ISRAEL'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Obama, for the first time since Pres. Kennedy, appears to be making moves toward confronting Israel about its nuclear weapons and reactor, which have never been inspected by outsiders. Until Vanunu provided photographs to The Sunday Times of London in 1986, no one but a few thousand Dimona employees and Isareli officials had seen anything inside. The Obama administration has indicated that U.S. negotiations with Iran would also include Israel's signing of the Non-Proliferation Agreement.
It's more important now than ever for people in the U.S. to be familiar with this story. A few days ago Harry Reid sent a letter to Obama asking him to back off the pressure on Israel on the settlements and to focus on Iran's "defiance of the international community" regarding its nuclear program. Of course, Reid repeats Israel's propaganda based on the mistranslation of Ahmadinejad's words about Zionism. It would be helpful to let our senators know that we disagree with Reid and remind them that Israel's nuclear program poses a much greater threat to the Middle East and the world than Iran's.
Newsroom
[Zionist] Reid, In Letter To Obama, Calls For Palestinian And Arab Commitment To Peace And Renewed Focus On Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
Reid writes, “Like you, I am deeply committed to bringing peace to this critical, but troubled, region. I believe negotiations will be successful only with a renewed commitment from the Palestinians to be a true partner in peace. I look forward to working closely with you to achieve the goal of a long and lasting peace in the Middle East, one in which a Palestinian state is willing to live side-by-side in peace with a strong and secure Israel.”
The full text of the letter is below:
June 15, 2009
President Barack Obama
The White House
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing in support of your decision to make the Middle East a priority for your administration. I also applaud you for reiterating during your recent speech in Cairo the importance of America’s “unbreakable” bond with Israel.
Like you, I am deeply committed to bringing peace to this critical, but troubled, region. I believe negotiations will be successful only with a renewed commitment from the Palestinians to be a true partner in peace. Arab states in the region must also act to support the peace process. All parties must recognize Israel’s right to exist, end terrorism, and respect previous agreements made with Israel.
The pursuit of peace is never easy. Many difficult decisions lie ahead. I hope your administration will work behind the scenes with all involved on the steps they must take to move forward.
As these discussions continue, it is also vital this process not take away from your commitment to deal with the ongoing threat from Iran. Iran has continued to call for Israel’s destruction while repeatedly defying the international community with its nuclear program. I believe that resolving the problem of Iran’s nuclear program will help facilitate the Arab-Israeli peace process you and I both seek to promote.
Last year, the Senate passed my bipartisan resolution to proudly celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the modern state of Israel and recognize the historic kingdom of Israel, which was established more than 3,000 years ago. Today, we must once again stand with our ally and ensure the continuation of the Jewish state.
I look forward to working closely with you to achieve the goal of a long and lasting peace in the Middle East, one in which a Palestinian state is willing to live side-by-side in peace with a strong and secure Israel.
Sincerely,
Harry Reid
United States Senator
Nevada