AIPAC conference opens to controversy, starting with John Hagee

[laststeamtrain]

AIPAC conference opens to controversy, starting with John Hagee

by james d. besser
correspondent

washington | Continuing concerns about a nuclear Iran, mounting international criticism of Israel and the pro-Israel lobby and the recent agreement reinforcing Hamas’ hold on the Palestinian Authority threaten to impart a militant tone to the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

The conference, which begins Sunday, March 11 in Washington, D.C., opens with a keynote speech by Pastor John Hagee. The pastor is the founder of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), author of several apocryphal books and an outspoken opponent of Israeli withdrawals from Palestinian territories.

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Protecting Israel’s big chunk of foreign aid has traditionally been a top priority for AIPAC. This year the group will also emphasize “closely monitoring assistance to countries that are not supporting American objectives in the region.”

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Obama, who is drawing the biggest crowds in early campaigning, outlined his position on Israel at a recent AIPAC meeting in Chicago.

The speech, intended to establish a strong pro-Israel baseline for the liberal senator, generally stuck close to standard AIPAC talking points.


“We should take no option, including military action, off the table, and show strong support for Israel’s actions in last summer’s war against Hezbollah,” Obama said.

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http://www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/31821/format/print/displaystory.print

[Turbineguy]

1. How much did they pay him?

"I don't do nothin' lest I get paid for it!"

[peacetalksforall]

5. Just realized that I didn't follow up on what Obama said to AIPAC -

I don't agree with what he said. Did He make it sound PURE - as if only Hezbollah was attacked?

If yes, I say, Obama - we just parted ways.

[TomClash]

2. All Dem candidates are horrible on

Palestine and the Occupation.

[leveymg]

3. If it didn't have a lot of money behind it, AIPAC would now be a very marginal group

As it is, they're increasiningly marginalized, and cry out for less extreme, less right-wing competition.

[youngdem]

4. They are attempting nothing short of using our boys and girls as their very own proxy army

I, for one, am sick of our involvement in Israel's affairs.

[Maat]

6. Ditto (n/t).