Aipac 2007: Lies, Lies, Lies! Nothing but Lies!
Dec 26, 2007 12:12 PM
Lawmakers Call on Egypt to Curb Weapons Smuggling
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) on Dec. 26 said future U.S. aid to Egypt should depend on Cairo cracking down on weapons smuggling into the Hamas -ruled Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported. “Egypt can do a lot more,” said Specter, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “And if they don’t, I think it would be appropriate to condition aid to them on that factor.” Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), a member of the House Appropriations Committee traveling with Specter, said he agreed with the five-term senator. Washington gives Egypt about $2 billion in annual aid, including $1.3 billion in military assistance. Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, the terrorist group Hamas has overseen a massive arms buildup, much of it through tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border.
Dec 20, 2007 10:28 AM
Congress Approves $2.42 Billion in Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Congress on Dec. 19 gave final approval to $2.42 billion in U.S. aid to Israel , including $2.38 billion in military aid and $39.6 million in assistance for the resettlement of refugees from the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and Ethiopia. The House and Senate approved the funding as part of a comprehensive federal funding package, including the annual foreign-aid bill containing Israel ’s aid. The bill also includes restrictions on aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA), including a prohibition from using U.S. funds to pay the salaries of Palestinians in the Hamas -controlled Gaza Strip.
Dec 14, 2007 9:54 AM
Bill Backing Terror Victims' Rights Moves Ahead
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Key provisions that will allow American victims of terrorism to pursue the assets of state sponsors of terrorism were included in the fiscal year 2008 Department of Defense Authorization bill, which is awaiting final approval before being sent to the president. The provisions, known as the Justice for Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Act, where championed by Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Arlen Specter (R-PA). The legislation reaffirms the rights of plaintiffs to sue state sponsors of terrorism, allow the seizure of hidden commercial assets belonging to terrorist states so victims of terrorism can be justly compensated and limits the number of appeals that a terrorist state can pursue in U.S. courts.
Dec 11, 2007 10:07 AM
Lawmakers call for Boost in Foreign Aid Budget
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Bipartisan groups of lawmakers in the House and Senate are circulating in both houses letters to President Bush urging him boost international affairs spending in the fiscal year 2009 budget. “Investments in our international affairs programs bolster our national security by allowing us to work with foreign partners to track down terrorists and weapons, to improve the political and economic lives of others, and to help stabilize fragile states,” the letters say.
Dec 11, 2007 9:07 AM
U.S. Criticizes Chinese Oil Deal with Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States said it was disappointed that a Chinese energy company signed an agreement to develop a major Iran ian oil field and that the project would undermine international efforts to pressure Tehran to give up its nuclear program, Reuters reported.
Dec 7, 2007 3:05 PM
Bush Signs Bill Boosting U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Dec. 19 signed into law landmark energy legislation that includes key provisions promoting U.S.- Israel energy cooperation. The U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation Act encourages cooperation in the field of alternative energy by establishing a grant program that will fund joint projects between U.S. and Israel i entities.
Dec 7, 2007 11:26 AM
Intelligence Official: Iran ian Intentions Not ‘Benign’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior intelligence official told a House subcommittee on intelligence that Iran still maintains key nuclear capabilities and that its ambitions cannot be considered benign, Reuters reported. Reacting to the recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran ’s nuclear intentions, Deputy Director of National Intelligence Donald Kerr said, “We did not in any way suggest that Iran was benign for the future.” Kerr added that Iran is continuing with its uranium enrichment program, which is the key step in producing the nuclear fuel needed for nuclear weapons.
Dec 6, 2007 10:25 AM
Lantos: Palestinian Incitement and Attacks Must End
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said that the United States cannot impose a peace agreement on Israel and the Palestinians and called on the Palestinian Authority to end incitement against Israel . “It is also critical that the parties engage directly,” said Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) during a hearing of his committee about the Israel i-Palestinian meeting in Annapolis.
Dec 5, 2007 1:25 PM
State Dept. Delays Notice of Saudi Arms Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department has agreed to postpone its formal announcement of the proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia until January, the Associated Press reported. The deferral will provide Congress more time to scrutinize the details of the proposed sale. Once Congress receives formal notification of the deal, it has a 30-day review period during which it can move to block it. In November, 188 House members signed a letter by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Christopher Carney (D-PA) calling on President Bush to provide assurances that any plans to sell Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) technology to Saudi Arabia will not harm U.S. forces or undercut Israel ’s qualitative military edge.
U.S. Renews Call for Stringent Sanctions Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Tuesday said the new National Intelligence Estimate on Iran underscored the need to intensify international efforts to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons. “If anything, the new national estimate validates the administration’s strategy of bringing diplomatic and economic pressures to bear on the Iran ian government to change its policies,” Gates said.
Dec 4, 2007 4:25 PM
Bush: Iran Remains ‘Dangerous’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush said the latest National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) provides an opportunity “to rally the [international] community to pressure the Iran ian regime to suspend its [nuclear] program.” In a White House news conference on Tuesday, Bush said, “We know that they're still trying to learn how to enrich uranium. We know that enriching uranium is an important step in a country who wants to develop a weapon.” Warning that the Iran ian threat still remains potent, Bush added, “ Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous, and Iran will be dangerous if they have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon." Despite some technical hurdles, the NIE says Iran made "significant progress in 2007 installing centrifuges"--which can be used to produce fuel for nuclear energy or bombs--at its uranium enrichment facility in Natanz.
Dec 3, 2007 10:20 AM
U.S.: International Community Agrees on Iran ian Threat
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department said the international community agrees that Iran ’s nuclear program poses a threat to regional stability, despite tactical differences among certain countries about the best way to stop it. “Nobody has walked away from the idea that they don't want to see Iran get a nuclear weapon – not China, not Russia, not any other member of the P-5+1,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack on Friday, referring to the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany. “Everybody is unanimous on that. They're rock solid on that.” McCormack's statement comes as the United States seeks to gain international support for a third round of sanctions against Iran at the Security Council.
Nov 28, 2007 11:49 AM
Bush: Iran ian Nuke Could Exact ‘Terrible Price’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush expressed concern about the threat to world peace posed by Iran ’s illicit nuclear program and declared his commitment to resolving the issue diplomatically. In an interview on Tuesday with the Associated Press, Bush said that if the Iran ians “end up with a nuclear weapon, a generation is going to pay a terrible price. And the reason I've said that is because their own president has said that ‘we want to wipe out Israel ,’ for example. So when somebody says that, my judgment is, we ought to take them seriously.” Bush added that the United States has “got a pretty good coalition put together of countries that are concerned about Iran if Iran ends up with a nuclear weapon."
Nov 28, 2007 9:49 AM
U.S. to Discuss New Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and five other countries will meet in Paris this Saturday to discuss ways to curb Iran ’s illicit nuclear program, Reuters reported. America will join the other four members of the United Nations Security Council – China, France, Russia and Britain – plus Germany to discuss the possibility of imposing a new round of sanctions against the regime, which recently announced that it has made rapid advances in its nuclear work. To date, the U.N. Security Council has imposed two rounds of sanctions against Iran , but Russia and China have blocked efforts to impose a third round of even tougher penalties against the country.
Nov 19, 2007 10:47 AM
House Members Call for Assurances on Saudi Arms Sale
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Nearly 200 members of the House signed a letter calling on President Bush to provide assurances that any plans to sell Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) technology to Saudi Arabia will not harm U.S. forces or undercut Israel ’s qualitative military edge. The letter, authored by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Christopher Carney (D-PA) and signed by 188 lawmakers, says that JDAM technology, which transforms unguided conventional bombs into precision munitions with highly accurate targeting capabilities, could undermine the stability of the region if it falls into the wrong hands.
Nov 16, 2007 10:54 AM
U.S. Warns China on Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad said China’s opposition to further sanctions against Iran would make it responsible if diplomatic solutions fail to halt Tehran’s nuclear program, the Associated Press reported. “There has been dragging of feet by the Chinese” on a new sanctions resolution against Iran in the U.N. Security Council, Khalilzad said. “I don’t think that China would want to be in a position to cause the failure of diplomacy to deal with this issue.” Khalilzad’s statement comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency released a new report alleging that Iran has still not answered many questions about its nuclear work. The IAEA also said Iran has not suspended its enrichment of uranium as demanded repeatedly by the U.N. Security Council.
Nov 15, 2007 10:53 AM
Levey: Iran 'Turning Itself Into a Financial Pariah'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior Treasury official said that sanctions against Iran are having a significant impact on the country, Bloomberg News reported. “Major financial institutions around the world have decided as a matter of risk assessment that they don’t want to do business with this regime,” said Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, adding that Iran is “turning itself into a financial pariah.” The statements come as the United States imposes a new round of sanctions against key state-owned banks and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran ’s 125,000-strong military branch with vast business interests throughout the country.
Nov 14, 2007 9:53 AM
Bush Approves Funding for U.S.- Israel Missile Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Tuesday signed into law the Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008, which includes $155 million for joint U.S.- Israel i missile defense programs, including the long-range Arrow and the shorter-range David’s Sling ballistic missile defense systems. In a recent visit to Washington, Israel i Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with senior U.S. officials to discuss ways of enhancing U.S.- Israel homeland security cooperation and missile defense programs. The Arrow – the only operational system that has consistently proven that one missile can shoot down another at high altitudes and speeds – is a cornerstone of the U.S.- Israel strategic relationship.
Nov 14, 2007 8:53 AM
U.S. Criticizes Italy Over Business With Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman expressed concern over Italy’s ongoing business relations with Iran , urging Rome to support further sanctions against the country, the Associated Press reported. “We are convinced that [the Iran ians] are developing nuclear weapons,” Bodman told a news conference on Tuesday in Rome after meeting with Italian Industry Minister Pierluigi Bersani. “We are attempting to do our best to deal with this by using diplomatic means. I hope that Italy understands that and will be supportive of that.” Italy is Iran ’s leading trading partner in the European Union and maintains a strong presence in Iran 's gas market through its oil and gas giant Eni SpA.
Nov 9, 2007 9:48 AM
U.S. Official Condemns Syrian Interference in Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Assistant Secretary of State David Welch said that U.N. forces in Lebanon must do more to stop arms smuggling from Syria and that Damascus must stop interfering in Lebanon’s democratic processes. U.N. and Lebanese troops “have not significantly diminished the flow of weapons across the border from Syria,” Welch said on Thursday in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. Welch added that any Syrian interference “in the peaceful and constitutional conduct of Lebanese elections will have very serious consequences.” Since Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon in 2005, it has continued to stage assassinations of Lebanon’s democratically elected leaders and to hinder the country’s democratization efforts.
Nov 9, 2007 9:48 AM
U.S. and Israel Meet to Discuss Common Threats
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and Israel on Thursday conducted a strategic dialogue on the common threats facing the two nations, strengthening the already close cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem, the Israel i newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported. The meeting, led by Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns and Israel i Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz, was the third of its kind this year. “These talks are a manifestation of the profound historical and security ties between the two nations and are based on close friendship, shared values and common interests,” a joint statement issued by the two sides following the talks said. Since the 9/11 attacks, the United States and Israel have boosted their security ties and are working more closely than ever to defeat the common threats of radical Islam and terrorism.
Nov 8, 2007 11:16 AM
House-Senate Panel Funds U.S.- Israel Missile Programs
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A joint panel of both houses of Congress approved an aid package of $155 million for joint U.S.- Israel i missile defense programs, including the Arrow ballistic missile and the David’s Sling rocket interception system, the Israel i news site Globes reported. Passed as part of the Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008, the package includes $75 million more than the White House proposal. The bill now moves to the floors of both chambers for final approval. In a recent visit to Washington, Israel i Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with senior U.S. officials to discuss ways of enhancing U.S.- Israel homeland security cooperation and missile defense programs.
Nov 6, 2007 9:23 AM
House Condemns Iran ’s Influence in Latin America
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved a resolution by voice vote expressing concern “over the emerging national security implications of the Iran ian regime's efforts to expand its influence in Latin America.” The resolution, passed on Nov. 5, notes Iran ’s close alliance with Venezuela, its sponsorship of Hizballah ’s attack against a Jewish community center in Argentina in 1994, and its extensive money-laundering network on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay that finances terrorism and drugs. The resolution also “calls on the United States Government to work with governments in the Western Hemisphere to pursue an anti-terrorism campaign based on cooperation and constant vigilance.”
Nov 6, 2007 9:23 AM
Treasury Targets Syrian Interference in Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department designated four individuals associated with Syria’s efforts to interfere with Lebanon’s democratic political process. “Syria has used all means at its disposal – from bribery to intimidation to violence – to undermine the legitimate political process in Lebanon,” said Stuart Levey, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement on Monday. “Today's action exposes four individuals involved in such activities and serves as a warning to others who would do likewise.” The four individuals – Assaad Halim Hardan, Wi'am Wahhab, Hafiz Makhluf and Muhammad Nasif Khayrbik, senior Syrian officials who have worked closely with the regime in Damascus to undermine Beirut’s sovereignty – now have their U.S. assets frozen and are prohibited from engaging in transactions in the United States.
Nov 6, 2007 9:23 AM
Ackerman Denounces Egypt Over Arms-Smuggling
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior House leader condemned Egypt for allowing millions of dollars to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip each month, the Israel i newspaper Ha’aretz reported. “The smuggling provides somewhere between 12 million and 20 million dollars to the economy of a rogue government that staged a coup against the wishes of the Palestinian people,” said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, on Monday. “Egypt is not helping as much as it can. It can certainly do a better job on that border.” Since the terrorist group Hamas seized control of Gaza in June, it has presided over a massive arms smuggling operation and fired hundreds of rockets into Israel .
Nov 5, 2007 11:17 AM
Rice Warns Syria Against Interference in Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem that his country must not interfere in Lebanon’s political process, Reuters reported. "I spoke to him quite firmly about Lebanon,” Rice told reporters on Saturday. “I made very clear that everybody was watching, that it was expected that Syria was going to adhere to its international obligations not to interfere, to allow Lebanon to continue to have a constitutional process for the selection of a president.” While Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon in 2005 after nearly three decades, it is suspected of carrying out a string of assassinations against Lebanese politicians opposed to Damascus’ policies.
Nov 5, 2007 8:17 AM
U.S. Sanctions Spur World Bank to Cut Iran Funds
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Recent U.S. sanctions against Iran have caused the World Bank to suspend $5.4 million in payments to the country, The New York Times reported on Sunday. The move comes in the wake of U.S. penalties imposed against several key state-owned banks in Iran , including Bank Melli, which handles World Bank payments and has facilitated the sponsorship of terrorism and nuclear proliferation. The sanctions also targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran ’s 125,000 strong elite military branch with vast business interests throughout the country. In July, twelve members of the House, citing Iran ’s history of terrorism, signed a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick urging him to reject any loan or grant requests for Iran or for any company operating in Iran .
Nov 2, 2007 8:47 AM
Rice: Don’t Compromise With Syria
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned against diplomatic moves to mitigate Lebanon’s political instability by compromising with the country’s pro-Syrian opposition, Agence France Presse reported. “Any candidate for president or any president [of Lebanon] needs to be committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, needs to be committed to resolutions that Lebanon has signed on to… and needs to be committed to carrying on the [United Nations-backed] tribunal” prosecuting the murderers of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, said Rice. Syria is suspected of engineering the assassination and has for years been responsible for interfering in Lebanese politics and undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Nov 1, 2007 10:20 AM
U.S. Condemns Iran for Jailing Labor Leaders
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department condemned Tehran for jailing two Iran ian labor leaders and denying them the medical care they require and called for their release. “We are increasingly concerned about the health and welfare of labor leaders Mansour Osanloo and Mahmoud Salehi, recently arrested by the Iran ian authorities,” the State Department said in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Osanloo and Salehi are vocal champions of workers rights in Iran that have campaigned to build strong trade unions capable of defending the human rights of Iran ian workers.” The State Department has repeatedly labeled Iran the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and condemned its repression of its own citizens.
Oct 31, 2007 1:55 PM
Lawmaker Encourages U.S.- Israel Security Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) called on the U.S. government and Israel to increase cooperative efforts on developing anti-terrorism technology, including the creation of a funding pool to help spur innovation, Congress Daily reported. Thompson made the comments on Tuesday after meeting with Israel i Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter to discuss provisions of the Promoting Antiterrorism Cooperation through Technology and Science Act, which passed in July as part of the legislation implementing the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission. The provisions set up an office within the Department of Homeland Security to spur U.S. homeland security cooperation with U.S. allies such as Israel .
Oct 31, 2007 9:04 AM
White House: Diplomatic Solution Sought on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House stated that President Bush seeks to “pursue every possible diplomatic means” to stop Iran ’s illicit nuclear program, Agence France Presse reported. “It’s not the fault of the United States that we’re in this position,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. “It’s the recalcitrance of Iran , they were provided a means to have a civil nuclear program with the cooperation of the international community, and they walked away from the table.... That’s why we pursued the sanctions last week and we are pushing for a third resolution in the U.N. Security Council.” The statement comes as the U.S. imposes a new round of sanctions against Iran ’s regime, including key state-owned banks and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Oct 30, 2007 11:48 AM
U.S., France Reject ElBaradei Statement on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and France rejected International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Mohamed ElBaradei’s claim that there is no evidence that Iran seeks nuclear weapons, Agence France Presse reported. Iran ’s intentions should not remain in doubt, said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Monday, because “this is a country that is enriching and reprocessing uranium and the reason that one does that is to lead towards a nuclear weapon.” French Defense Minister Herve Morin echoed her remarks. “Our information, which is backed up by other countries, is contrary” to ElBaradei’s comments, Morin said, adding, “If… ElBaradei is right, then there is no reason that Iran stops ElBaradei and the IAEA from carrying out inspections. If [the nuclear program] is only civil, what would be the reason to stop international inspections?”
Oct 29, 2007 10:52 AM
Israel i Officials Observe New U.S. Missile System
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Officials from Israel ’s Defense Ministry traveled to Hawaii to observe a test of a U.S.-made ballistic missile defense system that could intercept Iran ian and North Korean nuclear projectiles, The Jerusalem Post reported. In a test on Friday night, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, built by Lockheed Martin, successfully intercepted a ballistic target outside the earth’s atmosphere, the U.S. military said. Israel i officials said the Jewish state is currently considering purchasing the THAAD system. The visit comes as Iran , which posses ballistic missiles capable of striking Israel , continues to its pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of the international community.
Oct 25, 2007 9:15 AM
United States Imposes New Sanctions Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury and State Departments on Thursday announced stringent new sanctions measures against Iran , including the long-awaited designations of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction and of the elite Quds Force as a supporter of terrorism, The Washington Post reported. The Revolutionary Guard “is so deeply entrenched in Iran ’s economy, that it is increasingly likely that if you are doing business with Iran you are doing business with the IRGC,” Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice added that the new sanctions will protect the international financial system and provide a “powerful deterrent” to any bank that does or is considering doing business with Iran .
Oct 24, 2007 2:15 PM
Rice: U.S. Committed to Israel ’s Military Edge
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reaffirmed the importance of maintaining Israel ’s qualitative military edge in the region during testimony on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In an exchange with Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) about the Bush administration’s proposal to sell sophisticated missile guidance technology to Saudi Arabia, Secretary Rice said the administration has no intention of allowing Israel to lose its military edge. “We are absolutely committed to Israel ’s qualitative military edge,” Rice said. “We are absolutely attentive to it and have no intention of allowing it to erode."
Oct 22, 2007 3:48 PM
House Leaders Press Treasury on Isolating Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House leaders sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urging him to continue lobbying foreign banks to cease business with Iran and to speak out against the extension of credit guarantees for deals with the regime’s various entities. The letter, authored by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), Spencer Bachus (R-AL), Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), commends Treasury’s actions to date in financially isolating Iran , but calls for additional efforts to gain greater international cooperation in divesting from Iran . The sending of the letter coincided with the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which began in Washington on Saturday.
Oct 22, 2007 3:48 PM
Senate Condemns Foreign Interference in Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate unanimously approved a resolution that affirms “the importance of a sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon and the need for free and fair presidential elections in Lebanon without intimidation or foreign interference.” The resolution, passed on Friday, condemns Syria and Lebanon for providing support to illegitimate militias in Lebanon and other terrorist organizations in the region. The resolution was cosponsored by Sens. John Sununu (R-NH) and John Kerry (D-MA).
Oct 18, 2007 11:43 AM
U.S. Condemns Iran for Mistreating Prisoners
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department condemned the Iran ian regime for arresting Emadeddin Baghi, head of the Organization for the Defense of Prisoners’ Rights, on the charge that he threatens Iran ’s national security by campaigning against Tehran’s mistreatment of prisoners. In a statement issued on Oct. 17, the State Department said that the arrests demonstrate Iran ’s “disregard for Iran ian citizens campaigning for their basic rights” and that Baghi’s “work to protect the rights of others should be lauded not condemned.” The statement also noted that Americans “stand with those defending the rights of the Iran ian people and call upon the Government of Iran to treat its prisoners humanely."
Oct 17, 2007 9:10 AM
U.S. Warns Banks of Iran ’s ‘Deceptive Practices’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCen, warned U.S. banks that Iran may be trying to avoid financial sanctions through fraudulent means, the Associated Press reported. “Financial institutions should be particularly aware that there may be an increased effort by Iran ian entities to circumvent international sanctions and related financial community scrutiny through the use of deceptive practices, involving shell companies and other intermediaries or requests that identifying information be removed from transactions," FinCen said in a statement on Oct. 16. The statement comes as the United States and its allies are working to deny funds to the regime through a series of financial sanctions and banking measures.
Oct 16, 2007 10:19 AM
House Condemns Syria, Iran for Terror in Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House overwhelmingly approved a resolution that condemns Syria and Iran for perpetrating a “campaign of murder, terror, and intimidation aimed at overthrowing the democratically-elected government of Lebanon.” The resolution, passed on Oct. 15 by a vote of 375-5, notes Syria’s alleged culpability in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and its violation, along with Iran , of numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions by providing arms to illegitimate Lebanese militias and Palestinian terrorist groups. The resolution was cosponsored by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Charles Boustany (R-LA), Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Darrell Issa (R-CA).
Oct 16, 2007 10:19 AM
House Applauds Israel on U.N. Committee Appointment
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House overwhelmingly approved a resolution that congratulates the State of Israel on its first appointment to a United Nations panel, the Committee on Program and Coordination (CPC). The resolution, passed on Oct. 15 by voice vote, notes the U.N.’s long history of bias, discrimination and anti-Semitism against Israel and its contrasting support for repressive regimes throughout the world. The resolution urges the United Nations "to officially and publicly condemn anti-Semitic statements made at all United Nations meetings” and “calls upon United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to continue to work to end any unfair vilification of Israel at the United Nations.” The resolution was cosponsored by Reps. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
Oct 15, 2007 10:01 AM
U.S. Warns China, Russia on Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States warned Russia, China and other countries opposing further sanctions on Iran to avoid taking advantage of business opportunities that are available as a result of other nations supporting the sanctions effort, The Financial Times reported. “The Russians and Chinese have been signatories to each of the U.N. Security Council resolutions [sanctioning Iran ],” said Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, “and I would think, whether it be in the financial sector or other sectors, someone else stepping in would be very inappropriate and very counter to what the Security Council has called on the world community to do.” Russia and China have resisted efforts at the Security Council to impose a third round of sanctions on Iran , which continues to advance its illicit nuclear weapons program.
Oct 12, 2007 9:25 AM
Rice: Iran “Lying” About Its Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday said that Iran has a “history of obfuscation and indeed lying” to international nuclear inspectors about its atomic work, The Washington Post reported. “There’s a history of Iran not answering important questions and what is going on,” Rice said. “And there is Iran pursuing nuclear technologies that can lead to nuclear weapons-grade material.” Rice was responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that there is no evidence that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons. Iran has rebuffed multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding that it end its efforts to enrich uranium -- a key step toward producing nuclear weapons -- and faces more stringent sanctions as a result of its non-compliance.
Oct 12, 2007 8:25 AM
U.S. Launches Major Counter-Proliferation Initiative
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Justice Department announced a major new initiative to crack down on the illegal export of restricted military and dual-use technology to terrorist organizations and hostile foreign nations, including Iran , ABC News reported. The new National Counter-Proliferation Initiative will seek to better coordinate the efforts of the multiple U.S. agencies involved in counter-proliferation efforts, including the FBI and the Justice, State, Defense, Commerce, and Homeland Security departments. “This initiative is a coordinated campaign to keep sensitive U.S. technology from falling into the wrong hands and from being used against our allies, against our troops overseas or against Americans at home,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security Kenneth Wainstein said on Thursday.
Oct 10, 2007 8:45 AM
House Letter Seeks Assurances on Saudi Arms Sale
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Christopher Carney (D-PA) are circulating a letter calling on President Bush to provide assurances that any plans to sell Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) technology to Saudi Arabia will not harm U.S. forces or undercut Israel ’s qualitative military edge. The letter states that JDAM technology, which transforms unguided conventional bombs into precision munitions with highly accurate targeting capabilities, could undermine the stability of the region if it falls into the wrong hands.
Oct 5, 2007 1:01 PM
Senate Boosts Funds for Arrow Missile Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate approved $155 million for jointly developed U.S.- Israel i Arrow missile and short-range missile defense programs—doubling the president’s budget request—as part of a larger bill appropriating defense funding for fiscal year 2008. The funding includes an additional $25 million for the co-production of the Arrow in the United States, $15 million to explore ways to extend the missile defense shield and $35 million for the short-range “David’s Sling” program, which aims to block missiles traveling distances of more than 40 kilometers. The defense bill will now go to conference where House and Senate negotiators will iron out differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill before going to the president for his signature.
Oct 5, 2007 11:01 AM
United States Tells Syria to Stay Out of Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on October 4 warned Syria against interfering in Lebanon’s upcoming presidential elections, the Associated Press reported. “The United States strongly supports the success of democracy in Lebanon,” Bush said after meeting with Saad Hariri, leader of the anti-Syrian majority in Lebanon’s parliament. “The United States is more than just an admirer. We want to help as best as we possibly can.” Saad’s father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in a massive truck bombing in 2005. Bush said the international tribunal looking into his death needs to move more quickly. A previous U.N. investigation of the assassination implicated top Syrian officials linked to Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Oct 3, 2007 9:26 AM
House Approves Harsher Terror Penalties
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved by voice vote harsher penalties for violators of United States sanctions against Iran , Hamas , Hizballah , and other terrorist groups and state sponsors of terrorism. The legislation, passed on October 2, increases the criminal penalty from $50,000 to up to $1 million for targets of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which authorizes the president to identify any “unusual and extraordinary threat” against the U.S. and to freeze the assets and confiscate the property belonging to the threat. The Senate version of the bill was sponsored by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) and was approved by the Senate in June.
Oct 2, 2007 9:20 AM
Senators Call on Rice to Urge Arab Support for Peace
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Seventy-nine senators signed a letter calling on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to urge Arab states to take active roles in promoting Israel i-Palestinian peace. The letter, sent on Tuesday, says the Arab states should participate in the upcoming meeting on Israel i-Palestinian peace efforts, recognize Israel ’s right to exist, reject Hamas ’ sponsorship of terrorism and encourage the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to govern effectively and fight terror. The letter was authored by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
Oct 2, 2007 9:20 AM
White House: Diplomatic Solution to Iran Crisis Sought
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House stated that President Bush is determined to find a diplomatic solution to the West’s ongoing dispute with Iran over its illicit nuclear program, Agence France Presse reported. “The president has said that he believes there is a diplomatic solution that we can use to solve the Iran ian problem. And that’s why we’re working with our allies to get there,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Monday.
Oct 1, 2007 9:08 AM
U.S. Says Nuclear Dispute With Iran Is Not ‘Closed’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official contradicted Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s claim last week that his country’s dispute with the West over its illicit nuclear program is “closed,” The New York Times reported. “I’m sorry, he was badly mistaken,” said Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns after a meeting on Friday with officials from Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany. “Here, he has six ministers saying so.” The six countries issued a statement offering Iran a range of economic incentives if Tehran suspends its uranium enrichment program. The move comes as the House overwhelmingly passed the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, comprehensive legislation aimed at increasing economic and political pressure on Iran to persuade Tehran to end its nuclear program.
Oct 1, 2007 9:08 AM
Senate Votes to Isolate Iran 's Revolutionary Guard
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As part of the fiscal year 2008 defense authorization bill, the Senate passed a measure by a vote of 76-22 that urges the Bush administration to designate Iran ’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization . The IRGC -- an elite military branch of Iran ’s government consisting of some 125,000 members -- arms, funds and trains terrorist networks from Gaza to Afghanistan. The proposed designation would allow the United States to freeze the assets of the IRGC and of those who conduct business with it. The measure was introduced by Sens. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).
Sep 25, 2007 11:55 AM
House Passes Landmark Iran Sanctions Bill
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House passed a comprehensive Iran sanctions bill by a vote of 397-16 that strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran 's nuclear program and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran 's atomic efforts. The bill, introduced by Reps. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), also urges the listing of Iran ’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a specially designated global terrorist group and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran ’s atomic efforts.
Sep 25, 2007 8:55 AM
Schwarzenegger: California Will Divest from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he plans to sign a bill that would sever the state’s ties with companies doing business in Iran , The Los Angeles Times reported. “California has a long history of leadership and doing what’s right with our investment portfolio,” said Schwarzenegger in a statement on Monday. “Last year, I was proud to sign legislation to divest from the Sudan to take a powerful stand against genocide. I look forward to signing legislation to divest from Iran to take an equally powerful stand against terrorism.” State across the country -- including Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, New York and New Jersey -- are currently moving to divest from Iran , which the State Department has repeatedly labeled the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Sep 24, 2007 10:55 AM
Rice: U.S. and France Agree on Iran Policy
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In advance of the U.N. Security Council meeting in New York this week, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that there is “no difference” in the way the United States and France view the necessity of imposing stringent economic pressure on Iran until it abandons its nuclear program, The New York Times reported. “I think it’s first important to note that we have set out a diplomatic path that includes negotiation as the preferred means by which to resolve this issue,” Rice said on Friday at a news conference with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. “We will seek further resolutions in the U.N. Security Council should Iran not take up the negotiating track.” Iran has rebuffed multiple Security Council demands that it end its illicit atomic work.
Sep 24, 2007 9:55 AM
U.S. Military: Iran Smuggling Arms Into Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States military accused Iran of smuggling surface-to-air missiles and other advanced weapons into Iraq to attack U.S. troops, the Associated Press reported on Sunday. According to military spokesman Rear Adm. Mark Fox, U.S. troops continue to find Iran ian-supplied weaponry responsible for the deaths of U.S. troops, including the killing of one soldier by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) on Saturday in eastern Baghdad. The State Department has repeatedly designated Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Sep 21, 2007 9:33 AM
House Secures Insurance Coverage for Israel Travelers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House passed a terrorism insurance bill by a vote of 312-110 that includes provisions preventing firms from denying life insurance to those traveling to Israel , The Jerusalem Post reported. “If we allow companies to deny life insurance for legal travel abroad, we give in to those who want to restrict our freedoms,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), who introduced the provisions along with Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL). “Terrorists such as Al Qaeda will not dictate where and if we can travel.” The bill was cosponsored by Reps. Michael E. Capuano (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY) and must now be approved by the Senate before going to the president for his signature.
Sep 20, 2007 11:04 AM
Florida Divests Nearly $1.3 Billion from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Florida’s State Board of Administration authorized the divestiture of $1.3 billion of the state’s public employee retirement fund invested with 21 companies doing business in Iran or Sudan, the Associated Press reported. “You will be telling ever one of these companies that from this day forward we won’t invest another dollar, Florida’s public dollars, in those companies,” State Sen. Ted Deutsch, the sponsor of Florida’s divestiture law, told the board. Florida’s action comes as other states across the country -- including California, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, New York and New Jersey -- are moving to divest from Iran due to its ongoing support for terrorism and its unyielding nuclear ambitions.
Sep 20, 2007 11:04 AM
United States: Iran Sanctions Achieve Greater Good
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States called upon Turkey, Germany, Italy and other countries to abandon their business interests in Iran in order to thwart Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, Reuters reported. "The issue of Iran becoming possibly a nuclear weapons power is so important that each country has to make sacrifices," Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns told reporters during a visit to Ankara, adding, "Our message to Germany and Italy is also you have to sacrifice here for the greater objective -- to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons power.” Burns’ statement comes as the U.S. continues to urge the international community to support a third round of sanctions against Iran at the United Nations Security Council.
Sep 19, 2007 10:04 AM
U.S. Commander Seeks United Arab Front Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The top United States military commander in the Middle East is urging Arab governments to form a united front against Iran , the Associated Press reported. Adm. William Fallon on Saturday began a 10-day trip to Gulf states beginning with Bahrain in order to encourage them to reject Tehran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons and achieve regional hegemony. After meeting with Bahrain’s defense minister, Sheik Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, Fallon said the United States seeks to create a situation that “when they [ Iran ] look to the Gulf, they see a group united in response to Iran ian hegemonic behavior.” Fallon’s meetings come as Iran continues its illicit nuclear pursuit and threatens to undermine U.S. interests in the region.
Sep 19, 2007 10:04 AM
House Members Raise Questions About Saudi Arms Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee raised questions about the Bush administration’s proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia, the Associated Press reported. Noting Saudi Arabia’s history of support for terrorism, Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), who chairs the subcommittee, said, “Why should we believe that they see the war on terror as we do, and why sell them those weapons?” Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) echoed Ackerman’s remarks, saying that the Saudis “have to prove they are not in a secret coalition with terrorists.” The Bush administration has proposed selling a major arms package to Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.
Sep 18, 2007 10:01 AM
U.S. Gives Jordan $78 Million in Security Aid
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States gave Jordan $78 million in supplemental security aid to boost the country’s defenses, Reuters reported. The aid, which was transferred to Jordan on Monday, is beyond the annual economic and military package of $454 million appropriated as part of Washington’s fiscal year 2007 budget, bringing the total amount of aid for the year to $532 million. After signing the agreement with U.S. Ambassador to Jordan David Hale, Jordanian Planning Minister Suhair al-Ali said his country is lobbying the U.S. to increase the amount of supplemental aid due to its strong support of U.S. policies in the region. Jordan became the second Arab country after Egypt to recognize Israel when it signed a comprehensive peace agreement in 1994 that ended nearly five decades of warfare with the Jewish state.
Sep 17, 2007 10:01 AM
U.S. to Push for Tougher Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States announced that it will press for tougher sanctions against Iran at an upcoming strategy meeting with five other nations in Washington, the Associated Press reported. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns will represent the United States at the Sept. 21 gathering, which will include discussions about advancing further U.N. Security Council sanctions against Tehran, said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. “We of course would have liked to have seen a new Security Council resolution drafted by now, but again this works on the timetable of the Security Council, which isn’t always our timetable,” said McCormack, adding, “We’re confident we’ll be able to move forward and get a new Security resolution."
Sep 11, 2007 8:10 AM
Intelligence Director: Hizballah Could Attack U.S.
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnell warned that the terrorist group Hizballah could attack the United States if it believed that the U.S. posed a threat to it or to its financial backer, Iran , Agence France Press reported. In written testimony submitted to Congress on Sept. 10, McConnell noted that Hizballah “has conducted anti-U.S. attacks outside the United States in the past” and “may be more likely to consider attacking the homeland over the next three years if it perceives the United States as posing a direct threat to the group or Iran .” McConnell’s statement comes as Hizballah continues to violate U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for its disarmament by smuggling weapons from Syria and Iran .
Sep 10, 2007 10:26 AM
Senate Bill Cuts Off Funds to U.N. Human Rights Council
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate approved a measure on Sept. 6 as part of the fiscal year 2008 foreign aid bill that would cut off funding to the United Nations Human Rights Council due to its politicized attacks against Israel , the Associated Press reported. According to Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), who introduced the measure, the Council amounts to a platform for “shielding human rights-violating regimes from scrutiny” while “launching spiteful attacks against Israel .” The House passed a similar version of the measure in its own foreign aid bill last June.
Sep 7, 2007 11:40 AM
Lawmakers Speak Out on Rocket Attacks in Sderot
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and Shelley Berkley (D-NV) organized a “special order” session on the House floor on Sept. 6 to highlight the continuing rocket attacks against Israel i civilians in Sderot. Weiner and Berkley, along with Reps. Jason Altmire (D-PA) and Steve Israel (D-NY), spent an hour voicing their outrage over the continuing attacks by Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza, who have fired some 3,000 rockets into Israel during the past two years.
Sep 7, 2007 9:40 AM
Lawmakers Approve $2.4 Billion in Military Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Sept. 6 passed a foreign aid bill by a vote of 81-12 that includes $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel as part of the fiscal year 2008 budget. The House passed its version of the bill, which also includes the same level of aid for Israel , in June. The measure will now head to a conference committee where House-Senate negotiators will reconcile any differences in the bills. The aid represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid.
Sep 5, 2007 9:20 AM
U.S. Commends Lebanon for Terrorist Group Defeat
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States applauded Lebanon for defeating the al-Qaeda-inspired group Fatah al-Islam and said it remained committed to helping the Lebanese government, Agence France Press reported. “We congratulate Prime Minister [Fuad] Siniora and the Lebanese government on its victory over the terrorist organization Fatah al-Islam in the battle for Nahr al-Bared camp in northern Lebanon,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Wednesday. The statement comes in the wake of 15 weeks of fighting between Lebanon and the terrorist group, which sought to overthrow Beirut’s pro-Western government.
Sep 4, 2007 3:20 PM
State Department: Iran Must Stop Stonewalling
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department said that the Iran ian government must answer outstanding questions about its illicit nuclear program. State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the recent agreement signed between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide a framework for addressing disputes over the country’s nuclear work would have been unnecessary had Tehran cooperated in the past.
Aug 30, 2007 2:30 PM
U.S. Helps Lebanon Combat Terrorism
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States delivered 130 armored vehicles to the Lebanese army to facilitate its fight against al-Qaeda inspired terrorists, Beirut’s Daily Star reported. “I observed with admiration the courage, perseverance and commitment displayed by the Lebanese Army soldiers in its fight against terrorism,” said Admiral William Fallon, head of the US Central Command, following a meeting on August 29 with Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr.
Aug 29, 2007 11:16 AM
U.S. Warns of Iran ’s Destabilizing Influence
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department condemned Iran for supporting the insurgency in Iraq and terrorist groups in the Palestinian territories. “There’s no shortage of support for terrorism or militias or violence or instability in Iraq right now from the Iran ian government,” said State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey on August 28, adding that the people of the region are not "well served by Iran ’s continued support for terrorism and for rejectionist groups in the Palestinian territories, for example."
Aug 27, 2007 8:54 AM
U.S. Condemns Ongoing Hizballah Arms Smuggling
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States denounced the ongoing arms smuggling across the Lebanon-Syria border by the terrorist group Hizballah as the U.N Security Council extended the mandate of U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon for an additional year. In a statement issued Friday after the unanimous passage of a resolution renewing the peacekeeping mission, Alejandro D. Wolff, the deputy U.S. permanent representative to the U.N., condemned the role of Syria and Iran in the smuggling.
Aug 22, 2007 12:57 PM
State Department: More U.N. Sanctions on Iran Needed
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department called on the United Nations Security Council to impose more sanctions on Iran , noting Tehran’s long history of duplicitous conduct in nuclear negotiations, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday. “ Iran has an extensive history of promising cooperation and failing to follow through,” said State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos. “Plans for cooperation are no substitute for actual cooperation, and Iran ’s actions in the coming weeks will speak louder than its words.” The statement comes in the wake of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s announcement that it had reached an agreement with Iran on a timetable for negotiations over its nuclear program, even as Tehran made clear that it would refuse to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities.
Aug 21, 2007 1:22 PM
Top General Says Iran Trains Terrorists Inside Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Marking the first time the U.S. military has alleged that Iran ians are aiding insurgents from inside Iraq, a senior U.S. general on August 19 said that about 50 members of an elite Iran ian military unit are training Shia militias south of Baghdad, The Washington Post reported. Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said the men were sent by Iran ’s Revolutionary Guard Corps -- a military branch that the U.S. government has reportedly decided to label a “specially designated global terrorist” -- to train insurgents in firing mortars and rockets.
Aug 16, 2007 9:08 AM
U.S. Condemns Iran for Unjust Death Sentences
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department denounced the Iran ian regime for sentencing a journalist and an environmental activist to death after an unjust trial. “By sentencing journalist Adnan Hassanpour and writer and environmental activist Abdolwahed (Hiwa) Butimar to death after a fundamentally flawed trial, the Iran ian government has once again shown a willingness to both trample on the rights of its citizens and disregard the most basic standards of acceptable international behavior,” the State Department said in a statement on August 15, adding that the United States “stands with all people of Iran struggling for their universal rights, including freedom from discrimination, and justice in their country.” The regime in Tehran has a decades-long history of supporting terrorism and restricting the rights of its citizens.
Aug 14, 2007 9:36 AM
State Department Targets Syria-Backed Terror Group
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department has designated the Syria-backed group Fatah al-Islam as a terrorist entity, freezing the group’s financial assets. In a statement issued on August 13, the State Department noted that Fatah al-Islam is responsible for the murder of U.S. diplomat Laurence Foley in 2002 and for launching unprovoked attacks against Lebanese security forces. "This terrorist group threatens the safety and security of the Lebanese people and the region," the statement said, adding that the United States "supports the Government of Lebanon and its security forces in their efforts to promote stability and rule of law throughout the country."
Aug 10, 2007 9:35 AM
Lawmaker Urges World Bank to Cut Iran Aid
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A member of the House Appropriations Committee called on the World Bank to cease providing development assistance to Iran , which the State Department has designated the world’s leading state sponsor of terror. “As President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pledges the destruction of Israel , funds Hizballah and Hamas , and defies Security Council resolutions, the bank’s board will approve further Iran disbursements,” wrote Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) in an op-ed published on August 10 in The Washington Post. A bill currently being considered by Congress, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007, reduces U.S. contributions to the World Bank based on the percentage the bank gives in loans to Iran .
Treasury Targets Hamas Funding
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department last week moved to clamp down financially on Al-Salah Society, a large charitable organization in Gaza, for allegedly raising money and providing other support to the terrorist group Hamas , the Associated Press reported. “ Hamas has used the Al-Salah Society, as it has many other charitable fronts, to finance its terrorist agenda,” said Adam Szubin, director of the department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. As a result of Treasury’s action, any bank accounts or other financial assets found in the United States belonging to Al-Salah must be frozen.
Aug 7, 2007 8:35 AM
House Approves Funds for U.S.- Israel Missile Defense
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved $150 million for the joint U.S.- Israel Arrow and short-range missile defense programs as part of a larger bill appropriating defense funding for fiscal year 2008. The funding, passed on August 4, includes $25 million for the co-production of the Arrow in the United States, $26 million to explore ways to extend the missile defense shield and $19 million for the short-range “David’s Sling” program, which aims to block missiles traveling distances of more than 40 kilometers. Reps. Steven Rothman (D-NJ), John Murtha (D-PA) and C.W. Bill Young (R-FL) played key roles in securing the funds.
Aug 7, 2007 8:35 AM
House Approves U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved provisions as part of a larger energy bill that authorizes $20 million a year through 2012 for joint ventures between U.S. and Israel i businesses and academic institutions for the development of alternative renewable energy sources. The provisions note that reducing dependency on foreign oil remains a long-term U.S. national security interest and that Israel i scientists and engineers stand “at the forefront of research and development in the field of alternative renewable energy sources.” The provisions were spearheaded by Reps. Brad Sherman (D-CA), John Shadegg (R-AZ) and Eliot Engel (D-NY).
Aug 6, 2007 7:34 AM
Bush Signs Bill Boosting U.S.- Israel Security Ties
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush signed into law landmark provisions that open new opportunities for the United States and Israel to strengthen their joint cooperative homeland security efforts. The provisions, passed as part of a larger bill implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and signed by Bush last week, create an office of international cooperation within the Department of Homeland Security. The office will be responsible for developing, planning and implementing international cooperation efforts with key U.S. allies, including Israel . Reps. Peter King (R-NY) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced the provisions in the House, while Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) championed the efforts in the Senate.
Aug 3, 2007 10:30 AM
Gates Urges Arab States to Pressure Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appealed to Arab states to join the United States in pressuring Iran to end its nuclear program, Agence France Press reported. "Without being country specific, in terms of concern with Iran , there was no difference of opinion," Gates said on Thursday as he flew back to Washington from the United Arab Emirates. "The more countries in the world that cooperate in the U.N. sanctions, and in bringing pressures to bear on this government, that its policies are antithetical to the interest of all of its neighbors, the better off we'll be." Gates' trip to the region also included talks with the leaders of Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Aug 2, 2007 12:29 PM
Bush Freezes Assets of Lebanese Government Foes
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush issued an executive order blocking the assets of individuals who undermine the sovereignty of the democratically elected Lebanese government. The order, issued on Thursday, states that efforts to reassert Syrian control in Lebanon and encourage political violence against the government threaten the stability of the region and “constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.” The executive order comes as the terrorist group Hizballah , with the help of Syria and Iran , continues to amass arms in southern Lebanon in preparation for future hostilities against Israel .
Jul 31, 2007 2:27 PM
House Expands Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved legislation that closes loopholes and further clarifies existing law regarding sanctions against Iran . The bill, which passed last week by a vote of 415-11 and amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, extends the threat of sanctions to foreign subsidiaries of American companies if the subsidiaries were acquired or created in order to evade existing prohibitions on trade with Iran . The legislation also expands the definition of Iran ’s petroleum sector to include petroleum by-products, liquefied natural gas and the underwriters of sanctionable investments in Iran 's energy sector. The bill was introduced by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Tom Lantos (D-CA).
Jul 31, 2007 10:27 AM
House Authorizes States to Divest from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved legislation that authorizes state and local governments to divest from companies investing in Iran 's petroleum and natural gas sector and protects fund managers who divest from such companies from potential lawsuits. The bill, which passed last week by a vote of 408-6, comes as states around the country -- including Florida, California, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, New York and New Jersey -- are mounting efforts to divest their pension funds from companies investing in Iran 's petroleum sector or conducting business with its defense or nuclear sectors. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Christopher Shays (R-CT).
Jul 31, 2007 8:27 AM
United States to Increase Military Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Bush administration announced that it will ask Congress to increase military aid to Israel and other allies in the region, The New York Times reported. "We will move soon to conclude a new ten-year military assistance agreement with Israel ," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday. "This agreement will provide a total of $30 billion to ensure Israel 's ability to defend itself." American military aid for Israel would be increased to $3 billion annually over ten years, from $2.4 billion now, further helping the Jewish state maintain its qualitative military edge over the Arab states and Iran . Composing about one percent of the federal budget, foreign aid is a cost-effective means to project U.S. leadership and protect American interests around the globe.
Jul 30, 2007 11:27 AM
House Boosts Security Cooperation With Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House approved legislation that includes provisions aimed at strengthening U.S.- Israel homeland security cooperation. The bill, which passed on Friday by a vote of 371-40 and implements the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, includes a provision that creates an Office of International Cooperation within the Department of Homeland Security, which will be responsible for matching U.S. entities with non-U.S. entities for partnering in homeland security research activities. Israel is one of five countries recognized as potential partners in this endeavor. The legislation, which received final Senate approval on Thursday, now goes to the president for his signature.
Jul 27, 2007 1:27 PM
Senate Boosts Security Cooperation With Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Thursday gave final approval to legislation that includes provisions aimed at strengthening U.S.- Israel homeland security cooperation. The bill, which implements the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, includes a title that creates an Office of International Cooperation within the Department of Homeland Security, which will be responsible for matching U.S. entities with non-U.S. entities for partnering in homeland security research activities. Israel is one of five countries recognized as potential partners in this endeavor. The measure now awaits final approval by the House before going to the president for his signature.
Jul 27, 2007 12:27 PM
House Panel Boosts Israel 's Missile Defense Funds
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved $150 million for Israel 's Arrow and short-range missile defense program, The Jerusalem Post reported. "The Arrow program is one of the most advanced missile defense systems around and has been proven to work in tests," said Rep. Steven Rothman (D-NJ), who played a key role in securing the funds. The funding includes $25 million for the co-production of the Arrow in the United States, $26 million to explore ways to extend the missile defense shield and $19 million for the short-range "David's Sling" program, which aims to block missiles traveling distances of more than 40 kilometers. For decades, the U.S. and Israel have maintained a close strategic partnership leading to military innovations of mutual benefit to both countries.
Jul 27, 2007 12:27 PM
Senators Condemn U.N. Council for Anti- Israel Bias
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senators on Thursday criticized the U.N. Human Rights Council for its one-sided condemnatory resolutions against Israel . "The Council has regularly passed one-sided resolutions singling out Israel . There have been 11 such measures criticizing Israel to date," said Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Democracy and Human Rights, which he chairs. Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and David Vitter (R-LA) echoed his criticism of the Council, which has continued to single Israel out regarding human rights.
Jul 27, 2007 5:27 AM
Senate Panel Approves U.S.- Israel Energy Collaboration
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday approved a bill by voice vote that authorizes $20 million a year through 2012 for joint ventures between U.S. and Israel i businesses and academic institutions for the development of alternative renewable energy sources. The U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation Act notes that reducing dependency on foreign oil remains a long-term U.S. national security interest and that Israel i scientists and engineers stand "at the forefront of research and development in the field of alternative renewable energy sources." The legislation was introduced by Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
Jul 27, 2007 5:27 AM
State Dept. Criticizes Proposed Gas Pipeline to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official on Wednesday criticized a proposed natural gas pipeline between Iran , Pakistan and India. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said the U.S. has "made it abundantly clear to both the Pakistani and Indian governments that a proposed pipeline project with Iran is a bad idea, given Iran 's refusal to comply with its international nonproliferation obligations." Since 1996, U.S. law has authorized sanctions on foreign entities investing more than $20 million in Iran 's energy sector, including pipelines.
Jul 27, 2007 5:27 AM
U.S. Votes Against Biased U.N. Resolution
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Wednesday voted against a resolution at the U.N. Economic and Social Council that condemns violence against Palestinian women, arguing that the resolution failed to address the suffering of Israel i women as a result of Palestinian terrorist attacks. U.S. diplomat Lorie Shestack criticized the one-sided resolution, noting that both Palestinian and Israel i women experience violence and that such resolutions harm future peace prospects. Canada joined the U.S. in voting against the resolution, while 38 countries voted in favor.
Jul 27, 2007 5:27 AM
House Members Urge World Bank to Halt Iran Aid
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Twelve members of the House have signed a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick urging him to reject any loan or grant requests for Iran or for any company operating in Iran . Noting Iran 's extensive history of repression and terrorism, the letter states, "One has to wonder why a country that exports 2.6 million barrels of oil per day needs World Bank development assistance." The letter also notes that the bank's policies are inconsistent with recent U.N. Security Council resolutions sanctioning Iran as well as the policies of Britain, France and Germany. The letter was spearheaded by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL), Steven Rothman (D-NJ) and Robert Andrews (D-NJ).
Jul 27, 2007 5:27 AM
U.N. Considers Statement Condemning Hizballah
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States, Britain and France are working on a draft U.N. Security Council statement that calls on Syria to control the flow of arms to the terrorist group Hizballah and urges Iran to obey the arms embargo, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to the draft, the Security Council "expresses grave concern at persistent reports of breaches of the arms embargo along the Lebanon-Syria border" and "calls for enhanced cross-border cooperation to secure the Syrian-Lebanese border." A report issued by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in late June said that arms smuggling along the border is continuing despite U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which prohibits such activities.
Jul 26, 2007 3:27 PM
State Dept. Criticizes Proposed Gas Pipeline to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official on Wednesday criticized a proposed natural gas pipeline between Iran , Pakistan and India. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said the U.S. has "made it abundantly clear to both the Pakistani and Indian governments that a proposed pipeline project with Iran is a bad idea, given Iran 's refusal to comply with its international nonproliferation obligations." Since 1996, U.S. law has authorized sanctions on foreign entities investing more than $20 million in Iran 's energy sector, including pipelines.
Jul 26, 2007 11:27 AM
U.S. Votes Against Biased U.N. Resolution
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Wednesday voted against a resolution at the U.N. Economic and Social Council that condemns violence against Palestinian women, arguing that the resolution failed to address the suffering of Israel i women as a result of Palestinian terrorist attacks. U.S. diplomat Lorie Shestack criticized the one-sided resolution, noting that both Palestinian and Israel i women experience violence and that such resolutions harm future peace prospects. Canada joined the U.S. in voting against the resolution, while 38 countries voted in favor.
Jul 26, 2007 8:27 AM
Senate Panel Approves U.S.- Israel Energy Collaboration
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday approved a bill by voice vote that authorizes $20 million a year through 2012 for joint ventures between U.S. and Israel i businesses and academic institutions for the development of alternative renewable energy sources. The U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation Act notes that reducing dependency on foreign oil remains a long-term U.S. national security interest and that Israel i scientists and engineers stand "at the forefront of research and development in the field of alternative renewable energy sources." The legislation was introduced by Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
Jul 25, 2007 10:02 AM
House Members Urge World Bank to Halt Iran Aid
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Twelve members of the House have signed a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick urging him to reject any loan or grant requests for Iran or for any company operating in Iran . Noting Iran 's extensive history of repression and terrorism, the letter states, "One has to wonder why a country that exports 2.6 million barrels of oil per day needs World Bank development assistance." The letter also notes that the bank's policies are inconsistent with recent U.N. Security Council resolutions sanctioning Iran as well as the policies of Britain, France and Germany. The letter was spearheaded by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL), Steven Rothman (D-NJ) and Robert Andrews (D-NJ).
Jul 25, 2007 10:02 AM
U.N. Considers Statement Condemning Hizballah
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States, Britain and France are working on a draft U.N. Security Council statement that calls on Syria to control the flow of arms to the terrorist group Hizballah and urges Iran to obey the arms embargo, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to the draft, the Security Council "expresses grave concern at persistent reports of breaches of the arms embargo along the Lebanon-Syria border" and "calls for enhanced cross-border cooperation to secure the Syrian-Lebanese border." A report issued by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in late June said that arms smuggling along the border is continuing despite U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which prohibits such activities.
Jul 24, 2007 4:02 PM
Treasury Dept. Targets Hizballah Supporters
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday announced that it has frozen the assets of two organizations that are affiliated with the terrorist group Hizballah . "We will continue to target those who form the financial backbone of Hizballah , Hamas , PIJ [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] and other terrorist groups that are attempting to destabilize Lebanon and target innocent civilians," said Stuart Levey, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. The two organizations include the Iran -based Martyrs Foundation, which maintains a U.S. branch, and the finance firm Al-Qard al-Hassan (AQAH). Hizballah has committed dozens of terrorist acts throughout the world and ignited a war against Israel in the summer of 2006 after it kidnapped two Israel i soldiers.
Jul 23, 2007 3:24 PM
House Bars OPIC Assistance to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Monday passed legislation that prohibits the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) from providing assistance to individuals with financial ties to terrorist states such as Iran , Congressional Quarterly reported.
Jul 23, 2007 3:24 PM
AIPAC Leaders Lobby Lawmakers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Jul 23, 2007 10:24 AM
U.S. Military: Iran Smuggling Weapons Into Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
U.S. forces in Iraq on Sunday arrested two alleged weapons smugglers linked to Iran 's military, the Associated Press reported.
Jul 20, 2007 9:24 PM
Rice: Palestinians Must Reject Terror
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday condemned the terrorist group Hamas for showing "no evidence that it accepts the international norm" of peace and nonviolence and called for supporting the government of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas.
Jul 20, 2007 9:24 PM
House Leader Calls for More Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday strongly condemned Iran for its nuclear weapons program and for its support for terrorism, calling for more economic sanctions against the regime. "The dangerous Iran ian regime currently in power has presented us with the overriding issue of the entire Middle East," said Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) during a hearing of his committee. "[ Iran ian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad and his theocratic cohorts are working to destabilize security globally with their nuclear weapons program." Lantos and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) are the lead cosponsors of the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, comprehensive legislation aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring the funds its needs to advance its nuclear program.
Jul 20, 2007 9:24 PM
Texas Governor Calls for Iran Divestment
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The governor of Texas on Wednesday said he wants state pension funds to divest from companies conducting business in Iran , the Associated Press reported. "This is a country that has a clear terrorist focus, has a clear mission to wipe a friendly democracy and a very close ally of the United States off of the face of the earth," said Gov. Rick Perry. The governor said he is trying to determine whether he could begin the divestment process without legislation and, if he cannot, he intends to call a special legislative session in the coming weeks. The efforts mirror divestment drives in other states, including Florida, California, Ohio, Illinois and New Jersey.
Jul 20, 2007 9:24 PM
House Calls for Capture of Palestinian Terrorists
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Monday passed a resolution by voice vote that calls on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to submit a report every 120 days on efforts to bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who killed three American security personnel on October 15, 2003. The three Americans -- John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin Linde -- were contract employees providing security to U.S. diplomatic officials in Gaza to identify Palestinian candidates for the Fulbright Program. The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN).
Jul 20, 2007 2:24 PM
Rice: Palestinians Must Reject Terror
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Jul 20, 2007 7:24 AM
Rice: Palestinians Must Reject Terror
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday condemned the terrorist group Hamas for showing "no evidence that it accepts the international norm" of peace and nonviolence and called for supporting the government of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas.
Jul 20, 2007 7:24 AM
House Leader Calls for More Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday strongly condemned Iran for its nuclear weapons program and for its support for terrorism, calling for more economic sanctions against the regime. "The dangerous Iran ian regime currently in power has presented us with the overriding issue of the entire Middle East," said Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) during a hearing of his committee. "[ Iran ian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad and his theocratic cohorts are working to destabilize security globally with their nuclear weapons program." Lantos and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) are the lead cosponsors of the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, comprehensive legislation aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring the funds its needs to advance its nuclear program.
Jul 19, 2007 9:24 AM
Texas Governor Calls for Iran Divestment
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The governor of Texas on Wednesday said he wants state pension funds to divest from companies conducting business in Iran , the Associated Press reported. "This is a country that has a clear terrorist focus, has a clear mission to wipe a friendly democracy and a very close ally of the United States off of the face of the earth," said Gov. Rick Perry. The governor said he is trying to determine whether he could begin the divestment process without legislation and, if he cannot, he intends to call a special legislative session in the coming weeks. The efforts mirror divestment drives in other states, including Florida, California, Ohio, Illinois and New Jersey.
Jul 18, 2007 8:24 AM
Bush Blocks Assets of Iraq Insurgency Supporters
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Tuesday issued an executive order that blocks the financial assets of groups supporting attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq, including entities backed by Iran and Syria. "The executive order targets terrorist and insurgent groups, including those assisted by Syria and Iran , that are not covered by existing authorities," said White House spokesman Tony Snow. Iran and Syria are lead sponsors and facilitators of the insurgency in Iraq and for decades have supported terrorist groups throughout the world.
Jul 18, 2007 8:24 AM
House Calls for Capture of Palestinian Terrorists
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Monday passed a resolution by voice vote that calls on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to submit a report every 120 days on efforts to bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who killed three American security personnel on October 15, 2003. The three Americans -- John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin Linde -- were contract employees providing security to U.S. diplomatic officials in Gaza to identify Palestinian candidates for the Fulbright Program. The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN).
Jul 16, 2007 3:24 PM
Bush: Syria, Hizballah Facilitating Iraq Violence
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Thursday criticized Syria for facilitating the transport of suicide bombers to Iraq and denounced Hizballah for training terrorists to attack U.S. forces in the war-torn country. "The same Hizballah terrorists who are waging war against the forces of democracy in Lebanon are training extremists to do the same against coalition forces in Iraq," Bush said in a press conference. "The same Syrian regime that provides support and sanctuary for Islamic Jihad and Hamas has refused to close its airport in Damascus to suicide bombers headed to Iraq." Bush's statement comes as Syria and Iran continue to help Hizballah amass weapons in violation of U.N. Security Resolution 1701, which ended last summer's war between Hizballah and Israel .
Jul 13, 2007 8:23 AM
Bush Presses Palestinians for Anti-Terror Action
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
While endorsing the emergency government formed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after the terrorist group Hamas took over Gaza, President Bush on Monday made clear that the Palestinians must take concrete action against terrorism to move forward in peace negotiations with Israel . In a speech at the White House, Bush said Abbas' government must "arrest terrorists, dismantle their infrastructure and confiscate illegal weapons" while working to stop terrorist groups' attacks on Israel is. "This is a moment of clarity for all Palestinians," Bush said, "and now comes a moment of choice."
Jul 13, 2007 8:23 AM
House Resolution Condemns British Boycott of Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution that condemns Britan's University and College Union for initiating an academic boycott of Israel . "When Israel comes under attack from hate-mongers, it is the American values that are also under such attack," said Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), who cosponsored the resolution along with Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN). "Today, by passing this bi-partisan resolution, we are stating with one voice that this Congress will stand up and defend our friend the state of Israel ." The resolution also urges the international scholarly community, the European Union and individual governments to oppose the boycott.
Jul 13, 2007 8:23 AM
Intelligence Official: Iran Determined to Get Nukes
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. intelligence official told a House panel on Wednesday that Iran 's nuclear proliferation poses a serious threat to America and the entire Middle East. "We assess that Tehran is determined to develop nuclear weapons -- despite its international obligations and international pressure," Dr. Thomas Fingar, deputy director of national intelligence for analysis, said in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. "This is a grave concern to the other countries in the region whose security would be threatened should Iran acquire nuclear weapons." Fingar's statement comes as the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on Thursday announced that it had added five Iran ian entities to a list of sanctioned companies responsible for facilitating Iran 's nuclear weapons program.
Jul 12, 2007 1:23 PM
Senate Condemns Iran for Iraq Violence
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed an amendment to a defense authorization bill that condemns Iran for sponsoring attacks against U.S. soldiers in Iraq, Agence France Presse reported. "Today's unanimous vote sends a strong, clear message from the entire Senate to the Iran ians that we know what they are doing in Iraq, and they must stop," said Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), who cosponsored the measure along with Sens. Norm Coleman (R-MN), John McCain (R-AZ), Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). U.S. generals have repeatedly accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism against U.S. forces in Iraq, including using the terrorist group Hizballah as a proxy to launch attacks.
Jul 11, 2007 9:23 AM
U.S. Says Iran Missed Opportunities to Negotiate
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior United States official criticized Iran for flouting numerous opportunities for negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear program and called for a third round of economic sanctions against the regime, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. "We have been very flexible in leaving open multiple opportunities for the Iran ian government to begin negotiations," said Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns in an interview. " Iran has failed in every case. That leaves us with no choice but to move forward on a third round of tough sanctions." The U.S. is leading international efforts to impose economic sanctions on Iran in order to persuade the regime to abandon its illicit nuclear weapons program.
Jul 9, 2007 2:23 PM
Rice to Visit Region to Bolster Abbas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Monday announced that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will visit Israel next week in an effort to bolster the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and support efforts by Israel to work with the new government. "There's been a lot of turmoil within the Palestinian political system over the past couple of months," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. "...[I]t's a trip also designed to underscore the fact that we, as well as others, support this new Palestinian government as well as President Abbas." McCormack said the trip also aims to boost efforts to create a political horizon for the Palestinians that can lead to a final resolution of their conflict with Israel .
Jul 6, 2007 4:07 PM
Lawmakers Urge Arrests in Hizballah Bombing
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Jul 6, 2007 4:07 PM
Bush Endorses Magen David Adom's Admission to Red Cross
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Jul 5, 2007 2:59 PM
White House: Hamas Must Release Israel i Soldier
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House on July 5 said its attitude toward the terrorist group Hamas would not change in light of the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston and demanded that the terrorist group release Israel i Corporal Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped more than one year ago. "We would also note that there's another hostage in Gaza, and that's Israel i Corporal Shalit," said White House Deputy Press Secretary Scott Stanzel. "And we hope that they would release him as well. But [the release of Johnston] does not change our attitude [toward Hamas ]." The statement comes in the wake of Hamas ' violent takeover of the Gaza Strip and its ongoing refusal to release Shalit, who was kidnapped in the summer of 2006 when Palestinian terrorists tunneled into Israel , abducted Shalit and killed two other soldiers.
Jul 3, 2007 9:58 AM
U.S. Destroys Old F-14's to Curb Iran Acquisition
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Pentagon is paying a contractor $900,000 to destroy old F-14 fighter jets rather than sell them and risk the possibility of their acquisition by rogue states such as Iran , the Associated Press reported. "There were things getting to the bad guys, so to speak," said Tim Shocklee, founder and executive vice president of TRI-Rinse Inc., the Pentagon's contractor. "And one of the ways to make sure that no one will ever use an F-14 again is to cut them into little 2-by-2 bits." The Pentagon's move comes in the wake of media reports that Iran used loopholes in U.S. law regarding military sales to acquire the powerful spare parts of unused F-14 jets.
Jul 2, 2007 10:12 AM
U.S. General: Iran Using Hizballah as Proxy in Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A U.S. general on July 2 said Iran is using the terrorist group Hizballah as a proxy to arm Shiite insurgents in Iraq, the Associated Press reported. "Our intelligence reveals that the senior leadership in Iran is aware of this activity," said Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, identifying a senior Hizballah operative with close ties to Iran , Ali Mussa Dakdouk, as the man responsible for a January attack in Karbala that killed five U.S. troops. For decades, Iran has sponsored terrorism and violence throughout the world, including Hizballah 's war against Israel last summer and Hamas ' ongoing attacks against Israel i civilians.
Jul 2, 2007 10:12 AM
U.S. Bars Entry to Foes of Lebanese Government
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on June 29 issued an order prohibiting anyone working to undermine the democratically elected Lebanese government from entering the United States, The Washington Post reported. The order bars entry to those "who have contributed to the breakdown of the rule of law in Lebanon, including through the sponsorship of terrorism, politically motivated violence and intimidation, or the reassertion of Syrian control in Lebanon." Syria refuses to recognize Lebanon as an independent country, undermining Lebanese sovereignty by assassinating anti-Syrian politicians and aiding the terrorist army Hizballah .
Jun 29, 2007 9:34 AM
Senate Panel Approves $2.4 Billion in Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate Appropriations Committee on June 28 approved by a 28-1 vote $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel as part of the fiscal year 2008 foreign aid bill. The bill also includes $40 million in assistance to help Israel absorb refugees and key provisions to help Israel maximize the effectiveness of the aid. The aid represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military assistance. The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill, which also includes the same levels of funding for Israel , on June 21 by a vote of 241-178. The United States and Israel are now discussing a new 10-year aid plan aimed at ensuring the Jewish state's qualitative military edge over potential adversaries.
Jun 27, 2007 9:33 AM
House Panel Approves Iran Sanctions Bill
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 26 approved by a vote of 37-1 the Iran Counter Proliferation Act of 2007, which closes loopholes in existing sanctions law against Iran , strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran 's nuclear program and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran 's atomic efforts. It also calls for Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be brought before the International Court of Justice for violating the Genocide Convention through his repeated calls for the destruction of Israel . The bill was sponsored by Reps. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
Jun 26, 2007 1:24 PM
House Members Call on Rice to Help Stop Hizballah Arms Shipments
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
One hundred and four members of the House signed a letter sent on Monday that calls on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to work with the U.N. Security Council to expand the mandate of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to stop arms shipments to Hizballah across the Syrian border. Under its current mandate, UNIFIL cannot engage Hizballah forces transferring arms from Syria without a specific request from the Lebanese army, which has yet to issue one. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said illegal arms traffic across the Syrian border into Lebanon is happening on a regular basis and has called on Syria and Iran to comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701's provision against such arms transfers. The letter was authored by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Steve Israel (D-NY).
Jun 26, 2007 9:24 AM
SEC Launches Web Site Listing Terror Investors
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25 launched a new page on its web site that allows investors to track whether companies have business interests in terror-sponsoring states like Iran , the Associated Press reported. The site includes a list of businesses investing in the terrorist states along with links to the countries' annual reports. "No investor should ever have to wonder whether his or her investments or retirement savings are indirectly subsidizing a terrorist haven or genocidal state," said SEC Chairman Christopher Cox in a statement. The United States is leading international efforts to cut off the funds Iran needs to advance its illicit nuclear weapons program.
Jun 25, 2007 9:07 AM
Rice: No Lowering the Bar for Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Sunday rejected efforts by some European countries to soften conditions for negotiations with Iran , saying nothing short of the full suspension of Iran 's uranium enrichment program remains necessary, the Associated Press reported. "I don't know what partial suspension means," said Rice. "I don't know what partial suspension would look like, and it doesn't seem to me to be a very wise course." Rice's statement comes as the United States prepares a U.N. Security Council draft resolution to impose a third round of sanctions on Iran for its failure to halt its illicit nuclear activities.
Jun 25, 2007 9:07 AM
United States, Britain Preparing Stringent Iran Sanctions Resolution
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As Iran presses ahead with its illicit nuclear program, the United States and Great Britain are preparing drafts for a punishing new U.N. Security Council resolution against the Islamic Republic, The Washington Post reported. "This one can't just be another piece of paper," said a U.S. official. "It has to have some bite to it." The next Security Council resolution against Iran could impose sweeping travel bans on the country's top military and security officials, require inspections on its cargo flights and ships, forbid all import and export of arms shipments and freeze the assets of major Iran ian banks. Tehran has ignored previous Security Council resolutions calling for a nuclear freeze and has indicated that it will disregard further U.N. demands.
Jun 22, 2007 9:29 AM
Lawmakers Approve $2.4 Billion in Military Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on June 21 passed a foreign aid bill by a vote of 241-178 that includes $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel as part of the fiscal year 2008 budget. The aid represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. The bill also includes $40 million in assistance to help Israel absorb refugees from the former Soviet Union and other countries. Following his White House meeting with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on June 19, President Bush said he will work to reach a new aid plan with Israel and remains committed to providing increased military assistance to ensure the Jewish state's qualitative military edge.
Jun 21, 2007 1:29 PM
U.S. Urges U.N. Members to Comply with Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Thursday urged all United Nations member states to comply with the reporting requirements of U.N. sanctions resolutions on Iran . Security Council Resolutions 1737 and 1747 required all states to submit reports on their implementation of the measures contained in the resolutions, including asset freezes, arms embargos, and travel bans. Only 73 out of 192 countries have submitted reports concerning Resolution 1737, while only 50 have done so concerning Resolution 1747. "We urge those states that have not yet done so to fulfill this requirement and to ensure the implementation of these resolutions without delay," Ambassador Jackie Sanders, the alternate U.S. representative to the U.N. for special political affairs, said during a meeting of the Security Council.
Jun 21, 2007 9:29 AM
House Resolution Calls for Charging Ahmadinejad with Incitement to Genocide
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Wednesday passed a resolution by a vote of 411-2 that calls on the U.N. Security Council to charge Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of his calls for the destruction of the State of Israel . "Ahmadinejad," the resolution states, "called for Israel to be 'wiped off the map,' described Israel as 'a disgraceful blot [on] the face of the Islamic world,' and declared that '[a]nybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury.'" It also notes Ahmadinejad's support for terrorist groups like Hamas , Hizballah and Islamic Jihad. The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Steven Rothman (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
Jun 20, 2007 10:29 AM
Bush Expresses Support for Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Tuesday said he remains committed to providing increased military assistance to Israel to ensure the Jewish state's qualitative military edge. "I am strongly committed to Israel 's security and viability as a Jewish state, and to the maintenance of its qualitative military edge," he said in a statement after his meeting with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the White House. "During our meeting today, I told Prime Minister Olmert that I am committed to reaching a new 10-year agreement that will give Israel the increased assistance it requires to meet the new threats and challenges it faces." The United States and Israel signed a previous 10-year plan in 1998, which gradually phased out economic aid while increasing military assistance.
Jun 20, 2007 10:29 AM
House, Senate Leaders Affirm Strength of U.S.- Israel Alliance
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House and Senate leaders from both parties on Tuesday affirmed the strength of the U.S.- Israel alliance during a meeting with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Washington. "Republican and Democratic leaders gathered here -- you see how strong the bipartisanship is for a great U.S.- Israel relationship," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) echoed her remarks, saying, "When it comes to Israel and our bilateral relationship, there really are no differences here in the Congress."
Jun 20, 2007 10:29 AM
U.S. Condemns U.N. Human Rights Council for Singling Out Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Tuesday denounced the U.N. Human Rights Council for singling out Israel for special condemnation as a permanent agenda item. "The Council focused almost exclusively on a single country -- Israel -- failing to address serious human rights violations in other countries such as Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, Belarus and Cuba," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. The Human Rights Council was established a year ago to replace the widely condemned Human Rights Commission, which consistently singled out Israel and failed to address serial human rights abusers like Iran and Syria. The new Council, however, has been criticized for failing to correct the errors of its predecessor by ignoring truly oppressive regimes and unjustly criticizing Israel .
Jun 19, 2007 3:29 PM
Lawmaker Criticizes World Bank for Funding Projects in Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) on Thursday criticized the World Bank for funding projects in Iran that total more than $1 billion. "Amazingly, the World Bank is paying for nine projects in Iran totaling $1.355 billion -- one of which operates in Isfahan, the headquarters of Iran 's nuclear program," said Kirk during a speech at the American Enterprise Institute. "One has to wonder why a country that exports 2.6 million barrels of oil per day needs World Bank development assistance." Kirk said he would introduce legislation obligating the United States to reduce its annual contribution to the World Bank in accordance with the amount of money that the Bank supplies to Iran . America is leading international efforts to cut off the funds Iran needs to sponsor its illicit nuclear program.
Jun 19, 2007 9:29 AM
U.S. Sanctions Two Supporters of Iran 's Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department on Friday froze the assets of and prohibited all transactions with two Iran ians, Mohammad Qannadi and Ali Hajinia Leilabadi, due to their involvement in Iran 's nuclear program. "Even individuals who are active in Iran 's nuclear program are going to be held to account for their conduct and isolated by the international financial community," said Stuart Levey, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Qannadi, according to the Treasury Department, works for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), which overseas the country's nuclear program and reports directly to Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, while Leilabadi works for the Mesbah Energy Company, an AEOI subordinate. The move comes as Iran continues to defy repeated international demands to halt its illicit nuclear weapons pursuit.
Jun 19, 2007 9:29 AM
House Bill Creates International Nuclear Fuel Bank
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Monday passed legislation by voice vote that creates an international fuel bank for the peaceful disbursement of nuclear energy. Noting Iran 's ongoing pursuit of nuclear weapons, the International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation Act of 2007 asserts that an international fuel bank would provide a disincentive for countries to initiate their own nuclear programs and subsequently develop atomic arms. " Iran has used the specter of a potentially unreliable international supply of nuclear reactor fuel as a pretext for developing its own uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing capability, which would enable Iran to also produce weapons-grade uranium and plutonium for nuclear weapons," the bill states. The legislation was sponsored by Reps. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
Jun 18, 2007 8:43 AM
New York Lawmakers Call for Iran Divestment
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
New York state lawmakers on Sunday urged the state to divest its billions of dollars in pension funds from companies that do business in Iran , Syria, North Korea and Sudan, the Associated Press reported. "Do we really want our dollars going to our enemies?" said Democratic State Senator Jeff Klein. "Clearly, it seems strange that New York state is sending young men and women overseas, however we're not yet tapping our most important weapon, our pension fund." New York joins a growing number of states that have begun initiatives to divest from Iran and other terrorist states, including Florida, California, Ohio, Illinois and New Jersey. The divestment efforts come as Iran continues to defy international calls to halt its enrichment of uranium, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Jun 15, 2007 11:21 AM
White House Denounces Hamas 's 'Acts of Terror'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House on Thursday condemned Hamas for terrorizing the Palestinians, Reuters reported. "This is a source of profound concern," said White House spokesman Tony Snow. " Hamas has demonstrated its own view of democracy by once again committing acts of terror, now against the Palestinian people." The White House statement comes as Hamas has taken over the Gaza Strip and remains locked in an increasingly bloody conflict with the rival Fatah party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who dissolved the Hamas -led government and appointed Salam Fayyad as the new prime minister.
Jun 14, 2007 3:30 PM
Bush Condemns Assassination of Lebanese Parliamentarian
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Lebanese Member of Parliament Walid Eido, who was murdered with his son, two bodyguards and six bystanders. "The assault on Lebanese state institutions by terrorists and armed extremists, cross-border arms trafficking, and efforts by the regimes in Damascus and Tehran to foment instability in Lebanon must stop now," the president said in a statement. Bush also endorsed the work of the recently established U.N. tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in February 2005. Bush's statement comes as the Syrian-backed terrorist organization Hizballah continues to amass arms in defiance of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended last summer's war between Hizballah and Israel .
Jun 14, 2007 12:30 PM
Treasury Secretary Cautions Banks Against Conducting Business in Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Thursday warned international banks against conducting business with Iran and indicated that the U.S. is pursuing sanctions against Iran 's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a paramilitary arm of the regime. "The engagement of Iran 's state-controlled banks and its Central Bank in advancing the regime's policies should be cause for great concern," Paulson said during a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Paulson highlighted the IRGC's involvement in the planning and support of terrorism, noting, "the IRGC is so deeply entrenched in Iran 's economy and commercial enterprises, it is increasingly likely that if you are doing business with Iran , you are somehow doing business with the IRGC." The IRGC has long supported terrorist groups like Hamas and Hizballah and provided aid for Hizballah 's war against Israel in the summer of 2006.
Jun 14, 2007 9:30 AM
Senators Urge Rice to Pressure Egypt on Gaza Weapons Smuggling
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Thirty-two senators have signed a letter calling upon Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to urge the Egyptians to stop the weapons smuggling across its border with Gaza and to insist that Hamas stop firing rockets at Israel . "With the escalation of violence and the increasingly untenable arms buildup in Gaza, this is a critical moment for all of our allies to curb the proliferation of weapons and the launching of rockets in the region," the letter states. "The consequences of inaction can only result in greater death and destruction." Authored by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Norm Coleman (R-MN), the letter comes as Hamas and the rival Fatah party are locked in an increasingly bloody conflict and Palestinian rocket fire continues to target innocent Israel i civilians.
Jun 13, 2007 9:09 AM
State Department: Iran Aiding the Taliban
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official on Wednesday said Iran is transferring weapons to the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Associated Press reported. "There's irrefutable evidence the Iran ians are now doing this," said Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns. "It's certainly coming from the government of Iran . It's coming from the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps command, which is a basic unit of the Iran ian government." Burns called upon NATO to stop the shipments, which he said violates various U.N. Security Council resolutions. The State Department has consistently named Iran as the world's leading state sponsor of international terrorism.
Jun 13, 2007 9:09 AM
House Committee Approves $2.4 Billion in Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A House committee on Tuesday passed a foreign aid bill that includes $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel as part of the fiscal year 2008 budget. The aid, approved by voice vote by the House Appropriations Committee, represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. The bill also includes $40 million in assistance to help Israel absorb refugees from the former Soviet Union and other countries. Presidents and lawmakers of both parties have backed aid to Israel for decades as a means to ensure that America's closest ally in the Middle East has the means to defend itself against regional threats.
Jun 12, 2007 1:09 PM
House Bill Prohibits Sale of Spare F-14 Parts to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Monday passed legislation by voice vote that prohibits the Pentagon from selling surplus F-14 fighter jet parts to Iran . The Stop Arming Iran Act asserts that the sale of such parts "could make it more difficult to confront the nuclear weapons capability of Iran and would strengthen the ground war capability of Iran ." The legislation also notes the urgency of preventing arms sales to Tehran in light of its support for terrorist groups such as Hamas , Hizballah , Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The bill was sponsored by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and Steve Pearce (R-NM).
Jun 11, 2007 10:07 AM
Bush: Syria Must Stop Interfering in Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Saturday said Syria must stop disrupting the internal politics of Lebanon, the Israel i newspaper Ha'aretz reported. "It's very important that foreign influences like that of Syria not be continually disrupting the Siniora government," the president said during a news conference in Rome. Bush also noted the importance of the recent U.N. decision to establish a tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, which is widely believed to have been orchestrated by Damascus. The international community "must make sure that there are consequences for behavior that may affect the stability of a democracy," Bush said.
Jun 11, 2007 10:07 AM
U.S. and Israel Conduct Joint Military Exercises
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. and Israel i air forces on Sunday began conducting week-long military exercises in southern Israel , Reuters reported. The exercises constitute "part of a multi-year working plan involving joint flights for the purpose of mutual learning," an Israel i military spokeswoman said. For decades, the United States and Israel have cooperated on numerous defense and homeland security projects aimed at protecting both countries from mutual terrorist threats.
Jun 11, 2007 10:07 AM
U.S. Treasury Freezes Assets of Companies Supporting Iran 's Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States Treasury on Friday said it froze the assets of four Iran ian companies facilitating Tehran's illicit nuclear program, Reuters reported. "So long as Iran continues to pursue a nuclear program in defiance of the international community's calls to halt enrichment, we will continue to hold those responsible to account for their conduct," said Stuart Levey, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. The U.S. has been at the forefront of efforts to hold Iran accountable for defying the international community's repeated demands to halt its atomic arms program.
Jun 11, 2007 10:07 AM
Florida Law Requires Divestment from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has signed into law a bill that bans state investments in foreign firms doing business with Iran , implementing a strategy to deprive Tehran of funds it could use to support illicit nuclear activities or international terrorist groups, the Associated Press reported. The bill "is not just what's right for Florida," Crist said. "This is what's right for America; it's right for the world. It says that Iran , the world's leading sponsor of terror, we will not stand idly by anymore." About $1 billion of Florida state money is currently invested in companies with ties to Iran 's energy sector. Multiple states are considering divestment laws, and a California pension fund on Friday said it was calling on 13 energy companies to reconsider their investments in Iran .
Jun 8, 2007 8:26 AM
House Resolution Condemns British Academic Boycott of Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Members of the House on Wednesday introduced a resolution that condemns Britain's University and College Union's vote on May 30 to boycott Israel i academics and urges Europe and the international scholarly community to reject such boycotts. It highlights the "hypocritical double standard in condemning Israel , a free and democratic state, while completely ignoring gross human rights abuses occurring around the world in nations such as Sudan, Zimbabwe, Iran and Venezuela." The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
Jun 7, 2007 8:57 AM
State Department: More Security Council Sanctions on Iran Needed
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Wednesday said the United States will urge the U.N. Security Council to pass another round of sanctions on Iran in response to Tehran's continued refusal to halt its illicit nuclear weapons program. "I think we're going to be talking about, in the not-too-distant future, another Security Council resolution," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, adding that the U.S. aims "to not allow Iran to use the international financial system for illicit purposes." The statement comes as Iran said this week that its atomic arms program is irreversible and that Israel 's destruction is imminent.
Jun 6, 2007 1:00 PM
California State Assembly Votes to Divest from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The California State Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation that requires the state's two largest pension funds to divest from Iran , the Sacramento Bee reported. "This is a country looking to pick a war. We can't have our retirement [funds] there," said Assemblyman Joel Anderson. "This was a big hurdle we crossed today." The legislation, which obligates the two pension funds to divest more than $2 billion in retirement money invested in foreign companies doing business in Iran , now moves to the California State Senate for a vote. The move comes as Iran continues to threaten Israel with annihilation and make rapid advancements in its illicit nuclear weapons program.
Jun 6, 2007 10:59 AM
House Subcommittee Approves $2.4 Billion in Military Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A House subcommittee on Tuesday passed a foreign aid bill that includes $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel as part of the fiscal year 2008 budget, Congressional Quarterly reported. The aid, approved by voice vote by Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. The bill also includes $40 million in assistance to help Israel absorb refugees from the former Soviet Union and other countries. Presidents and lawmakers of both parties have backed aid to Israel for decades as a means to ensure that America's closest ally in the Middle East has the means to defend itself against regional threats.
Jun 5, 2007 2:59 PM
Bush: Tehran's Nuclear Weapons Pursuit Hurts Iran ian People
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Tuesday criticized the Iran ian regime for its autocratic rule and its illicit nuclear weapons program. "The Iran ians are a great people who deserve to chart their own future -- but they are denied their liberty by a handful of extremists whose pursuit of nuclear weapons prevents their country from taking its rightful place in the community of nations," the president said at a conference on democracy and security in Prague. Bush's statement comes as Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said this week that the "countdown" to Israel 's destruction has begun and that Iran 's nuclear program is irreversible.
Jun 4, 2007 9:59 AM
Members of Congress Congratulate Israel on 40th Anniversary of Six-Day War
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Tuesday passed a resolution by voice vote congratulating the citizens of Israel on the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War as well as praising the Jewish state for reunifying Jerusalem and protecting religious freedom in the city. Introduced by Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the resolution urges the Palestinians and all Arab countries to join with Israel in peace negotiations and commends Egypt and Jordan for reaching peace with the Jewish state. The measure also calls upon the president to abide by the provisions of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Jun 4, 2007 8:59 AM
Gates: Stronger Sanctions Needed Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Saturday said the international community must impose stronger sanctions against Iran immediately, citing doubt regarding how soon the regime will acquire a nuclear weapon, the Associated Press reported. "Uncertainty about Tehran's nuclear work does put a premium on unanimity in the international community -- especially in the U.N. Security Council -- in terms of ratcheting up the pressure on the Iran ians, not next year or the year after but right now," he said. Gates's statement comes as Iran continues to defy repeated international demands to halt its enrichment of uranium, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Jun 1, 2007 9:58 AM
Bush and Olmert to Meet on June 19
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House on Thursday announced that President Bush will meet with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Washington on June 19, the Israel i newspaper Ha'aretz reported. The two leaders will discuss Iran 's illicit nuclear program, the ongoing Palestinian violence against Israel , and the proposed Arab peace initiative, among other subjects. Olmert's visit will mark the third meeting of the two leaders since the Israel i prime minister's election in April 2006.
May 31, 2007 12:01 PM
Rice: Iran Must Halt Nuclear Program Before Any Talks
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday said that Iran must verifiably freeze its efforts to enrich uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons, Agence France Presse reported. "The international community is united on what Iran should do and that is to suspend [uranium enrichment] to demonstrate that it is in fact not seeking a nuclear weapon under cover of civil nuclear power," Rice said, adding that talks with Iran could not start while it "continues to try to perfect technologies that are going to lead to a nuclear weapon." Iran has rebuffed multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding that it end its illicit nuclear program and faces more stringent sanctions if its non-compliance continues.
May 30, 2007 9:01 AM
Rice: Softening Demands on Iran is a 'Big Mistake'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday said the international community should not soften demands that Iran halt its illicit nuclear program, the Associated Press reported. "I am not one who agrees that somehow because the Iran ians are continuing to make progress or are purported to continue to make progress on certain kinds of technologies, that it's time to abandon the requirement that they suspend" their nuclear activities, Rice said. "I think that would be a very big mistake." In its latest report, the International Atomic Energy Agency stated that Iran is making steady progress in its efforts to develop atomic arms.
May 29, 2007 4:00 PM
State Department Condemns Ahmadinejad's 'Reprehensible' Threats
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Tuesday condemned Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's repeated threats to destroy Israel and reaffirmed America's support for the Jewish state. "Those remarks are reprehensible," said State Department spokesman Tom Casey. "They've been duly condemned by all members of the international community. And certainly, there should be no doubt on the part of anyone's mind about our continued support, not only for Israel but for our other friends and allies in the region." The statement comes as Iran continues to make rapid advancements in its illicit nuclear weapons program.
May 25, 2007 12:00 PM
Rice: Sanctions Against Iran Hurting the Regime
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday said that international sanctions against Iran are affecting the Islamic Republic's ability to function in the global economy. "We are using the Security Council and its resolutions to demonstrate that Iran is isolated," Rice said. " Iran is beginning to have difficulty using the international financial system. It is having difficulty getting the level of investment in its oil and gas reserves that it needs. And so sooner or later, Iran is going to realize that the course that it's on is not going to lead to greater international power and authority, it's going to lead to greater isolation." The United States continues to lead the international effort to apply robust financial and diplomatic sanctions on Iran until it verifiably ends its illicit nuclear program.
May 25, 2007 12:00 PM
Senior House Leader Criticizes Palestinians for Teaching Hate
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior House leader on Wednesday strongly criticized the Hamas -led Palestinian Authority for its culture of hate and official policy of inciting violence against Israel . "Instead of a unity government, [the Palestinians] have warlords and clan leaders," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee, which he chairs. "They've replaced negotiations with Israel with fighting amongst themselves. Instead of being schooled in co-existence and peace, Palestinian children now get instruction in genocide and the joy of suicide bombing from Mickey Mouse's evil cousin, 'Farfur,' the Hamas -T.V. Terror Mouse -- another generation lost." Ackerman's statement comes as Hamas continues to fire rockets indiscriminately from Gaza at neighboring Israel i cities.
May 21, 2007 9:03 AM
U.S. Condemns Austrian Company for Investing in Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. ambassador to Austria criticized an Austrian energy company for pursuing a gas development deal with Iran , the Associated Press reported. U.S. Ambassador Susan McCaw said the deal by the company OMV "circumvents or undermines" sanctions against the Islamic Republic aimed at halting its nuclear weapons program, noting that the U.S. could employ the Iran Sanctions Act -- which allows for sanctions on foreign companies investing more than $20 million in Iran 's energy sector -- to impose punitive measures against the company. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), a leading cosponsor of new sanctions legislation currently before Congress that would tighten these U.S. sanctions, echoed McCaw's remarks. "OMV will regret this action," he said. "It has already damaged its reputation and, if it follows through on the deal, I have no doubt it will be sanctioned."
May 18, 2007 8:56 AM
House Increases Funding for U.S.- Israel Missile Defense Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House last week approved a measure that expands U.S.- Israel missile defense cooperation as part of a larger defense authorization bill. The measure, spearheaded by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), includes an additional $25 million for the co-production of Arrow missiles - a cornerstone program of U.S.- Israel defense cooperation that has consistently demonstrated that one missile can shoot down another at high altitudes and speeds. The legislation also includes an additional $180 million for other joint missile systems. For decades, the U.S. and Israel have maintained a close strategic partnership resulting in numerous military innovations of mutual benefit to both countries.
May 18, 2007 8:56 AM
U.S. Introduces Security Council Resolution Calling for Tribunal in Hariri Assassination
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States, Britain and France on Thursday formally introduced a resolution in the U.N. Security Council that calls for the establishment of an international tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, the Associated Press reported. The resolution mandates the creation of a tribunal outside Lebanon with international judges and an international prosecutor under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, which addresses threats to international peace and security. A previous U.N. investigation of the assassination implicated top Syrian officials linked to Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has consistently opposed efforts to try suspects in a tribunal.
May 17, 2007 1:55 PM
House Letter Calls for Ending Illicit Arms Shipments to Hizballah
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Members of the House are circulating a letter calling on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to work to expand the mandate of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to stop arms shipments to Hizballah across the Syrian border. Under its current mandate, UNIFIL cannot engage Hizballah forces transferring arms from Syria without a specific request from the Lebanese army, which has yet to issue one. Both Syria and Iran are continuing to funnel arms to Hizballah in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which was passed to end last summer's war between Israel and Hizballah . The letter was authored by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Steve Israel (D-NY).
May 17, 2007 1:55 PM
House Leader Criticizes Al-Hurra Network for Broadcasting Terrorist Propaganda
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior House leader on Wednesday criticized the U.S.-backed al-Hurra television network -- which airs in much of the Arab world -- for broadcasting speeches by terrorist leaders that call for violence against Israel . "Press reports have detailed instances where [ Hizballah leader] Hasan Nasrallah was broadcast live giving a speech inciting a crowd to violence against Israel , in clear violation of the network's guidelines prohibiting terrorists from using their programs as a platform," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) during a hearing of the House Middle East Foreign Affairs Committee, which he chairs. "Similarly, al-Hurra. most distressingly carried sympathetic coverage of the Holocaust denier's conference in Tehran." Ackerman called for a reevaluation of the network's operating procedures so that American taxpayers' dollars do not fund terrorist propaganda.
May 16, 2007 9:49 AM
U.S. Calls for Tougher Sanctions on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Tuesday called for the passage of an additional U.N. Security Council resolution imposing tougher sanctions on Iran for its continued refusal to halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons, The Washington Times reported. "What is key here, and what is obvious to everyone, is that Iran has continued to act in defiance of the wishes of the international community," said State Department spokesman Tom Casey. "We need to continue to apply pressure and increase pressure with an additional Security Council resolution if they don't comply." The U.S. efforts come as the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded that Iran has overcome technical difficulties and is now producing enriched uranium necessary to fuel nuclear reactors. This development represents a major advancement by Iran toward the production of weapons-grade uranium.
U.S. Moves to Establish Tribunal for Hariri Assassination
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday said America will introduce a U.N. Security Council resolution this week calling for the establishment of an international tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, The Washington Post reported. "It's very important that people who have participated in political murder be brought to justice," said Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad. "We understand that there are some risks with regard to taking action, but we believe the risks of not taking action are greater." A previous U.N. investigation of the assassination implicated top Syrian officials linked to Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has consistently opposed efforts to try suspects in a tribunal.
May 15, 2007 9:49 AM
U.S. Condemns Syria for Jailing Critics of Regime
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Monday condemned Syria for jailing political activists who criticized government policy toward Lebanon, Reuters reported. The U.S. statement comes in the wake of a Syrian court's sentencing of writer Michael Kilo and political activist Mahmoud Issa to three years in prison for "weakening national feelings" as a result of their critiques of Damascus. "These latest sentences are evidence of the Syrian regime's continued contempt for human rights," said State Department spokesman Tom Casey. "We call on [Syrian] President [Bashar] al-Assad to unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience." Syria's behavior has drawn mounting criticism due to its suspected role in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
May 15, 2007 9:49 AM
State Department: Syria and Iran Rearming Hizballah
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official accused Iran and Syria of smuggling weapons to the terrorist group Hizballah , violating a resolution passed by the U.N. Security Council last summer. "We don't believe that there could be any possible source for weapons coming into Lebanon except for Syria and Iran ," Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch said last week in an interview with Lebanon's Daily Star. "And they should be brought in front of the council to answer what they are doing to protect their frontiers to make sure there is no abuse of any weapons that are in Syria or Iran other than those kept for their own uses, whatever those may be." Welch's statement comes as Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah has boasted that the terrorist group can "launch between 1,000 and 3,000 rockets daily" at Israel .
May 14, 2007 9:48 AM
Cheney: U.S. Won't Allow Iran to Acquire Nuclear Weapons
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Vice President Dick Cheney on Friday said the United States and its allies will not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, close off sea lanes for oil supplies and control the Middle East, The Washington Post reported. "With two carrier strike groups in the Gulf, we're sending clear messages to friends and adversaries alike," Cheney said during a speech aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. "We'll keep the sea lanes open. We'll stand with our friends in opposing extremism and strategic threats. We'll disrupt attacks on our own forces. We'll continue bringing relief to those who suffer and delivering justice to the enemies of freedom." Cheney's statement comes as Iran continues to defy international demands to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
May 11, 2007 10:45 AM
State Department Cautions Against Iran Investments
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official on Wednesday cautioned foreign companies against investing in Iran , citing legislation currently before Congress that would tighten sanctions on foreign firms investing in Iran 's energy sector. "Congress is speaking very clearly that they want to send a clear signal that companies should not invest in the oil and gas sector," said Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns during a visit to Berlin. The Iran Counter-Proliferation Act closes loopholes in existing sanctions law, strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran 's nuclear program and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran 's atomic efforts.
May 10, 2007 10:45 AM
Senior House Lawmaker Criticizes Iran 's 'Disgraceful' Conduct
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior House leader on Wednesday strongly criticized Iran for its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support for terrorism. "The current regime in Tehran has proved disgraceful and dangerous in ways that call for action, not just rhetoric," said Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which he chairs. Lantos, with the committee's ranking Republican, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), has introduced the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, sanctions legislation aimed at increasing economic and political pressure on Iran to persuade Tehran to end its nuclear program. Tehran continues to ignore U.N. Security Council demands to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
May 9, 2007 11:45 AM
Lawmakers Criticize Arab World for Failing to Help Palestinian Refugees
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House leaders on Monday criticized the Arab world for facilitating the Palestinian refugee problem, contrasting its failure with Israel 's successful absorption of several hundred thousand Jewish refugees from Arab countries in the wake of the 1948 War of Independence. "Jewish refugees have been successfully absorbed in Israel and elsewhere and, perhaps, as a result, their claims and misfortune have been largely ignored," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee, which he chairs. "The Arab world, having denied them more than mere sufferance of their presence, most Palestinian refugees -- including many who lack even legal identification -- still linger in refugee camps that have in fact become small cities." Ranking Member Mike Pence (R-IN) similarly criticized the Arab world for failing to take substantive steps to help Palestinian refugees.
May 9, 2007 11:45 AM
Rice Tells Iran to End its Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As Iran presses ahead with its illicit nuclear program, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday said that the Islamic Republic must verifiably end its efforts to enrich uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons, The Washington Post reported. "The international community has made its demands through the United Nations," Rice said. " Iran should stop nuclear enrichment, after that there would be a change in the U.S. policy that has been going on for 27 years and then I can talk to them about any issue." Washington severed its ties with Tehran in 1980 after radical Islamic students seized the U.S. embassy there and held 52 hostages for 444 days. Many of those responsible for the embassy seizure are now in prominent positions in the Iran ian government.
May 8, 2007 11:35 AM
Rice: U.S. Seeks Mandatory Tribunal in Hariri Assassination
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said the United States may seek to use a binding U.N. Security Council resolution to force the establishment of a tribunal in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Reuters reported. "If we have to, we would push for setting up the tribunal under Chapter 7 because it is extremely important that the court is set up so that Lebanon goes back to normal," Rice said. Syria is widely suspected of having a role in the Hariri assassination and has opposed efforts to date to try suspects in a tribunal.
May 7, 2007 3:35 PM
State Dept. Stresses Value of U.S.- Israel Missile Defense Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official on Thursday applauded the value of U.S.- Israel missile defense cooperation in deterring common threats, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported. "We and the Israel is have taken a similar approach to the development of missile defenses," said John Rood, the assistant secretary of state for nonproliferation, in testimony before a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittees on Europe and Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade. "I would urge you, in your review of the administration's budget request, whether it be the Arrow program or ours, to show support for that approach, because we do face these real and growing threats." Rood cited his recent visit to the north of Israel , where he saw the effects of rocket attacks last summer by the terrorist group Hizballah on Israel i citizens.
May 4, 2007 1:35 PM
Lawmakers Criticize India for Growing Iran Ties
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior congressional leaders on Wednesday sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressing "grave concern" over his country's growing security ties with Iran , The Washington Post reported. "It is difficult for us to fathom why India, a democracy engaged in its own struggle against terrorism, would want to enhance security cooperation with a repressive government widely regarded as the world's most active state sponsor of terrorism," the letter states, citing several recent meetings between Iran ian and Indian officials on military and energy issues. The letter was signed by Reps. Tom Lantos (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Howard Berman (D-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Mike Pence (R-IN), Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Ed Royce (R-CA).
May 4, 2007 10:35 AM
Senate Passes Resolution Urging OECD Membership for Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Thursday passed a resolution by unanimous consent that supports Israel 's membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The resolution notes the strength and vibrancy of Israel 's economy and asserts that Israel 's membership "would strengthen the OECD because of Israel 's high living standard, liberal and stable markets, and commitment to democratic values." The OECD is an international organization with 30 member countries that promotes responsible economic governance and trade. The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Norm Coleman (R-MN).
May 4, 2007 10:35 AM
Senators Urge Full Funding of International Affairs Budget
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Fifty-five senators signed a letter to Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS) urging them to approve the Senate-passed allocation of $39.8 billion for fiscal year 2008 International Affairs Budget. The letter says the allocation, which includes $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel , is "critical to building global stability, achieving our national security goals, and promoting economic prosperity and our humanitarian values." The letter, spearheaded by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), and Norm Coleman (R-MN), was backed by the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign, a coalition of more than 400 businesses and nonprofits that aims to encourage increased global engagement and foreign aid spending. AIPAC is a co-founder and leader of the Campaign.
May 4, 2007 10:35 AM
Senate Calls for Opening of Holocaust Archives
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Tuesday passed a resolution by voice vote that calls upon several European countries to ratify agreements that would permit public access to the Bad Arolsen archives in Germany, which "contain an estimated 50,000,000 records on the fates of some 17,500,000 individual victims of Nazi war crimes." The resolution notes that an international commission consisting of 11 countries, including the United States and Israel , administers the archives, which require the approval of each member state to allow their release to the public. The resolution urges the six European countries -- including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Luxembourg -- that have yet to grant approval to do so as soon as possible. The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Gordon Smith (R-OR). A similar resolution was passed in the House on April 25 and was sponsored by Reps. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
May 3, 2007 8:49 AM
Florida Legislature Approves Iran Divestiture Bill
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Saying that Florida needs to lead the battle against terrorism and genocide, the Florida State House on Wednesday followed the lead of the State Senate and voted unanimously to drop any state investment in Iran 's energy sector or in Sudan, the Florida Sun Sentinel reported. "The best way to shut down the terror regimes, short of military attack, is to exert economic pressure," said Rep. Ari Porth (D-Coral Springs), the House sponsor. The Florida legislature is the first state government in the country to divest all public pension funds from companies invested in Iran 's petroleum and natural gas sector. Other state legislatures are considering similar moves.
May 1, 2007 11:42 AM
Senators Call for Strengthening Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senate lawmakers on Monday said U.S. companies should not be allowed to conduct business with state-sponsors of terrorism through their foreign subsidiaries. Speaking at a hearing of the Senate Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee, Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said they would work to close the loophole in U.S. law allowing foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations to do business in Iran . William Thompson, the New York City Comptroller and a witness at the hearing, urged the senators to achieve that objective by passing the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, which aims to close the loopholes in U.S. law and has already received 187 cosponsors in the House and 34 cosponsors in the Senate.
May 1, 2007 10:42 AM
State Department Lists Iran as Top Terror Sponsor for 2006
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department designated Iran as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism for 2006, again accusing the Islamic Republic of aiding terrorists throughout the Middle East, the Associated Press reported. Much of the increase was in Iraq, where military officials say Iran is backing Shia militias responsible for killing U.S. servicemen. Iran , the report notes, was "directly involved in the planning and support of terrorist acts" and continued to encourage Hizballah and Hamas "to use terrorism in pursuit of their goals." President Bush has called Iran 's state sponsorship of terror "a significant threat to world peace."
Apr 30, 2007 9:41 AM
Senate Passes Resolution Celebrating Israel 's 59th Anniversary
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Thursday passed a resolution by unanimous consent that celebrates the 59th anniversary of the State of Israel . The resolution notes that the Jewish state serves as a "shining model of democratic values" thanks to its support for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and representative government. The resolution also reaffirms the strength of the U.S.- Israel bilateral relationship and "commends the bipartisan commitment of all Presidents and Congresses of the United States since 1948 that supported Israel and worked for the security and well-being of Israel ." The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).
Apr 27, 2007 9:00 AM
Florida Senate Approves Iran Divestiture Resolution
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Targeting Iran for its nuclear drive and Sudan for its genocide in Darfur, the Florida State Senate last week agreed that companies that "abandon morality in favor of profit" should not get any investment dollars from Florida, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. "This is giving meaning to the words 'never again,'" said Sen. Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton). Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) echoed Deutch, saying, "Some people would think this is common sense. We shouldn't be investing our money to help the economy of our enemies." The Florida legislature is on the verge of becoming the first state government in the country to divest all public pension funds from companies invested in Iran 's petroleum and natural gas sector.
Apr 27, 2007 9:00 AM
Rice: Iran Likely "Moving Toward a Nuclear Weapon"
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As Iran presses ahead with its illicit nuclear program, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday said that in order to avoid further international sanctions, the Islamic Republic must end its efforts to enrich uranium -- a key step toward producing atomic arms. "What we can't have is Iran practicing enrichment. at the same time that we're in negotiations," Rice said. "There is no confidence about Iran 's intentions here; they appear to be moving toward a nuclear weapon." Iran has rebuffed the U.N. Security Council's multiple demands to halt its uranium enrichment program and faces further sanctions if its non-compliance continues.
Apr 26, 2007 10:11 AM
House Condemns Hizballah for Using 'Human Shields'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Wednesday approved a resolution by voice vote that condemns the terrorist group Hizballah for using civilians as "human shields" during its war against Israel in the summer of 2006. "This resolution calls on all responsible nations to condemn such heinous acts and to work to eliminate them," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) in a House statement. "No nation that calls itself a member of the international community can engage in such barbaric practices." The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ron Klein (D-FL), Mike Pence (R-IN) and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
Apr 26, 2007 10:11 AM
Lawmakers Call for Opening of Holocaust Archives
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Wednesday passed a resolution by voice vote that calls upon several European countries to ratify agreements that would permit public access to the Bad Arolsen archives in Germany, which "contain an estimated 50,000,000 records on the fates of some 17,500,000 individual victims of Nazi war crimes." The resolution notes that an international commission consisting of 11 countries, including the United States and Israel , administers the archives, which require the approval of each member state to allow their release to the public. The resolution urges the six European countries -- including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Luxembourg -- that have yet to grant approval to do so as soon as possible. The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
Apr 25, 2007 9:10 AM
White House Criticizes Syria for Failing to Implement Democratic Norms
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House on Tuesday criticized Syria for its failure to hold open and fair parliamentary elections. President Bashar Assad this week "failed again to deliver on his long-promised reforms, rendering Syria's parliamentary elections a meaningless exercise," the White House said in a statement. "Instead, the Syrian regime used a combination of unjust laws, intimidation, and manipulation by security forces to undermine independent, critical voices." The statement comes as Damascus continues its support for terrorism and to reject the formation of an international tribunal to prosecute suspects in the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
Apr 24, 2007 9:46 AM
White House: Iran Must Halt Uranium Enrichment Before Holding Talks
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Bush administration on Monday rejected Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's call for a televised debate with President Bush, asserting that Tehran must halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons -- before any talks can occur, the Associated Press reported. "Instead of offering televised debates or a media spectacle, the United States has offered actual discussions if Iran would only agree to what the international community has asked for repeatedly: stop uranium enrichment and reprocessing," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House. The Iran ian regime has spurned numerous calls by the United States and the U.N. Security Council to halt its nuclear activities.
Apr 24, 2007 9:46 AM
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Entities Supplying Weapons to Iran and Syria
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Monday announced that the United States has imposed sanctions on 14 foreign companies, people and government agencies -- including the Syrian navy and air force -- in an effort to stem illicit arms shipments to and from Iran and Syria, the Associated Press reported. The 14 also include the terrorist group Hizballah and firms from China, Malaysia, Mexico and Singapore. The sanctions will ban any U.S. aid, government contracts or export licenses to the named entities for two years.
Apr 24, 2007 9:46 AM
U.S. Criticizes Austria- Iran Gas Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Monday criticized a proposed gas deal between Iran and an Austrian firm, arguing that it would undermine the international community's efforts to stem Iran 's nuclear ambitions, the Associated Press reported. "We question whether or not this is the right time to be handing the Iran ians those kind of, at the very least, public relations victories," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. The gas deal comes in the wake of the U.N. Security Council's passage of increasingly robust economic sanctions on Iran in order to pressure the regime to halt its enrichment of uranium, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Apr 23, 2007 11:29 AM
Treasury Official: European Companies Reconsidering Iran Investments
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. official last week said that several non-financial European companies have expressed a willingness to postpone investments in Iran , The Financial Times reported. "I think that's a good thing," said Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. "They are obviously grappling with the issue of whether they want to invest in Iran under the circumstances and a lot of them are saying, 'well no, not under the circumstances.' Perhaps they are hoping that the circumstances will change." Levey's statement comes as Iran continues to defy numerous calls by the U.N. Security Council to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Apr 23, 2007 11:29 AM
State Department: External Forces Undermine Tribunal for Slain Lebanese Leader
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department last week said that external interference is preventing the Lebanese government from convening an international tribunal to prosecute suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, the Associated Press reported. "It appears that because of interference from the outside, indecision inside and opposition inside, that Lebanon's normal constitutional processes cannot address this matter," said Assistant Secretary of State David Welch. Welch also said that the terrorist group Hizballah , backed by Iran and Syria, is holding the Lebanese government "under siege" in an effort to thwart the establishment of the tribunal and undermine the government's authority. If Hizballah continues to prevent the formation of the tribunal, Welch said, further action by the U.N. Security Council may become necessary.
Apr 20, 2007 1:28 PM
House Leaders Criticize Saudi Arabia for Boycott of Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House leaders on Thursday criticized Saudi Arabia for failing to rescind the Arab League boycott of Israel , The Jerusalem Post reported. "Saudi Arabia's boycott of Israel never should have existed in the first place and they should end it immediately," said Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee. "It is a relic of wars waged decades ago and there is simply no moral or strategic reason there should be any boycott at all." The Saudi decision to maintain the boycott comes after the country's leaders promised Washington in November 2005 that they would cancel it in exchange for America's agreement to grant the regime membership in the World Trade Organization.
Apr 20, 2007 1:28 PM
Lieberman Invokes Iran ian Threat at Holocaust Memorial Ceremony
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) on Thursday invoked the threat of Iran 's nuclear program during a speech at Congress' annual Holocaust memorial ceremony, the Israel i newspaper Yediot Ahronoth reported. "Today, again, we see people around the world being singled out and murdered on the basis of their religious, sectarian, or ethnic identity, in places as diverse as Darfur and Iraq," Lieberman said. "In Iran we hear a president -- an Islamist extremist -- denying that the Nazi Holocaust happened, and then threatening the annihilation of Israel and death to America." Israel i Ambassador to the U.S. Sallai Meridor also addressed the gathering, calling on the members to ensure that the commitment of "never again" does not become an empty promise. House and Senate leaders, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), attended the event.
Apr 19, 2007 1:33 PM
Treasury: Sanctions on Iran Having an Impact
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior Treasury officials on Wednesday said sanctions against Iran are having an impact on the regime's ability to fund its nuclear program. "Our use of targeted financial measures to safeguard the U.S. financial system, along with outreach to the private sector, are indeed having an impact, particularly on the ability of Iran and North Korea to misuse the financial system to carry out their dangerous activities," said Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary Daniel Glaser and Office of Assets Control head Adam Szubin. The officials issued their statement in joint testimony to members of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. Subcommittee members responded by urging the officials to continue exercising tougher sanctions on Iran in order to persuade Tehran to halt its pursuit of atomic arms.
Apr 19, 2007 10:33 AM
Secretary of Defense Gates Reaffirms U.S.- Israel Alliance
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Making his maiden trip to Israel on Wednesday as Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates reaffirmed the United States' commitment to its longstanding strategic partnership with the Jewish state and discussed with top Israel i officials the common threat the two allies face from Iran . At a news conference with Israel i Defense Minister Amir Peretz, Gates said the timing of his visit to Israel -- he has been at the Pentagon for only four months -- "illustrates the importance that I attach to our relationship with Israel ." Gates also met with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, and visited Yad Vashem, Israel 's national Holocaust memorial.
Apr 18, 2007 2:27 PM
State Department: Hizballah Continues to Rearm
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior State Department official on Wednesday said the terrorist group Hizballah continues to rearm with the help of Iran and Syria, directly violating U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. "It is clear in our own independent judgment that Hizballah continues to rearm and we can see no other source for such assistance than Syria or Iran ," said Assistant Secretary of State David Welch in testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee. Welch also said Hizballah and its allies are holding the government of Lebanon "under siege" in an effort to thwart the establishment of a U.N.-backed tribunal to prosecute suspects in the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. If Hizballah continues to prevent the formation of the tribunal, Welch said, further action by the U.N. Security Council may become necessary.
Apr 17, 2007 9:18 AM
Iran Tops Agenda as Gates Starts Mideast Tour
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates arrived in Jordan on Monday at the start of a Middle East tour that American officials said is aimed at countering Iran 's growing influence in the region, Agence France Press reported. The United States is seeking greater opposition to Iran 's illicit nuclear program as well as to its support for the Lebanon-based terrorist army Hizballah , a senior Defense Department official said. Gates will visit Jerusalem on Tuesday, the first visit of a U.S. defense secretary to Israel since William Cohen came to the Jewish state during the Clinton administration in 1999.
Apr 16, 2007 10:18 AM
Rice: United States Continues Boycott of Hamas -Led PA
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
During a radio interview, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the United States continues to shun the Hamas -led Palestinian Authority (PA). "It is the policy of the United States that Hamas is a terrorist organization," Rice said. "It's the policy of the United States not to fund Hamas . And what we are doing is we are getting resources to the Palestinian people through nongovernmental organizations, through humanitarian organizations." The Middle East Quartet - the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia - has barred aid to the PA until it recognizes Israel 's right to exist, renounces terrorism and accepts previous Israel i-Palestinian agreements.
Apr 13, 2007 2:34 PM
Senate Passes Resolution Observing Holocaust Memorial Day
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on April 11 passed a resolution by unanimous consent that commemorates Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and calls upon several European countries to ratify agreements that would permit public access to the Bad Arolsen archives in Germany, which "tell the story of unspeakable crimes committed by the Nazis." The resolution notes that an international commission consisting of 11 countries, including the United States and Israel , administers the archives, which require the approval of each member state to allow their release to the public. The resolution urges the six European countries -- including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Luxembourg -- that have yet to grant approval "to do so immediately." The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Joseph Biden (D-DE) and John Warner (R-VA).
Apr 13, 2007 10:34 AM
Senate Calls for Release of Kidnapped Israel i Soldiers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on April 12 passed a resolution by unanimous consent that calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israel i soldiers kidnapped by the terrorist groups Hamas and Hizballah . The resolution condemns the organizations for failing to adhere to the "most basic standards of humanitarian conduct" by refusing to allow medical personnel and representatives of the Red Cross to visit the soldiers. The resolution also expresses sympathy for the soldiers' families and denounces Iran and Syria for their ongoing support of Hamas and Hizballah . Sponsored by Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and George Voinovich (R-OH), the resolution follows the June 2006 abduction by Hamas of Israel i soldier Gilad Shalit and the July 2006 kidnapping by Hizballah of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. The House passed a similar resolution in March that was cosponsored by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Tom Lantos (D-CA).
Apr 12, 2007 10:33 AM
State Department: Sanctions Can Help Stop Iran 's Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns on Wednesday said continued diplomatic and political pressure on Iran will ultimately stem Tehran's efforts to develop nuclear weapons and destabilize Iraq, the Associated Press reported. "Sooner or later, I think the mullahs in Iran are going to have to realize that they won't be able to survive if their trade and investment channels are cut off and they become the great international pariah, which they are quickly on the road to becoming," he said. Burns's statement comes as Iran continues to rebuff the U.N. Security Council's multiple demands to halt its uranium enrichment program.
Apr 12, 2007 10:33 AM
Senior House Leader Meets With Families of Kidnapped Israel i Soldiers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) on Wednesday met with the families of Israel i soldiers kidnapped last summer by the terrorist groups Hamas and Hizballah , the Israel i newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported. During the meeting, which took place in Tel Aviv, Ackerman presented the families of Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, Ehud Goldwasser and other Israel i MIA's with a House resolution passed unanimously in March that calls for the soldiers' immediate and unconditional release. Ackerman said the kidnappings "show what kind of men run Hamas and Hizballah : They're religious but they're deeply immoral. They're self-righteous but they're profoundly cruel. They're blustery and proud but they're sneaky and manipulative. Decent human beings don't behave this way."
Apr 12, 2007 10:33 AM
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to Visit Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will visit Israel next week for meetings with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz, the Israel i newspaper Ha'aretz reported. The leaders will discuss the strategic situation in the Middle East, the war in Iraq and U.S.- Israel defense cooperation, among other subjects. The April 17 meeting marks the first visit of a U.S. defense secretary to Israel since William Cohen came to the Jewish state during the Clinton administration in 1999.
Apr 11, 2007 10:38 AM
Congress Approves $59 Million in Aid to the Palestinians
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Congress on Tuesday approved $59 million in aid to the Palestinian security forces, marking a $27 million reduction in the Bush administration's previous aid request, the Israel i newspaper Ha'aretz reported. The aid will exclusively fund security organizations run by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and includes provisions preventing its disbursement to the terrorist group Hamas , which presently controls the Palestinian government. The new aid comes after the Bush administration's previous aid request of $86 million prompted congressional leaders to express reservations about how the money would be spent.
Apr 10, 2007 8:44 AM
U.S.: World Does Not Want Nuclear Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States said Iran 's announcement on Monday that it is capable of enriching uranium on an industrial scale is likely to lead to increased pressure on the Iran ian regime. "The Iran ians are doing a lot of work on behalf of those in the international system who do want to increase the international pressure by making speeches like this and making announcements like they did today," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in response to Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments. "I think you'll find universal agreement that Iran 's neighbors and responsible states in the international system don't want to Iran obtain a nuclear weapon or to get the know-how to obtain a nuclear weapon." In his speech, Ahmadinejad warned that if the West did not end its pressure against Iran to freeze its nuclear program, Tehran would review its policy of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Apr 9, 2007 10:09 AM
Sanctions Having Impact on Iran ian Economy
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As Iran continues pushing ahead with its nuclear enrichment efforts, the United States says that the two U.N sanctions resolutions are beginning to have an impact on the Iran ian economy. "Those Chapter 7 resolutions, which puts Iran in very bad company, has made people think twice about investment," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last week. "We know that the number of export credits that they're getting is going down. They're having trouble using the financial and banking systems." The United States has said that it will continue to pursue additional sanctions at the U.N. if Iran fails to suspend its enrichment of uranium as demanded by the U.N. Iran said on Monday that it is preparing to make a major announcement concerning its nuclear program.
Apr 6, 2007 9:05 AM
Nuclear-Minded Iran May Face Additional U.N. Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States hinted that Iran may face more U.N. Security Council sanctions if it continues its efforts to enrich uranium, a key step in assembling atomic arms, Agence France Presse reported.
Mar 30, 2007 1:17 PM
House Bill Seeks to Enhance U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers have introduced legislation that authorizes funding for joint ventures between U.S. and Israel i businesses and academic institutions for the development and commercialization of alternative renewable energy sources. The U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation Act notes that Israel i scientists and engineers stand "at the forefront of research and development in the field of alternative renewable energy sources" and asserts that enhanced energy cooperation "would be in the national interests of both countries." The bill was introduced in late March by Reps. Brad Sherman (D-CA), John Shadegg (R-AZ) and Eliot Engel (D-NY). A similar bill was introduced on March 12 in the Senate by Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
Mar 30, 2007 11:17 AM
U.S. Notes Positive Impact of Sanctions on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns on March 29 said the United States is continuing to exert maximal economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran in order to persuade the regime to abandon its nuclear program. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Burns called "an active and focused diplomatic strategy" the "best way forward" for dealing with Iran , noting the positive impact of the Iran Sanctions Act and the recent sanctions resolution passed unanimously by the U.N. Security Council. "Despite the fulminations of [ Iran ian] President [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad, Iran is not impervious to financial and diplomatic pressure," Burns said. "It is clear to us that concerted international pressure is helping to undercut the Iran ian regime's sense of ascendancy, unnerve its overly confident leadership, and clarify to it the costs of its irresponsible behavior."
Mar 29, 2007 2:16 PM
U.S. Tells Syria to Stop Suicide Bombers Crossing into Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
State Department Iraq adviser David Satterfield this week said that up to 90 percent of suicide bombers in Iraq enter the country via Syria, which has not acted to stop the flow of attackers, Reuters reported. The suicide bombers "see Syria as a more accommodating country through which to transit across the border to come into Iraq to perpetrate their terror," Satterfield said. "We would hope that the Syrian government understands as well that its rhetoric for a peaceful and stable Iraq has to be matched by actions." Satterfield also accused Iran of meddling in Iraq and of supplying explosives used against U.S. troops. The State Department consistently lists Syria and Iran as the world's leading state sponsors of international terrorism.
Mar 29, 2007 2:16 PM
AIPAC Executive Director Urges House Members to Support Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
AIPAC Executive Director Howard Kohr urged Members of Congress to support critical U.S. financial assistance to Israel . Testifying March 29 before a House Appropriations Subcommittee, Kohr said U.S. security aid is vital in helping Israel with its defense modernization needs. "The ongoing burden of thwarting Palestinian attacks, defending against the asymmetric threat posed by Iran ian proxies such as Hizballah , deterring neighboring states from turning to regional conflict, and meeting the threats from unconventional weaponry further underlines the importance of U.S. aid to Israel ," Kohr said. President Bush has requested $2.4 billion in aid for Israel this year, down from $3 billion per year from 1986-1998. The proposed aid for Israel represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. To read the full text of Howard Kohr's prepared remarks to Congress, click here.
Mar 28, 2007 10:41 AM
House Members Call for Release of British Sailors
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved a resolution that calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the 15 British sailors and marines captured by Iran last week. The resolution urges the U.N. Security Council to condemn Iran for its behavior and further notes that Tehran's ongoing "pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of the international community continues to threaten America's national security and Middle East regional stability." The resolution was introduced by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Robert Andrews (D-NJ) and now moves to the House floor for a full vote.
Mar 28, 2007 10:41 AM
House Panel Passes Bill to Prevent Sale of F-14 Parts to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that prohibits the sale by the United States of surplus parts for F-14 fighter aircraft in order to prevent Iran from obtaining them for its air force. The Stop Arming Iran Act notes that the "sale of spare parts for F-14 fighter aircraft could make it more difficult to confront the nuclear weapons capability of Iran and would strengthen the ground war capability of Iran " at a time when the State Department "has identified Iran as the most active state sponsor of terrorism" in the world. The bill was introduced by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and Steve Pearce (R-NM) and now moves to the House floor for a full vote.
Mar 28, 2007 10:41 AM
Congressmen Condemn Hizballah for Using 'Human Shields'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved a resolution that condemns the terrorist group Hizballah for using civilians as "human shields" during its war against Israel in the summer of 2006. The resolution notes that such behavior violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention, and calls upon "jurisprudential scholars and practitioners and the leadership of the Armed Forces to review the current international legal regime and to make recommendations to prevent the future use of human shields during armed conflicts." The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ron Klein (D-FL), Mike Pence (R-IN) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), and now moves to the House floor for a full vote.
Mar 26, 2007 12:31 PM
Major International Banks Cutting Ties With Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As a result of a Treasury and State Department campaign that complements Security Council sanctions against Iran , more than 40 international banks and financial institutions have either cut off or cut back business with the Islamic Republic's government or private sector, The Washington Post reported. "All the banks we've talked to are reducing significantly their exposure to Iran ian business," said Stuart Levey, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. "It's been a universal response. They all recognize the risks -- some because of what we've told them and some on their own. You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to see the dangers." U.S. officials and economists say the financial squeeze has seriously limited Tehran's ability to finance oil projects, pay for imports and sponsor terrorists in the Middle East.
Mar 23, 2007 2:00 PM
Senate Bill Aims to Impose Tougher Sanctions on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior Senate lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation aimed at increasing economic and political pressure on Iran to persuade the regime to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 (ICPA), introduced by Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), closes loopholes in existing sanctions law, strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran 's nuclear program and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran 's nuclear efforts. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) have introduced similar legislation in the House. The legislation comes as Iran continues to defy the international community's demand to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Mar 23, 2007 11:00 AM
Senate Letter Reinforces International Standards for Palestinian Authority
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
More than three quarters of the Senate has signed a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging her to resist pressure from other countries to grant aid and recognition to the new Palestinian unity government unless it renounces violence, recognizes Israel and accepts previous Israel i-Palestinian agreements. Authored by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and John Ensign (R-NV), the letter, which was delivered on Friday with 79 signatures, says there is an absence of a viable Palestinian peace partner and reiterates the necessity of maintaining pressure on the Palestinians to take meaningful steps toward peace. A similar letter in the House, signed by 259 lawmakers, was delivered personally last week to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who was in Washington for meetings.
Mar 22, 2007 11:00 AM
Senate Lawmakers Urge Tougher Sanctions on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior Senate lawmakers on Wednesday urged the Bush administration to impose tougher sanctions against Iran in order to compel the regime to halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) said during a hearing that he shared the Bush administration's goal of stemming Tehran's atomic program, adding that now was the time to "get a lot tougher" with the regime. The senator called on the administration to enforce the Iran Sanctions Act, which imposes penalties against foreign companies that invest more than $20 million in Iran 's energy sector. Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) echoed Senator Dodd's remarks. "Properly employed, sanctions can restrict a rogue regime's ability to operate with impunity," Shelby said. Witnesses at the hearing included representatives from the State, Treasury and Commerce Departments.
Mar 22, 2007 11:00 AM
Bush Administration to Reduce Palestinian Aid by 40%
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday said the Bush administration will reduce the aid it seeks from Congress for the security forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by about 40%, The New York Times reported. Speaking to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Rice said the modified aid request, which now stands at about $50 million, would establish new conditions for monitoring the money to ensure that the terrorist group Hamas receives none of it. Rice's statement comes several weeks after Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) placed a hold on the administration's previous request of $86 million until it could be determined how the money would be spent and just days after Abbas' Fatah party formed a unity government with Hamas .
Mar 21, 2007 12:22 PM
Congress Reinforces International Standards for Palestinian Authority
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The new Palestinian unity government must fulfill internationally recognized standards before receiving aid and recognition, according to a letter signed by 255 House members and delivered personally on Tuesday to the European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, during his visit to Washington. The letter -- authored by Reps. Robert Wexler (D-FL), Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN) -- urges the EU to maintain its insistence that the Palestinian Authority (PA) accept Israel 's right to exist, renounce violence and accept previous Israel i-Palestinian agreements. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and John Ensign (R-NV) are circulating a similar letter in the Senate urging Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to resist pressure from other countries to grant aid and recognition to the PA before it meets the three conditions.
Mar 21, 2007 12:22 PM
U.S. Expresses Opposition to India- Iran Gas Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States has expressed its opposition to India's plans to build a natural gas pipeline from Iran to India through Pakistan, the Associated Press reported. The planned pipeline would transport 150 million cubic meters of gas a day and would cost $8 billion to build. "We believe that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, and anything that will support that endeavor is something that we oppose," said U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman. The American decision comes as Tehran continues to defy the international community's demands to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Mar 19, 2007 11:20 AM
NATO Commander Praises Israel as "Critical Military Partner"
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The supreme commander of NATO operations in Europe and head of the U.S. European Command, John Craddock, has called Israel a "model state" and the United States' closest ally in the Middle East, the Israel i newspaper Ha'aretz reported. Craddock, speaking before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington, said Israel consistently and directly supports U.S. interests through its strategic partnership with the American military. He called Israel a "critical military partner" in what he called "this entangled seam of the Middle East." Craddock also commended Israel as an outpost of democratic ideals.
Mar 19, 2007 11:20 AM
House Resolution Calls Iran 's Nuclear Program 'A Serious Threat'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senate lawmakers last week introduced a resolution calling Iran 's nuclear program "a serious threat to the United States and its military personnel in the Middle East" and urging the United Nations and the international community to impose further economic sanctions on the Islamic regime. The resolution notes Tehran's ongoing defiance of the world's demands to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons -- and its bellicose statements calling for Israel 's destruction. The resolution was introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sam Brownback (D-KS).
Mar 16, 2007 11:33 AM
Senate Bill Seeks to Enhance U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senate lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that authorizes funding for joint ventures between U.S. and Israel i businesses and academic institutions for the development and commercialization of alternative renewable energy sources. The U.S.- Israel Energy Cooperation Act notes that Israel i scientists and engineers stand "at the forefront of research and development in the field of alternative renewable energy sources" and asserts that enhanced energy cooperation "would be in the national interests of both countries." The bill was introduced by Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
Mar 15, 2007 11:45 AM
House Passes Resolution Demanding Release of Kidnapped Israel i Soldiers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers on Tuesday passed a resolution in a voice vote calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israel i soldiers kidnapped by the terrorist groups Hamas and Hizballah . The resolution condemns the organizations for failing to adhere to the "most basic standards of humanitarian conduct" by refusing to allow medical personnel and representatives of the Red Cross to visit the soldiers. The resolution also expresses sympathy for the soldiers' families and denounces Iran and Syria for their ongoing support of international terrorism. Sponsored by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Tom Lantos (D-CA), the resolution follows the June 2006 abduction by Hamas of Israel i soldier Gilad Shalit and the July 2006 kidnapping by Hizballah of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
Mar 15, 2007 11:45 AM
House Bill Seeks to Prevent Sale of F-14 Parts to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers last week introduced legislation prohibiting the sale by the United States of surplus parts for F-14 fighter aircraft to prevent Iran from obtaining them for its air force. The Stop Arming Iran Act notes that the "sale of spare parts for F-14 fighter aircraft could make it more difficult to confront the nuclear weapons capability of Iran and would strengthen the ground war capability of Iran " at a time when the State Department "has identified Iran as the most active state sponsor of terrorism" in the world. The bill was introduced by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and Steve Pearce (R-NM).
Mar 14, 2007 11:45 AM
Senate Backs Provisions Bolstering U.S.- Israel Homeland Security Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate on Tuesday passed homeland security legislation that includes provisions establishing an office of international cooperation within the Department of Homeland Security to foster joint projects between the United States and key allies such as Israel . Included as part of a larger bill addressing the outstanding 9/11 Commission recommendations, the provisions match U.S. entities engaged in homeland security research with non-U.S. entities conducting similar research and convenes periodic international homeland security technology workshops and conferences. The provisions were championed by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME).
Mar 14, 2007 11:45 AM
Congressional Letters Call for Maintaning International Standards for the PA
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Leading members of the House and Senate are circulating letters urging the United States and our European allies to maintain the internationally agreed upon standards that any Palestinian government must meet before it can receive aid and recognition. The initiative comes in the wake of Hamas and Fatah's recent announcement that they intend to form a unity government. The House letter, authored by Reps. Robert Wexler (D-FL), Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN), urges the European Union not to give aid or grant recognition to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until the PA recognizes Israel , renounces violence and accepts past Israel -Palestinian agreements. The Senate letter, authored by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and John Ensign (R-NV), urges Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to resist pressure from other countries to grant aid and recognition to the PA before it meets the three international conditions.
Mar 14, 2007 11:45 AM
House Lawmakers Call for Divestment from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House lawmakers have introduced legislation requiring the divestment of current U.S. investments in Iran , prohibiting future investments in Iran and requiring the disclosure to investors of information relating to such investments. Noting that Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism, the bill states that U.S. investors have "considerable influence" on foreign entities and harbor the potential to pressure Iran to halt its nuclear program. Introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA), the legislation comes as Iran ian leaders continue to insist that they have no intention of complying with U.N. Security Council resolutions requiring the regime to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Mar 9, 2007 10:06 AM
House Bill Seeks to Strengthen Sanctions Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation aimed at increasing economic and political pressure on Iran to persuade Tehran to end its illicit nuclear program. The Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 closes loopholes in existing sanctions law, strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran 's nuclear program and prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation with those aiding Iran 's atomic efforts. The bill -- introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) -- also calls for Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be brought before the International Court of Justice for violating the Genocide Convention through his repeated calls for the destruction of Israel .
Mar 8, 2007 9:22 AM
United States Warns Energy Companies Not to Invest in Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Wednesday said foreign companies should think twice about doing business with Iran in the wake of a German company's announcement that it seeks to buy liquid natural gas from Tehran, the Associated Press reported. The company, E.On AG, confirmed that it currently is engaged in talks with the Islamic republic, which has the second-largest natural gas reserves in the world. "We are in a time now where it should not be business as usual in terms of exchanges, business exchanges with Iran ," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. The warning comes as Iran ian leaders insisted last week that they have no intention of complying with U.N. Security Council resolution requiring the regime to halt its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Mar 7, 2007 9:09 AM
State Department's Human Rights Report Lambasts Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department's 2006 human rights report strongly criticizes Iran for its systematic human rights abuses and its suppression of free speech. "The Iran ian government," the report states, "flagrantly violated freedom of speech and assembly, intensifying its crackdown against dissidents, journalists, and reformers -- a crackdown characterized by arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, disappearances, the use of excessive force, and the widespread denial of fair public trials." The report, released Tuesday, also condemns Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq and Afghanistan for human rights abuses, but it reserves its fiercest criticism for the government in Tehran.
Mar 7, 2007 9:09 AM
U.S. Cautions Energy Companies Against Iran Investments
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns on Tuesday said the Bush administration has warned foreign governments and energy companies that they would risk incurring U.S. sanctions if they invested in Iran , The Financial Times reported. Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the senior State Department official specifically identified Malaysia, China, Spain's Repsol and Royal Dutch Shell as possible targets for sanctions, expressing hope that U.S. penalties would serve as a deterrent. "In making clear our opposition to such deals," said Burns, "we have emphasized how they would undermine international efforts to resolve the nuclear issue, as well as the potential legal implications of future investment under our law."
Mar 6, 2007 9:09 AM
State Department Says U.S. Will Not Fund Hamas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Monday said the United States will not approve $86 million in U.S. security assistance to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas unless it determines that the funds will not benefit the terrorist group Hamas , the Associated Press reported. The U.S. decision to provide the funding "will depend upon the answers to the questions we have and obviously the answers to the questions that the Congress has," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. The move comes in the wake of a letter by senior House lawmakers to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that urges her to reconsider funding the Palestinians in light of the recent decision by Abbas to form a unity government with the terrorist group Hamas .
Mar 5, 2007 8:18 AM
House Lawmakers Call for Restrictions on Aid to Abbas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House lawmakers on Thursday sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging her to refrain from approving $86 million in U.S. security assistance to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas until the United States determines that the funds will facilitate peace. The letter expresses disappointment in Abbas' recent decision to form a unity government with the terrorist group Hamas that refuses to recognize Israel , renounce violence and accept previous agreements. "We regret that Abbas has taken this step," the lawmakers say in the letter. "Since he has done so, however, it is vital that we see, at a minimum, a serious reassessment of his motives and intentions and that we place far more stringent requirements on his receipt of this assistance." The letter was signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and House Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Ranking Member Mike Pence (R-IN).
nited States and Israel Pursue Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Stuart Levey, Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, on Sunday met with Israel i Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem in order to discuss how to get the world's financial institutions to cut business ties with the Islamic Republic, The Jerusalem Post reported. The talks took place as the permanent members of the Security Council and Germany are discussing what further sanctions to impose against Iran for failing to halt its efforts to enrich uranium - a key step toward developing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," recently called the Jewish state "the true manifestation of Satan."
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Mar 2, 2007 10:02 AM
U.S., Israel Hold Talks on Aid Package
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior American and Israel i officials on Thursday met in Washington to discuss the strategic relationship between the two countries and Israel 's military aid requirements. The meeting -- led by U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns and Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fisher -- aimed to discuss a new multi-year U.S. aid package that would include both military assistance to help Israel face increasing threats in the region and loan guarantee requests for development of the Negev and Galilee. The talks come less than a year before the expiration of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. "The meeting today is another manifestation of the unshakable commitment by the United States to Israel 's security and a step towards fortifying and enhancing the strategic relationship between our two countries," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack in a statement.
Mar 2, 2007 10:02 AM
Senate Lawmakers Call for Release of Kidnapped Israel i Soldiers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senate lawmakers on Thursday introduced a resolution that calls for the immediate and unconditional release of three Israel i soldiers captured by the terrorist groups Hamas and Hizballah . The resolution condemns the organizations for the kidnappings and urges them to allow prompt medical treatment of the soldiers by representatives of the International Red Cross. Sponsored by Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and George V. Voinovich (R-OH), the resolution follows the June 2006 abduction by Hamas of Israel i soldier Gilad Shalit and the July 2006 kidnapping by Hizballah of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. A similar resolution introduced by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) passed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in February and awaits a full House vote.
Mar 1, 2007 12:05 PM
U.S. General: Iran , Hizballah Training Iraqi Insurgents
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. general on Tuesday said Iran and the terrorist group Hizballah are training Shiite militias in Iraq to attack American forces. " Iran and Syria remain committed to Hizballah 's survival," Lt. Gen. Michael D. Maples, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Maples added that Iran "also continues to support Hizballah for countering Israel i and U.S. efforts in the region" in the aftermath of last summer's war between Hizballah and Israel . Hizballah , which attacked Israel with more than 4,000 rockets and missiles during the last conflict, has killed more Americans in terrorist attacks than any terrorist group except al Qaeda.
Feb 27, 2007 12:47 PM
House Passes Homeland Security Legislation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed legislation that fosters cooperation between U.S. and Israel i entities engaged in developing homeland security technologies. The bill, passed by a vote of 396-16, establishes an office of international cooperation within the Department of Homeland Security to foster joint public and private projects between the United States and its allies in the war on terror, including Israel . Introduced by House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Peter King (R-NY) and Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the legislation is modeled after an established, highly successful joint venture with Israel , the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation, known as the BIRD Foundation. " Israel is one of our most important allies in the war on terror, and a symbol of hope and freedom in the Middle East," said King. "That relationship should serve as a model for all our allies."
Feb 26, 2007 8:37 AM
Rice: U.S. Will Negotiate With Iran If It Halts Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Sunday said the United States would conduct talks with Iran if the Islamic regime suspended its enrichment of uranium, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons. "I am prepared to meet my counterpart or an Iran ian representative at any time if Iran will suspend its enrichment and reprocessing activities," said Rice. "That should be a clear signal." Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, however, has refused Rice's offer, comparing Tehran's nuclear program to a train without a reverse gear or breaks. "We dismantled the rear gear and brakes of the train and threw them away some time ago," he said. Rice's and Ahmadinejad's statements come after the International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report asserting that Iran had defied a U.N. Security Council resolution passed in December 2006 calling upon the regime to cease its uranium enrichment.
Feb 26, 2007 8:37 AM
U.S., Israel to Hold Talks on Aid Package
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A high-level delegation of Israel i officials led by Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer arrived in Washington on Monday for talks on the future of U.S. aid to Israel , The Jerusalem Post reported. The delegation aims to discuss a new multi-year U.S. aid package that would include both military assistance and loan guarantee requests for development of the Negev and Galilee. The talks come less than a year before the expiration of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. During the past decade, Israel 's total aid package has decreased from $3 billion -- $1.8 billion in military aid and $1.2 in economic assistance -- to $2.4 billion in military assistance.
Feb 23, 2007 11:04 AM
Rice: Iran Risks Further Isolation and Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Thursday that Iran risks facing further isolation and sanctions if it fails to halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons, The Washington Post reported. "The hope is that the sanctions show the Iran ians the isolation that they are enduring, that isolation is likely to increase over time and that it is time to take a different course," said Rice. The statement comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report asserting that Iran had defied a United Nations Security Council resolution passed in December 2006 calling upon the regime to cease its enrichment of uranium -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Feb 22, 2007 11:50 AM
U.S., Europe Consider New Sanctions on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and Europe are considering the imposition of a new set of sanctions on Iran targeting companies run by the Revolutionary Guard Corps, the country's secretive paramilitary force, The Wall Street Journal reported. American and European officials say they seek to implement the sanctions in the context of a new resolution at the United Nations Security Council, which would freeze the overseas assets of certain Iran ian companies or individuals and increase domestic pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear program. The initiative comes in the wake of Tehran's violation of a Security Council resolution passed in December 2006 that gave the regime a 60-day ultimatum to cease its enrichment of uranium, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Feb 21, 2007 11:39 AM
Congressional Resolutions Affirm Rights for Jewish Refugees
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House and Senate lawmakers introduced resolutions last week affirming the need for any future Arab- Israel i peace agreement to address the rights of the 850,000 Jews expelled from Arab countries in the wake of the Israel 's 1948 War of Independence. The resolutions call upon President Bush to instruct United States representatives participating in international forums on Middle East and Palestinian refugees to include a similarly "explicit reference to the resolution of the issue of Jewish, Christian, and other refugees" from Arab and Muslim countries. Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) sponsored the House version of the resolution, while Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Trent Lott (R-MS), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Norm Coleman (R-MN) sponsored the Senate version.
Feb 21, 2007 8:28 AM
Treasury Targets Hizballah Affiliate
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department on Tuesday designated Jihad al-Bina, a Hizballah -operated construction company, as a terrorist organization, saying it receives direct funding from Iran and is run by Hizballah members, Reuters reported. " Hizballah operates Jihad al-Bina for its own construction needs as well as to attract popular support through the provision of civilian construction services," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. "We will take action against all facets of this deadly terror group." The Treasury's action bans Americans from doing business with Jihad al-Bina and freezes any assets the construction firm may have under U.S. jurisdiction. A group with global reach, Hizballah has killed more Americans than any other terror group except Al Qaeda.
Feb 20, 2007 11:12 AM
U.S. Freezes Assets of Firms Supporting Iran 's Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Bush administration last week froze the bank accounts and other financial assets of three Iran ian companies suspected of assisting Iran 's nuclear program, the Associated Press reported. The Treasury Department said the three companies -- Kalaye Electric Co., Kavoshyar Co. and Pioneer Energy Industries Co. -- are owned or controlled by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), which manages Iran 's nuclear program and reports directly to Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "Treasury is taking this action to deny Iran access to the materials and services that support its nuclear ambitions," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. The move comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week warned that Iran could be as little as six months away from being able to enrich uranium on an industrial scale -- a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Feb 20, 2007 11:12 AM
State Department: U.S., Israel Agree on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns last week said that America and Israel agree on the urgency of dealing with the Iran ian threat, The Jerusalem Post reported. "We have a very clear uniformity of views with the Israel is," he said. "One of our major [priorities] is obviously to work very closely with Israel and to be a good partner with Israel ," adding that the two countries are having "very good discussions" about dealing with Iran . Burns also urged the European Union, Japan and several Arab countries to take "their own measures" regarding the application of sanctions on the regime, which has refused to meet U.N. Security Council demands to suspend its enrichment of uranium.
Feb 16, 2007 8:06 AM
Senate Panel Endorses Enhanced U.S.- Israel Homeland Security Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday unanimously approved legislation that would foster cooperation between U.S. and Israel i public and private entities engaged in developing homeland security technologies. The legislation calls for the creation of an International Cooperative Programs Office within the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to support joint research and development projects between the United States and its allies in the war on terror, including Israel . Long championed by committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME), the language was included in a larger bill addressing the outstanding 9-11 Commission recommendations. Similar legislation was introduced in the House last week by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Ranking Member Peter King (R-NY).
Feb 15, 2007 12:02 PM
House Lawmakers Express Skepticism of Abbas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House lawmakers are voicing increasing skepticism of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' intentions in the wake of his agreement to form a unity government headed by the terrorist group Hamas . "It's a trifecta of diplomatic disaster," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East subcommittee, at a hearing Wednesday on the Palestinian- Israel i conflict. Abbas "has gutted his own credibility, empowered his opponents and taken upon himself the responsibility for the inevitable failure of this two-headed monstrosity of a government." Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), chairwoman of the House Appropriations Foreign Operations subcommittee, expressed similar concerns by placing a hold on the Bush administration's request for $86 million to help train and equip Abbas' security forces. "It is imperative that we have a fuller understanding of exactly what the funding is for and what the situation is on the ground," said Lowey.
Feb 15, 2007 10:02 AM
House Legislation Tightens Sanctions on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday passed legislation that tightens existing sanctions on Iran by penalizing foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies that do business with the country. The new legislation, which amends the Iran Sanctions Act, also eliminates ambiguities in the law that permits the sale of petroleum by-products to the regime. The bill was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) as well as Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Ranking Member Mike Pence (R-IN). Speaking at a separate event, Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) said the original sanctions bill "is not being fully enforced -- the U.S. should refuse to do business with subsidiaries that still do business with Iran ."
Feb 14, 2007 1:01 PM
House Lawmaker Places Hold on Aid to Abbas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) has placed a hold on the Bush administration's request for $86 million to help train and equip the security forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Reuters reported. "It is imperative that we have a fuller understanding of exactly what the funding is for and what the situation is on the ground," said Lowey, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Foreign Operations subcommittee. Lowey said last week's announcement of a planned unity government between the terrorist group Hamas and Abbas' Fatah party "raises additional questions." The guidelines of the proposed unity government fail to renounce violence, recognize Israel and accept past agreements -- the minimum conditions set by the international community for recognition and the resumption of aid to the Hamas -controlled Palestinian Authority.
Feb 13, 2007 10:30 AM
U.S. Offers $5 Million Rewards for Terror Suspects
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States is offering up to $5 million rewards for two terror suspects responsible for killing Americans and Israel is, the Associated Press reported. Ramadan Shallah, the Syria-based leader and founding member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, is wanted for directing the activities of the U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist group that seeks to destroy Israel and is responsible for killing more than 100 people in suicide bombings. The United States also is seeking Muhammad Hamadei, a member of the terrorist group Hizballah who participated in the June 1985 hijacking of TWA flight 847 and the murder of Robert D. Stethem, a U.S. Navy officer. The State Department's Rewards for Justice program is coordinating the effort to collect information that leads to the capture of the suspects.
Feb 13, 2007 10:30 AM
Bill Seeks to Codify U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel 's Capital
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers last week introduced legislation that takes certain steps to concretize America's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel 's capital. Such measures include requiring all official U.S. government documents to refer to Jerusalem as Israel 's capital and requiring all U.S. passports to record the place of birth of American citizens born in Jerusalem as Israel . Reps. Thomas M. Reynolds (R-NY), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Christopher Shays (R-CT), and Eric Cantor (R-VA) cosponsored the legislation.
Feb 13, 2007 10:30 AM
United States Congratulates Israel on Arrow Anti-Missile Test
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Monday congratulated Israel for the successful test-firing of the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, Israel Aerospace Industries researchers told the Israel i newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. Israel 's anti-missile test comes as nuclear-minded Iran continues to test-fire missiles capable of reaching Israel and weeks after Syria test-fired a Scud missile. The Arrow is the only operational system that has consistently proven that one missile can shoot down another at high altitudes and speeds. Congress has strongly backed funding for the development of Arrow, the cornerstone of U.S.- Israel defense cooperation for more than a decade.
Feb 12, 2007 12:56 PM
United States Congratulates Israel on Arrow Anti-Missile Test
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Monday congratulated Israel for the successful test-firing of the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, Israel Aerospace Industries researchers told the Israel i newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. Israel 's anti-missile test comes as nuclear-minded Iran continues to test-fire missiles capable of reaching Israel and weeks after Syria test-fired a Scud missile. The Arrow is the only operational system that has consistently proven that one missile can shoot down another at high altitudes and speeds. Congress has strongly backed funding for the development of Arrow, the cornerstone of U.S.- Israel defense cooperation for more than a decade.
Feb 8, 2007 10:47 AM
United States and Israel Sign Landmark Homeland Security Agreement
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and Israel on Wednesday signed a landmark joint memorandum of understanding that lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between the two allies in the field of homeland security. The agreement includes provisions for cooperation on airline security, explosives detection, responding to terrorist and criminal activities and training. It also establishes a joint Homeland Security Steering Committee that will meet annually to ensure the implementation of the agreement. Signed by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Israel i Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter, the memorandum mirrors a similar agreement established between the two countries in 1996 that delineates parameters for counterterrorism cooperation. Dichter called the latest memorandum "a breakthrough signing of an understandings agreement" between the two nations.
Feb 8, 2007 10:47 AM
House Legislation Bolsters U.S.- Israel Homeland Security Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation that fosters cooperation between U.S. and Israel i entities engaged in developing homeland security technologies. The bill would establish an office of international cooperation within the Department of Homeland Security to foster joint public and private projects between the United States and its allies in the war on terror, including Israel . Introduced by House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Peter King (R-NY) and Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the legislation is modeled after an established, highly successful joint venture with Israel , the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation, known as the BIRD Foundation. " Israel is one of our most important allies in the war on terror, and a symbol of hope and freedom in the Middle East," said King. "That relationship should serve as a model for all our allies."
Feb 7, 2007 8:47 AM
United States: Syria a Negative Force in Middle East
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department on Tuesday criticized Syria as a negative force in the Middle East and urged the country to do more to help stabilize Iraq, the Associated Press reported. Spokesman Sean McCormack said the United States has made "multiple attempts" to try to engage Syria on efforts to stabilize the region, only to have Damascus try to "extract some public relations benefits" from the meetings. The State Department consistently lists Syria - host to Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal and a prime benefactor of the terrorist army Hizballah - as one of the world's leading state sponsors of international terrorism.
Feb 6, 2007 1:26 PM
House Resolution Condemns Hizballah for Using 'Human Shields'
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers introduced a resolution that condemns the terrorist group Hizballah for using civilians as "human shields" during its conflict with Israel in the summer of 2006. The resolution notes that such behavior violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention, and calls upon "jurisprudential scholars and practitioners and the leadership of the Armed Forces to review the current international legal regime and to make recommendations to prevent the future use of human shields during armed conflicts." The resolution was sponsored by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ron Klein (D-FL), Mike Pence (R-IN), and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
Feb 6, 2007 10:26 AM
President Requests $2.4 Billion in Aid for Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush requested $2.4 billion in military aid to Israel as of part his 2008 fiscal year budget submitted to Congress on Monday. The proposed aid for Israel represents the last year of a 10-year plan between Israel and the United States to phase out economic aid to Israel while gradually increasing the amount of military aid. During the past decade, Israel 's total aid package has decreased from $3 billion -- $1.8 billion in military aid and $1.2 in economic assistance -- to $2.4 billion in military assistance. The 2008 budget request also includes $40 million in assistance to help Israel absorb refugees from the former Soviet Union and other countries. Presidents and lawmakers of both parties have backed aid to Israel for decades as a means to ensure that America's closest ally in the Middle East has the means to defend itself against regional threats.
Feb 6, 2007 8:26 AM
United States to Seek More Sanctions on Defiant Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As Iran continues to ignore the U.N. Security Council's demands for an end to its illicit nuclear program, the State Department on Monday said the United States will push for more Security Council sanctions against the Islamic Republic, the Associated Press reported. Spokesman Sean McCormack said Iran appears to be continuing "down the path of isolation" by pressing ahead with its atomic ambitions and that the United States would seek "incremental" sanctions at the United Nations should the standoff continue. Iran recently installed two cascades of 164 centrifuges each and announced plans to operate 3,000 centrifuges underground-key steps toward developing nuclear weapons.
Feb 5, 2007 10:32 AM
Hamas Remains Under Pressure to Accept Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
After meeting last week to discuss the Israel i-Palestinian conflict, the Quartet -- the United States, European Union (EU), Russia and the United Nations -- reaffirmed its commitment to the three conditions the terrorist group Hamas must meet before aid to the Palestinians is restored, The Jerusalem Post reported. Hamas must renounce violence, recognize Israel 's right to exist and accept previous Israel i-Palestinian peace agreements, the Quartet said in a statement. Hamas , which controls the Palestinian Authority, has overseen a massive arms buildup in Gaza that has turned the coastal strip into a base for terror attacks against Israel .
Feb 5, 2007 9:32 AM
Lantos Commends U.N. Secretary-General for Denouncing Ahmadinejad
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress, commended U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for reaffirming the U.N.'s commitment to an annual Holocaust memorial day and for denouncing Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's denial of the Nazi atrocities. Speaking to the House chamber last week, Lantos noted that the secretary-general's statements reflect a refreshing departure from the U.N.'s traditional hostility to the Jewish state. "Secretary-General Ban's strong statement demonstrates that he is committed to fulfill Kofi Annan's legacy as the first secretary-general who dedicated himself to moving the United Nations past its sad and crippling legacy of anti-Semitism," said Lantos. Jan. 27 marked the second observance of the U.N.'s annual International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
Feb 1, 2007 10:17 AM
State Department: Sanctions on Terrorist-Led PA to Remain
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In light of reports of a Russian proposal to resume financial aid to the Hamas -led Palestinian Authority (PA), a senior State Department official said this week that Washington does not expect a change in the position of the Middle East Quartet -- the United States, European Union (EU), Russia and the United Nations -- toward Hamas , the Israel i newspaper Ha'aretz reported. Both the United States and the EU have cut off aid to the Hamas -led PA until Hamas renounces violence, recognizes Israel 's right to exist and accepts previous Israel i-Palestinian peace agreements. The Quartet is scheduled to meet in Washington on Thursday to discuss how to proceed with their Roadmap peace plan.
Feb 1, 2007 10:17 AM
Lawmakers Demand Release of Kidnapped Israel i Soldiers
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House lawmakers last week introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israel i soldiers kidnapped by the terrorist groups Hamas and Hizballah . The resolution condemns the organizations for failing to adhere to the "most basic standards of humanitarian conduct" by refusing to allow medical personnel and representatives of the Red Cross to visit the soldiers. The resolution also expresses sympathy for the soldiers' families and denounces Iran and Syria for their ongoing support of international terrorism. Sponsored by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Tom Lantos (D-CA), the resolution follows the June 2006 abduction by Hamas of Israel i soldier Gilad Shalit and the July 2006 kidnapping by Hizballah of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
Feb 1, 2007 10:17 AM
House Approves $2.46 Billion in Aid to Israel as Part of Spending Measure
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Wednesday approved $2.46 billion in aid to Israel as part of a $463 billion spending measure that will fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2007. The aid includes $2.34 billion in military assistance, $120 million in economic aid, and $40 million to assist Israel in absorbing refugees. The Senate must pass a similar resolution by Feb. 15 to prevent a partial government shutdown. In June, the House overwhelmingly passed the fiscal year 2007 foreign aid bill, which includes the aid to Israel . However, the Senate never completed the bill before the 109th Congress ended, necessitating the need for the new Congress to pass the omnibus spending measure that will run until the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
Feb 1, 2007 9:17 AM
House Bill Condemns U.N. Human Rights Council
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Feb 1, 2007 9:17 AM
U.S. Works to Penalize and Isolate Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Feb 1, 2007 7:17 AM
United States Cautions Europeans to Avoid Oil, Gas Deals With Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
As Tehran presses ahead with its illicit nuclear program, the United States is warning European oil and gas companies against investing in Iran , The Washington Post reported. "The administration is putting the full-court press on foreign companies and is going all out to impress upon them that it would be a mistake to do anything with" Iran , a European oil executive said. Oil money accounts for nearly 60 percent of Iran 's revenue, a fact that has spurred the United States to apply economic pressure on the Islamic Republic until it ceases its efforts to enrich uranium - a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Jan 31, 2007 1:38 PM
U.S. to Investigate Major Oil Deal with Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States will investigate a major gas deal between Iran and an American oil company to determine whether it violates sanction laws, the Wall Street Journal reported. The company, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, is planning a $4.3 billion liquefied natural gas project in southern Iran , a deal which may contravene the Iran Sanctions Act (originally passed in 1996 as the Iran Libya Sanctions Act), which prohibits companies from doing more than $20 million dollar a year in business with the country. Iran depends on oil for more than 60% of its revenue, a fact which has spurred the United States to apply pressure on the regime through economic sanctions to halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Jan 31, 2007 12:38 PM
Worried About Iran , Pentagon Suspends Sale of F-14 Parts
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Pentagon on Tuesday said it has suspended sales of surplus F-14 Tomcat parts coveted by Iran while the Defense Department conducts a "comprehensive review" of its sales operations, the Associated Press reported. In some cases, third parties purchased the spare parts through standard channels and then resold them to Iran . In response, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has introduced -- and Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) has co-sponsored -- the Stop Arming Iran Act, which seeks to remove all spare F-14 parts from the international market.
Jan 31, 2007 10:38 AM
Negroponte Cautions Against Engagement With Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
John Negroponte, President Bush's nominee for deputy secretary of state, expressed reluctance to engage Iran diplomatically before Iran ceases its uranium enrichment efforts. Speaking during his confirmation hearings Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Negroponte highlighted the regime's destabilizing role in the Middle East. Iran is "a rogue nation if you think of their support for international terrorism and their effort to prevent reconciliation between the Arabs and Israel is at all costs and their state sponsorship for terrorism, which they, I think, quite brazenly use as a tool in their national security policy," he said. Negroponte also voiced support for economic sanctions against the regime, which has ignored a U.N. Security Council resolution passed in December requiring Tehran to end its enrichment activities.
Jan 31, 2007 10:38 AM
Central Command Nominee Warns of Iran 's Destabilizing Influence
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Adm. William J. Fallon, President Bush's nominee to head Central Command, warned of Iran 's "destabilizing" influence in the Middle East at his confirmation hearings Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The nominee, who, if confirmed, will oversee United States military forces in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa, said Iran is positioning its military to stem America's ability to operate in the Persian Gulf. " Iran ian support for terrorism and sectarian violence beyond its borders, and its pursuit of nuclear capability, is destabilizing and troubling," Fallon said. Fallon also spoke in favor of economic sanctions on the regime, noting that Iran is "critically dependent on its exports of petroleum products for its economic vitality."
Jan 30, 2007 9:58 AM
Senator Seeks to Stop Sale of Surplus Airplane Parts to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In an effort to cut off all Pentagon sales of surplus F-14 Tomcat parts coveted by Iran , Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has introduced - and Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) has co-sponsored - the Stop Arming Iran Act, the Associated Press reported. In some cases, third parties purchased the spare parts through standard channels and then resold them to Iran . "It just defies common sense to be making this kind of equipment available to the Iran ians with all that they have done that is against our interests," Wyden said. U.S. law enforcement officials believe Iran can produce only about 15 percent of the parts it needs for its Tomcats, making the Pentagon's surplus sales a valuable avenue for spares.
Jan 29, 2007 11:45 AM
State Department Emphasizes Importance of U.S.- Israel Relationship
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns last week reiterated the importance of a strong U.S.- Israel relationship during a major policy conference in Israel . "We are committed to our alliance with Israel ," Burns said in a speech at Israel 's annual Herzliya Conference. "We continue to be Israel 's strongest security partner." Burns further noted that "the USA and Israel have similar strategic interests" and concluded his remarks by stating, "I can't remember a time that the relationship between our two countries was as strong as it is today."
Jan 29, 2007 11:45 AM
State Department Official Warns of Syrian, Iran ian Interference in Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
David Satterfield, a senior advisor on Iraq to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, said Thursday at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committte that Syria and Iran are supporting extremists in Iraq in an effort to destabilize the country. "While we are working with our partners in the region to strengthen peace," Satterfield said, "two governments - Syria and Iran - have chosen to align themselves with the forces of violent extremism in Iraq and elsewhere." Satterfield added that the United States plans to work with Iraqi officials and other regional allies to counter Iran ian interference. Both Syria and Iran provide financial support and weapons to the terrorist army Hizballah in Lebanon and to Hamas , the terrorist group now in control of the Palestinian Authority.
Jan 29, 2007 11:45 AM
Lawmakers Urge Payment for Former Iran ian Hostages
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A bipartisan group of House members introduced legislation calling on the Secretary of the Treasury to provide payment to those held by Iran ian terrorists after the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979. The bill, introduced by Reps. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Joe Wilson (R-SC), seeks justice for these victims of terrorism and accountability for Iran , the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) joined their colleagues in introducing the legislation. The bill will be considered by the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Jan 29, 2007 11:45 AM
House Members Call for U.N. Prosecution of Ahmadinejad
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Jan 29, 2007 11:45 AM
Lawmakers Urge Arrests in Hizballah Bombing
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) have sent a letter to Interpol questioning the international police agency's ongoing investigation into the terrorist army Hizballah 's 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israel i Mutual Aid Association. The letter urged that arrests be made for the warrants issued by Argentina. Eighty-five people were killed and hundreds wounded in the country's worst terrorist attack. On Oct. 25, a team of Argentine prosecutors formally charged Iran and Hizballah with the bombing, accusing the Iran ian authorities of directing Hizballah to carry it out and calling for the arrest of former Iran ian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and seven others.