As the Second World War ended 70 years ago and took place in Europe, not the United States, when does it become time for the rest of us to say "enough" regarding the Holocaust and its consequences? And why are contemporary genocides in Africa not worthy of a "Special Adviser?" And then there is combating anti-Semitism. The increase in anti-Semitism in many countries is directly linked to actions undertaken by the Israeli government, which could itself be reasonably described as anti-Christian and anti-Muslim. Is Ambassador Forman going to address any of that? His most recent fact-finding trip was to Sweden and Denmark in March where he met with "Jewish leaders."
Ironically, most American Jews support a deal with Iran, even if the self-described leaders of their community nearly unanimously do not. If I were a Jewish American listening to all the chatter I would find it highly offensive to be pandered to and treated as if I need to be constantly cajoled or even bribed to behave. There should be no "Jewish" policy towards Israel any more than I as an Italian American or my wife who is British born should favor special policies regarding Italy or the United Kingdom.
Washington's foreign policy ought to be bereft of "passionate attachment" to any other nation, intended instead to benefit the citizens of the United States. There is no question but that a negotiated agreement with Iran is good for Americans as it will both avoid another war and remove a proliferation threat. Contrary to the incoherent noises coming out of Benjamin Netanyahu's office, a deal would also be good for Israelis.
The media is being deliberately obtuse when it frames the debate over an Iran agreement as an argument over its merits, conceding to the opponents a credibility that they do not in fact deserve. The aggressive lobbying of American legislators by a foreign country would be considered outrageous if anyone but Israel were doing it. The real opposition is coming from a small number of mostly Jewish neocons backed up by the money of an equally small group of Jewish oligarchs for whom loyalty to Israel is paramount. For them, no deal with Iran would ever be acceptable. This tightly controlled cabal comes up with the cash and crafts the arguments from an AIPAC playbook, albeit aided and assisted by the usual evangelical and opportunistic GOP fellow travelers.
Israel is not the United States and it is not even a vital interest for Washington but for the fact that it has become one through the unrelenting pressure exerted by the Lobby and media. It is time for every American to wake up and begin to do what is right for our country. That process will begin in September by ignoring the fulminations of Benjamin Netanyahu and taking the first step in reestablishing normal relations with Iran.
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