Damned if you do. But do.
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September 16, 2009
In dealing with Iran and the bomb, the world has a limited number of options: Ignore the issue and accept a nuclear theocracy. Engage Iran in a series of diplomatic overtures that promise more carrots than sticks. Impose a series of sanctions that demonstrate the West’s resolve. Commence military action.
Most mainstream Jewish organizations, including the national network of Jewish federations, the American Jewish Committee, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, are pushing for tough sanctions on Iran. The centerpiece of these efforts is the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, a bill designed to expand economic sanctions and restrict the flow of refined petroleum to Iran.
But even this approach is being labeled “hard-line” by critics and as yet another case of the Israel lobby falling under the sway of the “neocons.”
And yet some of the same pundits surely read, and even quoted, a New York Times report from last week saying “American intelligence agencies have concluded in recent months that Iran has created enough nuclear fuel to make a rapid, if risky, sprint for a nuclear weapon.” And they have to acknowledge that Iran’s mockery of a presidential election and its repressive aftermath have exposed the vulnerability as well as the true nature of the country’s leadership.
So what exactly makes the sanctions bill “hard-line” and “hawkish,” except a knee-jerk suspicion of all things that hint at Jewish concern for Israel?
Next Thursday’s rally at the UN will undoubtedly be criticized as “hawkish” and “hard-line.” But don’t let the smears keep you from going. The Jewish community is backing tough but peaceful measures to avert a crisis that threatens not just Israel, but hundreds of thousands of lives in the Middle East and beyond, as well as myriad U.S. interests. The rally is an opportunity to stand for peace and against regional instability.
See you there.
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