'Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel'

THE JERUSALEM POST
Jun. 4, 2008

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama assured the AIPAC Policy Conference Wednesday that he will be a staunch ally of Israel and will not negotiate with terrorist groups. "Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel," he said.

He went on to discuss the history of the Jewish people, saying that from "decades of struggle," including the Holocaust, "Jews around the world, in the face of constant threat… have triumphed, prospered, and maintained vibrant and open discourse and commitment to the rule of law."

Israel, he said, "is not a perfect place," however it "sets an example for all when it seeks a more perfect future." Obama referred to the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, which he described as a "commitment embedded in Judaism" "Now is the time to stand by Israel," he said, "now is the time to join together in the work of repairing this world." Obama said that he looks forward to being a "partner with AIPAC" in making this happen.

Only hours after securing his party's nomination, Obama used a previously scheduled speech to 7,000 pro-Israel activists in an attempt to ease concerns that some Jewish voters have about him and his stance on Middle East matters. He pointedly criticized Sen. John McCain, his Republican opponent this fall, and rebutted claims that he underestimates the threat that Iran poses and would naively enter into unwise talks with US adversaries.

"The danger from Iran is great, it is real, and my role will be to eliminate this threat," Obama said, adding that the US must soberly change its current policy, which, he said, was failing.
Obama added that he will "do anything in [his] power to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons," and blamed Iran for being "the author of its own isolation."

"As president I will never compromise when it comes to Israel's security," Obama told the annual gathering.

McCain, President George W. Bush and some Democrats have criticized Obama for saying he would talk with leaders of hostile nations such as Iran. At the AIPAC gathering, Obama outlined limits he sees for such negotiations.

"We must isolate Hamas unless and until they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist, and abide by past agreements," he said of the Palestinian opposed to Israel. "There is no room at the negotiating table for terrorist organizations."

"Contrary to the claims of some, I have no interest in sitting down with our adversaries just for the sake of talking," Obama said. But if elected, he said, "I would be willing to lead tough and principled diplomacy with the appropriate Iranian leaders at a time and place of my choosing if, and only if it can advance the interests of the United States."

"I will always keep the threat of military action on the table to defend our security and our ally Israel," he said.

When McCain addressed the AIPAC group Tuesday, he ridiculed Obama for suggesting he would sit down with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. McCain said that such a session would gain little "except an earful of anti-Semitic rants and a worldwide audience for a man who denies one Holocaust and talks before frenzied crowds about starting another."

Obama went on to say that there is no greater threat to Israel than Iran, which "supports violent extremists" and "pursues a nuclear capability that could spark a dangerous arms race." All those threats were known in 2002, he said, yet the Bush administration "ignored it and instead invaded and occupied Iraq."