I don’t know what is.
18
The conversation should be about Obama telling the Congress to stay out of his ill conceived negotiations with the Mullahs of Iran. For the President to express that our elected officials should not be apprised of the details of an agreement and then vote on its approval is a travesty. America shouldn't be in the dark on the details. It's Mr. Obama who has the Chutzpah (gall) in assuming power at the expense of the Congress and the American People. That's the real story that Friedman isn't telling. Bibi and Israel will be hit first by Iran and he is coming to Congress just like Paul Revere to tell America of the dangers that lie ahead to his country and the rest of the world as Obama proceeds in making a very bad deal and puts us all in harms way.
1
Israel has a multitude of nuclear weapons. Any nuclear conflict in the middle east is suicidal, and would obliterate both nations...and more. The leaders know this.
1
What kind of silver does Bibi make?
Iran has no intention of using its nuclear weapons against Israel--that would be suicide and even the US State Dept says Iran is a rational actor.
It's more likely that Iran wants weapons as self-defense. The US has already toppled governments in the Middle East but gets scared whenever any country has nuclear weapons.
It's more likely that Iran wants weapons as self-defense. The US has already toppled governments in the Middle East but gets scared whenever any country has nuclear weapons.
1
The attitude towards Israel from the Obama administration and the left (as evidenced by the vast majority of comments on the NY Times comments boards on every single article having to do with Israel) is both sad and frightening. As the Islamist terrorists burn people alive and behead innocents; the left sees Israel as the "villian" and the danger in the region.
Israel has a proven track record of returning land (won during wars where their blood and treasure was spilled) to long time enemies. The peace with Egypt has endured. Egypt had to take a small step, but a courageous one (that cost Sadat his life at the hands of the same lunatic philosophy that is driving events today in the region). They RECOGNIZED THE MERE RIGHT OF ISRAEL TO EXIST.
"Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran are not without merit." Really Tom? Ya think?
Tom goes on to say that he doesn't believe the negotiations will bear fruit. Again, really? The Democrats and the Administration seem hopelessly naive about the threat that we face. A nuclear iran is not just an existential threat to Israel; but an existential threat to our way of life. What will it take? MIRV's flying before the appeasers get the message.
I hope that the Democrats boycott Bibi's speech. It will be a powerful message as to where they stand.
Israel has a proven track record of returning land (won during wars where their blood and treasure was spilled) to long time enemies. The peace with Egypt has endured. Egypt had to take a small step, but a courageous one (that cost Sadat his life at the hands of the same lunatic philosophy that is driving events today in the region). They RECOGNIZED THE MERE RIGHT OF ISRAEL TO EXIST.
"Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran are not without merit." Really Tom? Ya think?
Tom goes on to say that he doesn't believe the negotiations will bear fruit. Again, really? The Democrats and the Administration seem hopelessly naive about the threat that we face. A nuclear iran is not just an existential threat to Israel; but an existential threat to our way of life. What will it take? MIRV's flying before the appeasers get the message.
I hope that the Democrats boycott Bibi's speech. It will be a powerful message as to where they stand.
11
Does one have to see Israel as the "villain" or be an "anti-Semite" to say that the small country doesn't merit 3.5 billion dollars of taxpayers' money, on top of private funneled there from the USA, each year? Or to say that we should have a foreign policy in America's national interest, not conditioned by the interests of one small country whose governments are regularly hostage to religious zealots and extremists whose policies (on settlements, on religious law, on gender) are surely as troubling to most Americans as those of other fundamentalist zealots?
You dont get! This is not about foreign affairs it is about giving the US President a black eye. Do you think the republicans are doing this to make the American public aware of Iran's intentions as seen by BiBI? There's a bridge in Brooklyn that I'd like to sell you when this is over.
2
Actually it is the Republican party catering to Sheldon Adelson, the generous sponsor of republican candidates for the upcoming elections. American political system is for sale while Natanyahu is mocking US (World) effort for a peace process in Israel and is flirting with the most radical part of the electorate to be elected again. There is just no future in Bibi's vision of the middle east, it is racing full speed toward a cliff, with Boener in tow ...
20
Iran's nuclear weapons program is a fictitious threat to Israel but an opportunistic one for the political fortunes of the Likud and Republican Parties.
Many were justifiably concerned about Pakistan possessing nuclear weapons. Its proximity to India magnified the threat. Political conditions in both Iran and Pakistan are overshadowed by the threat of Islamic militancy – state-sponsored in the case of Iran and arising from non-state actors in Pakistan. However, through tactful diplomacy, confidence-building measures and agreed-upon safety protocols with Pakistan, the United States and India have been able to prevent an unprovoked nuclear attack from Pakistan and the illicit transfer of the weapons to militant groups. Inquiring minds want to know why a similar strategy cannot be used to deal with Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
A dose of realpolitik is needed: Iran is not on a suicidal path. Even under the maniacal Mohammed Ahmejindebad, the assured obliteration of Iran was not a price Ahmedjindebad nor the Ayatollah were willing to pay. With a new Iranian president seeking improved ties with Washington, the U.S. has a wide range of options to pursue short of provoking or punishing Iran.
It's unfortunate that the political trajectories of the Likud and Republican Parties demand confrontation with Iran. These parties will benefit politically from it but the diplomatic and national security consequences to their respective countries would be devastating.
Many were justifiably concerned about Pakistan possessing nuclear weapons. Its proximity to India magnified the threat. Political conditions in both Iran and Pakistan are overshadowed by the threat of Islamic militancy – state-sponsored in the case of Iran and arising from non-state actors in Pakistan. However, through tactful diplomacy, confidence-building measures and agreed-upon safety protocols with Pakistan, the United States and India have been able to prevent an unprovoked nuclear attack from Pakistan and the illicit transfer of the weapons to militant groups. Inquiring minds want to know why a similar strategy cannot be used to deal with Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
A dose of realpolitik is needed: Iran is not on a suicidal path. Even under the maniacal Mohammed Ahmejindebad, the assured obliteration of Iran was not a price Ahmedjindebad nor the Ayatollah were willing to pay. With a new Iranian president seeking improved ties with Washington, the U.S. has a wide range of options to pursue short of provoking or punishing Iran.
It's unfortunate that the political trajectories of the Likud and Republican Parties demand confrontation with Iran. These parties will benefit politically from it but the diplomatic and national security consequences to their respective countries would be devastating.
20
You may want to believe that the ayatollahs are not suicidal; and, they are more rational than we give them credit. However, since you are not the one who was threatened with extinction, you may go on burying your head in the sand. Others, who do take the threats seriously may want to adopt the code of the Old West -- do unto others before they get a chance to do unto you.
1
Not one Democrats should show up for this speech.
27
I'm thinking they should set up an offsite location where they can watch it on CSPAN.
This is just another act by the Republicans to try and take any success away from our President even if it means throwing America under the bus.
24
Tom, "anti Semites might believe Israel controls congress"? Look at it this way: England (or any other country) acting against a violent insurgency decides "enough with the IRA, we're going to occupy Ireland for decades or even indefinitely, create our own segregated settlement blocks in their land; refuse the indigenous people any meaningful voting rights, control every facet of life; institute military rule with administrative detentions and targeted killings; even create "English only roads": collectively punish everyone (old, young, political or not, militant or not) for resulting resistance.. Oh! 'and one more thing', we want you, America, to give us tens of billions to pay for all this" ; then Tom, would you think to yourself "gee, the English (or whomever) must have some sway with our government? C'mon man...!
17
Reminds me of Christopher Columbus's request for funds from Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in order to discover America in the name of the Catholic church. A never ending conquest to achieve national and religious dominance forever linked with the natural egotism of the primate species.
2
We even want you Yanks to help us with our completely unnecessary war with Argentina to reclaim those little islands.
What do you mean "if" an invasion of Iran "has costly consequences for us?" Please.
8
Will be interesting to hear the TRUTH of what's happening in the middle east and with iran........................the prime minister knows what an Islamic terrorist is
1
...and so does the Congress. This is a blatant attempt to undermine the President and is spurred on by big donations from Adelson. It's payback for his support of Republican candidates. Thank you Citizens United.
2
George Washington's warning in his farewell address about partisan politics and our involvement with other nations should be repeated often. A Wikipedia summary of his views on alliances contains the following:
"Washington advocates a policy of good faith and justice towards all nations, and urges the American people to avoid long-term friendly relations or rivalries with any nation. He argues these attachments and animosity toward nations will only cloud the government's judgment in its foreign policy."
"...alliances are likely to draw the United States into wars which have no justification and no benefit to the country beyond simply defending the favored nation. Washington continues his warning on alliances by claiming that they often lead to poor relations with nations who feel that they are not being treated as well as America's allies, and threaten to influence the American government into making decisions based upon the will of their allies instead of the will of the American people."
"Washington advocates a policy of good faith and justice towards all nations, and urges the American people to avoid long-term friendly relations or rivalries with any nation. He argues these attachments and animosity toward nations will only cloud the government's judgment in its foreign policy."
"...alliances are likely to draw the United States into wars which have no justification and no benefit to the country beyond simply defending the favored nation. Washington continues his warning on alliances by claiming that they often lead to poor relations with nations who feel that they are not being treated as well as America's allies, and threaten to influence the American government into making decisions based upon the will of their allies instead of the will of the American people."
10
Someone should remind the current Speaker of President Washington's statements.In fact the entire congress should be informed of this timely statement.Most of the Republicans in the house and Senate are so lacking in tradition and common sense that it is completely dangerous.
1
If the head of the state strongly believes that the issue is of extreme importance for his country and its allies he should be able to use all available channels to inform and warn the decision makers of his close ally; not just the person who happened to be at the moment the president of United States of America.
3
While the development of an Iranian nuclear capacity might be an "existential" threat to Israel, is not Israel's nuclear capacity an "existential" threat to Iran? Israel's insistence that it is the only democracy in the region wears ever more threadbare considering its treatment of its subject populations, as does its insistence that it is America's best friend in the region. With friends who behave like this, who needs enemies?
22
dear tim: to answer your naive question, no, not at all. Just because Netanyahu is stupid does not make Israel an "existential" threat to Iran. Please read some history . . .
1
Israel never threatened Iran with extinction with nuclear weapons. Iran has made such threats against Israel. You may not take these threats seriously, but nations in the Middle East do take the threats seriously.
3
As I've stated in many comments sections from articles with this whole theme of Bibi and Boehner trying to bypass our President Obama, the entirety of this speech is unparalleled in political misteps. I've been a supporter of Israel my whole life and I will continue to be so committed in the future. However during this period of time, as long as Bibi is the Prime Minister I will no longer believe that Israel is in any danger from the Iranian Nuclear Weapons program. Why? No leader in thier right mind would be so blatantly undermining to their country or cause in such a reckless and stupid one night stand. This speech directly insults our entire country and there will be retribution and punishment.
Mr. Friedman correctly points out the attitudes from American Colleges and Universities about divestment and horribly wrong thinking about the intifadas against the Jewish homeland. For Israel's leader to follow through on this speech will add a call to denounce everything Israel for the next several years. Just the right amount of time for Iran to get its missles ready. The US public will decide to "wash its hands" for a while.
No, the Iranian nuclear weapons program couldn't possibly be that threatening or crucial to the national security of Israel if her leader is coming to town without diplomatic portfolio and ostensibly the consent of the Knesset. What a tragic blunder unfolding in front of our eyes. The trainwreck approaches with no brakes, going top speed. Just shameful.
Mr. Friedman correctly points out the attitudes from American Colleges and Universities about divestment and horribly wrong thinking about the intifadas against the Jewish homeland. For Israel's leader to follow through on this speech will add a call to denounce everything Israel for the next several years. Just the right amount of time for Iran to get its missles ready. The US public will decide to "wash its hands" for a while.
No, the Iranian nuclear weapons program couldn't possibly be that threatening or crucial to the national security of Israel if her leader is coming to town without diplomatic portfolio and ostensibly the consent of the Knesset. What a tragic blunder unfolding in front of our eyes. The trainwreck approaches with no brakes, going top speed. Just shameful.
163
Bibi and Boehner reveal themselves once again. This will come back and blow up in their faces.
Friedman cites Sheldon Adelson suggesting that this gambit could have something to do with campaign contributions. I am shocked, SHOCKED!
124
Apart from a very counterproductive and divisive result of such a speech by Netanyahu, the interference in American politics is inexcusable. This decision by Boehner merely reinforces the appearance that the Republicans will do anything that might be Obama's policy. It is more of the party of NO, regardless what the benefits are for America. Mr. Boehner would do well to remember, every day, that the approval rating of Congress is south of 15%. He does NOT speak for America, just for a select fraction. And AIPAC needs to remember the same: not all Jews approve of their actions and policies.
Stay home Bibi, before you stick your nose into a noose.
Stay home Bibi, before you stick your nose into a noose.
20
Why is it that the prospect of Iran developing a handful of nuclear weapons is a threat to Israel and to the Middle East but the reality of Israel having already developed a nuclear arsenal is not a threat to Iran or to the Middle East? Mr. Friedman doesn't even bother addressing that reality and that curious omission makes this whole op/ed piece irrelevant.
23
If one cannot distinguish between Iran's stated goal to irradiate Israel and Israel's current foreign policy, nuclear weapons aside, no explanation will change your mind.
2
@Stu
In the face of overwhelming evidence of Iranian hostility towards Israel, your inability to even make an educated guess renders your whole comment irrelevant.
In the face of overwhelming evidence of Iranian hostility towards Israel, your inability to even make an educated guess renders your whole comment irrelevant.
President Obama just met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and never mentioned that India has nuclear weapons and is not a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Only Indonesia and Pakistan have more Muslim citizens than India. Pakistan also has nuclear weapons and is not a party to the NPT.
Iran, unlike Israel, is a party to the NPT. Iran, unlike India, Pakistan and Israel, has been the target of an overt and covert regime change war from America for 62+ years.
Australia is selling uranium to India. Japan has more weapons grade and enriched uranium than any other nation that has no nuclear weapons and is a party to the NPT.
Instead of drawing another cartoonish depiction of a nuclear weapon perhaps Netanyahu can show some photographs of Israeli nuclear weapons. France is the guilty party behind the Israeli nuclear weapons program.
Iran, unlike Israel, is a party to the NPT. Iran, unlike India, Pakistan and Israel, has been the target of an overt and covert regime change war from America for 62+ years.
Australia is selling uranium to India. Japan has more weapons grade and enriched uranium than any other nation that has no nuclear weapons and is a party to the NPT.
Instead of drawing another cartoonish depiction of a nuclear weapon perhaps Netanyahu can show some photographs of Israeli nuclear weapons. France is the guilty party behind the Israeli nuclear weapons program.
It's no surprise that Netanyahu feels emboldened to do such a thing. He openly tried to influence our last presidential election. It's also no surprise that Boehner will do anything to put down President Obama, including backing this travesty. The United States is not a sub-state of Israel. If Washington won't make that clear, the American public should. It is not - and has not been - in the interests of the United States let Israel lead our foreign policy by the nose.
336
"If Washington won't make that clear, the American public should."
Demonstrations?
Demonstrations?
In the musical 1776, Rhode Island's Stephen Hopkins says "Well, in all my years I ain't never heard, seen nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about."
Apparently, there is one now.
Apparently, there is one now.
4
Let's see... Exactly how many countries has Iran invaded in the last 100 years?
20
@ Paul
Let's see, Paul: Iranian hegemony is growing throughout the region, as evidenced in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. It retains its title as the world's number one exporter of terrorism. It's threatened repeatedly to wipe the "Zionist entity" off the map, is working hard on the nuclear capability and ICBM's to be able to do just that, and is now about to host their second Holocaust-denial cartoon contest. For bonus points they lucked out with an administraiton that believes in disengaging from the world, can't say the words "Islamic terror", and is willing to make nuclear concession after concession for practically nothin'.
Need more help understanding what's happening?
Let's see, Paul: Iranian hegemony is growing throughout the region, as evidenced in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. It retains its title as the world's number one exporter of terrorism. It's threatened repeatedly to wipe the "Zionist entity" off the map, is working hard on the nuclear capability and ICBM's to be able to do just that, and is now about to host their second Holocaust-denial cartoon contest. For bonus points they lucked out with an administraiton that believes in disengaging from the world, can't say the words "Islamic terror", and is willing to make nuclear concession after concession for practically nothin'.
Need more help understanding what's happening?
3
If it gets nuclear weapons, it won't need to invade.
How many times has Israel been attacked by its "neighbors?"
How many times has Israel been attacked by its "neighbors?"
2
So you discount Iran's proxies and those terrorist groups it has sent weapons and support to just because Iran hasn't gotten itself dirty directly? Now I don't want to be able to say I told you so or be a Chicken Little, but if the Houthi rebels, a Shia group supported by Iran, can close off the Bab al-Mandab strait to marine traffic and consequently the flow of oil around the worlk, it could be a real game changer for western-world attitudes. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/444765c0-59dc-11e4-9787-00144feab7de.html#axzz...
2
It is now obvious that Israel, through their fifth column, AIPAC, does control the US Congress!
Every single politician in the US is terrified of challenging the jewish lobby because they know their careers will be destroyed by this group that represents just 2% of the US population!
Every single politician in the US is terrified of challenging the jewish lobby because they know their careers will be destroyed by this group that represents just 2% of the US population!
17
They represent less than that.
AIPAC was twice rated as the most feared lobby in DC by the staffs of members of Congress. A 2014 NYT`s article quoted Congressman Brian Baird “The difficult reality is this: in order to get elected to Congress..you have to raise a lot of money & you learn pretty quickly that, if Aipac is on your side, you can do that.” & Congressman John Yarmuth on upholding the interests of the US “We all took an oath of office & Aipac, in many instances, is asking us to ignore it” are reality AIPAC was twice voted as the most feared lobby in DC by the staffs of members of Congress. Pres. Carter wrote that to vote against the wishes of AIPAC was to commit political suicide. The US must change its election campaign funding laws so that AIPAC can no longer game the system & control Congress against the interests of the nation. eg invading Iraq
2
Our bad mistake is that we have any influence with the present Israeli government. Netanyahu will do what he wants to do whether we like it or not and plays our system and internal politics like a master pianist. But in this case he may have gone too far.
Mr. Netanyahu, if you are not willing to make any concrete steps toward peace with your neighbors, please do not think that you have any right to speak with us much less mess in our political business. Getting your way with us will not solve any of your conflicts or bring the world any closer to some semblance of peace.
Mr. Netanyahu, if you are not willing to make any concrete steps toward peace with your neighbors, please do not think that you have any right to speak with us much less mess in our political business. Getting your way with us will not solve any of your conflicts or bring the world any closer to some semblance of peace.
9
Don't the neighbors have to make concrete steps toward peace as well? Israel is the only country that wins wars but must sue for peace.
Perhaps Israel should give back all the land it occupies when the U.S. gives back all the lands it occupied from the Native American tribes and from Mexico.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Perhaps Israel should give back all the land it occupies when the U.S. gives back all the lands it occupied from the Native American tribes and from Mexico.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
1
Tom- you forgot to mention that what makes this whole episode even more twisted is the fact that the US government, in both the Executive and Legislative branches, has backed Israel through thick and thin, since time immemorial.
The US gives Israel more foreign aid than it gives *any* other country in the world ($3bn per year, at a minimum). It also protects Israel from hostile UN Resolutions, etc, on a yearly basis.
How then, in the grand scheme of things, does Netanyahu think that it's appropriate to come to the US, against the US President's wishes, to give a speech to Congress, for the sole purpose of criticizing the President ?!
Netanyahu is beyond arrogant. He is greedy, tactless, and frankly, vile. Has he never heard the expression "biting the hand that feeds you" ??!!
The US gives Israel more foreign aid than it gives *any* other country in the world ($3bn per year, at a minimum). It also protects Israel from hostile UN Resolutions, etc, on a yearly basis.
How then, in the grand scheme of things, does Netanyahu think that it's appropriate to come to the US, against the US President's wishes, to give a speech to Congress, for the sole purpose of criticizing the President ?!
Netanyahu is beyond arrogant. He is greedy, tactless, and frankly, vile. Has he never heard the expression "biting the hand that feeds you" ??!!
28
@Rahul
Because it's as existential an issue as there could be for a country, and perhaps he's done the math: Better to have cooled relations with the US, who's President just so happens to be asleep at the wheel (in the best of cases), than to allow his country's arch-enemy to obtain the capability of nuking Tel Aviv.
Because it's as existential an issue as there could be for a country, and perhaps he's done the math: Better to have cooled relations with the US, who's President just so happens to be asleep at the wheel (in the best of cases), than to allow his country's arch-enemy to obtain the capability of nuking Tel Aviv.
1
How many more beheadings, lashings, planes flying into buildings, etc., is it going to take for Mr Obama and Mr Friedman to realize that these guys don't want peace-they want you DEAD. Obama obviously has not learned this yet, so it takes Netanyahu to come to Congress to explain this to the American public. Obama's policies of trashing our allies and kissing up to our enemies has got us nowhere. Remind me again of your "Arab Spring" Mr Friedman.
2
So Iran must have been behind al Qaeda and ISIL? Nice to learn that!
2
how many more home demolitions, seizing of palestinian land, killing of protesters, bombing of un facilities and depriving palestinians of the means to live with any kind of dignity will it take for you to realize bibi just wants arabs dead?
1
My real fear is the Bibi and the actions of Israel will inflame the world against the Jewish people everywhere.
1
A clear case of ego in conflict with wisdom. Netanyahu is said to be very smart and devious, but his ego seems overpowering in this case.
17
Why will Iran getting a bomb further destabilize the middle east? So the saudis get one-who else. A nuclear Iran might stabilize matters. Iran has a long history and has yet to start a war.
9
There are about 2000 professional diplomatic historians in the USA. Plus Michael Oren in Israel. They may not agree on everything, but they all understand the way that states conduct their foreign affairs. I'll bet that NONE would endorse what Boehner/Netanyahu are doing.
21
This speech is not some sort of political game. Bibi loves the american people and as a true friend, when there is an argument, he has to explain his position so there is no misunderstanding on the part of anyone as to why Israel has to go to war by itself. True friends of Israel know there is no choice at this point. When it comes time for a parting of the ways, he has to explain where he is coming from and why he has to do, what he has to do.
3
I am an American, not an Israeli.
1
Jack: if Mr. Netanyahu needs to "explain his position" why doesn't he instead just take out a full-page ad in the New York Times?
1
Who cares as long as he is doing what he has to do without any American lives,blood, sweat, tears, bullets, bombs or money being at risk?
Israel is America's closest and most important "ally" only if you consider a parasite an ally.
The only reason that America wastes so much blood, treasure and time on Israel is that 40% of the world's 15 million Jews live in America and another 40% live in Israel.
But for that America would not waste time with the foreign white European Zionist supremacist theocratic colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons named Israel that is contrary to American values and interests.
Along with the American alliance with the Sunni Muslim Arab civil secular military royal theocratic fossil fuel tyrants constitutes the roots of evil In the Middle East.
Israel is America's closest and most important "ally" only if you consider a parasite an ally.
The only reason that America wastes so much blood, treasure and time on Israel is that 40% of the world's 15 million Jews live in America and another 40% live in Israel.
But for that America would not waste time with the foreign white European Zionist supremacist theocratic colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons named Israel that is contrary to American values and interests.
Along with the American alliance with the Sunni Muslim Arab civil secular military royal theocratic fossil fuel tyrants constitutes the roots of evil In the Middle East.
1
Friedman Asks, "Why in the world would Israel risk putting itself in that situation? "
Answer: Might have something to do with the fact that Iran and it's proxy armies in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza have declared their intent to destroy Israel and kill all the Jews.
Netanyahu for all his interpersonal 'warts', recognizes that above all, the evil has surfaced and once again as per the history of the millennium threatened the Jews. If our Congress, Administration and op Eds can't digest what's happening or are offended so be it.
The Jews have tried silence in the face of annihilation many times in the past and not too distant past. Friedman should know, silence doesn't work.
Answer: Might have something to do with the fact that Iran and it's proxy armies in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza have declared their intent to destroy Israel and kill all the Jews.
Netanyahu for all his interpersonal 'warts', recognizes that above all, the evil has surfaced and once again as per the history of the millennium threatened the Jews. If our Congress, Administration and op Eds can't digest what's happening or are offended so be it.
The Jews have tried silence in the face of annihilation many times in the past and not too distant past. Friedman should know, silence doesn't work.
26
Indeed. The Jews certainly, and as they did to the 500,000 slaughtered in Sudan, all those who don't follow the Prophet Muhammad.
1
Other than the obvious partisan objections to Bibi doing anything, there is absolutely no 'protocol' requiring that a foreign leader can only negotiate with the president. The president needs congress to ratify all treaties and to declare war as clearly defined in the U.S. Constitution so can someone please explain why congress can't invite a world leader to lobby its members to consider a particular point of view especially if that view is counter to the president's and the minority party's.
1
The inviting to speak of course is a matter of diplomatic protocol, not law.
You have put the negotiation question backward. It should be, is there a reason that members of the US legislative branch cannot negotiate on behalf of the US with a foreign leader? Under the Constitution, the President and the Department of State which reports to him are tasked with negotiating treaties and the Senate then ratifies as them or does not. That "or does not" is the appropriate point for Congressional input. [We will have to see if the current back and forth between the GOP leadership, Netanyahu, his DC ambassador and others rise to the level of negotiation. At this point the best course for the Executive Branch would seem to be to just step back and in essence take advantage of a faux pas.]
If you think about the primary authors of the Constitution, Federalist and their opposition, many of the leaders including Jefferson, Adams, and Madison had been diplomats negotiating on behalf of the Continentals. They understood (as with the musket issue, some would say) why it was important to limit Congress' power in this area.
You have put the negotiation question backward. It should be, is there a reason that members of the US legislative branch cannot negotiate on behalf of the US with a foreign leader? Under the Constitution, the President and the Department of State which reports to him are tasked with negotiating treaties and the Senate then ratifies as them or does not. That "or does not" is the appropriate point for Congressional input. [We will have to see if the current back and forth between the GOP leadership, Netanyahu, his DC ambassador and others rise to the level of negotiation. At this point the best course for the Executive Branch would seem to be to just step back and in essence take advantage of a faux pas.]
If you think about the primary authors of the Constitution, Federalist and their opposition, many of the leaders including Jefferson, Adams, and Madison had been diplomats negotiating on behalf of the Continentals. They understood (as with the musket issue, some would say) why it was important to limit Congress' power in this area.
The r u heart of the matter is the GOP wants to peel enough Jewish votes away from the Democrats to make NY, California and a few other states with large Jewish populations lean Republican. Bibi wants a more compliant partner, which the GOP would be. Bibi's concern is not that Iran will attack Israel, but that the US and Iran will finally settle their differences. I believe the nuclear issue is a red herring at best. They have been around for 70 years and only been used by us to end WW2. Were Iran or any other state crazy enough to use one, it would be an act of national suicide. The reality of restored normal relations with Iran is Iran would have to give up support for Hamas and Hezbollah as proxies to make trouble. The only reason for the Hamas war last Summer was Hamas believed it was a last chance to push for concessions before Iran settled with the US. The leader of Hezbollah condemned the attack on Charlie Hebdo. With Sunni terrorists in ISIS becoming the real bad guys, the Shiites in Iran may be a better partner now and going forward. Oddly enough, both Bibi and Hamas both fear they will be in weakened positions if the US and Iran can get closer. Crazy.
6
The real electoral object would appear to be Florida, not New York or California which are out of reach for the Republicans short of an overwhelming landslide. We know all too well that Florida is a swing state, and this is an issue that might swing some older Jewish voters - a large demographic in Florida and traditionally a Democratic one.
Otherwise it seems to me your logic is sound.
Otherwise it seems to me your logic is sound.
2
Seriously? The NYT is clearly not even close to being objective here, taking Left positions always reflected in anti-Netanyahu rhetoric and it is now clear that they agree with this administration that the President knows best, except that he doesn't and hasn't. No one according to him, has any right to any part of governance and that includes now both the House and the Senate. Congress actually is independent of the Obama-branch and has every right to invite whomever they chose (unless a persona non grata which the Left has not yet been able to declare the Israeli leader) to address them and to bring his voice to the American people.
The real problem here is that every time Americans listen to Bibi they see the contrast between his leadership and ours and ours suffers. So Obama has never used a foreign country or government for his political purposes? Including snubbing Netanyahu? Really? No. All Western civilizations, and Israel is one, is at stake here and we cannot go it alone. We need Israel in this battle against a nuclear armed Iran. We've seen Obama's abilities to negotiate -- they are not encouraging for us. That world knows they have a short Obama window of prevarication, delay, obfuscation and deflection - that's a world this administration understands but that does the West no good. Speak Bibi, loudly and clearly. This is not about protocols, feelings, insults or snubs, but about deadly progress towards a Western holocaust.
The real problem here is that every time Americans listen to Bibi they see the contrast between his leadership and ours and ours suffers. So Obama has never used a foreign country or government for his political purposes? Including snubbing Netanyahu? Really? No. All Western civilizations, and Israel is one, is at stake here and we cannot go it alone. We need Israel in this battle against a nuclear armed Iran. We've seen Obama's abilities to negotiate -- they are not encouraging for us. That world knows they have a short Obama window of prevarication, delay, obfuscation and deflection - that's a world this administration understands but that does the West no good. Speak Bibi, loudly and clearly. This is not about protocols, feelings, insults or snubs, but about deadly progress towards a Western holocaust.
1
If we focus on the actions of Netanyahu, then we are missing the point. Who invited him to speak to Comgress? John Boehner. Who should know better than to allow a foreign national to influence our US internal decision-making process? John Boehner, who also stands second in line to the Presidency. Shameful. Treasonous??
16
@DW
Nice rant, but all those missed U.S. Government classes were important. The Vice President of the United States is next in line if something happens to the President.
Nice rant, but all those missed U.S. Government classes were important. The Vice President of the United States is next in line if something happens to the President.
" ... It doesn’t only disrespect our president, it disrespects our system ... " This applies equally to Mr. Boehner. But that is how the GOP rolls.
19
Dear Mr. Friedman,
Yes, this is a real "bad mistake" if one rates "mistakes" on some kind of chart.
Speaking of "charts", if, and it looks like he is going to do it, Mr. Netanyahu addresses Congress and snubs the president and protocol, then somebody should start "charting" the rise of the level of "Anti Semitism" this will bring in the United States. It's amazing that the GOP/TP and it's donors do not realize that much of their "base" is not only discriminatory (And that's putting it mildly), fundamentalist "Christian" and already Anti Semitic; are they actively trying to lose these votes?
These folks certainly won't vote Democrat but with one of the goals of people like the Koch Bros. being as little voter turnout as possible, for the GOP/TP to lose these people might prove a "tipping point" in the next election.
But then, when has the GOP/TP acted rationally in these past few years?
Sequester, fiscal cliffs, government shutdowns, endless anti-ACA votes, "suing" the president, etc.; the Netanyahu visit would just add to the list and the people running things, the Koch Bros. and the like, seem quite happy with the results so far.
Yes, this is a real "bad mistake" if one rates "mistakes" on some kind of chart.
Speaking of "charts", if, and it looks like he is going to do it, Mr. Netanyahu addresses Congress and snubs the president and protocol, then somebody should start "charting" the rise of the level of "Anti Semitism" this will bring in the United States. It's amazing that the GOP/TP and it's donors do not realize that much of their "base" is not only discriminatory (And that's putting it mildly), fundamentalist "Christian" and already Anti Semitic; are they actively trying to lose these votes?
These folks certainly won't vote Democrat but with one of the goals of people like the Koch Bros. being as little voter turnout as possible, for the GOP/TP to lose these people might prove a "tipping point" in the next election.
But then, when has the GOP/TP acted rationally in these past few years?
Sequester, fiscal cliffs, government shutdowns, endless anti-ACA votes, "suing" the president, etc.; the Netanyahu visit would just add to the list and the people running things, the Koch Bros. and the like, seem quite happy with the results so far.
6
Is the Congress only to listen to the Executive's take on world events and their ramifications? Congress wanting other input seems sensible since they are supposed to vote for these actions and the funds to implement them. The lack of integrity many Presidents and members of the Congress have shown seems to make this an imperative. Does anyone remember the Gulf Of Tonkin Resolution where a President snookered Congress and involved us in a meaningless war?
2
There's a difference between consulting with experts on foreign affairs and inviting another leader with the sole intention of undermining the standing President. It reminds me of a student who doesn't agree with his teacher inviting another teacher to address the student body without consulting his teacher. A more prudent approach would be to talk to the teacher about his concerns and if that doesn't work, then speak with the Principal. Don't break the school rules in order to prop up your own social status with your peers.
1
It pleases me, somehow, to read a Tom Friedman column - especially one about Israel - that I can completely agree with. It's been a very long time coming.
12
THANK YOU Mr. Friedman. It's hard to stand up against Netanyahu
but you did it. It is a dirty political ploy to side with Republicans - the war monger party - against Obama. McCain and Graham are rubbing their hands looking for the next war. They will kiss Bibi's butt no matter what. You can't bomb Iran, a country of 80 million people. If Bibb wants to kill and be useful like in Gaza, let him and his army (which we pay for) wipe out Isis. Oh no, much easier to bomb the hell out of Gaza.
but you did it. It is a dirty political ploy to side with Republicans - the war monger party - against Obama. McCain and Graham are rubbing their hands looking for the next war. They will kiss Bibi's butt no matter what. You can't bomb Iran, a country of 80 million people. If Bibb wants to kill and be useful like in Gaza, let him and his army (which we pay for) wipe out Isis. Oh no, much easier to bomb the hell out of Gaza.
4
Please remember that the reason Bibi wants the US to attack Iran is that he knows that if Israel does so there will be massive retaliation and not just from Iran. That's the same reason he's not going to attack ISIS. He's not stupid. Just not as good at US politics as he thinks he is, I suspect because he only really listens to the folks who agree with him.
1
I have tremendous respect for Israeli perseverance. That being said our president is Barack Obama not Netanyahu. Under our constitution the US military as well as our state and defense departments report to the US president. Netanyahu and John Boehner are spitting not only in our president's face but also in the face of our constitution and the faces of the American public. I fully agree with US support of Israeli defense but not at the expense of our system of managing foreign policy. This has dangerous overtones for all of our global relations and no good will arise from this abominable arrangement.
16
Reciprocity is only fair play. When will Obama be invited to the Knesset to "make the point" that the settlements are an affront to decency and morality?
17
Netanyahu's speech has nothing to commend and everything to condemn itself. It will worsen relations between Netanyahu and Obama, between Republicans and Democrats, and between Israel and the United States. In the event of military action against Iran, it will be remembered as the start of America's "Jewish" war, with damaging consequences in foreign and military affairs, and disastrous consequences in domestic Christian/Jewish relations- a blurring of the line between anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiments. Ironically, those who regard themselves as Israel's staunchest defenders will discover this form of support to be self-defeating to their interests and those of Israel.
195
....and yet, Israel will take that chance, because better an angry U.S. and Iran nuke-less than the alternative.
In any event, given the overwhelming aversion this administration has to addressing real world problems (including using the words "Islamic" and "terror" in the same sentence), Israel will likely have to go it alone. As usual.
In any event, given the overwhelming aversion this administration has to addressing real world problems (including using the words "Islamic" and "terror" in the same sentence), Israel will likely have to go it alone. As usual.
Anybody who wants to know what Bibi thinks of Iran can watch his UN speech - I'm sure it's recorded somewhere. Any concerns based on intelligence information that Israel has are better shared privately, and frankly I would have assumed that Israel would have shared this information with the administration already. This whole exercise is outrageously political grandstanding.
Along with the delusional Republicans, Bibi and friends, I would include some of the Jewish community in America that reflexively support whatever Israel does. Wake up gusy! This is a terrible idea.
Along with the delusional Republicans, Bibi and friends, I would include some of the Jewish community in America that reflexively support whatever Israel does. Wake up gusy! This is a terrible idea.
11
I repeat my comments from 11 days ago:
-----------
Michael Richter
Ridgefield, CT 11 days ago
Speaking as an American Jew who loves his country and who has generously supported Israel politically, emotionally, and financially for several decades, I find the circumstances of this trip to be frankly stupid, disrespectful, and ill-considered. Boehner and Netanyahu should both know better.
It creates foreign interference in the politics of both countries. President Obama is being snubbed and protocol is being disregarded. In the end this visit to Congress will cause more ill will for Congress and for Israel from the American people; and will bring harm to an important relationship between our two countries.
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Israel and the US should cut their losses. This visit should be cancelled.
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Michael Richter
Ridgefield, CT 11 days ago
Speaking as an American Jew who loves his country and who has generously supported Israel politically, emotionally, and financially for several decades, I find the circumstances of this trip to be frankly stupid, disrespectful, and ill-considered. Boehner and Netanyahu should both know better.
It creates foreign interference in the politics of both countries. President Obama is being snubbed and protocol is being disregarded. In the end this visit to Congress will cause more ill will for Congress and for Israel from the American people; and will bring harm to an important relationship between our two countries.
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Israel and the US should cut their losses. This visit should be cancelled.
13
Every coffee shop in the United States knew this was more than a dumb idea. Mr. Netanyahu's philosophy is "ready, shoot, aim." Classical negotiation is not his style, and while Israel is "negotiating" with Palestine, it continues to build, push around, and otherwise generate more anger, thus relegating any real negotiation to the bin. And because Mr. Obama doesn't share that view, he is vilified by the likes of Mr. Boehner and Company. All this, I might add, on behalf of "The American People."
20
Since 29 things ''cooked up'' by Mr. Obama were his repeated lies on video - that he KNEW were lies - about people keeping their coverage and doctors under Obamacare - plus the dozens of times the cameras weren't there - make Israel's worries about Iran having The Bomb look as honest as a poor man asking for a free meal. If only we were here reading a non-politicized news source.
This started with Cronkite. He was as biased as a loon but, until LBJ burned him lying about Vietnam, we never heard The Inner Walter on TV. Once he retired, though, we learned that he was out there past FDR and even Henry A. Wallace. BUT, Walter never betrayed that bias until 1968.
But we start with the abrasively obvoius bias now at the Times. If only it wasn't bleeding into the real news coverage, the sports coverage, the reviews ....
This started with Cronkite. He was as biased as a loon but, until LBJ burned him lying about Vietnam, we never heard The Inner Walter on TV. Once he retired, though, we learned that he was out there past FDR and even Henry A. Wallace. BUT, Walter never betrayed that bias until 1968.
But we start with the abrasively obvoius bias now at the Times. If only it wasn't bleeding into the real news coverage, the sports coverage, the reviews ....
3
Boehner and his buddies are playing with fire, the way they trample on protocol, custom and good government in general. Either they are total fools, or they are willing to take any number of dangerous risks simply to embarrass Mr Obama at every opportunity.
Apart from the fact that it is patently bad for America to conduct foreign policy in the interest of any other country (read: Israel), this brazen disregard for the political process reveals a dangerous incompetence. Whether it be simply a paean to the naive views of the Tea Party wing, or a heady arrogance borne of the recent election, these people are out of control.
Apart from the fact that it is patently bad for America to conduct foreign policy in the interest of any other country (read: Israel), this brazen disregard for the political process reveals a dangerous incompetence. Whether it be simply a paean to the naive views of the Tea Party wing, or a heady arrogance borne of the recent election, these people are out of control.
17
Boehner, McConnell, and Netanyahu are collectively spitting in the face of President Obama. He will now have to get even, or at least call the first two into the Oval Office for a thorough dressing-down. Imagine what LBJ would do in this situation.....
11
Why does the State Department not simply revoke the visa of this man who is clearly coming to commit a dangerous and malicious act?
12
To pointedly imply that this move is not worthy of dignifying with an answer.
This invitation by the republican party is further evidence that they are more interested in embarrassing the President than they are pursuing what's best for the our nation.
17
Obama does a perfectly fine job of embarrassing himself.
1
Even Frank Underwood would not make such a sophomoric move ---
7
How about all Democratic congressman and Republicans who have any sense and conscience declare a boycott of the speech and refuse to attend. Furthermore, draft a censure of the Israeli ambassador who is really just a Republican political hack and send him back to Tel Aviv, exile him from his true country for a period of time. To arrange this at any time without proper diplomatic protocol is wrong, much less at this sensitive time in negotiations and election in Israel. Hopefully this backfires and Bibi is refuted by the intelligent majority of Israeli voters. Give peace a chance indeed! Stop the settlements and negotiate the end of this ongoing nightmare or face the fate of the South African apartheid state with the vote extended to all Arabs in Palestine lands currently occupied. Give Israel a set deadline to negotiate in good faith with secure borders and defense pact or begin removing Amercian funds and allow the apartheid divestment movement full steam ahead.
12
I take your point about the Congresspeople for some excuse or another just not showing up. But beyond that I think this whole thing is best ignored. Let those who set it up stew in their own juice.
Maybe the intellectuals can explain why Israel is allowed to have +200 nuclear weapons. Just asking for non-propaganda explanation. Just asking.
16
Congress has not respected our elected President in years.
Apparently they also have an urge to measurably show this every so often. It's not a good thing for the country of course, but they rarely recognize their own behavior for what it is.
Apparently they also have an urge to measurably show this every so often. It's not a good thing for the country of course, but they rarely recognize their own behavior for what it is.
12
Reckless, thoughtless, rude, crude, bull in a china shop, ignorant, misinformed and misinforming, in your face and brain-dead.
That's my Republican Party.
That's my Republican Party.
21
"Just lie low, Mr. Netanyahu. Don’t play in our politics. Let America draw its own conclusion."
Let me get this straight. The NYT columnist who has made a career out of giving Israeli leaders unsolicited and unwanted (not to mention invariably wrong) advice on how to manage its internal and foreign affairs, now asks that Bibi stay away from American politics?? How hypocritical!
I guess only the United States is entitled to strong-arm another country into futile and dangerous foreign policy decisions.
Let me get this straight. The NYT columnist who has made a career out of giving Israeli leaders unsolicited and unwanted (not to mention invariably wrong) advice on how to manage its internal and foreign affairs, now asks that Bibi stay away from American politics?? How hypocritical!
I guess only the United States is entitled to strong-arm another country into futile and dangerous foreign policy decisions.
Friedman is pretty clear, particularly toward the end of his piece. He has little problem with the U.S. going to war with Iran on Israel's behalf ... and at Netanyahu's insistence. He just wants Netanyahu to urge war more discreetly so that Israel can avoid blame when another Middle East war inevitably goes badly.
4
Mr. Friedman, I agree that Netanyahu shouldn't address Congress about Iran oir any other subject without first clearing it with the Administration. I was irked by your need to ask non-Jews how they felt about it. It's clear that their opinions run the gamut. The people Netanyahu is really showing contempt for, after the President, is American Jews, who voted for Obama in large numbers.
2
Are we so quick to abandon our core principles? If ever there was an example of a threat to our freedom of speech and assembly, this is it. Whatever the political motivation behind Boehner's invitation and Netanyahu's acceptance, it's important to listen to what the Israeli Prime Minister has to say. Nothing is more important in a free society than the free exchange of ideas, especially ideas that are different from those you want to hear. After all, it wasn't the United States that prevented Syria and Iraq from acquiring nuclear weapons...it was Israel. Recall, it was an ISRAELI airstrike on September 6, 2007 that destroyed a nuclear facility being built with the help of the North Koreans in the Deir ez-Zor region of Syria. Remember again that it was an ISRAELI air strike on June 7, 1981, which destroyed an Iraqi nuclear reactor under construction southeast of Baghdad. Ask yourselves, would the world be safer if Israel hadn't acted? After all, both Syria and Iraq used poison gas on their own people...do you really think that Iran is different?
3
Israeli leadership has routinely insulted the current democratic president. It is also quite shameful for the American public and the political leaders to accept such insults being thrown from a foreign country which relies so much on US support.
4
Thomas Friedman, this columnist who wrote "From Beirut to Jerusalem", an exceptional book on the politics of the Middle East, has spoken, and we all should listen to this brilliant man. Arrogance, the constant belief that the U.S., not matter what, would come to the rescue of Israel, are some of the elements that have driven Netanyahu to this extremist stance against the entire world. It's high time that U.S. politicians, as well as its citizens, draw a line in the sand that this would not continue.
Peter Beinart, another brilliant columnist who wrote "The Crisis of Zionism" said it all: The changing political landscape in the U.S., evidenced by the outpouring of anger whenever injustice rears its ugly head around the world, would, in the future, prevent Americans from blindly supporting Israel, especially if it is unwilling to give Palestinians their basic rights. It's a great book that I urge anyone interested in how things would look like between the U.S. and Israel in the near future to read.
Peter Beinart, another brilliant columnist who wrote "The Crisis of Zionism" said it all: The changing political landscape in the U.S., evidenced by the outpouring of anger whenever injustice rears its ugly head around the world, would, in the future, prevent Americans from blindly supporting Israel, especially if it is unwilling to give Palestinians their basic rights. It's a great book that I urge anyone interested in how things would look like between the U.S. and Israel in the near future to read.
2
When a policy has not worked for over 50 years, it's time to revisit that policy. Our entire approach in the Middle East needs a change and I am glad that the President has shown some tendency to break with the old school. First - Iran: The fact that sanctions have worked on Iran (as they have worked on Russia) is reason enough to give negotiations a chance to succeed. We have more than enough military muscle to discipline Iran if the need should arise, but violence must be the last resort - only when all else fails. Second: our relationship with Israel must be revisited. They will always have our complete support if they need it. But at this point, it has become a case of the tail wagging the dog. From the deep influence in our domestic politics to the decidedly disproportionate influence in our foreign policy, it must stop now. This is not a US state we're talking about - it is an entirely independent country for crying out loud.
We must shift to a pragmatic approach to dealing with the Middle East. Nations that earn it should be given our technological and financial support. Jordan, Kuwait and perhaps Iran, Iraq, Israel (and someday Egypt, Lebanon and Libya) should be on this list. But this should exclude the level of military aid that we currently give Israel... that is part of a failed policy that has not led an inch closer to peace. If anything, it has helped maintain and perpetuate centuries old animosity. Is that what we want?
We must shift to a pragmatic approach to dealing with the Middle East. Nations that earn it should be given our technological and financial support. Jordan, Kuwait and perhaps Iran, Iraq, Israel (and someday Egypt, Lebanon and Libya) should be on this list. But this should exclude the level of military aid that we currently give Israel... that is part of a failed policy that has not led an inch closer to peace. If anything, it has helped maintain and perpetuate centuries old animosity. Is that what we want?
5
"Reckless...dangerous.."
An overreaction. Netanyahu has addressed Congress before. Members were whooping and hollering at his every word. So, given that he is running for reelection, why wouldn't he appear again? Also Netanyahu was not invited to participate in the direct negotiations between the allies and Iran. His appearance in Congress will show Israeli voters that he is not standing idly by.
Boehner helps lead a Republican Party with only one Jewish lawmaker and he has been seated for less than a month. Eric Cantor's reelection was railroaded by his own party. By contrast there are nearly 30 Jewish lawmakers in Congress who are Democrats. So,here's a way for Republicans to gain popularity among Jewish American voters and broaden the acceptance of Sheldon Adelson's view that it is really the Republicans who have Israel's back.
An overreaction. Netanyahu has addressed Congress before. Members were whooping and hollering at his every word. So, given that he is running for reelection, why wouldn't he appear again? Also Netanyahu was not invited to participate in the direct negotiations between the allies and Iran. His appearance in Congress will show Israeli voters that he is not standing idly by.
Boehner helps lead a Republican Party with only one Jewish lawmaker and he has been seated for less than a month. Eric Cantor's reelection was railroaded by his own party. By contrast there are nearly 30 Jewish lawmakers in Congress who are Democrats. So,here's a way for Republicans to gain popularity among Jewish American voters and broaden the acceptance of Sheldon Adelson's view that it is really the Republicans who have Israel's back.
3
I've read many opinions. Many I agree with. Others, though I disagree with them in their conclusions. are cogent. Your opinion, Mike, is utterly shallow and, frankly, embarrassing to read.
1
"Also Netanyahu was not invited to participate in the direct negotiations between the allies and Iran. His appearance will show Israeli voters that he is not standing idly by".
Let me enlighten you, Mike, at least the Israeli voters are well aware that the negotiations such as now being held in Vienna, involve the P5 + 1 of the UN security council. Israel and the vast majority of all countries is not a member of that illustrious club.
That this unprecedented affront by Bibi and Boehner, cooked up by the sitting ambassador to the US from Israel - a former Republican operative - will result in gains among Jewish American voters is a pipe-dream.
On the contrary, as an American Jew I see more and more of the formerly politically more conservative among us express the same opinion as Mr. Friedman does.
Let me enlighten you, Mike, at least the Israeli voters are well aware that the negotiations such as now being held in Vienna, involve the P5 + 1 of the UN security council. Israel and the vast majority of all countries is not a member of that illustrious club.
That this unprecedented affront by Bibi and Boehner, cooked up by the sitting ambassador to the US from Israel - a former Republican operative - will result in gains among Jewish American voters is a pipe-dream.
On the contrary, as an American Jew I see more and more of the formerly politically more conservative among us express the same opinion as Mr. Friedman does.
4
Come on give me a break. How often does the US, including President Obama, do exactly the same thing. When the head of the government isn't listening we, the United States, go straight to their people through the media, leaflets, etc. Think what you want about Mr. Boehner but you can't fault Netanyahu for taking his message directly to the American people. It shows that Netanyahu understands our form of government and each of the three branches has influence over the directions we take as a country.
3
Directly to the American people? Nonsense.
The Republicans were outvoted nationally.They exist because of gerrymandering.
If you want a true public referendum on future US support to Israel put it the ballot!
The Republicans were outvoted nationally.They exist because of gerrymandering.
If you want a true public referendum on future US support to Israel put it the ballot!
2
@ Steve B
To point just to a few falsehoods in your comment:
1) When the conservative Prime Minister Cameron of the UK, a country that is also involved in the talks with Iran in Vienna, calls US Senators and Congressmen to wait before imposing future sanctions on Iran it bears no resemblance to a foreign Prime Ministers speech in the hallowed halls of Congress chastising the politics of a sitting US president in a speech that will be seen around the world.
2) Obama doesn't reject 'consulting Congress regarding negotiations with Iran. The executive branch through the Department of State is responsible for US foreign policies, not Congress.
3) The former Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, is not - repeat not - as you categorically state 'running against Bibi in the coming election. He is running for a seat in the Knesset of a newly founded center left party, and not as a candidate for prime minister.
4) At the end of your comment you want someone to tell you 'what the objective truth is here', after having posted a lengthy subjective opinion of your own making.
To point just to a few falsehoods in your comment:
1) When the conservative Prime Minister Cameron of the UK, a country that is also involved in the talks with Iran in Vienna, calls US Senators and Congressmen to wait before imposing future sanctions on Iran it bears no resemblance to a foreign Prime Ministers speech in the hallowed halls of Congress chastising the politics of a sitting US president in a speech that will be seen around the world.
2) Obama doesn't reject 'consulting Congress regarding negotiations with Iran. The executive branch through the Department of State is responsible for US foreign policies, not Congress.
3) The former Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, is not - repeat not - as you categorically state 'running against Bibi in the coming election. He is running for a seat in the Knesset of a newly founded center left party, and not as a candidate for prime minister.
4) At the end of your comment you want someone to tell you 'what the objective truth is here', after having posted a lengthy subjective opinion of your own making.
8
"Already, in reaction to this maneuver, 10 Senate Democrats — who had advocated putting more sanctions on Iran now — have instead parted company with the Republicans and granted the White House the two-month reprieve it was seeking to see if negotiations can still work."
If nothing else, this gambit has been good for US policy. I hope it also means success for Israel's left-center party coalition at their next election. Netanyahu is a fascist.
If nothing else, this gambit has been good for US policy. I hope it also means success for Israel's left-center party coalition at their next election. Netanyahu is a fascist.
10
We are looking at a historic moment: the beginning of the great democratic landslide of 2016.
That some republicans in their bubble and hard-right Israelis think insulting the president and allowing a foreign power to manipulate American domestic policy is a good idea shows how out of touch they are with reality.
It speaks volumes that some in congress think hamstringing American foreign policy and wrecking our diplomats' credibility is a good thing. They're willing to harm the America's interest to push their negative agendas. Vote them out.
That some republicans in their bubble and hard-right Israelis think insulting the president and allowing a foreign power to manipulate American domestic policy is a good idea shows how out of touch they are with reality.
It speaks volumes that some in congress think hamstringing American foreign policy and wrecking our diplomats' credibility is a good thing. They're willing to harm the America's interest to push their negative agendas. Vote them out.
18
Yeah, Mike: Kick them so far out of Waslhington that they won't be able to find their way back.
The republicans are slipping closer to treason by allowing a foreign leader to undermine their (yes their) own president.
1
Reading these comments, I've noticed that several people are blaming Obama for the rise of ISIS, due to his "line in the sand" in Syria. Although the drawing of the line and the subsequent erasing were both bad moves, Obama did not create ISIS. ISIS was created in the prisons of Iraq, when the USA imprisoned thousands of radicals. Let's not forget who started that war, and why (although we still really don't know why).
Any subsequent war with Iran will end just as badly - if not worse - than our "liberation" of Iraq. I have no doubt that if Iran doesn't already have a bomb, they soon will. Nothing we can do will prevent that, only delay it. It is not worth the cost to America in American lives or monies to get involved in yet another pointless act in that part of the world.
I don't know why Netanyahu and Boehner are doing this, but they are drawing their own lines in the sand, and I fear that it will come back to haunt them both.
Any subsequent war with Iran will end just as badly - if not worse - than our "liberation" of Iraq. I have no doubt that if Iran doesn't already have a bomb, they soon will. Nothing we can do will prevent that, only delay it. It is not worth the cost to America in American lives or monies to get involved in yet another pointless act in that part of the world.
I don't know why Netanyahu and Boehner are doing this, but they are drawing their own lines in the sand, and I fear that it will come back to haunt them both.
19
But we all know better than that, don't we, Michael. The whole 'ISIS-thing' is just Republican-sour-grapes, in a puerile-attempt to make Americans belive another Republican lie.
Of course this address is intended to be a blatant disrespect to president Obama and the democratic caucus. But more important is to emphasize that it is to be a war mongering speach in which a foreign head of state will ask us to attack another country for the benefit of Israel, a country with its own air force. That is way beyond the issue of diplomatic propriety.
24
It has been suggested that the best thing the Democrats can do is to boycot the meeting by just not showing up when the gig begins. But I'm thinkin' the effect might be way more emphatically dramatic if they all showed up, but got up and walked out whenever Bibi ascends the podium. Its what we used to call 'A Poke In The Eye With a Sharp Stick'
1
"...the whole gambit was creating the impression of “a cynical political move, and it could hurt our attempts to act against Iran.”
Excuse me--the impression of a cynical political move? It IS a cynical political move.
Mr. Friedman, I understand you're focusing on the policy implications of an address by the Israeli Prime Minister to Congress without the knowledge of, or blessing of, our President. And I understand it's Iranian policy we're dealing with here.
But to my mind, the even more dangerous precedent being set is having foreign leaders interfere with policy disputes between the executive and representative branches. I've said before, shame on Boehner. His callous, hateful invitation is borderline sedition. What's to prevent anyone from being invited to meddle in US politics? What does this say to the rest of the world, that America is so disunited that a Congressional "leader" can take it upon himself to cross the President through brazen invitations to foreign leaders?
Boehner's actions, if they unfold as he likes, should be censored, at the very least. This isn't a diplomatic visit by Lafayette during revolutionary times to celebrate common goals. This is Boehner's way of thumbing his nose at President Obama, in a vile, cynical ploy that could backfire in days, and years, to come.
Excuse me--the impression of a cynical political move? It IS a cynical political move.
Mr. Friedman, I understand you're focusing on the policy implications of an address by the Israeli Prime Minister to Congress without the knowledge of, or blessing of, our President. And I understand it's Iranian policy we're dealing with here.
But to my mind, the even more dangerous precedent being set is having foreign leaders interfere with policy disputes between the executive and representative branches. I've said before, shame on Boehner. His callous, hateful invitation is borderline sedition. What's to prevent anyone from being invited to meddle in US politics? What does this say to the rest of the world, that America is so disunited that a Congressional "leader" can take it upon himself to cross the President through brazen invitations to foreign leaders?
Boehner's actions, if they unfold as he likes, should be censored, at the very least. This isn't a diplomatic visit by Lafayette during revolutionary times to celebrate common goals. This is Boehner's way of thumbing his nose at President Obama, in a vile, cynical ploy that could backfire in days, and years, to come.
27
Please! This is just a power play by Boehner to once again stick it in the President's eye. It's all politics all the time with this ego maniac. It would be much better for Netanyahu to simply back away as this move will surely backfire.
14
Our Constitution assigns the conduct of foreign policy to the President, not the Speaker of the House. Americans should not tolerate interference in our internal politics by a foreign leader.
Do we really need Netanyahu' s advice on dealing with Iran? His policies have not brought peace and stability with Israel's neighbors, nor with its internal Arab minority (soon to be majority).
Boehner's motive is clear, but Netanyahu's is not. Is he coming to the US to garner political contributions? Can he can shake loose a few more millions from the senile Adelson, or a substantial contribution from the reactionary Kochs?
He has no legitimate business in Washington, London, or Paris until he produces a map showing Israel's proposed borders with his fictional "Palestinian State".
Do we really need Netanyahu' s advice on dealing with Iran? His policies have not brought peace and stability with Israel's neighbors, nor with its internal Arab minority (soon to be majority).
Boehner's motive is clear, but Netanyahu's is not. Is he coming to the US to garner political contributions? Can he can shake loose a few more millions from the senile Adelson, or a substantial contribution from the reactionary Kochs?
He has no legitimate business in Washington, London, or Paris until he produces a map showing Israel's proposed borders with his fictional "Palestinian State".
19
Almost. Congress has the constitutional power to decide upon matters regarding trade, imposts, duties and economic sanctions (read Iran). Not Obama.
1
Mr. Friedman is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled journalist with a huge readership.
Of course he is right about Bibi's recent trick.
More disturbing is his comment about "anti Semites who claim Israel controls Washington."
This is the type of comment he often hides in otherwise sensible pieces, which actually tilt the entire piece toward Israel.
Does anyone seriously believe you have to be anti-Semitic to believe that the Israel Lobby has incredible power in Washington? By extrapolation he is calling anyone who questions this power (and it is undeniable) anti Semitic.
This is who Mr. Friedman really is.
Beneath a brilliant cover of being bright (which he is) and objective (which he is not), he is calling all of us, who question the Israel lobby in DC, anti semitic!!!!!!
SHAME ON YOU TOM!
Of course he is right about Bibi's recent trick.
More disturbing is his comment about "anti Semites who claim Israel controls Washington."
This is the type of comment he often hides in otherwise sensible pieces, which actually tilt the entire piece toward Israel.
Does anyone seriously believe you have to be anti-Semitic to believe that the Israel Lobby has incredible power in Washington? By extrapolation he is calling anyone who questions this power (and it is undeniable) anti Semitic.
This is who Mr. Friedman really is.
Beneath a brilliant cover of being bright (which he is) and objective (which he is not), he is calling all of us, who question the Israel lobby in DC, anti semitic!!!!!!
SHAME ON YOU TOM!
21
charla,
I have to agree with you.
Most Americans got on board with the policy of 'guaranteeing Israel's right to exist' in the 50s/60s.
But over the decades, beginning with the very first post 1967 war West Bank settlements, this commitment somehow came to mean 'give Israel anything they demand and do it posthaste!'.
Many do not support that absolute formulation. Our support for Israel should have had imbedded in it behavioral requirements.
I have to agree with you.
Most Americans got on board with the policy of 'guaranteeing Israel's right to exist' in the 50s/60s.
But over the decades, beginning with the very first post 1967 war West Bank settlements, this commitment somehow came to mean 'give Israel anything they demand and do it posthaste!'.
Many do not support that absolute formulation. Our support for Israel should have had imbedded in it behavioral requirements.
2
Netanyahu, Boehner, et al are concerned about the future of Israel which is commendable, but reading the Hebrew Bible tells me that the future of Israel is in the hands of God, not Iran.
Jews and Christians who are concerned about Israel need to act out of faith, rather than fear, or they will suffer the same fate as their Muslim protagonists.
Jews and Christians who are concerned about Israel need to act out of faith, rather than fear, or they will suffer the same fate as their Muslim protagonists.
2
Iran would say that Israel's future is in the hands of Allah, which is a very different thing. As for faith, I have faith in Israel's ability to withstand Iranian encroachment and hostility, but not while Obama is president, for obvious reasons.
A wise philosopher also once said: "Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition." As far as being in God's hands, let's hope He proves a bit more dexterous than He was during the Holocaust.
1
It is another cynical attempt to pressure the U.S. in another war. It is indeed offensive and the Israeli ambassador should be declared perosna non grata. Israel cares only about Israel interest. When are going to finally get this point? We finance and protect but Israelt kick and disrecpect us. Some special relationship. we should completely disengage from this viper nest call the Middle East and let it burn. Enough waste of america blood and treasury.
11
As a New Yorker, I want to know what my senators, Schumer and Gillibrand, are planning to do when Bibi speaks in Congress. Will they attend? Will they turn their backs? Dermer was a Republican operative before he became an Israeli. This whole thing is outrageous.
25
I suggest that the ENTIRE Democratic contingent in both houses get up and walk out on the speech.
64
If only they had the guts!
7
I am losing respect for Israel and I am furious that Mr. Netanyahu is taking this swipe at the president. Shame on Boehner.
Israel has the bomb so in terms of starting a race that horse is out of the barn. It has become apparent to me over the years and especially since the backers of the GOP are also buying Israeli elections too that this is a shell game of taking money from us the tax payers and sending it through Israel and back to the military industrial complex here . This is the last thing we should be doing right now. Or maybe after taking yet another vote on repealing the AHC.
Israel has the bomb so in terms of starting a race that horse is out of the barn. It has become apparent to me over the years and especially since the backers of the GOP are also buying Israeli elections too that this is a shell game of taking money from us the tax payers and sending it through Israel and back to the military industrial complex here . This is the last thing we should be doing right now. Or maybe after taking yet another vote on repealing the AHC.
45
Where is Boehner's responsibility in this? He is ultimately responsible for this outrage. No invite. No Netanyahu. Where is the media outrage with crying John? The GOP clown car in the house?
42
Boehner is not a Jew ... uh, I mean Israeli. So where do you think all the righteous rage will be focused in these august progressive pages?
1
Never has a country existed that has been on the right side of every issue, and never has a country existed whose leaders haven't made serious mistakes. Ergo, those who blindly support Israel 100% no matter what questionable decisions its government makes in, say, West Bank settlements or blocking essentials from Gaza have placed their loyalties to AIPAC, their own Adelson-funded PACs, and a foreign country above their stated loyalty to the U.S.
However, this is not news: Those who wear the biggest flag pins often favor their religion over the laws of their country (Hobby Lobby the latest example) and reduce the complexity of the world into a single foreign bugaboo, whether Iran or Iraq or the late and I would assume lamented on the right Soviet Union.
When I saw the headline, "A Bad Mistake," I thought that you were going to discuss the Balfour Declaration, which convinced both Jews and Arabs that each one's racial group would receive what it considers holy lands. Then, after World War II, both groups laid claim to what is now Israel.
Let's not scuttle the Iran talks. It is just a matter of time before many nations acquire nuclear capabilities. Following the advice of those who urge us to alienate every group with whom we don't agree while pretending that we can influence those groups to eschew available technology is a bad idea, like situating a group of immigrants who are unlikely to give an inch in the midst of their racial enemies was in retrospect a Bad Idea.
However, this is not news: Those who wear the biggest flag pins often favor their religion over the laws of their country (Hobby Lobby the latest example) and reduce the complexity of the world into a single foreign bugaboo, whether Iran or Iraq or the late and I would assume lamented on the right Soviet Union.
When I saw the headline, "A Bad Mistake," I thought that you were going to discuss the Balfour Declaration, which convinced both Jews and Arabs that each one's racial group would receive what it considers holy lands. Then, after World War II, both groups laid claim to what is now Israel.
Let's not scuttle the Iran talks. It is just a matter of time before many nations acquire nuclear capabilities. Following the advice of those who urge us to alienate every group with whom we don't agree while pretending that we can influence those groups to eschew available technology is a bad idea, like situating a group of immigrants who are unlikely to give an inch in the midst of their racial enemies was in retrospect a Bad Idea.
23
President Obama has squandered his credibility with his reliance on political spin and misleading ,if not dishonest, statements.
Now, when negotiations with Iran are critical,neither Americans nor foreign leaders can believe a word he says.
This endangers the world and provokes leaders like Netanyahu to take risky actions.
Now, when negotiations with Iran are critical,neither Americans nor foreign leaders can believe a word he says.
This endangers the world and provokes leaders like Netanyahu to take risky actions.
7
So its Obama's fault that Boehner and Netanyahu implemented a reckless scheme which can be used by Iran to stop talking to the US?
It seems to me that both Bibi and Boehner are in enough political 'hot-water' that they would both summarily reject this gig, and do everything they can to make it 'go away'. For Boehner, it is hard to believe he doesn't know how much more likely it is to damage (if not destroy) his own political-reputation than to do any harm to Mr. Obama (which is what I believe is why Boehner cooked it up, all along). IMHO, to the extent that it it blows-up in their faces and destroys their their reputations, it might not be such a 'Bad Mistake', at that!
15
I think I hear John McCain singing "Bomb, bomb, bomb -- bomb, bomb Iran" in the background.
In short, this was orchestrated among the GOP top-cats as a Republican gambit in its play for the White House 2016. They're trying to start running their foreign policy now, and it looks like a first, deliberate step on a road to war.
In short, this was orchestrated among the GOP top-cats as a Republican gambit in its play for the White House 2016. They're trying to start running their foreign policy now, and it looks like a first, deliberate step on a road to war.
34
Mark,
Indeed, McCain, Bibi and the GOP all think anyone who opposes them are lowlife scum.
And it's becoming a pattern of the right, both here and in Israel, to completely discount the possibility of any blowback whatsoever to their ill-conceived gambits.
Indeed, McCain, Bibi and the GOP all think anyone who opposes them are lowlife scum.
And it's becoming a pattern of the right, both here and in Israel, to completely discount the possibility of any blowback whatsoever to their ill-conceived gambits.
1
I agree the Republican "carrot and stick" shtick has pushed the limits of sensational politics to a new height and low content. Shame on them for flaunting American brawn without any brains in the process. They'd probably want to remake the Wizard of Oz to show the Tin Man running off with the Straw Man in order to conspire against Dorothy, Toto and the Cowardly Lion. Divisive politics at it's worst!
1
"You know how this happened:"
Yes. Both Boehner and Israel finally got tired of Obama throwing our closest ally under the bus -- again.
Obama and his administration show more outrage over Netanyahu speaking to Congress than over ISIL murder of a Jordanian pilot.
That's how it happened.
Yes. Both Boehner and Israel finally got tired of Obama throwing our closest ally under the bus -- again.
Obama and his administration show more outrage over Netanyahu speaking to Congress than over ISIL murder of a Jordanian pilot.
That's how it happened.
8
What's a mook?
1
I think you are making two classic mistakes. First, you generalize your own special interest groups to represent entire nations. "Both Boehner and Israel finally got tired..." Well, Obama was elected twice by the entire population of the US. Boehner was elected by Republicans in a safe district in Ohio. Similarly, I understand that a substantial portion of Israel does not agree with Netanyahu and that this point in time is close to the next national election.
Second, in my opinion, you confuse rhetoric with action. Obama has shown his outrage over ISIL by taking the politically risky step of committing our armed forces to fighting them, successfully I might add. One of Boehner's first actions in the new congress was to hold a vote for the 56th attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Second, in my opinion, you confuse rhetoric with action. Obama has shown his outrage over ISIL by taking the politically risky step of committing our armed forces to fighting them, successfully I might add. One of Boehner's first actions in the new congress was to hold a vote for the 56th attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
3
Mookie, The Jordanian pilot was shot down by ISIL - NOT murdered. If you can't tell the difference, then nothing you write can have any validity.
1
Israel is the junior partner in our relationship but in the last decade its government's actions and rhetoric reflect an attitude that it is the super power and the US must dance to its tune, no matter the cost to our national interest and status in the world. Mr. Netanyahu's attempt to dictate America's foreign policy decisions with Iran by forming a partnership with the Republican Party demonstrates just how much our relationship with the Israeli government has deteriorated. Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Boehner have put further strain on what was once considered an unbreakable bond.
.
.
28
Mary,
"Mr. Netanyahu's attempt to dictate America's foreign policy decisions with Iran by forming a partnership with the Republican Party . . ."
That cuts to the heart of the matter, as does the article.
Bibi must think it's very clever to align himself with the right wing GOP at this point but being seen here as some sort of auxiliary to the Republican party is the worst mistake he could possibly make. This, in fact, will prove the fastest way to lose the overall support of the American people.
"Mr. Netanyahu's attempt to dictate America's foreign policy decisions with Iran by forming a partnership with the Republican Party . . ."
That cuts to the heart of the matter, as does the article.
Bibi must think it's very clever to align himself with the right wing GOP at this point but being seen here as some sort of auxiliary to the Republican party is the worst mistake he could possibly make. This, in fact, will prove the fastest way to lose the overall support of the American people.
2
It boggles the mind that Mr. Boehner is willing to play Congress as a subsidiary of Israel just to spite Obama and derail the Iran negotiations. Those Iranian negotiations are vitally important, the first time in recent history that reasonable parties are coming to the table. We are idiots not to take advantage of this opening.
I was a little shocked to find out how much AIPAC meddles with, and succeeds in meddling with, US politics. As long as our elections cost so much, we are in thrall to those willing to pay the bills:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/09/01/friends-israel
I was a little shocked to find out how much AIPAC meddles with, and succeeds in meddling with, US politics. As long as our elections cost so much, we are in thrall to those willing to pay the bills:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/09/01/friends-israel
83
"I was a little shocked to find out how much AIPAC meddles with, and succeeds in meddling with, US politics."
Really?
Really?
1
It should not boggle the mind. Since the start of Obama's presidency, the Reublican strategy has been to make him a failed president. They oppose him at every opportunity and deny him any success lest it appear to be a "victory", even if what he proposes is something they previously supported and desired by the majority of Americans. Their plan is to use the problems that have been created by their opposition as a basis to take the White House in 2016. Incredibly, this plan may well succeed.
2
Susan,
US military interventions have to one extent or other failed since the Korean stalemate in the early 50s. The complete failures in Vietnam and now Iraq and Afg. are continuing examples of what not to do.
So of course our genius war party and it's leaders, Boehner, McCain, McConnell and Bibi think a war with Iran is a good idea. Of course the Ds aid and abet, but when it comes to the pure joy of a new war you can't beat a GOP war hawk.
It's a wonder we have survived thus far. I hope we can continue to dodge the inevitable blowback.
US military interventions have to one extent or other failed since the Korean stalemate in the early 50s. The complete failures in Vietnam and now Iraq and Afg. are continuing examples of what not to do.
So of course our genius war party and it's leaders, Boehner, McCain, McConnell and Bibi think a war with Iran is a good idea. Of course the Ds aid and abet, but when it comes to the pure joy of a new war you can't beat a GOP war hawk.
It's a wonder we have survived thus far. I hope we can continue to dodge the inevitable blowback.
1
If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck. For Mr. Friedman to insinuate that one has to be "anti-Semite" to believe that Israel controls the U.S. Congress is disingenuous at best. All the average American has to do is watch our elected representatives, from both parties, eagerly line up to kneel and kiss Netanyahu's ring in order to know who controls Congress. In all honesty, it baffles me that this is the case, but when was the last time any member of Congress openly defied Israel, and survived the next election?
38
Do you remember a few months back in Las Vegas when Scott Walker and Chris Christie were vying to kiss Sheldon Adelson's ring?
It was funny: both men really twisted themselves like a pretzel to make it appear they were more Jewish than they are. Google search and read their comments... funny stuff, if it weren't all the more infuriating for who they have to please to get a presidential nomination nod.
It's not anti semitic to talk about the oversized role Israel plays in America's politics and foreign policies. That's called diversity, Mr. Friedman.
We're looking for more of it, in years to come, from the NYT editorial board. Perhaps, if we had used more open reasoning in the past, (and not quieted such criticism out of fear of anti semitism), America might have avoided becoming involved in these Middle East wars of choice over the past decade and continuing.
Listen to all Americans, especially your "non Jewish friends" here.
It was funny: both men really twisted themselves like a pretzel to make it appear they were more Jewish than they are. Google search and read their comments... funny stuff, if it weren't all the more infuriating for who they have to please to get a presidential nomination nod.
It's not anti semitic to talk about the oversized role Israel plays in America's politics and foreign policies. That's called diversity, Mr. Friedman.
We're looking for more of it, in years to come, from the NYT editorial board. Perhaps, if we had used more open reasoning in the past, (and not quieted such criticism out of fear of anti semitism), America might have avoided becoming involved in these Middle East wars of choice over the past decade and continuing.
Listen to all Americans, especially your "non Jewish friends" here.
2
Why would the people of Israel re-elect this man? He is actively sabotaging the relationship with Israel's strongest ally. That's the act of a man who is too short sighted to lead.
23
Same could be said for why we somehow kept Obama in office. He's done nothing but play the petty cold shoulder game with the one strong ally we have in the ME.
1
Mr Friedman, you also believe the talks with Iran are futile. Maybe, just maybe we don't know the real reason for all this. Maybe there are facts that need to be made public that our government is hiding. Israel is in the middle east. They cannot afford to have mere debates about Iran's nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu is not a fool and is not stupid enough to risk completely alienating the U S over a speech. I am a former newspaper reporter, and we both know that much of what we read is fed for a purpose and not to relay the actual facts. Netanyahu and Boehner are intelligent men who understand power. I can't imagine either one of them doing something to diminish their own standing. Israel is in a life and death struggle and etiquette or the lack of it has no place here.
8
Netanyahu, and the religious extremists he represents, have no business in America either.
While there's no doubt Natenyahu should cancel this invite and issue an apology for considering it in the first place, making this scheduled speech the most defining event of the day is mind-numbing. For six years and still counting, Freedman and the extreme left organization he works with refrained from devoting any time to even question some of the outrageous decisions this president and his regime made, much less criticize any. As this eloquently written article give readers a well thought out reasons as to why this event could be damaging to future US-Israel's relationship, it conveniently omits all of the foreign policy actions taken by this president that changed decades long close alliance between the two nations, not to mentions actions that set the the entire world on fire. In the distant past, we as people relied on our press to push back against failures such as this president, and put to question divisive policies that hurt us as a society and foreign policy that took us back to the cold war; not one word of question much less criticism from the likes of Freedman; shame on you!!!
6
Ah yes...if only the press had pushed back when we decided to invade Iraq, or even before that...when we first went into Afghanistan and scattered Al Quaeda all over the world.
Any Democrats who had not already written off Mr Netanyahu are now free to do so. He's certainly demonstrated blind recklessness in accepting an invitation to speak to Congress.
But more significantly for our own politics, what in the world does Mr Boehner think he is doing inviting Mr Netanyahu behind the President's back? Of course, Mr Boehner is the Speaker of a House that just voted once again on Tuesday in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act, this time 239 to 186. Bubble, indeed. It's as though Mr Boehner does not understand who is still President. Or perhaps these are just two examples of the Republican principle that President Obama is not a legitimate holder of that office.
But more significantly for our own politics, what in the world does Mr Boehner think he is doing inviting Mr Netanyahu behind the President's back? Of course, Mr Boehner is the Speaker of a House that just voted once again on Tuesday in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act, this time 239 to 186. Bubble, indeed. It's as though Mr Boehner does not understand who is still President. Or perhaps these are just two examples of the Republican principle that President Obama is not a legitimate holder of that office.
39
I guess you believe in the 'dictator' model of the presidency, not in the three co-equal branches of government theory advanced by the founding fathers. Blind worship of Obama is a bit dangerous, isn't it?
We need to set our own Middle East policy and not have it dictated to us by Israel.
44
Israel is afraid that Iran might do what it did in the 1960`s when it lied to 3 US presidents (Ike ,JFK & LBJ) about their nuclear weapons program. eg. When JFK forced Israel to accept US (not UN) inspectors on a one-time-only basis, they built a dummy control room at their Dimona nuclear plant to hide the program. Of course the plutonium extraction plant was not on the tour.
Netanyahu makes prophesies (lies) for US consumption. eg He has been making the same claims of Iran getting the bomb for over 20 years:
http://www.juancole.com/2012/09/netanyahu-in-1992-iran-close-to-having-n...
He also claimed that there was absolutely, positively no doubt that Iraq was developing nuclear weapons and other WMDs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMsaGTAUWd4
If AIPAC didn`t control Congress and much of the WH, Iran, Syria & Iraq would be very low on the US priority list.
Netanyahu makes prophesies (lies) for US consumption. eg He has been making the same claims of Iran getting the bomb for over 20 years:
http://www.juancole.com/2012/09/netanyahu-in-1992-iran-close-to-having-n...
He also claimed that there was absolutely, positively no doubt that Iraq was developing nuclear weapons and other WMDs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMsaGTAUWd4
If AIPAC didn`t control Congress and much of the WH, Iran, Syria & Iraq would be very low on the US priority list.
1
Meddling in the internal affairs of another country is to be avoided, as the consequences are unpredictable and, more likely than not, regrettable. Likewise, bypassing the regular order in command and action will cause disturbances difficult to manage, worse than a hydra with two heads, as the welfare of the country is at odds between its legislative branch and the executive, rendering a unified voice impossible. It suggests a spiteful attitude we usually confine to the gutter, and not in the dignified halls of Congress.
14
mr Obama's campaign workers are IN Israel working to defeat Bibi
1
I hadn't realized that an Iranian nuclear arms program had been confirmed by unbiased sources of professional competence. Is this indeed the case?
17
Mr. Friedman suggests "let America reach it's own conclusion" . Perhaps that is what Bibi is afraid of. The conclusion seems to be unending appeasement of Iran.
8
If President Obama wants to makes laws without congress, then why shouldn't congress make foreign policy?
9
Your comment is Republican anti-Obama nonsense! And, "no", the US Congress cannot be allowed to dictate foreign policy to the Commander in Chief. President Obama has given fewer executive orders than any other modern president. Knock it off with the "Let's make believe the Black man in the White House is and extremist and a dictator." President Obama is neither and your sour-grapes attitude isn't going to work with most NY Times readers -- a highly informed, highly-intelligent group of people. Try your rhetoric on some conservative rag that appeals to the low-brow crowd that's never read anything but a few lines from the bible.
4
Donald. Your confusion is overwhelming. There is no way to have a constructive conversation who is so misconceived at the outset. Go back to watching Fox Noise.
2
Sorry- President Obama cannot make laws without congress, he can however use executive actions as have all other presidents.
1
"We surely don’t want Iran to get a bomb that sets off a nuclear arms race in an already unstable Middle East." Really? Israel has hundreds of nuclear weapons, but that seems to be just fine with Mr. Friedman who doesn't mention a word about this in his article. Surely, Israel being a nuclear armed state that regularly attacks and threatens its neighbors and Iran sets off a nuclear arms race. What better way to spur Iran to obtain nuclear weapons than to threaten to attack it, which Israel does on a regular basis.
As for attacking Iran, the United States should do no such thing. Friedman speculates that we may "have to strike" Iran. Why? What vital United States interest is at stake? If Iran becomes a nuclear arms state, it can be deterred, just like Russia was deterred. And again, why can Israel and the Untied States have nuclear weapons but Iran can't? What hypocrisy. It's certainly not because Israel and the United States are the good guys. Look what the United States did to Iraq, and look at the ethnic cleansing and persecution of the Palestinians that Israel has perpetrated for going on 67 years.
As for attacking Iran, the United States should do no such thing. Friedman speculates that we may "have to strike" Iran. Why? What vital United States interest is at stake? If Iran becomes a nuclear arms state, it can be deterred, just like Russia was deterred. And again, why can Israel and the Untied States have nuclear weapons but Iran can't? What hypocrisy. It's certainly not because Israel and the United States are the good guys. Look what the United States did to Iraq, and look at the ethnic cleansing and persecution of the Palestinians that Israel has perpetrated for going on 67 years.
81
"Surely, Israel being a nuclear armed state that regularly attacks and threatens its neighbors... "
Which planet do you inhabit? happily all your time is not spent elsewhere, given your sound analysis in paragraph 2. I still cannot reconcile myself to the thought that Iran would instigate a nuclear attack against anyone. the nuclear peril in the Middle East is with the unstable government in Pakistan. Yet even there, and granted its acute hostility toward India, a nuclear confrontation seems to be off the table. For all its puffery Iran's aspirations do not include self-destruction.
Which planet do you inhabit? happily all your time is not spent elsewhere, given your sound analysis in paragraph 2. I still cannot reconcile myself to the thought that Iran would instigate a nuclear attack against anyone. the nuclear peril in the Middle East is with the unstable government in Pakistan. Yet even there, and granted its acute hostility toward India, a nuclear confrontation seems to be off the table. For all its puffery Iran's aspirations do not include self-destruction.
Not that you don't have some points which are reasonable to make, but your own lack of balance is evident. Israel has never vowed to destroy Iran or the Palestinians; leaders of both have made such threats against Israel. Israel is under periodic rocket attacks from Palestinians and Hezbollah, both funded by Iran. Those are reasons to consider before asserting that hypocrisy flaws US policy in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weaponry. Israel does not "regularly attack and threaten its neighbors" except in response to the attacks and threats those neighbors make. Just keep it real.
You ask why Israel and the United States can have nuclear weapons and Iran can't and then condemn that fact as hypocrisy. Unfortunately, you neglect to mention the most salient fact--Iran has stated, both through its elected presidents and its controlling clerics, that the elimination of Israel, through its annihilation, is the intended result. Most recently, in November, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outlined a nine-point plan for the elimination of Israel. There is no rational way to compare Israel and the United States having nuclear weapons, which they have never threatened to use offensively against anyone, with Iran having nuclear weapons when they have not only apparently participated directly in acts of terrorism, but have also supported other terrorist organizations such as Hamas, whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel, and Hezbollah, who is actively targeting Israel. Once Iran obtains nuclear capabilities, how long do you think it will be before terrorist organizations like these have access to them? If you do not think the United States and Israel are the "good guys," I suggest you step back and take a long look at each of their contributions to mankind, the free world and the concepts of democracy. Though you may not agree with everything they have done or the manner in which it was done, please don't insult us with comparisons to Iran or any other repressive regime.
2
Things like this make me feel helpless!
It's that there's nothing I can do to stop this train wreck of Republican rudeness and Israeli premier Netanyahu's adventurism.
It's that there's nothing I can do to stop this train wreck of Republican rudeness and Israeli premier Netanyahu's adventurism.
52
Rude? how so? inviting a speaker does not require mr Obama's approval or permission.he is not a king
16
And Boehner is not POTUS. And Netanyahu is not an American. And Israel is not America.
4
When it comes to foreign policy, the President is paramount. The actions of Mr. Boehner are unpatriotic and deceitful.
3
If Prime Minister Netanyahu does show up and make the speech I think the Democrats in both houses of congress should boycott it.
95
Not likely!
Democratic politicians are as terrified of AIPAC lobbyists and their billions as are Repubs!
Democratic politicians are as terrified of AIPAC lobbyists and their billions as are Repubs!
KCB,
Interesting proposal. After the overtly nihilistic behavior of the GOPers in recent years perhaps a slap down is in order.
Interesting proposal. After the overtly nihilistic behavior of the GOPers in recent years perhaps a slap down is in order.
1
How are those Obama negotiations going?
This has nothing to do with throwing your lot with the Republicans. The question is: How do you get your message out when the President distorts the truth like he did with Benghazi, you can keep your insurance, don't cross the red line, etc. etc. etc.?
We need more of this, not less.
We need more of this, not less.
8
How do you get your message across? Obviously, you go to Fox News or Rush Limbaugh, or endless talk radio, of course.
3
"I’ve polled many of my non-Jewish friends, who follow world politics and are sympathetic to Israel, and they really don’t like this."
I am Jewish, sympathetic to Israel, and follow world politics, and I really do not like this.
Netenyahu is threatening the Israel's identity as a tolerant, pluralistic democracy. He must go.
I am Jewish, sympathetic to Israel, and follow world politics, and I really do not like this.
Netenyahu is threatening the Israel's identity as a tolerant, pluralistic democracy. He must go.
68
Israel's identity as a tolerant, pluralistic democracy?
Surely you jest.
Surely you jest.
Yes, I found that very odd. Why did he only poll his non-Jewish friends? I was waiting for some follow-up to that regarding the reaction of his Jewish friends, but there was none. Very odd.
The bigger story here is that Netanyahu is putting his own political future ahead of the country he leads. This proposed backdoor Congressional address is bad for Israel and it’s especially bad for already strained Israeli-American relations, unless Netanyahu’s bone-headed move results in the defeat of his party in the Israeli elections?
Also, Boehner’s blatantly political ploy hurts us more than it helps because if the talks with Iran fail, which they have a 50-50 probability of doing, the Speaker’s interference will share a good part of the blame. While the short-term implications of a failed rapprochement with Iran might appear desirable to Republicans and Netanyahu, the long-term consequences are disastrous for America, Israel and the Middle East – ask any foreign policy analyst if they seriously disagree?
Also, Boehner’s blatantly political ploy hurts us more than it helps because if the talks with Iran fail, which they have a 50-50 probability of doing, the Speaker’s interference will share a good part of the blame. While the short-term implications of a failed rapprochement with Iran might appear desirable to Republicans and Netanyahu, the long-term consequences are disastrous for America, Israel and the Middle East – ask any foreign policy analyst if they seriously disagree?
32
Iran is only stalling. They have repeatedly stated they have no intention of stopping. As well, it's not a political "ploy". Our branches of government are co-equal. The Whitehouse is not the boss of Congress. Congress is its own separate entity within the framework of our government. If SCOTUS wants to invite Abu Bakr al Baghdadi to give a speech on the merits of a Sharia court, they can do just that. Separate, but equal. Congress is not making foreign policy. They've invited a foreign leader to give a speech to the members of the United States Congress to make the case for Israel, which the Whitehouse seems content to disregard or ignore.
2
It is not anti-Semetic to recognize when the prime minister of Israel is being boorishly rude to the President of the US and say so.
The invitation of Bibi to speak to the US Congress without discussing it with Obama ahead of time is the Republicans itching to start another war.
The negotiations with Iran must continue and I hope they will produce the desired fruit.
There already is bomb capability in two of the most reckless countries of the world who are known adversaries--India and Pakistan. What is so wrong with a nuclear capability in Iran except that Israel wants to remain head bully in the region.
The invitation of Bibi to speak to the US Congress without discussing it with Obama ahead of time is the Republicans itching to start another war.
The negotiations with Iran must continue and I hope they will produce the desired fruit.
There already is bomb capability in two of the most reckless countries of the world who are known adversaries--India and Pakistan. What is so wrong with a nuclear capability in Iran except that Israel wants to remain head bully in the region.
36
So you don't have an issue with the #1 terrorist state in the world, a theocracy ran by Supreme Leader Khamenei, having nuclear bombs? It's bad enough Pakistan has them, but to you that justifies Iran? Oh, yes, you have been listening to Obama and reading between the lines.
2
First off, plenty of other leaders have spoken before congress, and none have elicited the navel-gazing nonsense we are seeing from the far left media - but then its Israel, which has a set of standards no one else has to contend with.
Second, you claimed: "Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran are not without merit."
The US/West have been "negotiating (actually, capitulating, since all of the concessions have been by obama and the West) for OVER TEN YEARS. What is the end game here? Why hasn't the obama admin defined specifically at what point will the clock run out due to iranian intransigence? Will obama wipe off yet another of his red lines so that iran can extend these "negotiations" a 3rd time for another 2-3 years?
Not too shocking that Netanyahu is becoming concerned, with the iran now running four countries, including moving its terrorist proxies onto the Golan - did you not see the news about the 2 dead IDF soldiers last week by iran's poodles in lebanon/syria?
Forgive Netyanyahu for not wanting to have Israel end up like Ukraine, with broken promises by the West/US to protect it and a treaty-violating monstrosity known as putin next door invading and gobbling up whose sections of the country.
If anything, Netanyahu should have made this speech five years ago, why he has waited this long is a mystery.
Second, you claimed: "Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran are not without merit."
The US/West have been "negotiating (actually, capitulating, since all of the concessions have been by obama and the West) for OVER TEN YEARS. What is the end game here? Why hasn't the obama admin defined specifically at what point will the clock run out due to iranian intransigence? Will obama wipe off yet another of his red lines so that iran can extend these "negotiations" a 3rd time for another 2-3 years?
Not too shocking that Netanyahu is becoming concerned, with the iran now running four countries, including moving its terrorist proxies onto the Golan - did you not see the news about the 2 dead IDF soldiers last week by iran's poodles in lebanon/syria?
Forgive Netyanyahu for not wanting to have Israel end up like Ukraine, with broken promises by the West/US to protect it and a treaty-violating monstrosity known as putin next door invading and gobbling up whose sections of the country.
If anything, Netanyahu should have made this speech five years ago, why he has waited this long is a mystery.
37
Do you really want Israel to run our foreign policy?
3
The obvious reason that Netanyahu's speech to Congress has gotten people riled up is that it was arranged by our president's political opponents to do him political damage, exactly the same BS that has been going on for the last six years. For those of us who don't drink the GOP Kool-Aid, this is just one more example of the GOP putting its political objectives ahead of the interests of our nation. As for "capitulating to Iran", you might consider first the damage done to Iran by the sanctions regime lead by the USA and second, the alternative, by which presumably you mean war with Iran. You may yet get that, and if you do, we won't be bringing the caskets back to America in airplanes, because they won't be big enough.
If any good comes of this GOP-lead mess, hopefully it will be to remind the American voter that a Republican in the White House would be a disaster that would make the GW Bush years pale by comparison.
If any good comes of this GOP-lead mess, hopefully it will be to remind the American voter that a Republican in the White House would be a disaster that would make the GW Bush years pale by comparison.
4
So you think it's OK for the Speaker of the House to usurp the prerogatives and authority of the U.S. President? Perhaps Boehner should appoint his own Secretary of State, while he's at it.
Also, tell me what foreign leaders have addressed Congress that were NOT invited by the President of the United States? If, in fact, any foreign leaders have ever addressed Congress...
Also, tell me what foreign leaders have addressed Congress that were NOT invited by the President of the United States? If, in fact, any foreign leaders have ever addressed Congress...
3
In 1967 I was a white, middle class teenager, unaware of world affairs, who happened to read ‘Exodus’ just days before the Six Days War. I was thrilled by Israel’s victory. Biblical allusions in the novel that I didn’t get led me to read the Old Testament (given short shrift in the Catholic schools I’d attended) &, more closely, about the Holocaust. I was now a firm supporter of Israel, the scrappy underdog, all the more so after the Olympic village attack on Israeli athletes
I think it was during the first Gulf War that I ‘met’ Bibi, via CNN. I found him articulate, heroic, & (yeah) sexy; but life intervened & I lost track of him, but remained supportive of Israel
In recent years I’ve been increasingly troubled by Israel’s dealings with the Palestinians, finding more reminders of the Nazis than of Ari Ben Canaan, the underdog now the bully. In 2012, one of (many) things that bothered me about Romney was his closeness (subservience?) to Bibi
Now, this: Bibi’s (to me, Israel's) outrageous insult to our President, intrusion into our foreign affairs, craven willingness to exploit the already-precarious split between two of our three branches of government, & clear alignment with the GOP. To what end? Win his election? Bully our President to forgo diplomacy & get us into another war?
I’ve had it! There is nothing Bib could possibly say to Congress to fix things. Only declining the invitation, & an apology to the President, & to us, can save things now. Maybe.
I think it was during the first Gulf War that I ‘met’ Bibi, via CNN. I found him articulate, heroic, & (yeah) sexy; but life intervened & I lost track of him, but remained supportive of Israel
In recent years I’ve been increasingly troubled by Israel’s dealings with the Palestinians, finding more reminders of the Nazis than of Ari Ben Canaan, the underdog now the bully. In 2012, one of (many) things that bothered me about Romney was his closeness (subservience?) to Bibi
Now, this: Bibi’s (to me, Israel's) outrageous insult to our President, intrusion into our foreign affairs, craven willingness to exploit the already-precarious split between two of our three branches of government, & clear alignment with the GOP. To what end? Win his election? Bully our President to forgo diplomacy & get us into another war?
I’ve had it! There is nothing Bib could possibly say to Congress to fix things. Only declining the invitation, & an apology to the President, & to us, can save things now. Maybe.
37
As another Catholic school refugee (graduated '69) I find the whole affair like that of some other family's argument. To me, why are we wasting time or money on Israel. I too remember both the 67 and 73 wars and being pleased at the results. But now I just don't want to waste my emotions on Israel,
1
This speech is an insult to the office of the presidency and American political traditions. Can you imagine the hue and outcry from Fox News, Congressional Republicans and right wing talk radio bloviators if Nancy Pelosi had pulled a stunt like this when W was president?
In the cream puff interview Scott Pelley conducted with Boehner and McConnell on 60 Min. Boehner said he "informed" the White House a couple of hours before the announcement. Where was the follow up asking why it wasn't coordinated with the White House. This is a head of government of a foreign country being asked to visit and deliver an address to Congress without the Executive branch being involved.
Dermer's response printed in the NYT was totally disingenuous. Netanyahu's arrogance toward American presidents (W included) is wearing very thin. He may turn around some day and find that no one has his back. Israel would be wise to vote him out in March.
In the cream puff interview Scott Pelley conducted with Boehner and McConnell on 60 Min. Boehner said he "informed" the White House a couple of hours before the announcement. Where was the follow up asking why it wasn't coordinated with the White House. This is a head of government of a foreign country being asked to visit and deliver an address to Congress without the Executive branch being involved.
Dermer's response printed in the NYT was totally disingenuous. Netanyahu's arrogance toward American presidents (W included) is wearing very thin. He may turn around some day and find that no one has his back. Israel would be wise to vote him out in March.
28
As the father of a decorated combat veteran I believe that Netanyahu and Boehner are beneath contempt. They have no honor. There are many good people in Israel, as there are in countries surrounding Israel. Unfortunately the leaders on these countries are narrow minded and serve their own desire for power. There will be blood shed by many innocent folks because of irresponsible leadership. If this little Netanyahu/Boehner sideshow leads to conflict and the death of American soldiers the stain on the Republican's character will be plain for all to see. Good and decent people die when power hungry leaders know no limits in their efforts to gain power. The Netanyahu/Boehner sideshow will be a litmus test for Republican candidates in 2016. Watch how the Republican 2016 candidates do the Potomac 2-step around this one. It's not hard when lying is written into the party platform.
28
Mr. Friedman is correct to point out that the American people are only hearing one side of the Israeli argument, Mr. Netanyahu's. And speaking before congress upon Republican request is an outrageous breach of protocol. Why is it being done? Is this about real Israeli fear or just politics? While I'm sure there is some of both, it seems to be more political to me. Which begs the question: what should Mr. Obama's political response be? I would support Democratic boycott's of his speech, though that could be politically perilous without cover from Mr. Obama in the form of some sort of "response," like after the state of the union. On the other hand, to create a wedge issue where one doesn't exist is just feeding into the Republican/Netanyahu ploy to help each other electorally.
5
"breach of protocol"? What about Obama's breach of the Constitution?
1
That Mr. Friedman has written yet another piece criticizing Israel and its concern for security comes as no surprise. I will continue to read Charles Krauthammer who doesn't seem to ask his non-Jewish friends their opinions on Israeli policy. Everyone knows where the NYT stands when it comes to Israel and its policies. Very transparent.
13
Charles Krauthammer is an Obama-hating conservative who does not write for the NY Times. If you want Mr. Krauthammer's opinion, then don't look for it here in the NY Times. You won't find it.
1
There is a broad movement among progressives in this country, many of whom are (younger) jews, toward increasing criticism of Israel's conduct in such matters as its settlement policies and the recent Gaza war. This insult to Obama, who remains a favorite of these same progressives, will only further accelerate this disaffection with Israel. Over nearly 70 years, the United States has been Israel's vital supporter, thanks in part to the political presence of American Jews. Will history tragically record that Netanyahu's visit was the landmark event that led to America's eventual abandonment of Israel? Let us hope that Israelis wake up to the importance of this terrible insult to a respected American president.
31
your argument made sense until your last sentence.
1
I"m astonished that Mr. Friedman--among so many others-- can so casually consider going to war with Iran. He has obviously forgotten that wars can be lost as well as won.
Why would not all Democratic members of Congress merely choose to be absent from the speech? Or better yet, attend and exit at the start? Nah, I suppose they're too polite for that. Besides, it might hurt their fundraising.
18
"Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran are not without merit." Should we be starting this debate from a presumption of merit? Is there a threat to Israel from a (still theoretically) nuclear Iran, larger and more likely than existing nuclear threats? Let's visualize what we are blindly imagining.
Some people like to refer to former Iran President Rafsanjani’s musing that in an Iran-Israel nuclear altercation, 8 million Iranis might die, but all of Israel would be destroyed. Really? Israel is thought to have 200 deliverable warheads. Tehran alone has 8 million inhabitants. The biggest six-dozen-plus cities in Iran, including Tehran, contain 30 million people. Israel can not only take out all of those cities and people, but render the rest of Iran as habitable as Chernobyl.
In the meantime, regarding the destruction of Israel, nuclear kill zones have a nasty habit of being circular. In order to fully destroy Israel with nuclear weapons, Iran would also have to destroy much of Jordon, Lebanon, and the most inhabited western part of Syria, to say nothing of 4.4 million mostly Muslim Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, and 1.7 million mostly Muslim Israeli Arabs. So who in fact has the most effectively deployed human shields?
We cannot judge Netanyahu's position, let alone the merits of his pending speech, if we don't consider the actual merits of the threat Netanyahu assumes. A US-Russia nuclear war is a far greater threat. Let Bibi come and lecture us about that threat.
Some people like to refer to former Iran President Rafsanjani’s musing that in an Iran-Israel nuclear altercation, 8 million Iranis might die, but all of Israel would be destroyed. Really? Israel is thought to have 200 deliverable warheads. Tehran alone has 8 million inhabitants. The biggest six-dozen-plus cities in Iran, including Tehran, contain 30 million people. Israel can not only take out all of those cities and people, but render the rest of Iran as habitable as Chernobyl.
In the meantime, regarding the destruction of Israel, nuclear kill zones have a nasty habit of being circular. In order to fully destroy Israel with nuclear weapons, Iran would also have to destroy much of Jordon, Lebanon, and the most inhabited western part of Syria, to say nothing of 4.4 million mostly Muslim Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, and 1.7 million mostly Muslim Israeli Arabs. So who in fact has the most effectively deployed human shields?
We cannot judge Netanyahu's position, let alone the merits of his pending speech, if we don't consider the actual merits of the threat Netanyahu assumes. A US-Russia nuclear war is a far greater threat. Let Bibi come and lecture us about that threat.
15
Undermining US global credibility serves Israeli interests? Backwards GOP though process, in effect since 1981, embraced by those who should know better.
9
So there is no chance that Netanyahu is doing it for the reasons he stated? Given Obama's efforts in the Middle East, Israel has every right to be very concerned. Israel got no recognition or acknowledgment of their justifiable concerns in the State of the Union Address. Rather, they got a spin job on how well Obamacy is working there and elsewhere. Can the US please go back to being the adult in the room?
8
The real question here is does Prime Minister Netanyahu really want to be used by the Republican Congress as a means to further disrespect the President of the United States? Where does he really think that will get him and his cause? Many Americans, especially on the Left, are already already uncomfortable with many Israeli policies, slapping the Democratic American President in the face is not the way to win their hearts and minds.
367
@ Patti Ann B
Netanyahu is being used by the Republican Congress??
Really? He is just an unnocent pawn dragged in this plot against his
will and without his prior knowledge?
My impression is that Congress is being used by him, and not for the first time. Which, of course, Congress is more than happy to go along with.
Netanyahu is being used by the Republican Congress??
Really? He is just an unnocent pawn dragged in this plot against his
will and without his prior knowledge?
My impression is that Congress is being used by him, and not for the first time. Which, of course, Congress is more than happy to go along with.
2
Agreed that is a breach of unspoken protocol for Congress to invite a foreign leader to speak directly to it in contravention of a President's wishes. Of course, one could see this as a form of payback from Congress in response to Mr Obama's intrusion on its prerogatives by the executive order on immigration, and mostly reflects the bad blood between the two branches. In which dispute it is incredibly inane for any foreign leader to inject himself. I get where Israel may feel Obama has been tossing them under the bus, but this is just going to make the situation worse - there is no upside for them.
That being said, it is fatuous to say that any of this is going to affect the ongoing negotiations with Iran, especially since those are going nowhere anyway. Iran will acquire the capacity to build a bomb whenever it wants. And to stop that would require military action, which no one has any intent to undertake. Which the Iranians understand, so they are not going to give us anything but a rather transparent fig leaf at best.
Quite rightly, Mr Netanyahu sees this development as an existential one for his country. And the only net effect of his upcoming speech will be to further tick off an administration that already detests him. But then again, that may also be the entire intent here - political payback on all sides.
That being said, it is fatuous to say that any of this is going to affect the ongoing negotiations with Iran, especially since those are going nowhere anyway. Iran will acquire the capacity to build a bomb whenever it wants. And to stop that would require military action, which no one has any intent to undertake. Which the Iranians understand, so they are not going to give us anything but a rather transparent fig leaf at best.
Quite rightly, Mr Netanyahu sees this development as an existential one for his country. And the only net effect of his upcoming speech will be to further tick off an administration that already detests him. But then again, that may also be the entire intent here - political payback on all sides.
12
executive orders are a well established presidential prerogative. foreign policy freelancing by a house speaker is not.
1
It could well end the talks altogether, with Iran claiming that Israel and the US are ganging up on them, and with Israel in the mix, they can't trust us. That would seem to be true, especially now that the Republicans are in control and seem to think they can do whatever they want, no matter who the President is or what ongoing diplomacy he is engaging in.
The Republicans have done a lot of stupid things in the past few years, but this has to rank right up there as among the stupidest. It shows that being motivated solely by poking the President in the eye leads to damaging the entire country, and in this case, possibly the entire world. We have a bunch of middle school children running the Legislative branch.
The Republicans have done a lot of stupid things in the past few years, but this has to rank right up there as among the stupidest. It shows that being motivated solely by poking the President in the eye leads to damaging the entire country, and in this case, possibly the entire world. We have a bunch of middle school children running the Legislative branch.
3
It is unclear from your comment, Kurt, if you look at this as merely acceptable politics, but many of us see a more serious threat in the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Constitution gives the Executive branch the sole prerogative and responsibility of formulating and conducting America’s foreign policy, save and except a declaration of war. Supporters of the gambit by the current Israeli regime to have its Prime Minister side-step our Constitution and address Congress without even notifying the White House, much less request permission, try to justify this maneuver by presenting us with a false choice. They say we must choose between a minor slight to a sitting president and eliminating an existential threat to our greatest ally.
These apologists for Netanyahu’s aggressiveness in asserting his shoot-first argument include the usual suspects. This week, Bret Stephens of The Wall Street Journal and formerly editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post claimed it was President Obama “who picked this fight” and accused our president of having “the mentality of a peevish and callow potentate”.
The insults continue, but none of these supporters of Netanyahu mention that there are many Israelis who have a more thoughtful view and who are tired of Netanyahu’s self-serving bluster and bullying. John Boehner and Mitch McConnell, seeking to have the Legislative Branch conduct our foreign policy, have shown no interest in show-casing Israeli citizens who agree with President Obama.
The Constitution gives the Executive branch the sole prerogative and responsibility of formulating and conducting America’s foreign policy, save and except a declaration of war. Supporters of the gambit by the current Israeli regime to have its Prime Minister side-step our Constitution and address Congress without even notifying the White House, much less request permission, try to justify this maneuver by presenting us with a false choice. They say we must choose between a minor slight to a sitting president and eliminating an existential threat to our greatest ally.
These apologists for Netanyahu’s aggressiveness in asserting his shoot-first argument include the usual suspects. This week, Bret Stephens of The Wall Street Journal and formerly editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post claimed it was President Obama “who picked this fight” and accused our president of having “the mentality of a peevish and callow potentate”.
The insults continue, but none of these supporters of Netanyahu mention that there are many Israelis who have a more thoughtful view and who are tired of Netanyahu’s self-serving bluster and bullying. John Boehner and Mitch McConnell, seeking to have the Legislative Branch conduct our foreign policy, have shown no interest in show-casing Israeli citizens who agree with President Obama.
3
Boehner and McConnell have placed themselves in an untenable position, since there is no telling what Bibi will do between now and the date of his speech to help insure his re-election, and since there's no way to tell what actions Bibi might time to coincide with said speech - as he stands in front of Congress.
What is Bibi going to say in front of Congress that he couldn't say in his appearance at AIPAC, which will also be well-covered by the media ?
Boehner, McConnell, and the GOP'ers should not allow foreign leaders - of any stripe - to use a joint session of Congress, and Capitol Hill, as campaign set pieces by leaders up for re-election just 12 days hence.
By so doing, Boehner, McConnell, and the GOP'ers not only look manipulated, but also appear to tacitly endorse whatever such leaders may be doing to get re-elected, as well as appearing to be part of any campaign stunts that such a leader might time to coincide with their appearance in front of Congress, potentially muddling the foreign policy message of the U.S.
What is Bibi going to say in front of Congress that he couldn't say in his appearance at AIPAC, which will also be well-covered by the media ?
Boehner, McConnell, and the GOP'ers should not allow foreign leaders - of any stripe - to use a joint session of Congress, and Capitol Hill, as campaign set pieces by leaders up for re-election just 12 days hence.
By so doing, Boehner, McConnell, and the GOP'ers not only look manipulated, but also appear to tacitly endorse whatever such leaders may be doing to get re-elected, as well as appearing to be part of any campaign stunts that such a leader might time to coincide with their appearance in front of Congress, potentially muddling the foreign policy message of the U.S.
112
I do hope the Democrats in Congress do not legitimize this outrage by attending the speech. I am writing to my senators and representatives.
2
Would it make more sense for Boehner to go out in front of cameras and call Mr. Obama stupid and other names? That is precisely what Ms. Pelosi did more than once - while we were freshly engaged in a war! No wonder the people fronting for Iran then were encouraged.
Compared to those days, Bibi speaking in Congress lookss as sober as a funeral directors' convention.
Compared to those days, Bibi speaking in Congress lookss as sober as a funeral directors' convention.
1
Worse than that - Boehner, McConnell, and the GOP'ers have intruded on the prerogatives of the President of the United States in the conduct of foreign affairs. A dazzling (and shameful) display of arrogance. As far as Ambassador Ron Dermer - he should be shipped home with a spanking. This from an otherwise ardent supporter of Israel.
1
Israel and its friends need to wake up to Boehner's motives in this. What he wants isn't good for them.
A long standing drive of Republicans has been to separate Jews from the Democratic Party. This is partly for the swing vote in key states, but even more because this represents an outsized proportion of campaign money for Democrats. Jews for good reasons have stayed involved and contributed a lot more than simple numbers would suggest.
Boehner wants to drive a wedge between Jews and Democrats. That works for him. That does not work well for Jews.
Even worse, it also drives a wedge between the US and Israel. That does not really matter to Boehner. It is paramount for Israel.
Israel is being used and abused here, like a fool. It may be Netanyahu who inspires outrage, but the one smiling behind the scenes isn't pleased for any good it will do Israel.
A long standing drive of Republicans has been to separate Jews from the Democratic Party. This is partly for the swing vote in key states, but even more because this represents an outsized proportion of campaign money for Democrats. Jews for good reasons have stayed involved and contributed a lot more than simple numbers would suggest.
Boehner wants to drive a wedge between Jews and Democrats. That works for him. That does not work well for Jews.
Even worse, it also drives a wedge between the US and Israel. That does not really matter to Boehner. It is paramount for Israel.
Israel is being used and abused here, like a fool. It may be Netanyahu who inspires outrage, but the one smiling behind the scenes isn't pleased for any good it will do Israel.
177
I meant to add that there are Jewish interests in US politics other than Israel. Those interests are generally for a more liberal and inclusive US than envisioned by Boehner and his Republican friends.
Where will American Jews be in the domestic agenda of the Republican Party? How would the Republican treat them after, if ever they capture that vote and that money? Respect in the morning?
Where will American Jews be in the domestic agenda of the Republican Party? How would the Republican treat them after, if ever they capture that vote and that money? Respect in the morning?
52
Interesting considering it's those who harbor ill feelings toward the GOP and the president's defenders who are the same ones calling for cutting off the Israelis. I don't see many republicans calling for this.
6
AACNY, with the Dems fomenting for Israel to fall into even more danger of annihilation. one has to ask which party Harry Truman would claim today!
1
This seems to me to be a combination of adversarialness in the wrong places and an misplaced sense of "I've got nothing to lose." So President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu and Speaker Boehner all feel that they have the power to do a particular act and they do it. They react to one another instead of keeping their eyes on the big picture. I am guessing they are encouraged in these directions by the people in their bubbles that surround them. It reminds me of a schoolyard shoving match. I fault Republicans for disrespecting this presidency from the get-go, Obama for responding in kind, and Netanyahu for similarly undermining the usual paths to working out differences by resorting to unilateral moves. Unilateral moves communicate to me that the person has parsed the situation, concluded they can't get what they think is necessary through negotiation, and has decided to do what they actually can do in order to further their short-term interests. To me it's as if they've forgotten why the systems over the many years were developed as they were, in order to not let individuals' limited perspective have too much impact. The systems need the participants to stay within their roles for the systems to function as designed. And when those systems are undermined, the consequences will be wider than I suspect these participants are taking into account.
10
it's hard for me to see how obama has been anything but amazingly patient with netanyahu. many would have liked to see derner recalled as an ambassador after this astonishing move. to have agreed to meet with him on this trip would have ceded a foreign policy function to the speaker of the house and made him look like the weak leader republicans always claim him to be.
1
I'm not 100% sure if that's what's happened here, but I think you've brilliantly put your finger on what's happened everywhere else throughout our political system, and increasingly throughout our society as a whole. (See our annual or more-than-annual federal budget crises, for example; or the Republicans' extremely well-documented decision on election night 2008 to give Obama no victories whatsoever, regardless of what he might propose or what compromises he might put on the table.) The long-term results of all this are likely to be catastrophic. The rules and norms of political behavior evolved for mostly good reasons, and we're destroying them without much attention to the anarchy we're unleashing in their place.
3
Very well said and thoughtful. Evokes a couple responses that I am something less than 100% sure of:
"...further their short term interests."
The President's interests align more with my view of the long term interests of the United States, and the world. Someone is wrong here, and someone is right. Which leads to my second observation:
"The systems need..."
Systems are wonderful servants.. and terrible masters. An old business mantra said we should drive our systems, don't let our systems drive us.
This is an ugly, ugly mess, and I think Mr. Friedman has framed it very well.
"...further their short term interests."
The President's interests align more with my view of the long term interests of the United States, and the world. Someone is wrong here, and someone is right. Which leads to my second observation:
"The systems need..."
Systems are wonderful servants.. and terrible masters. An old business mantra said we should drive our systems, don't let our systems drive us.
This is an ugly, ugly mess, and I think Mr. Friedman has framed it very well.
John Boehner ignored both the Constitution as well as the history of the United States. The House of Representatives does not direct foreign policy. That has traditionally been the province of the executive branch. Mr. Boehner is meddling in foreign policy purely for political purposes, nothing more, nothing less.
415
Try acquiring some facts, tommy, there have been dozens, if not hundreds, of foreign leaders who have addressed congress over this country's history.
Bob, both your statement and mine are true (other than acquiring some facts).
In all my 77 years and now as a disabled American veteran, I find the decline of civility and the breakdown of all that our forefathers intended us to be as a nation, to be the greatest disappointment of my life .
Mr. Boehner and his Republican henchmen are leading the cause of what not to do to govern America.
Mr. Boehner and his Republican henchmen are leading the cause of what not to do to govern America.
5
Imagine a nation, not just any nation but one with the most powerful military on the planet, deciding to make foreign policy in a body thoroughly marinated in lobbying money, thoroughly subject to destructive politics, and therefore thoroughly dysfunctional and generally regarded by the citizenry as inept, of not simply despised. If there is a better recipe for international chaos I do not know what it is.
525
Indeed . . . also for the imagination, recall a nation "lead" by a, and I'll be polite here, disingenuous head that unequivocally places said nation at extreme risk through pipe dreams, inaction, and the like. Only said nation is not the only one of the world's nations at risk. Where is the greatest pain at the application of sanctions? On the applier or those under the sanctions? Normally a stupid question but in this instance, one that demands an answer. We'll all regret a nuclear Iran. Take them at their word for their deeds demonstrate that they are serious.
2
Superb! Marinated! Wonderful! Marinated, marinated, marinated....Oh, and "recipe!"
Indeed. Note to Republicans: If Sheldon Adelson is funding it, it is almost certainly a very bad idea.
3
Many of Israel’s friends will be uncomfortable, and the anti-Semites, who claim Israel controls Washington, will have a field day.
Really ? You have to be anti-Semite to note and criticize Israel's influence in Washington ? Does anyone really believe it is anything other than this lobbying and influence which explains why, contrary to our national interests we support a country colonizing another. A state where you have to belong to a particular religion to immigrate there and serve in its army ? The Israeli lobby may not control Washington but it sure has enormous and highly destructive influence. The ambassador of which other nation can arrange a presidential address to our congress without white house approval ? In that however it is not alone. The pro-Cuban lobby has distorted our foreign policy to the detriment of our national interests too. The NRA has done the same in domestic politics. Our political system is broken. Politics can be bought by PACs and money. Pro-Israeli lobbying and the infamous AIPAC are one of many actors. But I can assure Mr Friedman, you do not have to be an anti-Semite to recognize its distortive influence.
Really ? You have to be anti-Semite to note and criticize Israel's influence in Washington ? Does anyone really believe it is anything other than this lobbying and influence which explains why, contrary to our national interests we support a country colonizing another. A state where you have to belong to a particular religion to immigrate there and serve in its army ? The Israeli lobby may not control Washington but it sure has enormous and highly destructive influence. The ambassador of which other nation can arrange a presidential address to our congress without white house approval ? In that however it is not alone. The pro-Cuban lobby has distorted our foreign policy to the detriment of our national interests too. The NRA has done the same in domestic politics. Our political system is broken. Politics can be bought by PACs and money. Pro-Israeli lobbying and the infamous AIPAC are one of many actors. But I can assure Mr Friedman, you do not have to be an anti-Semite to recognize its distortive influence.
316
It's a shame when so much logical reason is chalked up to "anti semitism".
How will Israel learn, as a relatively new country, if they are always allowed to fall back on the idea that criticism of their behaviors (not their genetics) is chalked up to unreasonable hate, rather than honest pity that their peoples are never allowed to learn from the consequences of their actions?
If a mother were raising a child with this insular attitude, the child would likely grow up to be a spoiled brat, unable to comprehend that their unacceptable (and too often deadly) actions are what makes people turn against them, not who they are.
Israel needs to grow and change to survive.
Standing up to the religious extremists in Israel would help the neighbors, perhaps, stand up internally to theirs.
Lobbing more bombs, and creating more refugee camps for the displaced peoples left without governments or homes after the wars, will not help ISrael to grow, change and survive.
We'll just be hearing more "anti semitism" excuses the next time around, when Israel goes for broke, again, loses, and needs other countries to help her resettle and survive. Where does it end? (to the Republican evangelicals: Judgment Day in Israel. Do the Israeli people even understand why so many Republican evangelicals support them???)
How will Israel learn, as a relatively new country, if they are always allowed to fall back on the idea that criticism of their behaviors (not their genetics) is chalked up to unreasonable hate, rather than honest pity that their peoples are never allowed to learn from the consequences of their actions?
If a mother were raising a child with this insular attitude, the child would likely grow up to be a spoiled brat, unable to comprehend that their unacceptable (and too often deadly) actions are what makes people turn against them, not who they are.
Israel needs to grow and change to survive.
Standing up to the religious extremists in Israel would help the neighbors, perhaps, stand up internally to theirs.
Lobbing more bombs, and creating more refugee camps for the displaced peoples left without governments or homes after the wars, will not help ISrael to grow, change and survive.
We'll just be hearing more "anti semitism" excuses the next time around, when Israel goes for broke, again, loses, and needs other countries to help her resettle and survive. Where does it end? (to the Republican evangelicals: Judgment Day in Israel. Do the Israeli people even understand why so many Republican evangelicals support them???)
4
One need not be an antisemite to rightly claim that Israel exerts a disproportionate influence over US policy in the Middle East,
453
Boston Bob - Israel is the only reliable ally we have in the region - just look around and tell me who is more reliable there? One has to think a bit about why Israel is so important to us. The anti-semites will, of course, say that it is the Jews, but what else can you expect from deep hatreds?
2
Bob in case you didn't notice, Israel is our only real ally in the middle east because for Israel America's support is an existential necessity.
3
I agree completely; as an average voter I've found my voice chilled in questioning US policy towards Israel. Is it really too much to ask where all those billions of dollars in military hardware are going? Too much to ask why we support an aggressive state still settling the West Bank against US wishes? I am not an anti-semite by any stretch, but Bibi (like many in Congress) is just itching for all out war. War and hate are not survival tactics.
6
The Prime Minister threw his lot in with the GOP years ago and actively supported them in the last presidential election; This is simply another illustration of it.
82
The insult, disrespect and foolish right-wing hatred of an American president are what Benjamin Netanyahu apparently hoped to stir in his Republican-sponsored trip to Capitol Hill. Whether Netanyahu simply wanted to gain an advantage in the coming Israeli election or was trying to foreclose the agenda of the White House foreign policy regarding Iran, the ploy backfired with the American public.
The episode evokes memories of how American neocons and radical Israeli fundamentalists partnered to promote and initiate the Bush-Cheney war in Iraq. It gives credence to fears that the same groups have now joined to jettison any possible agreement for a verifiable nuclear disarmament of Iran.
The most harm done by Netanyahu’s meddling in U.S. foreign policy may be the harm to Israel by forcing moderate Palestinians into the arms of those who wish nothing but bad things for Israel. Netanyahu has no interest in doing what’s best for Israel by abandoning a two-state solution. He is, and always has been, interested only in the electoral success of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Attempting to embarrass President Obama will not help Israel, even though such sophomoric antics apparently give pleasure to right-wingers here at home. Boehner and McConnell have insulted the American people and disrespected the Constitution.
The episode evokes memories of how American neocons and radical Israeli fundamentalists partnered to promote and initiate the Bush-Cheney war in Iraq. It gives credence to fears that the same groups have now joined to jettison any possible agreement for a verifiable nuclear disarmament of Iran.
The most harm done by Netanyahu’s meddling in U.S. foreign policy may be the harm to Israel by forcing moderate Palestinians into the arms of those who wish nothing but bad things for Israel. Netanyahu has no interest in doing what’s best for Israel by abandoning a two-state solution. He is, and always has been, interested only in the electoral success of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Attempting to embarrass President Obama will not help Israel, even though such sophomoric antics apparently give pleasure to right-wingers here at home. Boehner and McConnell have insulted the American people and disrespected the Constitution.
372
How many political blunders can a leader perpetrate? Bibi is definitily a champion, from campaigning against the President during the election, passing through his United Nations 2nd grade level presentation, and now this poke in the eye diplomacy. He should stop and think that being identified with one party is risking a downgrade to his Country standing. israel is our friend, but Bibi is acting like a frenemy to democrats.
54
Unfortunately, the Evangelicals and conservatives generally are Israel's main support in the US, not the Jews or the Democrats, in terms of insuring that Israel will get the military hardware it needs to defend itself and uses to occupy the West Bank.
1
What they are doing to the Palestinian people, esp. the children, can not, in any way, be classified as "defense".
I'd like to see Israel fight a real war, not this one-sided continual bombing of the Palestinian territories. Then, I suspect, Israel wouldn't be so gung-ho to settle all her troubles with violence.
I think the IDF is kinda like a summer adventure camp for young Israelis (with Israeli-American kids signing up for some safe adventures too!)
I'd like to see Israel fight a real war, not this one-sided continual bombing of the Palestinian territories. Then, I suspect, Israel wouldn't be so gung-ho to settle all her troubles with violence.
I think the IDF is kinda like a summer adventure camp for young Israelis (with Israeli-American kids signing up for some safe adventures too!)
The best option for democrats right now assuming this speech takes place is to not show up for Netanyahu's address to Congress. Instead, they should be outside conducting interviews about the peace negotiations and the importance of backing President Obama.
457
Congressional Democrats publicly backing President Obama? That would be a novel approach! If they had done so from the beginning, Bohner wouldn't be acting so boldly today.
In fact, I would be surprised if more than 1 or 2 boycott the speech. Well, maybe more won't show up, but with lame excuses of conflicting schedules.
No, I think the most we can expect are some mealy-mouthed semi-protests.
In fact, I would be surprised if more than 1 or 2 boycott the speech. Well, maybe more won't show up, but with lame excuses of conflicting schedules.
No, I think the most we can expect are some mealy-mouthed semi-protests.
Mr. Netanyahu, GO HOME! Boehner and the Republicans who supported the Netanyahu address to Congress, put on your dunce caps and stand in the corner.
Boehner's rudeness is unforgivable but then what else is new.
Boehner's rudeness is unforgivable but then what else is new.
492
Steve C: It's seems really beyond rudeness he is moving closer to anarchy.
4
I would love to see Republicans branded as the "Party of Israel".
Maybe, if enough Americans show Democrats that we do not support unendless war in the Middle East to protect our alleged ally, more independent Democratic candidates will emerge.
Those who will put America's lower-, racial, and middle-class needs here at home before the alleged security of Israel, who continue expanding their land holdings, blessed by the American big brother who is dying to support them.
(Do you think Netanyahu will take time out from his visit to visit Walter Reed and thank some of the American soldiers for their work in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Israel doesn't have many soldiers who have sacrificed like that, yet... A thank-you from the Israeli people, for all of George Bush's war follies, would be nice. As would be paying back the taxpayers for all our support of Israel's defenses.... Maybe they could sell off some of the land they allegedly inherited from God to pay for their continued existence on that petty piece of land... ?
No more American wars in the Middle East.
Israel's turn to step up and pay the price, if she believes so strongly that might is right. Let Israel pay the costs this go around...
Maybe, if enough Americans show Democrats that we do not support unendless war in the Middle East to protect our alleged ally, more independent Democratic candidates will emerge.
Those who will put America's lower-, racial, and middle-class needs here at home before the alleged security of Israel, who continue expanding their land holdings, blessed by the American big brother who is dying to support them.
(Do you think Netanyahu will take time out from his visit to visit Walter Reed and thank some of the American soldiers for their work in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Israel doesn't have many soldiers who have sacrificed like that, yet... A thank-you from the Israeli people, for all of George Bush's war follies, would be nice. As would be paying back the taxpayers for all our support of Israel's defenses.... Maybe they could sell off some of the land they allegedly inherited from God to pay for their continued existence on that petty piece of land... ?
No more American wars in the Middle East.
Israel's turn to step up and pay the price, if she believes so strongly that might is right. Let Israel pay the costs this go around...
3
A half empty chamber would be the correct response to this act. Incredibly disrespectful behavior by the Speaker and by the Israeli Prime Minister to the country, the President, and the Secretary of State. Words, and actions, like elections, have consequences.
770
How exactly does one write to their congressman/senator asking them to boycott a speech?
"A half empty chamber would be the correct response to this act."
And shame Boehner and the Republicans for their invitation.
And shame Boehner and the Republicans for their invitation.
1
I am unable to understand the obsession regarding Iran and a potential Middle East nuclear weapons program. Pakistan, India, North Korea, China, Israel, and Russia all have long-range nuclear weapons and seem to have them with little detriment to peace. Why does the world think that Iran's leaders are suicidal enough to use nuclear weapons? And can we suggest that they have no reason, such as deterrence, for acquiring such weapons? What if countries had invaded and occupied Canada and Mexico for a decade? Would the US not want to put itself in a position to prevent itself from invasion?
I'm not suggesting Iran ought to be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. I am just saying that contemporary assumptions as to WHY they want a program, and the implications of such a program (a supposed Mid East arm race) should receive at least some scrutiny.
As for Netanyahu's complete disregard for the protocols of US democratic institutions: Did anyone expect more from him? He is a reckless leader. Look no further than his belligerent actions against Gaza in the Summer of 2014. Netanyahu holds a dated worldview that war solves everything. If there is one idea that the US has thoroughly debunked, it is that political solutions should be addressed with military answers. Look no further than Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Political problems require political solutions.
Netanyahu should stay in Israel, and leave his blustery war mongering speech in his desk draw.
I'm not suggesting Iran ought to be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. I am just saying that contemporary assumptions as to WHY they want a program, and the implications of such a program (a supposed Mid East arm race) should receive at least some scrutiny.
As for Netanyahu's complete disregard for the protocols of US democratic institutions: Did anyone expect more from him? He is a reckless leader. Look no further than his belligerent actions against Gaza in the Summer of 2014. Netanyahu holds a dated worldview that war solves everything. If there is one idea that the US has thoroughly debunked, it is that political solutions should be addressed with military answers. Look no further than Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Political problems require political solutions.
Netanyahu should stay in Israel, and leave his blustery war mongering speech in his desk draw.
688
Perhaps its because those nations haven't overtly promised to wipe us off the face of the earth? See Thom McCann's note below.
4
@B.Ryan. Why?
Because Iran is the only country on the world which has often told the world that Iran will annihilate a member country of the uN, Israel. Do you not believe that fanatical leaders of rogue states will do as they say?
Re Netanyahu - go to the tapes (a) when he became PM in the 1990's he implemented Oslo agreements up to that time including turning Hebron civic authority over to the PA (despite his Likud Party's opposition) simply because Bibi said he had to follow the law. (b) when he and BHO came into Office in 2009 Bibi did what Obama asked of him re negotiations with the PA and settlements (actions that Hillary Clinton said were unprecedented). For this Bibi has received regular smack downs from Obama and his minions.
Because Iran is the only country on the world which has often told the world that Iran will annihilate a member country of the uN, Israel. Do you not believe that fanatical leaders of rogue states will do as they say?
Re Netanyahu - go to the tapes (a) when he became PM in the 1990's he implemented Oslo agreements up to that time including turning Hebron civic authority over to the PA (despite his Likud Party's opposition) simply because Bibi said he had to follow the law. (b) when he and BHO came into Office in 2009 Bibi did what Obama asked of him re negotiations with the PA and settlements (actions that Hillary Clinton said were unprecedented). For this Bibi has received regular smack downs from Obama and his minions.
1
Iran is not like any other country, that's why. They are through terrorist proxies, the de facto rulers of FOUR other countries, iraq, syria, lebanon and now yemen. Iran's diseased leadership is sworn to conquest, and is working towards expanding its control over the mideast every day. With a nuclear weapons umbrella, its terrorist proxies could run wild...
As for how dangerous that is, see what putin/russia is doing in ukraine under the protection of that nuclear umbrella, and tell me if you were tiny Israel, would you be comfortable with a nuclear armed iran running its terrorist proxies on all of your borders, with rockets being fired into your cities.
At this point, no credible person can argue Israel should have been, if anything, much more aggressive. But unfortunately, its main ally, the US, has been saddled with a disaster of a president since 2008, leaving Israel and our other main allies to fend for themselves against the russias of this world.
As for how dangerous that is, see what putin/russia is doing in ukraine under the protection of that nuclear umbrella, and tell me if you were tiny Israel, would you be comfortable with a nuclear armed iran running its terrorist proxies on all of your borders, with rockets being fired into your cities.
At this point, no credible person can argue Israel should have been, if anything, much more aggressive. But unfortunately, its main ally, the US, has been saddled with a disaster of a president since 2008, leaving Israel and our other main allies to fend for themselves against the russias of this world.
2
It seems to me that we should all contact our members of congress and demand that they not attend that joint session. It seems to me that a mostly empty chamber would be the most effective mwssage.
1055
On the contrary, I am going to write and express my support. I believe it's a mistake to use the democrats' anti-GOP position against the Israelis.
16
This has more to do with the GOP's disdain for President Obama than anything on the Democrats' part. Silly.
4
Did that and urge others to do the same.
3
I am one of those Americans who considers myself a friend of Israel, yet I am furious at Israel--yes, the whole of Israel--for not resisting Netanyahu in this horrible decision. Public opinion, inside advisers, demonstrators--all could have worked to compel him to bow out of what many of us consider to be outside interference in our internal debates about our foreign policy. Do Israelis truly not understand how most Americans would react at seeing our president insulted this way?
I am so furious at this upcoming speech that I will pay it absolutely no heed.
As to our Congress, this is one of those contemptuous actions that will forever blot Congressional history.
I am so furious at this upcoming speech that I will pay it absolutely no heed.
As to our Congress, this is one of those contemptuous actions that will forever blot Congressional history.
1119
The medias should ignore him too. That would neutralize the situation. There really is nothing as effective as indifference when handling biggots and whiny brats. He is quite the pony's behind isn't he?
6
There are many of us in this country who have the same feeling as yours. Netanyahu proved how much he has respect for himself when he showed up in Paris for unity walk despite of the fact that French President had asked him not to. As to John Boehner, Republicans need to save little credibility of their party by ending his from speaker ship.
3
Perhaps Emil, you'll be furious one day at Iran when they do what they say, as they have demonstrated time and again, and reduce the state of Israel to a black hole in the sand. Perhaps you'll be furious after that because they've promised that we're on the list also.
1
Obama asks UK PM Cameron to lobby Congress about Iranian sanctions. Cameron does - he telephones several US Senators and Congressman.
Obama rejects consulting with Congress regarding negotiations with Iran - and threatens to veto Congressional bills on Iran - Despite Congress holding all legislative authority as well as the authority to approve treaties (see US Constitution Article I).
Obama lets on that he will not consider any agreement he reaches with Iran to be a treaty - thereby slamming the door in Congress' face.
Obama continues to extend deadlines on negotiations to Iran's bemefit.
Israel's PM is invited to talk to Congress. Pelosi, who in 2007 against the Bush White House's advice, visited Syrian dictator Assad who at the time was supporting attacks against US troops - and Pelosi calls the invite to Bibi, PM of US ally Israel unseemly.
Friedman uses former Israel Ambassador to the US Oren's comments on Bibi's visit as evidence that it is a mistake - but Tom fails to inform us that Michael Oren is running against Bibi in the coming Israeli elections.
Congress has history being whip sawed by Presidents into putting the USA into bad places - e.g. LBJ's Tonkin Gulf resolution which gave LBJ a blank check for making even more war in Vietnam than JFK had.
Will someone please tell me what the objective truth is here? No one yet knows what the PM of Israel will tell Congress.
Sorry Tom - your crocodile tears over this political brouhaha is unseemly.
Obama rejects consulting with Congress regarding negotiations with Iran - and threatens to veto Congressional bills on Iran - Despite Congress holding all legislative authority as well as the authority to approve treaties (see US Constitution Article I).
Obama lets on that he will not consider any agreement he reaches with Iran to be a treaty - thereby slamming the door in Congress' face.
Obama continues to extend deadlines on negotiations to Iran's bemefit.
Israel's PM is invited to talk to Congress. Pelosi, who in 2007 against the Bush White House's advice, visited Syrian dictator Assad who at the time was supporting attacks against US troops - and Pelosi calls the invite to Bibi, PM of US ally Israel unseemly.
Friedman uses former Israel Ambassador to the US Oren's comments on Bibi's visit as evidence that it is a mistake - but Tom fails to inform us that Michael Oren is running against Bibi in the coming Israeli elections.
Congress has history being whip sawed by Presidents into putting the USA into bad places - e.g. LBJ's Tonkin Gulf resolution which gave LBJ a blank check for making even more war in Vietnam than JFK had.
Will someone please tell me what the objective truth is here? No one yet knows what the PM of Israel will tell Congress.
Sorry Tom - your crocodile tears over this political brouhaha is unseemly.
56
Do you really have any doubt about what Bibi will say to congress? Incidentally, it's "are unseemly."
But LBJ's Tonkin Gulf resolution was a bad thing.
Steve B asks "Will someone please tell me what the objective truth is here? " I guess that's a rhetorical question, but perhaps the objective part is: foreign policy and diplomatic recognition stems from the President and not Congress(it is at times like this I wish I could find the historical incident where an early President -- perhaps Jefferson -- prevailed against Congress' wishes). Supposedly we Americans present a united front to foreigners. Instead, here the Republicans are allowing the US to be divided by a foreigner.
Steve B asks "Will someone please tell me what the objective truth is here? " I guess that's a rhetorical question, but perhaps the objective part is: foreign policy and diplomatic recognition stems from the President and not Congress(it is at times like this I wish I could find the historical incident where an early President -- perhaps Jefferson -- prevailed against Congress' wishes). Supposedly we Americans present a united front to foreigners. Instead, here the Republicans are allowing the US to be divided by a foreigner.
2
To Steve B.
Very well stated. Of course, Obama sending his political campaign types to Israel is just fine with the D's.
Of course the anti-Israel crowd jumps on the bandwagon - disgusting.
Very well stated. Of course, Obama sending his political campaign types to Israel is just fine with the D's.
Of course the anti-Israel crowd jumps on the bandwagon - disgusting.
2
It saddens me to see Netanyahu use the same bullying tactics that Putin uses, throwing the "I get my way or else" tantrum. Putin just met a bigger bully, the Saudi oil prices. Israelis should push Bibi aside before he hurts Israel.
20
Bibi is behaving like the thug that he is. This is not his first attempt to meddle in US politics (remember him "endorsing" Romney in 2012?) but this time the arrogance is really breathtaking. I hope many more people pay attention and I hope the White House finds a way to rub Bibi's nose in the stuff the way you do with a dog to teach him to behave in polite society.
43
"Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran are not without merit"
What has Iran done to deserve this reputation? If anything, it saved Iraq and Syria from falling into the hands of ISIS terrorists and is collaborating with us.
It's actually Iran's concerns about Israel that are "not without merit." As a country where the media discusses whether to bomb Iran on a daily basis, Israel is the real threat to Iran and the Middle East (not to mention Israel's 200 nukes - to which we turn a blind eye).
I think its important, Mr. Friedman, to be honest in our reporting and not use Iran as the boogeyman. It is not.
What has Iran done to deserve this reputation? If anything, it saved Iraq and Syria from falling into the hands of ISIS terrorists and is collaborating with us.
It's actually Iran's concerns about Israel that are "not without merit." As a country where the media discusses whether to bomb Iran on a daily basis, Israel is the real threat to Iran and the Middle East (not to mention Israel's 200 nukes - to which we turn a blind eye).
I think its important, Mr. Friedman, to be honest in our reporting and not use Iran as the boogeyman. It is not.
47
I agree with Mr. Friedman's admonition of Mr. Netanyahu, but I also believe that the person who showed the poorest judgement in this affair is Representative Boehner. Aside from all of the foreign policy repercussions outlined in the piece, he has exhibited a decided lack of a sense of decorum. I expect this sort of behavior on an elementary school playground; it should not be how our leaders conduct themselves in the public sphere.
55
Agreed,totyson. Kinda makes you wonder how in the world either of these puerile politicians managed to attain their current political-stature. Your 'elementry-school-playground'-metaphor is especially apt!
1
While the Republicans keep reminding us that Obama was a community organizer we must also remember that Boehner was a bar keep.
3
OK, Des, now you're just trying to get me to like him!
This is simply the latest in a series of actions by Prime Minister Netanyahu showing his disdain for President Obama personally, the democratic party generally, and the American people and their democracy as a whole. He has made the whole Likud a Republican operative, ever ready to bolster Republican standing with a pro-Israel base. At the same time he manipulates the Republicans to serve his political interests instead of those of their constituencies. It will be a disaster if he in his reckless pursuit of personal political power he forces a choice between being pro-Israel and pro-American.
24
More Torched Earth moves from the GOP--that is usually a metaphor.
15
Aside from yet another GOP unprecedented slight to the office of the president, this gambit interferes, indeed, dangerously meddles with the president's constitutional right to practice international diplomacy and will not reflect well on Israel in the eyes of many Americans.
A dangerous, foolish, and desperate petty attack on a twice elected president .
The GOP is willing to risk war with Iran in order to yet again, poke the president in the eye. How much longer will the American electorate reward the GOP obstructionists ?
A dangerous, foolish, and desperate petty attack on a twice elected president .
The GOP is willing to risk war with Iran in order to yet again, poke the president in the eye. How much longer will the American electorate reward the GOP obstructionists ?
53
President Obama has done his best to distance himself and the U.S. From Israel since he took office. The speech by Bibi to Congress is a response to the back and forth that has taken place between the two countries since Obama took office. What is puzzling is the lack of support and at times respect Obama shows for Israel since it is the only democratic country in the region.
12
US taxpayers supply and support to the tune of 12 million dollars per day! This has actually increased under Obama.
2
Israel is a democracy?
Funny kind of democracy where the ethnic background of one citizen determines he uses this road, and the ethnic background of another -- the righteous religious Jew -- is permitted to use these roads, schools, facilities, etc.
America is a democracy.
Israel is a religious state, whose extremists are running the show.
America needs to work on America's problems here at home: race, immigration, poverty, human rights.
Let Israel fend for herself. Something tells me, peace will come sooner this way, when the American taxpayers stop encouraging the religious extremists in Israel.
Funny kind of democracy where the ethnic background of one citizen determines he uses this road, and the ethnic background of another -- the righteous religious Jew -- is permitted to use these roads, schools, facilities, etc.
America is a democracy.
Israel is a religious state, whose extremists are running the show.
America needs to work on America's problems here at home: race, immigration, poverty, human rights.
Let Israel fend for herself. Something tells me, peace will come sooner this way, when the American taxpayers stop encouraging the religious extremists in Israel.
4
Obama has proven himself the most anti-Israel President in the previous half century. All of his predecessors have shown a real concern for supporting Israel's right to defend itself against regional aggressors.
3
The pivot point in your argument, besides Bibi's obvious fear for Israel, is end game in Iran. Based on the past actions and dealings with Iran, there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY they are going to slow down or reduce or stop any uranium production. The Grand Puba over there has no national agenda other than that one goal. THere will never be a deal at all!! As a result, Bibi's over reaching into our efforts is merely an election ploy on his part to continue to raise the stakes in his state of war diplomacy. Now, that was the mistake which he will pay for possibly with the election. The Israeli electorate may be exhausted by his continual war rhetoric, and the combination of that and this cheap election ploy may be his sway song. We will see.
4
The sequence seems so stunningly cynical that I can only imagine it will damage Israel's ability to work with the US in any capacity. And it must affect Boehner's standing nationally as well as with his own Congressional party as this will reflect badly on them. There is no way to control what Netanyahu may say: given the bully pulpit he may well stray outside whatever boundary Boehner, a poor diplomat, may have tried to set.
For me, I have lost respect for Israel for this shambling manipulation.
For me, I have lost respect for Israel for this shambling manipulation.
62
A growing number of Democratic members of Congress are saying they will not attend Netanyahu's address to Congress -- including several Jewish members.
Like a number of others, I emailed my two senators and my representative in the House to tell them not to go, when word first got out about the speech.
Since Netanyahu only listens to Republicans, let him speak to a half-empty chamber filled with Republicans.
Americans will be watching.
Like a number of others, I emailed my two senators and my representative in the House to tell them not to go, when word first got out about the speech.
Since Netanyahu only listens to Republicans, let him speak to a half-empty chamber filled with Republicans.
Americans will be watching.
130
That Mr. Boehner needs to appeal to the anti-American wing of his party is not new. With $3,000,000,000.00 a year in freebies being handed to Israel by USA tax payers, and most of it kicked-back to US military contractor cronies, the whole "address to Congress" is just another sordid chapter in Republicans singular inability to govern.
99
I think it's more like $3,000,000,000.99 - don't forget to leave out the cents in such an astronomical number!
Obama said Isis is like a school yard bully. If he has such quaint notion about a group that is burning people alive, then bibi and Israelis need to look for their own security, as Obama is quite happy to throw them under the bus.
How come suddenly Israel is the bad boy and Iran and Syria and Isis are the good guys? What kind of weird world do we live in?
How come suddenly Israel is the bad boy and Iran and Syria and Isis are the good guys? What kind of weird world do we live in?
17
Well it is Iran and its allies who are fighting ISIS along with the western forces. We do not live in a Black and white world. I will take Iranians over ISIS barbarians any day.
3
building up terrorist groups with dramatic rhetoric only does their work for them. i don't want our president to serve as the press officer for isis. in the scheme of things they are small fry - why flatter them?
2
Midtown Desi - where did you get the idea that Iran & Syria & ISIS are suddenly "the good guys"? Seems not to be a very logical conclusion and certainly not supported by any of the conversations that have come forth from anybody.
1
You focus on Netanyahu and not on Boehner. Borderline treason on the part of the Republicans.
And of course, attacking Iran will unleash even more terrorist attacks elsewhere. Stop giving excuses to the crazies outside that will give excuses to the crazies inside. Did not you learn the lesson with Iraq?
And of course, attacking Iran will unleash even more terrorist attacks elsewhere. Stop giving excuses to the crazies outside that will give excuses to the crazies inside. Did not you learn the lesson with Iraq?
124
"It doesn’t only disrespect our president, it disrespects our system and certain diplomatic boundaries that every foreign leader should respect and usually has."
Many Americans,if not most, consider this stunt a slap in the face of the American people. I certainly do.
"That is why it is absolutely not in Israel’s interest to give even the slightest appearance of nudging America toward such a military decision."
This is really what it's all about, isn't it? Netanyahu wants to attack Iran; better yet, he wants us to attack Iran; he will settle for a combined strike. He is ready to effect it by interfering in American politics. Money from extremist supporters of Israel, like Sheldon Adelson, allow him to cow our elected officials.
The damage to American/Israeli relations is incalculable.
Many Americans,if not most, consider this stunt a slap in the face of the American people. I certainly do.
"That is why it is absolutely not in Israel’s interest to give even the slightest appearance of nudging America toward such a military decision."
This is really what it's all about, isn't it? Netanyahu wants to attack Iran; better yet, he wants us to attack Iran; he will settle for a combined strike. He is ready to effect it by interfering in American politics. Money from extremist supporters of Israel, like Sheldon Adelson, allow him to cow our elected officials.
The damage to American/Israeli relations is incalculable.
284
"Netanyahu wants to attack Iran; better yet, he wants us to attack Iran; he will settle for a combined strike."
This is exactly the same scenario when we attacked Iraq except the last option about the combined strike.
This is exactly the same scenario when we attacked Iraq except the last option about the combined strike.
What if all Democrats sit Netanyahu's speech out and he gave it just to the Republicans? Wouldn't that look great? Or, I mean, appropriate?
106
Maybe the Democratic members of Congress and any respectful Republican should assemble elsewhere until Boehner makes a public apology. Afterall, it was he that made the invite (but it surely wasn't his idea. Most likely doing it at the behest of that former congressman and pit bull from Virginia). Shame on him. How did he ever get to be Speaker of the House? Mediocrity continues to rise to the top.
1
Why on a morning in America do we have to be mourning in America the axis of a Boehner, Adelson and Netanyahu unnecessary political effort to embarass our country's duly elected president (twice) that will accomplish nothing - simply to gain a political edge?
How small are we really becoming as the people of a great nation?
How small are we really becoming as the people of a great nation?
91
No, we are already there.
Feith et al pushed us into Iraq, consistent with their counsel just months earlier to Israeli PM about need to focus on eliminating Saddam. That worked out just great. Now the same Pentagon/GOP/Tel Aviv axis can't wait to get us into Iran. Time to watch out for US national interests and use all available tools to bring Israel into rational behavior--admittedly hard to do when the geriatric SenTor from AZ is pounding the war drums.
84
I reject baseless charges of anti semitism as seen in this article. Whenever Israel faces a public relations debacle such as protective edge and international pressure to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, American Jewish organizations orchestrate this extravaganza called the 'new anti-Semitism.' The purpose is several-fold. First, it is to discredit any charges by claiming the person is an anti-Semite. It's to turn Jews into the victims, so that the victims are not the Palestinians any longer.
Israel is, militarily, the most powerful country in the Middle East, by far. Removing our support for the Israeli government will not put Israelis in danger. It will pressure the Israeli government to stop doing what endangers Israelis, which is committing aggressive acts against Israel’s neighbors.
If Israel ends its status as a consistent violator of human rights, decolonizes Palestine, and respects its neighbors, it could be a pleasure – and legal – to work with and support Israel.
Israel is, militarily, the most powerful country in the Middle East, by far. Removing our support for the Israeli government will not put Israelis in danger. It will pressure the Israeli government to stop doing what endangers Israelis, which is committing aggressive acts against Israel’s neighbors.
If Israel ends its status as a consistent violator of human rights, decolonizes Palestine, and respects its neighbors, it could be a pleasure – and legal – to work with and support Israel.
501
I also reject the statement that criticism of Israel equals anti-semitism. Moreover, there is good reason to believe that Aipac controls Washington. Look at the record.
5
The Israeli military is only strong because of the US support still provided to it.
2
Conor, your remarks demonstrate not only ignorance but bias as well.
Apart from Egypt and Jordon, all of Israel's surrounding neighbors in the Mid East are openly committed to the destruction and annihilation of Israel and to the killing of all its Jewish citizens; and are still at war with Israel.
Most Arabs support this policy. You are either oblivious of the facts or chose to ignore them.
Apart from Egypt and Jordon, all of Israel's surrounding neighbors in the Mid East are openly committed to the destruction and annihilation of Israel and to the killing of all its Jewish citizens; and are still at war with Israel.
Most Arabs support this policy. You are either oblivious of the facts or chose to ignore them.
4
That Netanyahu has the arrogance for this comes as no surprise. That John Boehner is stooping to this new low is the only news here. And it is very bad news. It makes of cynicism the official Republican policy - now no longer just domestic but also foreign. Nothing good happens when Netanyahu enters the picture anywhere. Do we want him to lead our Congress by the nose? I don't think so.
803
....and yet, Dan, do you really expect that today's congress will fail to follow, lock-step, like the partisan-robots they have made of themselves??
2
Mr. Friedman implies that anybody who says that Israel controls Washington is an anti-Semite. WRONG! Merely stating the fact that Israel controls Washington (because politically Israel does control Washington to a large extent) does not mean someone is an anti-Semite. That definition of anti-Semitism is wrong and dangerous.
Overall, I agree with Mr. Friedman and further I would say that PM Netanyahu is coming across more and more like an ordinary Yahoo! every time he appears in public. He's playing a losing hand with his address to the Congress and will alienate a lot of US voters who are otherwise pro-Israel.
Overall, I agree with Mr. Friedman and further I would say that PM Netanyahu is coming across more and more like an ordinary Yahoo! every time he appears in public. He's playing a losing hand with his address to the Congress and will alienate a lot of US voters who are otherwise pro-Israel.
36
How do you come to the conclusion that “Mr. Friedman implies that anybody who says that Israel controls Washington is an anti-Semite.” There is nothing in his article that makes any such implication.
2
The disdain shown our President by both our Congressional and Israeli leadership makes our country weaker, and more likely to end up in another shooting war in the Mideast. I don't care what about Boehner thinks he is doing. I care even less about Israel's motives for this affront to statesmanship. After over 60 years of allegiance to this partnership, backed by a fortune in American tax dollars, the Prime Minister ought to have enough sense to understand when he has crossed the line. Boehner is so blinded by hatred of this President that he cannot see the damage he is doing to our dealings with Iran.
Read the Constitution, Mr. Boehner. The President's operatives are working for our best interests. They are American patriots. How many trained intelligence operatives and negotiators work for your Speaker's office? How many policy analysts? Think about allowing a foreign power to direct our national debate concerning another confrontation in the Mideast.
Why would American political leader want to allow Israel the right and means to control our foreign policy? Isn't that treasonous?
Read the Constitution, Mr. Boehner. The President's operatives are working for our best interests. They are American patriots. How many trained intelligence operatives and negotiators work for your Speaker's office? How many policy analysts? Think about allowing a foreign power to direct our national debate concerning another confrontation in the Mideast.
Why would American political leader want to allow Israel the right and means to control our foreign policy? Isn't that treasonous?
48
We've done nothing but support Israel with untold amounts of money, weapons for their protection, and being one of their few 'friends' over the years, yet the last several years the Israeli government has spit in our face. What kind of 'friend' does this? It's an abusive relationship.
I get the reasons why we support Israel, but as with any abusive relationship we need to walk away for a while. Let Bibi fend for himself and see how that goes for Israel. Guess it wouldn't be pretty...but that's what happens when you bite the hand that feeds you.
By the way, John Boehner needs to keep out of foreign political situations like this and concentrate on actually doing his job ( novel idea!) legislating and getting things done for his own country. You can say what you want about Pelosi, but she sure got things done! Rather than saying No all the time....
I get the reasons why we support Israel, but as with any abusive relationship we need to walk away for a while. Let Bibi fend for himself and see how that goes for Israel. Guess it wouldn't be pretty...but that's what happens when you bite the hand that feeds you.
By the way, John Boehner needs to keep out of foreign political situations like this and concentrate on actually doing his job ( novel idea!) legislating and getting things done for his own country. You can say what you want about Pelosi, but she sure got things done! Rather than saying No all the time....
51
We are (indirectly) subsidizing Israel's healthcare system with our tax dollars, while congress is trying to take Obama Care away from Americans.
8
Netanyahu has made the decision to cast his lot with the GOP and therefore has taken sides in US domestic politics. It is as inappropriate as a US President cutting a TV ad endorsing a foreign leader.
Perhaps it is time for the US to demonstrate that this inappropriate behavior has consequences.
Perhaps it is time for the US to demonstrate that this inappropriate behavior has consequences.
47
amazing that there are only two comments over an issue which could promote a world war ---- and I wonder if an Arab leader was coming over to America to address C ongress invited through other than the President would there only be two people who thought it noteworthy enough to comment - irony of ironies.
6
Once again, in an effort to cover for Obama's failing foreign policy, Friedman's column offers a transparent distraction from the heart of the matter. Iran is on a steady course toward a nuclear weapon, and by weakening sanctions and agreeing to extending deadlines in the negotiations the US president appears to be enabling that end. For six years "Not on my watch!" has been Obama's cliched attempt at displaying a spine to Iranian mullahs. Their response, "Death to the U.S., death to Israel!"
Bibi is only doing what he can to move the intractable Obama to action. To this point in time nothing else has worked. Sorry if Obama's political feelings have been hurt but he's letting his ego get in the way of his brain, and that is stupid. And you can't take back stupid. If Iran produces a nuclear weapon during Obama's term, that will be his legacy etched in stone. And if the day comes that Iran uses its weapon, heaven help us.
Friedman's column casting Netanyahu as the villain wasn't even a good try.
Bibi is only doing what he can to move the intractable Obama to action. To this point in time nothing else has worked. Sorry if Obama's political feelings have been hurt but he's letting his ego get in the way of his brain, and that is stupid. And you can't take back stupid. If Iran produces a nuclear weapon during Obama's term, that will be his legacy etched in stone. And if the day comes that Iran uses its weapon, heaven help us.
Friedman's column casting Netanyahu as the villain wasn't even a good try.
11
Why is it that China, Russia, India, Pakistan, France, England, the US and yes, Israel can have the bomb without anything happening but if Iran get the bomb the world will come apart. Having the bomb has become a status symbol among countries, all of them aware that they cannot use it without creating world-wide chaos and
condemnation if used against a non-holder, and destruction of their own country if used against another
holder. Israel cannot keep on holding the balance of destruction in the Middle East forever. Eventually, it has to come to some accommodation. The earlier,the better for all of us.
condemnation if used against a non-holder, and destruction of their own country if used against another
holder. Israel cannot keep on holding the balance of destruction in the Middle East forever. Eventually, it has to come to some accommodation. The earlier,the better for all of us.
44
Agreed. Those who expect Iran to destroy themselves by attacking Israel with a nuke are letting their imaginations bet away from them. We used nukes in war, and that was because we faced no equivalent retribution in return. Those days are gone.
6
Frank, Iran having the bomb. Say it out loud. A 3rd world country with 1st world weapons. You think the world will be a more stable place?
1
Mr. Netanyahu started his career as a diplomat in the U.S. He most definitely knows the rules of diplomacy. Why did he violate them? The only reasonable explanation is that he is putting his personal interest ahead of Israel's. Possible reasons may include the Israeli elections or payback to Sheldon Adelson for past and future favors.
28
So, have to ask, what would be outcry be have been in Nancy Pelosi had done something similar under Bush 2s watch???????
29
I disapprove of Dermer, the Israeli Ambassador's conduct in setting up Netanyahu's appearance, but that's what "operatives" do...they operate.
John Boehner is no dummy. Both he and Netanyahu are embarrasing the President. But they come off as being terminally ignorant!
John Boehner is no dummy. Both he and Netanyahu are embarrasing the President. But they come off as being terminally ignorant!
27
Treason on Boehner's part, i don't want my tax money going to Israel, any longer.
77
Amen, Taylor, amen!
3
Joe Martin, Republican Speaker, invited Doug MacArthur to speak to Congress to embarrass President Truman. Old Doug faded away into the sunset. Perhaps we can expect the same of Bibi.
1
Netanyahu has inserted himself and tried to influence US Foreign policy and elections like no other world leader in history. He has disrespected President Obama and sought to embarrass , humiliate and be completely defiant of anything and everything the President and the State Department have advocated. He intentionally announces expansion of settlements at opportune times to ensure that whatever hopes of peace talks are evaporated. No other ally or nation so dependent on American aid and America's military might would act in such a way. But he thinks he can because he has the Israeli Lobby and the evangelicals behind him. As always Bibi thinks and needs to be the smartest man in the room and the most defiant . He is on the precipice with his attitude and his my way or the highway approach of turning Americans and America away from him and Israel. Just look at what is happening on the college campuses . Those are tomorrows voters and campaign contributors. Unless Bibi , and Israel act intelligently they will completely lose them and in the process America,
52
All true, Ben, but, by now, the whole world knows enough about Bibi's motivations, that the only effect will be to accelerate his own political-destruction. (Just think how much of their precious money, the Republicans will save by no longer having to prop-up the Israeli!)
2
The president (Executive Branch) still controls foreign policy. Obama should announce that the United Styates is terminating all military and financial support to Israel. If Americans want to fund an apartheid bully, let them do it as individuals. I resent my tax dollars doing anything in Israel other than supporting humanitarian aid.
2
If the economy in Israel is so good, they should begin picking up the costs of their defense spending themselves...
We need to wean them over time. If their economy is booming like everyone says, and ours is still hurting from the Bush Wars years here at home, why aren't Americans pushing for more of Israel's military support to be paid for by Israel, and not the US taxpayers.
Surely if Sheldon Adelson sunk all the millions he spends on influencing American elections (by his own account, not mine) into Israel's defense, there would be no need to further involve America in what was a very long, very expensive Create a Country project by the United Nations.
(The UN effectively birthed Israel. I don't understand why people object to the UN doing the same for Palestine now, and why the UN is so hated by Israel. Will they turn on US the same way in time?)
We need to wean them over time. If their economy is booming like everyone says, and ours is still hurting from the Bush Wars years here at home, why aren't Americans pushing for more of Israel's military support to be paid for by Israel, and not the US taxpayers.
Surely if Sheldon Adelson sunk all the millions he spends on influencing American elections (by his own account, not mine) into Israel's defense, there would be no need to further involve America in what was a very long, very expensive Create a Country project by the United Nations.
(The UN effectively birthed Israel. I don't understand why people object to the UN doing the same for Palestine now, and why the UN is so hated by Israel. Will they turn on US the same way in time?)
This insult to our democratically elected President should not be tolerated. Democrats should boycott that session of congress.
100
Boycott it ,to what purpose?
To seem like petulant brats taking
Their toys and going home?
In any civilized society,
Freedom of speech MUST
be tolerated.ThePresident
Has made his point,both
Personally and through his
Surrogates.time to move on.
To seem like petulant brats taking
Their toys and going home?
In any civilized society,
Freedom of speech MUST
be tolerated.ThePresident
Has made his point,both
Personally and through his
Surrogates.time to move on.
1
Except for the fact that it seems a bit 'puerile', itself, a boycott by Congreessional-Democrats might be just the kind of 'poke-in-the-eye' the Republicans need, just now.
2
I agree. Better than turning their backs or not applauding at a State of the Union address or any of the other things that make for a civil society and a civil representational body of government. Everything Washington does these days reminds me of my days as a middle school teacher when the girls in one group would get ugly with the girls in another. Tedious and non-productive.
4
Gimme break, please! Since when does any Fox newsie represent the opinion of the "average American?" imho, the deal for a Congressional speech reeks of disrespect, yes, but considering how "valued and respected" Congress is not to the average American, what's the big deal? Just more of the same and the usual politics in WDC.
6
What Netanyahu (and our Congress) fails to realize is that no one cares about Congress anymore. All he has to do is look at their approval ratings and ask his friend Dick Cheney what his thoughts are on how important Congress was.
18
Netanyahu has never been sane,just look at his record as prime minister and you know all about him.Do Americans not understand that the Israeli humiliates the US?Declare him "persona non grata" and send him back,with his ambassador,to where he belongs.
35
Naive enough to believe that the list of countries, having already the nuclear alternative available to them, does not include Israel ?
18
I agree, Mr. Friedman, and thanks for saying it. I worry about Israel's safety and hesitate to proscribe from such a safe distance. Yet, I find Netanyahu/Dermer's move foolish, self-important, & manipulative. Yuck. For Israel's Likud and U.S. Republicans to paint President Obama as anything other than supportive of Israel, is because neither can't bear criticism or when things don't go completely their way. It's just the authoritarian's undemocratic swipe against democratic processes -- if you can't win, subvert. And the authoritarian? Just pull back the curtain, Toto. And you're right, many Israelis feel the same way the Prime Minister and his party.
26
"Personally, I’m still dubious..."
You, Mr. Friedman, and LT Weinberg have that luxury. As long as he leads Israel, the buck stops with Mr. Netanyahu. Things left to themselves do not always turn out the best, including for Jews.
You, Mr. Friedman, and LT Weinberg have that luxury. As long as he leads Israel, the buck stops with Mr. Netanyahu. Things left to themselves do not always turn out the best, including for Jews.
3
Nobody is stopping Israel from starting any more wars.
Just please -- leave America's sons, daughters, and financial resources out of it. WE've paid enough already.
Israel should stop looking to Americans to protect them from the logical consequences of their actions. (Don't keep picking fights you need others to finish.)
Just please -- leave America's sons, daughters, and financial resources out of it. WE've paid enough already.
Israel should stop looking to Americans to protect them from the logical consequences of their actions. (Don't keep picking fights you need others to finish.)
4
Friedman makes some good points. However, if our president showed a bit more concern for the interests and concerns of Israel, whose very survival is always threatened by their neighbor's, and a little less love for Iran, none of this would have happened.
Don't pin this all on Netanyahu or on Boehner. Obama shoulders a large part of this. He needs to just watch the daily Isis murders and people burning so to understand who we are dealing with.
Oh, pls don't bring up Iraq war vote. He had nothing to lose back then. And practically every democrat who had something on the line voted for it, from Biden to Hillary onwards.
Don't pin this all on Netanyahu or on Boehner. Obama shoulders a large part of this. He needs to just watch the daily Isis murders and people burning so to understand who we are dealing with.
Oh, pls don't bring up Iraq war vote. He had nothing to lose back then. And practically every democrat who had something on the line voted for it, from Biden to Hillary onwards.
42
No excuses.
Obama was not in the Senate when the Iraq vote took place.
This is not the first time Bibi has insulted your president, and, by extension, your nation, by his arrogant behavior.
Enough is enough.
We, who live in a rational universe, understand the gravity of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. We also understand that going to war should be a LAST resort.
Obama was not in the Senate when the Iraq vote took place.
This is not the first time Bibi has insulted your president, and, by extension, your nation, by his arrogant behavior.
Enough is enough.
We, who live in a rational universe, understand the gravity of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. We also understand that going to war should be a LAST resort.
37
It is really amazing how conservatives can forget. The Democratic vote on the Iraq war resolution was 126 - 82 against. The Democratic vote in the Senate 29 - 21 in favor.
And that was after receiving tons of lying info from the Bust, er, Bush administration.
And that was after receiving tons of lying info from the Bust, er, Bush administration.
5
I don't blame Obama for distancing himself from Israel particularly following their Gaza onslaught where they killed over 2000 civilians Inc 530 children.
8
I'm surprised that Mr. Netanyahu has such political blinders on that he is aligning himself with John Boehner. Netanyahu has always been a savvy and aggressive politician, a bellicose man but one who uses his voice for more than empty bluster.
Boehner, on the other hand, has accomplished little during his tenure as Speaker of the House. He cannot even keep his own party in line, much less mount an effective opposition to President Obama, and he certainly hasn't been able to propose any real solutions this country's problems (or Israel's). I am surprised that Netanyahu is willing to play the stooge for Boehner's spiteful little tantrum, which is really all this invitation is. Bibi is being used as a pawn in Boehner's attempt to show his muscle, a muscle that he has not flexed successfully in years.
I had thought Bibi was smarter than this. There are far more effective ways that he could score points for having the US take the hard line against Iran. The most obvious would be to confront Obama directly. Instead, Netanyahu is playing second fiddle to Boehner in a fight that has little to do with changing America's policies regarding Israel and Iran, but has everything to do with Boehner's ongoing attempts to one-up a president who has managed to survive all of the GOP's previous assaults.
The likely outcome is that Bibi's presence will not elevate Boehner's political clout. It's more likely that Boehner will just bring Bibi down to his level, and Obama will come out on top.
Boehner, on the other hand, has accomplished little during his tenure as Speaker of the House. He cannot even keep his own party in line, much less mount an effective opposition to President Obama, and he certainly hasn't been able to propose any real solutions this country's problems (or Israel's). I am surprised that Netanyahu is willing to play the stooge for Boehner's spiteful little tantrum, which is really all this invitation is. Bibi is being used as a pawn in Boehner's attempt to show his muscle, a muscle that he has not flexed successfully in years.
I had thought Bibi was smarter than this. There are far more effective ways that he could score points for having the US take the hard line against Iran. The most obvious would be to confront Obama directly. Instead, Netanyahu is playing second fiddle to Boehner in a fight that has little to do with changing America's policies regarding Israel and Iran, but has everything to do with Boehner's ongoing attempts to one-up a president who has managed to survive all of the GOP's previous assaults.
The likely outcome is that Bibi's presence will not elevate Boehner's political clout. It's more likely that Boehner will just bring Bibi down to his level, and Obama will come out on top.
13
Isn't it high time for America, Israel's sole benefactor, to have its own foreign policy unchained to that of Israel's? This brash move will more than likely precipitate a weakening, and not strengthening, of US-Israeli relations.
901
Last time I looked, Barack Obama was the President of THE UNITED STATES. Not Israel. To suggest that anyone who thinks he should put our national interests ahead of Israel's is automatically a jew hater is disingenuous at best.
We are inexorably being drawn into a war we don't want, can't afford, and don't need in order to protect OUR (America's) national interests. The president is right to pursue a diplomatic outcome. It seems that congress should be supporting him. Just say'in.
We are inexorably being drawn into a war we don't want, can't afford, and don't need in order to protect OUR (America's) national interests. The president is right to pursue a diplomatic outcome. It seems that congress should be supporting him. Just say'in.
18
I'm sure the Chinese would love that considering all the multi-billion dollar tech deals Israel could have made with China but turned down in deference to US strategic interests. In fact, Israel even just last week turned down a giant military deal with Nigeria at the US' request. And the US defense industry that thrives on Israeli military purchases which it is required to do for its military insistence will also be relieved along with many of the industry's employees, too.
2
"We surely don’t want Iran to get a bomb that sets off a nuclear arms race in an already unstable Middle East."
How about this idea: disarm Israel of the atomic weapons it already has. Surely that would be an incentive for Iran to stop any supposed development of nuclear weapons.
Mr Netanyahu does not respect the President nor the large numbers of Americans who are unhappy with the Israeli government.
How about this idea: disarm Israel of the atomic weapons it already has. Surely that would be an incentive for Iran to stop any supposed development of nuclear weapons.
Mr Netanyahu does not respect the President nor the large numbers of Americans who are unhappy with the Israeli government.
49
For starters I fully agree with Mr. Friedman’s observations that having Mr. Netanyahu address (lobby) our Congress is a very bad idea. I particularly like him imagining our President addressing the Knesset, even better were it to be at the same time Mr. Netanyahu is lecturing our Congress.
President Obama could inform the Knesset that we are ending our annual stipend of some $3.5 billion (approx. $500 for each man, woman & child in Israel) and have decided instead to spend the funds fixing up our own roads & bridges. He could point out how duplicitous it is for Israel’s Prime Minister to attack an agreement with Iran to restrict its atomic energy program to peaceful objectives when Israel itself has a covert arsenal of at least 200 nuclear weapons, won’t sign the NPT and refuses to join the IAEA or let its inspectors visit its nuclear establishments.
For me it’s perfectly OK for Mr. Adelson to support a foreign country even ‘tho he is an American citizen. However what isn’t OK is for him to shovel his millions into the AIPAC so that it can buy our members of Congress – not so hard when they have their hands out 24/7 – to support “aid” to a country that seems not to appreciate our continued support
President Obama could inform the Knesset that we are ending our annual stipend of some $3.5 billion (approx. $500 for each man, woman & child in Israel) and have decided instead to spend the funds fixing up our own roads & bridges. He could point out how duplicitous it is for Israel’s Prime Minister to attack an agreement with Iran to restrict its atomic energy program to peaceful objectives when Israel itself has a covert arsenal of at least 200 nuclear weapons, won’t sign the NPT and refuses to join the IAEA or let its inspectors visit its nuclear establishments.
For me it’s perfectly OK for Mr. Adelson to support a foreign country even ‘tho he is an American citizen. However what isn’t OK is for him to shovel his millions into the AIPAC so that it can buy our members of Congress – not so hard when they have their hands out 24/7 – to support “aid” to a country that seems not to appreciate our continued support
365
This liberal democrat will never again support israel. Iran can get nukes or not... it is no longer any of my concern.
47
It may be when the nukes come over here.
2
"I've polled my non-Jewish friends.." says Mr. Friedman.
That struck me as bizarre. The implication is that he polled his non-Jewish friends because his Jewish friends couldn't be expected to be objective on the topic of Israel. Well, here is one Jew, to be equally unscientific about polling, who believes both Boehner and Netanyahu are wrong, wrong, wrong.
That struck me as bizarre. The implication is that he polled his non-Jewish friends because his Jewish friends couldn't be expected to be objective on the topic of Israel. Well, here is one Jew, to be equally unscientific about polling, who believes both Boehner and Netanyahu are wrong, wrong, wrong.
118
I think you took this the wrong way. Non-Jews have less of a stake in the future of Israel and as such yes, their views could reflect a more objective opinion.
As a Jew and an American, I found it interesting, and heartening, that there seems to be universal condemnation of these Netanyahu-Boehner shenanigans.
As a Jew and an American, I found it interesting, and heartening, that there seems to be universal condemnation of these Netanyahu-Boehner shenanigans.
3
I've polled many of my friends, both Jewish and non-Jewish. The result: indistinguishable reactions between the Jewish and non-Jewish; namely, an insult by Netanyahu to our country and not in Israel's interest.
5
It also suggests he has a small sampling group of "non Jewish friends".
Seriously, in 2015, who categorizes their friends this way??
What do your Muslim-American friends think, Tom? Might want to check in with them specifically too. And your black friends? Please, break down the sample set for us of "non Jewish friends". lol.
Talk about identity-baiting your "friendships"...
Seriously, in 2015, who categorizes their friends this way??
What do your Muslim-American friends think, Tom? Might want to check in with them specifically too. And your black friends? Please, break down the sample set for us of "non Jewish friends". lol.
Talk about identity-baiting your "friendships"...
4
You admit a deal is unlikely, yet you argue for more status quo? Iran is getting away with murder, literally. A move by American Republicans now will indeed send a message to Iran that they are playing with fire.
Your argument to "leave America alone" is empty and meaningless. America is a sleeping giant. By the time the giant awakes, it will be too late.
Your argument to "leave America alone" is empty and meaningless. America is a sleeping giant. By the time the giant awakes, it will be too late.
7
Yes, I found that puzzling as well. Quibbling over protocol and "churlish" behavior while acknowledging Netanyahu's concerns and the likelihood that a deal will not achieve its goal.
So Netanyahu is right but should behave better? Wouldn't want the president to be shown up and allow the republicans to score points, I suppose.
So Netanyahu is right but should behave better? Wouldn't want the president to be shown up and allow the republicans to score points, I suppose.
9
And what does it say about the Speaker of the House? Disgraceful!
33
You make some good points that had not occurred to me before. I wonder if Mr. Netanyahu sees himself as a friend of the U.S. Right now he doesn't seem to.
6
What's Boehner's motive? To insult the president of the U.S.
What's Netanyahu's motive? To excite his voting base in Israel.
What's Obama's motive? To stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon without starting a 3rd 21's Century American war.
If there are any clear-thinking Republicans left they should counsel Boehner to reign in his small-minded behavior; it insults the prestige of the Congress and his party, not the president. Netanyahu should know better, but his part in this orchestrated insult is only undermining American support for Israel.
What's Netanyahu's motive? To excite his voting base in Israel.
What's Obama's motive? To stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon without starting a 3rd 21's Century American war.
If there are any clear-thinking Republicans left they should counsel Boehner to reign in his small-minded behavior; it insults the prestige of the Congress and his party, not the president. Netanyahu should know better, but his part in this orchestrated insult is only undermining American support for Israel.
74
The mistake for the USA is that the Israelis have been manipulating our nation for years, not that they went too far and let us know it. For Israel a mistake, for America a warning that our greatest ally thinks we are easily manipulated chumps. But any observant American already knew this. Why didn't Friedman mention that Dermer was once an American citizen before he gave up his citizenship to become the Israeli Ambassador, and Bibi's brain.
39
The truth of the matter is that Obama after a series of foreign policy failures of almost colossal proportions generates absolutely no trust among many Israelis. His famous red line on Syria, the rise of ISIS and the debacles in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the failure to do anything to stop Putin in the Ukraine, leaves little room for confidence in anything Obama says. The West has become impotent and the US is no longer a reliable partner.
Hence, it's no wonder that Netanyahu accepts an invitation from the Republican Congress. After all, the deal Obama is cooking up with Iran will be a cosmetic solution designed to avoid any further confrontation which fits in with Obama's overall paralysis in foreign affairs. The concept that Iran will be held to a one year break out period regarding development of an atomic weapon is ridiculous. The Iranians will certainly get the bomb since all the West really wants is the illusion of a good agreement. Look at Syria - Obama has dithered for years about what to do there and now ISIS controls a huge territory.
Israel needs to forget Obama and pray for a Republican victory in 2016.
Hence, it's no wonder that Netanyahu accepts an invitation from the Republican Congress. After all, the deal Obama is cooking up with Iran will be a cosmetic solution designed to avoid any further confrontation which fits in with Obama's overall paralysis in foreign affairs. The concept that Iran will be held to a one year break out period regarding development of an atomic weapon is ridiculous. The Iranians will certainly get the bomb since all the West really wants is the illusion of a good agreement. Look at Syria - Obama has dithered for years about what to do there and now ISIS controls a huge territory.
Israel needs to forget Obama and pray for a Republican victory in 2016.
7
If you would have thousands of young Americans killed in what, increasingly , is understood as a futile, and misdirected war then ,by all means, wish for a Republican victory in 2016.
13
Israelis are not Obama's constituency, Americans are.
8
Not if I have anything to do with it.
1
"For Israel’s leader to so obviously throw his lot in with the Republicans against a Democratic president is reckless." It is also a blight on the Republicans who have walked a thin line to oppose Obama on EVERYTHING. That effort now extends to weakening America in the international stage by allowing a foreign politician to campaign to oppose American Foreign policy and in the process campaign for re-election in his country. Is there some reason that Netanyahu and Republicans consider this President and the Presidency to be unworthy of respect? Does one owe the President and the Presidency simple polite deference and reschedule this important speech through normal channels, The State Department, to a time after the Israeli election? If not why not?
30
An excellent commentary on a terrible situation. It also makes crystal clear how little Mr. Boehner understands the intricacies of diplomacy and/or how little he cares about the real well-being of the United States (and Israel).
39
That's the problem he shouldn't be concerned about the well being of Israel. According to our Constitution he is third in line to the president to protect the interests of the USA no one else.
3
Treason.
warmonger chickenhawk Boehner invites a warmonger foreigner here to screech for more war.
If Bibi wants war, let him and Israel have war. Nothing is stopping him from attacking Iran. Go do it.
But leave us out of it.
Saying success in a war with Iran is "hardly assured" is the understatement of the century. War with Iran will make Afghanistan and Iraq look like a picnic. The BEST case scenario is that it confirms the US war on Islam turning every Muslim on Earth against us, and Iran will sink ships in the Strait of Hormuz leading to $8-10/gallon oil crushing the world economy. The power vacuum left after our win will here more terrorists than you can imagine. And that's the BEST case scenario assuming we "win"
More likely we'll lose.
Homeland security should deny Bibi entry. Let him eat that cake
And then we should rescind our support of Israel until they stop building illegal settlements.
Just who exactly does he think he is?
warmonger chickenhawk Boehner invites a warmonger foreigner here to screech for more war.
If Bibi wants war, let him and Israel have war. Nothing is stopping him from attacking Iran. Go do it.
But leave us out of it.
Saying success in a war with Iran is "hardly assured" is the understatement of the century. War with Iran will make Afghanistan and Iraq look like a picnic. The BEST case scenario is that it confirms the US war on Islam turning every Muslim on Earth against us, and Iran will sink ships in the Strait of Hormuz leading to $8-10/gallon oil crushing the world economy. The power vacuum left after our win will here more terrorists than you can imagine. And that's the BEST case scenario assuming we "win"
More likely we'll lose.
Homeland security should deny Bibi entry. Let him eat that cake
And then we should rescind our support of Israel until they stop building illegal settlements.
Just who exactly does he think he is?
253
Just who exactly does he think he is?
May I quote Led Zepplin?
"We are ... your OverLords!"
(AIPAC has convinced Netanyahu that he owns the US Congress. Why shouldn't he address his people, the lesser Gentiles, even the Muslim Americans, who either would not be allowed in, or would know their place in his kingdom... This is not America, folks. Don't confuse the two.)
May I quote Led Zepplin?
"We are ... your OverLords!"
(AIPAC has convinced Netanyahu that he owns the US Congress. Why shouldn't he address his people, the lesser Gentiles, even the Muslim Americans, who either would not be allowed in, or would know their place in his kingdom... This is not America, folks. Don't confuse the two.)
4
Israel doesn't control Washington? News to me.
34
Boehner and Netanyahu has done more to advance the course of Anti-Semitism, and anti Israeli sentiment, then they are willing t acknowledge. Boehner is just a walking, racist, vengeful 17th century body without a brain, but Netanyahu should strategically know that this is a big mistake.
40
The primary target is Israel. We cannot put our future in the hands of others.
It may not have been the wisest decision but we have to do whatever we can
to make certain that Iran does not go nuclear - no matter what the consequences.
It may not have been the wisest decision but we have to do whatever we can
to make certain that Iran does not go nuclear - no matter what the consequences.
7
"It may not have been the wisest decision but we have to do whatever we can
to make certain that Iran does not go nuclear - no matter what the consequences."
No matter what the consequences?
We Americans are ever more getting the impression that, on the subject of Iran, as well as on other subjects, all too many Israelis seem perfectly comfortable with conclusions and positions that have no consideration of any consequences.
Well, you certainly don't make strange bedfellows with Republicans.
to make certain that Iran does not go nuclear - no matter what the consequences."
No matter what the consequences?
We Americans are ever more getting the impression that, on the subject of Iran, as well as on other subjects, all too many Israelis seem perfectly comfortable with conclusions and positions that have no consideration of any consequences.
Well, you certainly don't make strange bedfellows with Republicans.
8
"... but we have to do whatever we can to make certain that Iran does not go nuclear- no matter what the consequences"
Agreed. This means that if Israel really believes that the only solution is to attack Iran, then it is Israel who will have to send its own military across the Iranian border instead of constantly bullying and bribing the United States into doing its dirty work. For over sixty years, the American taxpayer has willingly and gladly provided Israel with the means to be the strongest military in the Middle East, to have the most sophisticated weaponry, and of course, to be possessors of the ultimate power of a nuclear arsenal.
Too much America treasure and American blood has flowed already into the quicksands of the eternal misery that is the Middle East. The next war with Iran is yours and yours alone, Israel.
Agreed. This means that if Israel really believes that the only solution is to attack Iran, then it is Israel who will have to send its own military across the Iranian border instead of constantly bullying and bribing the United States into doing its dirty work. For over sixty years, the American taxpayer has willingly and gladly provided Israel with the means to be the strongest military in the Middle East, to have the most sophisticated weaponry, and of course, to be possessors of the ultimate power of a nuclear arsenal.
Too much America treasure and American blood has flowed already into the quicksands of the eternal misery that is the Middle East. The next war with Iran is yours and yours alone, Israel.
6
I read almost all of Mr. Friedman's columns and generally find him knowledgeable and sensible but not in this case. Mr. Friedman claims that the actions of Netanyahu in planning to come to congress is reckless and dangerous to Israeli-American relations but President Obama has already endangered Israeli-American relations with his anti-Israeli rhetoric and largely weak response to Iran who pose a a very serious threat to Israel's existence. The Iranians, I believe, know that our President in reality is weak and incompetent when it comes to foreign policy and they don't fear a military response which our president has taken off the table. The result is that the Iranians are rushing headlong in building nuclear weapons while using negotiations as a ruse to buy time.
The sentence that what Netanyahu is doing is "offensive" to the "average American" is nonsense. Almost none of the Times contributors knows or is representative of the "average American" who either doesn't know or care what John Boehner is doing.
In my opinion Israel is our only real ally in the middle-east while Iran is run by a bunch of messianic mullahs who murder their own people, are largely corrupt, contemptuous of President Obama and would likely want to kill every Jew in Israel even if it meant the destruction of much of Iran.
I say bravo to John Boehner who is doing what President Obama should have done, make Netanyahu welcome to our country.
The sentence that what Netanyahu is doing is "offensive" to the "average American" is nonsense. Almost none of the Times contributors knows or is representative of the "average American" who either doesn't know or care what John Boehner is doing.
In my opinion Israel is our only real ally in the middle-east while Iran is run by a bunch of messianic mullahs who murder their own people, are largely corrupt, contemptuous of President Obama and would likely want to kill every Jew in Israel even if it meant the destruction of much of Iran.
I say bravo to John Boehner who is doing what President Obama should have done, make Netanyahu welcome to our country.
9
Here's an average American who IS offended by this bullying end run around well understood diplomatic roles and the implication that the opposition party can run is own foreign policy. Netanyahu and Dermer: cynical, well matched bullies. Boehner: cynical, insecurely positioned in his own caucus, not too bright.
9
Replace "weak and incompetent" with wise - and you might come to a better understanding of our history and the tens of thousand of Americans killed in misguide and useless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
5
If Obama "is weak and incompetent when it comes to foreign policy", what was Bush?
5
Bibi lacks principles and diplomatic acumen. Remember how during the January 11 "Charlie Hebdo" march in Paris he was waving to the crowds like a star and inviting French jews to move to Israel where they would be safe. That raised the hackles of the President and the Prime Minister at least. Boehmer should resign!
32
As I write these lines, there is but one comment - and a good one - that of Mr. Hudson. Are we "paralyzed on this issue?
Tom Friedman is absolutely correct. Unfortunately for him, he is ahead of the game, which is why he often gets vehemently criticized. He's just too smart and is too clear.
But the issue can't be more important. The military option is fraught with huge risks and damage so absolutely everything should be done to avoid it. If people/politicians have strong opinions to the contrary, then they should voice them in private. What is the point of this public spectacle? Completely irresponsible and, yes, dangerous. Congrats Tom, for saying it like it is once again.
Tom Friedman is absolutely correct. Unfortunately for him, he is ahead of the game, which is why he often gets vehemently criticized. He's just too smart and is too clear.
But the issue can't be more important. The military option is fraught with huge risks and damage so absolutely everything should be done to avoid it. If people/politicians have strong opinions to the contrary, then they should voice them in private. What is the point of this public spectacle? Completely irresponsible and, yes, dangerous. Congrats Tom, for saying it like it is once again.
19
Mr. Obama in his State of the Union did a Mel Gibson for the sheer pleasure of lifting his kilt and displaying his bottom to his ideological adversaries ... and Boehner somehow is making a bad mistake. This is not a compelling argument.
The president manages foreign affairs, but the new undivided congressional majority fundamentally disagrees with how he's been doing that, particularly in his approach to Iran; and some seem to believe that Congress has no choice but to shut up and take it for two more years. That conviction has been tested and found invalid. There will be no doubt where Republicans stood on the administration's serial caves to Iran when a mushroom cloud appears over a Persian desert test site; and we see the entire Middle East massively destabilized as a consequence.
And THAT'S what Mr. Obama can't abide. Netanyahu's speech will be on record; and the world will have a stake in the ground to later measure against whatever history actually develops.
Tom pulls completely out of ... his hat ... any connection between this speech and a future U.S. compulsion to use force against Iran. What we'll need to do will be governed by events, not by the speech; and what we'd certainly do if we saw that mushroom cloud is immediately re-impose crushing sanctions -- even if it's left to another president to do it. And the suggestion that Netanyahu, indeed the world, doesn't have a stake in our politics and should "lie low" is ... just astonishingly innocent.
The president manages foreign affairs, but the new undivided congressional majority fundamentally disagrees with how he's been doing that, particularly in his approach to Iran; and some seem to believe that Congress has no choice but to shut up and take it for two more years. That conviction has been tested and found invalid. There will be no doubt where Republicans stood on the administration's serial caves to Iran when a mushroom cloud appears over a Persian desert test site; and we see the entire Middle East massively destabilized as a consequence.
And THAT'S what Mr. Obama can't abide. Netanyahu's speech will be on record; and the world will have a stake in the ground to later measure against whatever history actually develops.
Tom pulls completely out of ... his hat ... any connection between this speech and a future U.S. compulsion to use force against Iran. What we'll need to do will be governed by events, not by the speech; and what we'd certainly do if we saw that mushroom cloud is immediately re-impose crushing sanctions -- even if it's left to another president to do it. And the suggestion that Netanyahu, indeed the world, doesn't have a stake in our politics and should "lie low" is ... just astonishingly innocent.
7
Netanyahu isn't allowing the Obama narrative the unchallenged space it needs to survive. He is going to crush it with a heavy dose of reality.
The thought of "narratives" being presented as terms to these negotiations is understandably terrifying to Netanyahu.
The thought of "narratives" being presented as terms to these negotiations is understandably terrifying to Netanyahu.
8
Your vulgar analogy at the start of your comment does not go well with the gravitas of the moment.
15
Whatever the position of the Republicans maybe…rather I know what it is: stop negotiations and bomb Iran's sites. The fact is that this is a challenge to the Presidency (not Obama) of the United States by a foreign state and the Republicans are collaborating to the act in the heart of our country. It is a blow to our institutions and the country should rise against it and not excuse it as this commentator is doing.
6
The news of Israeli Ambassador's meeting with Secretary Kerry brought to mind the ploy by Japanese diplomats to continue peace negotiations with the US until just 30 minutes before the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. It was part of the Japanese surprise attack strategy, an evil act.
Israel depends on the US for its survival and would not exist in the first place without the support we have provided over decades. Insulting our President and Secretary of State, spitting in their faces, puts Netanyahu and his fellow travelers in very bad company.
Israel depends on the US for its survival and would not exist in the first place without the support we have provided over decades. Insulting our President and Secretary of State, spitting in their faces, puts Netanyahu and his fellow travelers in very bad company.
53
BiBi ' s stuck between a rock and a hard place all by his own doing. If he continues on collision course to Congress he's in big trouble and if he decides to decline the invitation he'll look like a vulnerable flip flop flopper.
7
Maybe he could back out easily, saying he is afraid of being targeted by a drone attack here in our country, and just stay home safely in his IronDome bubble that we've all bought him?
3
This is a foolish move by Natanyahu. Remember he endorsed Romney at the last election and involved himself and Israel in an issue that is not in Israels best interest. Natanyahu has his own problems without mixing in US politics. Does he not realize that the Republicans want to embarrass President Obama and upset diplomatic protocal. As a supporter of Israel I am offended.
Frank
Frank
26
When this speech happens, Netanyahu will have addressed congress the same amount of times as Winston Churchill.
7
Netanyahu is entrusted by his voters with the security of his country; suggestions that his actions are based in his desire to remain PM are wholly without any evidential basis. Moreover, it flies in the face of reason: Netanyahu knew full well that his speech would infuriate Obama and that Netanyahu would then be attacked by his political rivals for damaging relations with the US. But he chose to make the speech anyway. So, rather than being self-serving, Netanyahu's speech will be made despite the fact that it gives ammunition to his rivals (and to those elsewhere in the world who hate Israel).
The dithering and pusillanimity of the Obama administration in the face of the evil emanating from the Mullahs in Iran has, over the last six years, become almost a joke -- like the "pink" line Obama drew in the sand with Syria (which, of course, has enabled Assad to continue slaughtering his people and created evils such as ISIS). Now the Mullahs are on the cusp of producing a nuclear weapon, and, even more interesting to Westerners, an intercontinental delivery system -- a system wholly unnecessary for the planned barbaric attack on Israel, but a necessity for threatening Europe and the US. Netanyahu knows that Obama is desperate for some agreement, any agreement, that will enable him to claim with a straight face that there is no need for military action. Netanyahu's speech will urge action that will defend Israel, yes, but action that will defend the US as well.
The dithering and pusillanimity of the Obama administration in the face of the evil emanating from the Mullahs in Iran has, over the last six years, become almost a joke -- like the "pink" line Obama drew in the sand with Syria (which, of course, has enabled Assad to continue slaughtering his people and created evils such as ISIS). Now the Mullahs are on the cusp of producing a nuclear weapon, and, even more interesting to Westerners, an intercontinental delivery system -- a system wholly unnecessary for the planned barbaric attack on Israel, but a necessity for threatening Europe and the US. Netanyahu knows that Obama is desperate for some agreement, any agreement, that will enable him to claim with a straight face that there is no need for military action. Netanyahu's speech will urge action that will defend Israel, yes, but action that will defend the US as well.
9
So you are saying Mr. Netanyahu is coming to America to scare us into believing a Middle East country will hit us here in the United States with nuclear weapons if we don't got in and overthrow their government and invade?
Wait, I read this story before...
Only the uneducated evangelicals will buy it again.
Wait, I read this story before...
Only the uneducated evangelicals will buy it again.
5
The Israeli demand that foreign states comply with international nuclear practices while Israel secretly owns hundreds of nukes is downright hypocritical, and the fact that the current Israeli ambassador to the United States is a former American who renounced his U.S. Citizenship is downright treasonous.
60
Netanyahu first inserted himself into our politics by openly campaigning for Willard Romney, here in the US, during our 2012 Presidential election. Netanyahu has joined, already, in the republicans repeated attempts to denigrate the President.
Netanyahu has been pimping a US war with Iran for 20 years already. He highly prefers to see American blood and treasure wasted in perpetual war in the Middle East.
The US has been abusing Iran since deposing an elected government there in 1953, to arming Saddam Hussein to fight Iran, giving Saddam Hussein satellite imagery to improve his use of chemicals WMD's, to shooting down Iran Air 655, trying to starve Iran, cyber nuking Iran.
It is always sickening to hear someone like Mr. Friedman, who has never worn a uniform, never been to war, casually suggest we might "have" to go to war with Iran.
Well, if you thought Iraq was a disaster, and it was, Iran is four times larger, with four times the population, and something the US military has not faced since Viet Nam. An army that will stand and fight.
Maybe you, as Country Joe sang,
"..could be the first one on your block,
to have your boy come home in a box".
Netanyahu has been pimping a US war with Iran for 20 years already. He highly prefers to see American blood and treasure wasted in perpetual war in the Middle East.
The US has been abusing Iran since deposing an elected government there in 1953, to arming Saddam Hussein to fight Iran, giving Saddam Hussein satellite imagery to improve his use of chemicals WMD's, to shooting down Iran Air 655, trying to starve Iran, cyber nuking Iran.
It is always sickening to hear someone like Mr. Friedman, who has never worn a uniform, never been to war, casually suggest we might "have" to go to war with Iran.
Well, if you thought Iraq was a disaster, and it was, Iran is four times larger, with four times the population, and something the US military has not faced since Viet Nam. An army that will stand and fight.
Maybe you, as Country Joe sang,
"..could be the first one on your block,
to have your boy come home in a box".
86
It would be interesting to see if David Brooks' boy puts on an American uniform if we "have" to attack Iran to protect Israel, as Mr. Friedman suggests.
Anybody know if Friedman has any military-aged sons, and who they fight for?
Anybody know if Friedman has any military-aged sons, and who they fight for?
4
An excellent comment by Tom Friedman and right on the nail. Bibi is living in a parallel universe. He came to France to march with the leaders against the terrorists threats, but he does not realise that his policies are driving the anti-Israel stance of many people in Europe. The great majority of people in Europe, from France to Germany and the UK are NOT anti-semitic, but they have become anti-Israel, myself included. In Bibi's world these are one and the same, but they are not. It is the strong who have to make concessions - see South Africa and de Klerk. Hopefully they will then find a "mandela" to work with. The present Israel policies are a disaster - for the Isrealis and all the middle east.
58
Actually, according to Haretz, Netanyahu was specifically uninvited to the event in Paris by Hollande, and went anyway. One face that is missing from the picture is that of Sarkozy, who was pushed aside by Shin Bet operatives so that Netanyahu could appear in that front line.
I think Hetanyahu does not have friends in the French government past, present, or future.
I think Hetanyahu does not have friends in the French government past, present, or future.
4
This move by the Republican leadership of the House, a former Republican operative in the guise of an Israeli diplomat, and the Prime Minister of Israel, who harbors ill-will towards the twice duly elected, Democratic President of the US is an insult to our country and its two party system. It serves only to demean our sovereignty as a nation.
98
For Boehner to invite a foreign head of state to address Congress is obviously an encroachment on the Executive branch. One has to wonder about his true motive. Is it about campaign contributions? What is the underlying assumption here? How can there be any positive results from this bone-headed scheme?
32
The underlying assumption should be that this is about politics.
When the president encroaches on the authority of the US Congress through his executive actions, the very same people now outraged over "protocol" are the first to defend his actions.
It's not as though the president hasn't broken protocol himself by attacking the Israeli ambassador in the NYT.
When the president encroaches on the authority of the US Congress through his executive actions, the very same people now outraged over "protocol" are the first to defend his actions.
It's not as though the president hasn't broken protocol himself by attacking the Israeli ambassador in the NYT.
8
AACNY, the president didn't attack the Israeli ambassador in the NYT or anywhere else.
But I do like how the right-wing has now tried to co-opt the phrase "broken protocol" as a way to conflate anything Obama has done with this situation.
But I do like how the right-wing has now tried to co-opt the phrase "broken protocol" as a way to conflate anything Obama has done with this situation.
3
Israel does not need or require a back room gambit like this. It reenforces all the anti-Israel, anti-Semetic nonsense that is cooked up by the fringes of the political spectrum to demonize the Little Land by the Sea. In his unending hate campaign against the President, Mr. Boehner has succeeded in proving himself to be an amoral scoundrel who kowtows to whomever has the most cash.
72
Well said! If Boehner et al. think this will convert Jewish voters who are Democrats into Republicans they are most certainly wrong. If Netanyahu thinks this will make Americans of any background feel closer to Israel he's wrong. The stupidity, short sightedness and incompetence of conceiving and proceeding with this speech rival that of the Iraq invasion.
92
President Obama came to Israel when he was running for office. Was he also inappropriate? Mr. Nethanyahu should be allowed to voice his opinion in any forum that invites him, as should those with other opinions. Remember, the CIA had assured America that Iran had no nuclear ambitions when Israel was saying the opposite. Who was right?
8
Ah, yes, and we were once assured that Israel had no nuclear ambitions, and then they smuggled in the uranium and suddenly had the bomb. Let every country who wants to expend the enormous sums involved go ahead and build bombs. Why should Israel, which developed their nuclear capabilities in secret and against the policies of the United States, be the only country allowed to get away with it? From what I see, Israel is no different than all the other tribal countries in that area of the world, and if they all are so deep in the dark ages that they want to bomb each other, by all means allow them to do so.
28
Netanyahu's dalliance with the Republicans, embarrasing the President and breaking protocol is another reminder of the special relationship and the power Israel has over top politicians. Per international law, US domestic law, and common sense, Israel doesn’t deserve any support until it abandons isolationism and accepts that it can’t steal other people’s land, and stops blockading and withdraws its soldiers and settlers, all there illegally, from those places
Israel is, militarily, the most powerful country in the Middle East, by far. Removing our support for the Israeli government (which we are legally required to do when it engages in illegality) will not put Israelis in danger. It will pressure the Israeli government to stop doing what endangers Israelis, which is committing aggressive acts against Israel’s neighbors.
If Israel ends its status as a consistent violator of human rights, decolonizes Palestine, and respects its neighbors, it could be a pleasure – and legal – to work with and support Israel.
Germany, Japan, and South Africa went from being the most reviled countries on Earth to being some of the most admired. Maybe Israel could undergo the same transformation, but not unless we, US citizens, help by ceasing to enable Israeli war crimes by illegally supporting them.
Israel is, militarily, the most powerful country in the Middle East, by far. Removing our support for the Israeli government (which we are legally required to do when it engages in illegality) will not put Israelis in danger. It will pressure the Israeli government to stop doing what endangers Israelis, which is committing aggressive acts against Israel’s neighbors.
If Israel ends its status as a consistent violator of human rights, decolonizes Palestine, and respects its neighbors, it could be a pleasure – and legal – to work with and support Israel.
Germany, Japan, and South Africa went from being the most reviled countries on Earth to being some of the most admired. Maybe Israel could undergo the same transformation, but not unless we, US citizens, help by ceasing to enable Israeli war crimes by illegally supporting them.
49
Tom, isn't it obvious.Ron Dermer the Israeli ambassador started out as a Republican campaign operative under the tutelage of Frank Luntz the Republican pollster.This is all about the politics of 2016 where the solidly Democratic vote in Florida might be influenced to vote for the Republican candidate for President because he is "the real friend of Israel".This is a cynical political ploy, nothing more.It is an insult to the American people.
228
We democrats in Florida don't need Ron Dermer to spell out who is Israel's friend - Obama did that for me all by himself!
Israeli politicians expect American Jews leap to attention, scream "Ahm Yisroel Chai!" write their representative and a check. No more Bibi. Israel, and in particular Likud, has run out of blank checks.
8
it's too bad the President doesn't have veto power over this
foreign intrusion on our congress. It's the height of disrespect
and every democrat should boycott Netanyahu's appearance
by not attending. Ron Dermer 's portfolio should also be
denied - since when does Israel have the right to mess in
our politics .Speaker Boehner should be ashamed of himself
- what a fiasco!
foreign intrusion on our congress. It's the height of disrespect
and every democrat should boycott Netanyahu's appearance
by not attending. Ron Dermer 's portfolio should also be
denied - since when does Israel have the right to mess in
our politics .Speaker Boehner should be ashamed of himself
- what a fiasco!
129
The Prime Minister of Israel should go ahead and make it a complete campaign swing by also appearing on Fox and Friends and don't forget to be interviewed by Rush Limbaugh. While he's at it hit a few evangelical broadcasting stations and Glenn Beck would love to have a sit down with him on The Blaze. C'mon Bibi lets do this thing!
37
I am sorry i have to admit am impressed with Mr. Friedman on this opinion. Am not normally his fan when it comes to Middle East; he's an establishment journalist with deep belief in America and its allies to be involved in all problems of the world. Involvement that causes more deaths and suffering than peace. For this article am really impressed with him.
11
Why is the US letting a foreign leader meddle in it affairs. A sure sign of Americas wearing power.
15
Why would the President or any American fear or resent hearing what Netanyahu has to say? Are they afraid he might be too convincing?
10
Not at all. I just think that out of fairness, Congress should also allow the leader of Hamas to address them. Then we might be able to take both accounts and actually figure out where the truth lies.
36
So now Hamas is the legitimate "political" party representing The Palestinians? What happened to Abbas? Speak Netanyahu! Speak loud and clear so someone in America hears!
1
What we have is a situation where the tail is trying to wag the dog.
What the Administration should do is inform Netanyahu, in private, before the speech, that it will announce to the Israeli electorate after the speech but before the elections that if Netanyahu is still PM after the elections the US will not veto the next Palistinean statehood proposal in the UN Security Council.
What the Administration should do is inform Netanyahu, in private, before the speech, that it will announce to the Israeli electorate after the speech but before the elections that if Netanyahu is still PM after the elections the US will not veto the next Palistinean statehood proposal in the UN Security Council.
143
Only one question. Why warn Netanyahu of anything? To reward him for what?
8
I think that if the Israeli people knew before the elections that a warning was given before the speech, the Israeli electorate would make sure that there would be a different PM after the election.
2
There is so much unfair and undeserved bias against Israel, why would Bibi hand the Israel detractors this one on a silver platter?
We can't underestimate the importance of preveting Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, but I have to agree with Tom Friedman. This is a political move by Netanyahu that is not helpful to that cause.
We can't underestimate the importance of preveting Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, but I have to agree with Tom Friedman. This is a political move by Netanyahu that is not helpful to that cause.
15
I believe Mr. Netanyahu is concerned with the security situation in Israel and has little interest in US politics.
7
Americans are primarily concerned with their own internal politics and scoring points against the other party.
8
For your sake, you'd better hope that Netanyahu has a little more appreciation of the connection between American politics and Israeli security than you do.
7
1. Mr. Netanyahu is currently considering the question of whether he may have to take his country to war with Iran, an issue with many similarities to the problem that confronted John F. Kennedy when the Soviet Union attempted to place nuclear missiles in Cuba. To me, it is completely understandable that he would be doing everything he could to avoid having to go to war with Iran, even if that involves confronting the President of the United States.
.
2. If I was an Israeli worried about a nuclear-armed Iran, I'd prefer Mr. Netanyahu's dogged insistence that Iran never be allowed to obtain them, over President Obama's vague assurances that any agreement reached with Iran will include sufficient safeguards to prevent Iran from obtaining such weapons.
3. I don't see how Mr. Netanyahu could do anything other than what he is doing. He obviously believes, as many other people do, that President Obama is heading in a direction that may well spell disaster for Israel and the Jewish people. So when an offer to speak to Congress is made to him, he accepts it. What else would anyone expect a Prime Minister of Israel to do? Remain silent? Would President Obama do that if he were in Mr. Netanyahu's shoes?
.
2. If I was an Israeli worried about a nuclear-armed Iran, I'd prefer Mr. Netanyahu's dogged insistence that Iran never be allowed to obtain them, over President Obama's vague assurances that any agreement reached with Iran will include sufficient safeguards to prevent Iran from obtaining such weapons.
3. I don't see how Mr. Netanyahu could do anything other than what he is doing. He obviously believes, as many other people do, that President Obama is heading in a direction that may well spell disaster for Israel and the Jewish people. So when an offer to speak to Congress is made to him, he accepts it. What else would anyone expect a Prime Minister of Israel to do? Remain silent? Would President Obama do that if he were in Mr. Netanyahu's shoes?
11
(4) So Bibi wants us to go to war for him, repeating our glorious victories in Iraq and Afghanistan.
19
Yes, and what if you were an Iranian worried about a nuclear-armed Israel?
23
"Mr. Netanyahu is currently considering the question of whether he may have to take his country to war with Iran"
No, he is currently considering how to push the US into war with Iran.
If Netanyahu had any intention of attacking himself, he'd have done it by now. He wants the US to do it.
No, he is currently considering how to push the US into war with Iran.
If Netanyahu had any intention of attacking himself, he'd have done it by now. He wants the US to do it.
48
Boehner pulled a similar stunt in 2011, context being the 2012 election season and Obama putting some pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate peace with the Palestinians based on 67 borders.
Netanyahu got around 3 dozen standing ovations and a lot more respect than Obama would have gotten had he been there.
It's really confidence-inspiring having people of Boehner's caliber in charge of things.
Netanyahu got around 3 dozen standing ovations and a lot more respect than Obama would have gotten had he been there.
It's really confidence-inspiring having people of Boehner's caliber in charge of things.
13
A bad mistake? This action is not a bad mistake, it's an outrage. Protocols are well established. This move by Boehner and Netanyahu is a flagrant showing of disrespect for our President, his office, and our system.
The insult is against the American people, not just Obama.
Indeed, this action is so ill-advised that I am sure the 'event' will be canceled, please tell me it will be so, surely?!?
Meantime, calls from Netanyahu to the White House should be directed to voice mail.
The insult is against the American people, not just Obama.
Indeed, this action is so ill-advised that I am sure the 'event' will be canceled, please tell me it will be so, surely?!?
Meantime, calls from Netanyahu to the White House should be directed to voice mail.
679
I've yet to hear anyone explain why protocol trumps a nation's national security.
8
Funny, but none of you "pearl-clutchers" seemed worried if Mr. Bush was shown disrespect. In fact, you pretty much had the market on "Bush disrespect" cornered for over 8 years!
BTW: Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, addressed foreign Parliaments and governments. Somehow, that was not a problem and was not seen as "disrespecting the POTUS".
Also amusing how frail and dainty our President is -- why the least criticism, even a lousy SPEECH, is enough to chip away at his feet of clay.
BTW: Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, addressed foreign Parliaments and governments. Somehow, that was not a problem and was not seen as "disrespecting the POTUS".
Also amusing how frail and dainty our President is -- why the least criticism, even a lousy SPEECH, is enough to chip away at his feet of clay.
9
Concerned Citizen:
The image of a fragile US president -- of all people -- as "too nice" and "decent" to play the game is one that has been cultivated beautifully. A brigade of dutiful supporters springs to his defense at the slightest insult.
The image of a fragile US president -- of all people -- as "too nice" and "decent" to play the game is one that has been cultivated beautifully. A brigade of dutiful supporters springs to his defense at the slightest insult.
3
Israel is increasingly isolated as it pursues its expansionist strategy, one that is contrary to basic human values. Ethnic cleansing, collective punishment, the indiscriminate killing of women and children, and different rights and rules for different peoples all run counter to American values and interests. Only the special relationship stands between the naked emperor and the judgement of the world, and Israel's isolation is palpable to all but those in denial. Bibi's actions only bring that day of judgement closer. Please proceed sir.
There will be no peace without justice. We had best start working towards that future. The present is not sustainable and in no party's interest.
There will be no peace without justice. We had best start working towards that future. The present is not sustainable and in no party's interest.
59
As clear an analysis as you'll read detailing the number and nature of the explosives planted in the minefield Bibi and Boehner have created and are now stepping into. From the influence of overly influential donors to the disrespect of one ally for another, this speech before Congress has given this supporter of Israel pause.
If anyone had told me this was possible, I'd have laughed in their face. I do not appreciate their laughing in mine.
If anyone had told me this was possible, I'd have laughed in their face. I do not appreciate their laughing in mine.
37
In my view Netanyahu's impressive show is more about the durable creation of a 'terrible foe, Iran' , than about the coming elections. Creating a formidable foe is serious business, it is the core activity of the Israeli State, and has a more future intended effect than just the current relation between the USA and Israel. Iran can of course not be a very dangerous ennemy of Israel even with a nuclear device because Iran has never been an expansive power, but also because whatever its capabilities ,they would be far VERY FAR outnumbered by Western militar power, nuclear included. It is simply not real to ascribe to Iran what Israel ascirbes to it, so the means to make it 'credible' have to be gross and over the top as well. Let us discuss the reality of Iran being constructed as a threat, more than discussing if Bibi makes smart move or not.
16
It’s a disturbing situation all around, but what troubles me about this column is that the policy it recommends pursuing aims solely at projecting an image, and that a transparently false one.
8
The Dems should boycott the address. Otherwise they are condoning a foreign leader sneaking behind the back of an American president.
Moreover, the Dems should not condone the GOP mischief by attending.
Moreover, the Dems should not condone the GOP mischief by attending.
317