Israel/Palestine
Related: About this forumIsrael Lobby Thwarted in Iran Sanctions Bid For Now
In what looks to be a clear victory at least for now for President Barack Obama, a major effort by the Israel lobby and its most powerful constituent, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), to pass a new sanctions bill against Iran has stalled in the U.S. Senate.
While the legislation, the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, had gathered 59 co-sponsors in the 100-member upper chambre by last week, opposition to it among Democrats appears to have mounted in recent days.
That opposition apparently prompted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who controls the floor calendar, to back away from a previous commitment to permit a vote on the measure some time over the next few weeks. As a result, AIPAC is now reportedly hoping to get the bill through the Republican-dominated House of Representatives.
Democratic resistance to the bill, which its critics say is designed to scuttle the Nov. 24 Joint Plan of Action (JPA) between Iran and the so-called P5+1 (U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany) and any chances for a U.S.-Iranian rapprochement, has grown stronger since Sundays successful conclusion of an implementation agreement between the two sides and by Obamas explicit pledge to veto the bill if it comes to his desk.
http://www.lobelog.com/israel-lobby-thwarted-in-iran-sanctions-bid-for-now/
rdharma
(6,057 posts)bemildred
(90,061 posts)But there are many strange alliances in the Middle East at the moment, more all the time it seems. Frenemies all over.
And they are so angry too, the Israelis and the Saudis, like we betrayed them. A clear misunderstanding of the nature of the relationship. Like there are rules, or they have rights. A more clear-eyed view of US foreign policy history in these foreign adventures would have taught them better. Bibi has provoked a reaction with his antics, our leaders are no longer in agreement on going along with his wishes. He had somewhat this effect last time he was in office too, as I remember. He annoys people.
rdharma
(6,057 posts)oberliner
(58,724 posts)Hopefully people are starting to realize that.
rdharma
(6,057 posts)Nobody will believe you. But, it's worth a try!
WatermelonRat
(340 posts)The influence of the conservative Christian groups who support Israel for theological reasons, however, is much greater.
bemildred
(90,061 posts)I've got in trouble here more that once for saying that.
Although AIPAC has a habit of tooting its own horn at times in ways that don't help with that impression.
azurnoir
(45,850 posts)the end result depends on who's holding 'the mute'
bemildred
(90,061 posts)You only bring up the horn tooting in contexts where it is taken as given that Israel is horribly overmatched. You do not bring it it up in contexts where one is bragging on Israel's obvious superiority or advantages, or in the context of certain well-known anti-semitic cliches. The US likes to talk about its democratic values in much the same way, as vague generalities that do not apply to any specific undemocratic things we happen to be doing for expediencies sake.
azurnoir
(45,850 posts)but the horn tooting while over-matched lends itself to some of cliche accusations
bemildred
(90,061 posts)Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)pushing back on Israeli policy. It's not that I don't agree, because I do and you know
the US will push back on anything and anyone who threatens them..so it is interesting
to see it play out here on an old friend who is simply not accustom to it.
Bibi is such a bastard and the lobby should be more than satisfied that Israel
will keep their settlements, for the most part..and just shut the fuck up when
it comes to Iran.
azurnoir
(45,850 posts)Good, as to AIPAC wooing House Republicans-they should have a willing audience there
bemildred
(90,061 posts)Which is in itself news. But basically, I think there is a deep reluctance to do any more war at the moment, and the attachment noted to Kerry's efforts and their success, and other things. You know, reality based stuff.
azurnoir
(45,850 posts)it's an election year and for a good deal of the American public war has lost its 'zip' or appeal or whatever you wish to call it-patriotic splendor, freedom ringing ?
bemildred
(90,061 posts)bemildred
(90,061 posts)That's a big change, that loss of immunity. I mean Feinstein speaks out!
But I don't know where it goes, it's still kind of a recent development. If I was Bibi, I'd be panicking about now, as he does seem to be.