Pro-Israel group (AIPAC) pushes tough U.S. policy on Iran. [View All]

[Tom Joad]

http://in.news.yahoo.com/060606/137/64uqr.html

Pro-Israel group pushes tough U.S. policy on Iran

By Carol Giacomo, Diplomatic Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As the Bush administration pursues sensitive diplomacy, the influential U.S. pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC has sent out a fundraising letter seeking support for a tough U.S. line against Iran's nuclear program.

In a letter to supporters this week, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee requested contributions to build support for a proposed law tightening U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Meanwhile, President George W. Bush is backing a new diplomatic initiative offering incentives to Iran, including the prospect of direct talks and economic benefits, as an inducement to end its nuclear program.

The package, agreed by Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany as well as the United States, also outlines penalties if Iran rejects the deal.