Aipac 2008: Lies, Lies, Lies! Nothing but Lies!
Dec 31, 2008 9:06 AM
U.S. Condemns Iran for Detaining American Academic
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Tuesday condemned Iran for wrongly detaining a prominent American academic affiliated with the National Academies of Science, the Associated Press reported. The State Department said Iran ’s treatment of Glenn Schweitzer, head of the Academies’ Eurasia program, was “yet another example of the Iran ian government’s refusal to abide by international norms.”
Dec 23, 2008 8:32 AM
Lawmakers Criticize Export-Import Bank on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Eight members of Congress sent a letter to the U.S. Export-Import Bank criticizing it for its loan guarantees to companies linked to Iran , the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported. The bank has underwritten $900 million in loan guarantees to U.S. companies that supply equipment to Reliance Industries, a company that refines gasoline and exports refined petroleum to Iran . “We are deeply concerned about the inadequate attention paid to other vital national interests in the approval of these guarantees,” the letter said.
Dec 18, 2008 4:53 PM
U.S. Warns of Dangers of Hizballah Rearmament
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A U.S. envoy warned against the ongoing rearmament of the terrorist group Hizballah by Syria and Iran , Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported. “The rearmament of Hizballah through Syria and Iran may re-incite confrontation with Israel, which could destroy Lebanon once again,” said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Hale on Wednesday during a visit to Beirut. Hale also said the United States aimed to achieve the goal of a “free, sovereign and independent Lebanon,” a task complicated by Syria’s interference in Lebanese affairs and its support for Hizballah.
Dec 16, 2008 1:31 PM
217 Lawmakers Urge Robust Foreign Aid Budget
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
More than 200 members of Congress – including 51 senators and 166 House members – on Dec. 16 sent letters to President-elect Barack Obama that urge him to support a robust international affairs budget for fiscal year 2010, which includes critical security assistance for Israel.
Dec 15, 2008 9:28 AM
Gates: Iran a Force of Instability in Region
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called Iran “a country whose every move seems designed to create maximum anxiety in the international community,” referring to Tehran’s destabilizing efforts in Iraq and its ongoing nuclear and missile programs. “ Iran has continued its pursuit of a nuclear program that is almost assuredly geared toward developing nuclear weapons,” Gates said on Saturday during a conference in Bahrain. “The last thing this region – or the world – needs is a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.”
Dec 9, 2008 10:27 AM
U.S. Targets Iran ian Oil Company
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department identified the National Iran ian Oil Company (NIOC), as well as two of its Swiss-based international financial and commercial subsidiaries, the Naft Iran Intertrade Co. (NICO) and Naft Iran Intertrade Company Sarl, “as entities owned or controlled by the government of Iran ,” Upstream reported. The sanctioned companies play a significant role in financing Iran ’s energy sector, and Treasury’s step may result in Iran ’s further isolation from the international financial system.
Dec 2, 2008 11:04 AM
Lawmaker Calls for Ban on Iran Oil Imports
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A leading Republican senator called on the United States to ban Iran from importing gasoline, which would inflict a crippling blow on the Islamic Republic. “ Iran has vulnerabilities susceptible to pressure from the United States and its allies and we must exploit them before it is too late,” Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) wrote in an op-ed. “As an example, despite Iran ’s tremendous crude oil reserves, it relies on huge volumes of imported gasoline to meet its domestic demand. The Iran ian government then subsidizes this gasoline for the Iran ian people.”
Nov 21, 2008 9:01 AM
U.S. Says IAEA Report Hardens Suspicions on Syria
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Friday said that a recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hardens suspicions that Syria was building a covert nuclear reactor, Reuters reported. “The report reinforces the assessment of my government that Syria was secretly building a nuclear reactor in its eastern desert and thereby violating its IAEA safeguards obligations,” said Gregory Schulte, U.S. ambassador to the IAEA. The IAEA report comes after Israel in 2007 bombed a Syrian site that bore the trademark features of a nuclear reactor.
Nov 20, 2008 11:00 AM
U.S. Condemns Iran ’s Failure to Cooperate with IAEA
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House on Wednesday condemned Iran ’s failure to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency over Tehran’s illicit nuclear program, Agence France Presse reported. “The Iran ian government’s failure to comply with the IAEA and U.N. is unfortunate and disappointing,” said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe. The statement comes in the wake of the IAEA’s latest report, which accused Iran of defying repeated U.N. demands to halt its enrichment of uranium, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Nov 20, 2008 11:00 AM
U.S. Warns Against Iran ian Banks in Dubai
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior Treasury Department official said authorities should keep a close eye on Iran ian banks operating illicitly in the Gulf financial hub of Dubai, Reuters reported. “There is a challenge in the [United Arab Emirates] especially because of deep commercial ties between the UAE and Iran ,” said Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. The U.S. has repeatedly noted that Iran ian banks are trying to avert U.N. sanctions on Tehran by operating in other countries such as the UAE.
Nov 18, 2008 10:00 AM
Michigan Signs Water Agreement with Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The governor of Michigan signed a water technologies partnership agreement with Israel, the Associated Press reported. Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) signed the agreement on Monday during a week-long visit to the Middle East, making Michigan the first U.S. state to establish such a venture. The agreement establishes a working group between the two governments to focus on energy efficiency and technology that will improve water quality and increase water reuse. During her visit to Israel, Granholm also met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Nov 13, 2008 1:57 PM
U.S. Sanctions Islamic Group Helping Hamas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department on Wednesday sanctioned an Islamic charity suspected of helping to bankroll Hamas, the terrorist group that seeks Israel’s destruction and that is responsible for murdering hundreds of Israelis and Americans, the Associated Press reported. Treasury’s action against the Union of Good freezes any bank accounts or other financial assts belonging to the group in the United States.
Nov 13, 2008 8:17 AM
U.S. Condemns Iran ian Missile Test
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Wednesday condemned Iran for test-firing a long-range surface-to-surface missile, noting that it constitutes a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a threat to other countries, The Los Angeles Times reported. “ Iran should… refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world,” said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe in a statement. Iran says the missile has a range of 1,200 miles, which puts Israel and parts of Europe within striking range.
Nov 6, 2008 3:22 PM
U.S. Announces New Sanctions Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department announced that it is revoking Iran ’s so-called “U-turn” license, a move barring financial institutions from routing certain money transfers through the United States on behalf of Iran ian banks, Iran 's government and others in that country, the Associated Press reported. “The Iran ian regime's policies have ensured Iran 's political, economic and financial isolation,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey on Nov. 6.
Oct 30, 2008 8:28 AM
U.S. Calls on Nations to Isolate Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. official called on nations to exercise greater vigilance in isolating Iran from international financial markets, noting that it would give countries that do so “a competitive advantage in the marketplace as trusted partners with a good reputation for clean financial flows.”
Oct 29, 2008 10:28 AM
U.S. Urges U.N. to Monitor Iran Sanctions Compliance
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United Nations should set up an Iran sanctions monitoring committee to help identify "cheaters and spoilers" who are not complying with Security Council sanctions, a top U.S. diplomat told The Jerusalem Post on Oct. 28. "We think it would be a very useful addition to the work of the Security Council in evaluating the implementation of sanctions," said Brian Hook, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for international organizations. One of the frequent criticisms of U.N. sanctions has been not only that they are not strong enough, but also that they are not being fully implemented.
Oct 23, 2008 10:32 AM
Treasury Department Sanctions Iran ian Bank
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Bush administration on Oct. 22 imposed sanctions on an Iran ian state-owned financial institution for its role in supporting the Iran ian military, the Associated Press reported. The Treasury Department said that the Export Development Bank of Iran provided financial services to Iran 's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, which controls Iran 's ballistic missile research, development and production activities. The department also stated that the Iran ian regime was using the bank to evade international sanctions.
Oct 21, 2008 10:50 AM
U.S. Says ‘Ball Is in Iran ian Court’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department said that the United States and other leading nations are committed to the dual-track strategy of offering Iran incentives to stop its nuclear work and sanctioning the country if it doesn’t, Voice of America News reported. “We encourage Iran every day to take up that package of incentives,” said State Department Deputy Spokesman Robert Wood. “The ball is in the Iran ian court right now. Iran knows what it needs to do, and we all want to see that happen.”
Oct 16, 2008 8:59 AM
U.S. Applauds Australia for Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States commended the Australian government for imposing economic sanctions on Iran and encouraged other countries to do the same. The sanctions include penalties on Bank Melli and Bank Saderat, two banks that play key roles in Iran ’s proliferation efforts. “As the world continues to stand united against Iran 's defiance, Iran 's leaders are inflicting hardship on the Iran ian people rather than allowing them the opportunities and prosperity that reintegration into the global community would bring,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey.
Oct 7, 2008 9:00 AM
U.S.: Syrian Intervention in Lebanon ‘Unacceptable’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States condemned Syria’s ongoing arms buildup and warned Damascus that it must not interfere in Lebanese affairs, Reuters reported. “We've seen reports about continued Syrian military activity along the Lebanese-Syrian border,” said State Department spokesman Robert Wood. “And… we in the international community a week ago made very clear that any intervention… by Syrian troops into Lebanon would be unacceptable.”
Oct 6, 2008 9:00 AM
Lawmakers Condemn Prospect of Iran on Security Council
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Twenty-three House members sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Zalmay Khalilzad asking him to urge his U.N. colleagues not to grant Iran ’s request to become a member of the U.N. Security Council. The letter, spearheaded by Reps. John R. “Randy” Kuhl Jr. (R-NY) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and sent on Oct. 3, notes that Iran ’s repeated calls for the destruction of the United States and Israel and its support for various terrorist groups constitute a direct violation of the U.N. Charter.
Oct 3, 2008 2:44 PM
Congress Backs Israel’s Military Edge, Increased Aid
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In the closing hours of the Congressional session, the House and Senate passed legislation that authorizes increased security assistance for Israel and requires any future arms sale in the region to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME). The legislation authorizes $2.55 billion in security assistance to Israel for fiscal year 2009, representing the second year of a new 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached in 2007 by the United States and Israel.
Oct 2, 2008 10:05 AM
Senate: U.S. Must Assure Israel’s Military Edge
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate passed legislation that requires the president to evaluate on an ongoing basis the extent to which Israel has a qualitative military edge over all possible military threats, and to assess all future U.S. military sales in that context. The bill, passed by unanimous consent on Wednesday night, also authorizes $2.5 billion in security assistance to Israel for fiscal year 2009, which the president this week approved in a separate measure providing the funding.
Oct 2, 2008 10:05 AM
House Passes Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Bill
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Saturday passed comprehensive legislation that tightens sanctions on Iran and backs divestment efforts from companies investing in Iran ’s energy sector. The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2008 strengthens and expands U.S. sanctions aimed at preventing a nuclear-armed Iran , reinforces efforts many states are taking to divest their holdings in foreign companies investing in the Iran ian petroleum sector and seeks to prevent the illegal diversion of sensitive technologies to Iran .
Sep 18, 2008 8:29 AM
Treasury Sanctions Six Iran ian Firms
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department on Sept. 17 sanctioned six Iran ian military firms that are owned or controlled by entities previously designated for their roles in Iran 's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. " Iran attempts to shield its procurement activities behind a maze of entities, essentially hoodwinking those still doing business with Iran into facilitating illicit transactions for the transport of dual use, missile-related items," said Stuart Levey, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
Sep 16, 2008 9:30 AM
White House: Iran May Face New Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House warned Iran that it faced possible new sanctions over its illicit nuclear program, Agence France Presse reported. “What I will tell you is that the action that Iran continues to take further isolates its people and its country from the rest of the international community,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Sept. 15. Perino’s statement comes in the wake of a new report issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stating that Iran is making significant advances in its uranium enrichment efforts, a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
Sep 12, 2008 10:16 AM
U.S. Calls on Countries to Isolate Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad called on all U.N. member states to fully implement three resolutions requiring sanctions against Iran passed by the world body. “We encourage all states,” said Khalilzad, “to take actions that are complementary to those explicitly required by these resolutions to achieve the international community’s ultimate objective: persuading Iran to make a strategic decision to abandon its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.”
Sep 12, 2008 8:16 AM
Israel, Virginia Sign Joint R Agreement
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Israel and the Commonwealth of Virginia signed a bilateral agreement on Thursday strengthening cooperation in private sector industrial research and development, the Israeli embassy said in a statement. “Both Governor [Tim] Kaine and I are eager to facilitate and identify specific private sector research and development projects, partnerships, and collaborations between private entities in Virginia and in Israel,” said Israeli Ambassador Sallai Meridor.
Sep 10, 2008 8:49 AM
House Condemns Hamas Incitement
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Tuesday resoundingly passed a resolution by a vote of 409-1 that condemns the terrorist group Hamas “for using a children’s television program to incite hatred, violence, and anti-Semitism toward Israel.”
Sep 10, 2008 8:49 AM
U.S. Seeks Insurance Clampdown on Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States is discussing with allies how insurance firms can more rigidly apply sanctions on Iran to step up pressure over its disputed nuclear program, a senior U.S. Treasury official said on Tuesday.
Sep 8, 2008 11:42 AM
Rice: It’s Not the Time for U.S.-Russia Nuclear Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Saturday said that now may no longer be the time to move forward on the U.S.-Russia nuclear cooperation deal, the Associated Press reported. “The time isn’t right for the Russia agreement,” said Rice. Since the signing of the agreement in May, it has sparked strong opposition from members of Congress, who have noted Russia’s ongoing support for Iran ’s nuclear program.
Sep 2, 2008 3:53 PM
U.S. Says Iran Faces Choice Over Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department said that Iran faces the choice of engagement or isolation as it continues its illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons. “ Iran still has a choice to make,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack on Sept. 2. “It can go down the pathway of increasing isolation. It can go down the pathway of cooperation and having a peaceful civilian nuclear energy program, as well as… having the possibility of talks involving the United States at the table, which we can talk about anything.”
Aug 26, 2008 2:17 PM
Rice: Syrian Arms Buildup a Cause for Concern
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
During her flight on August 25 en route to Tel Aviv to encourage Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice condemned Syria’s ongoing arms build-up as a threat to further peace efforts between Jerusalem and Damascus. Syria’s actions come as it strengthens ties with Russia, which has supplied critical weaponry to Damascus. “I think the region will want to be concerned about a buildup of arms in Syria at a time when, in fact, the Syrians and the Israelis are…trying to talk peace,” Rice said.
Aug 14, 2008 9:56 AM
U.S. Warns Turkey on Iran Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on August 13 warned Turkey not to strike an energy deal with Iran , noting that it would undermine diplomatic efforts to halt Tehran’s nuclear program, Reuters reported. “Such a deal by Turkey with Iran would send the wrong message at a time when the Iran ian regime has repeatedly failed to comply with its U.N. Security Council and IAEA obligations,” the State Department said in a statement. The warning coincides with a visit to Istanbul by Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has repeatedly affirmed his determination to continue his country’s nuclear program.
Aug 12, 2008 9:54 AM
Treasury Sanctions Five Entities With Iran ian Ties
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department on August 12 designated five entities for their ties to Iran ’s nuclear and missile programs, a move that freezes their assets and inhibits their participation in the international banking system. "Responsible financial institutions and businesses worldwide are taking steps to avoid doing business with Iran ian nuclear and missile entities, as well as with the front companies and cut-outs the Iran ian regime uses to disguise its activities," said Stuart Levey, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
Aug 11, 2008 9:54 AM
House Letter Calls for Clarity on Shebaa Farms Position
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House members sent a letter calling on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to clarify America’s position on the status of Shebaa Farms, territory along the Israeli-Lebanese-Syrian border. After Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000, the United Nations declared that Israel had fully withdrawn from Lebanese territory and determined that the final status of Shebaa Farms, currently controlled by Israel, should be determined in negotiations between Israel and Syria.
Aug 7, 2008 10:15 AM
Rice: More Iran Sanctions to Come
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Aug 7, 2008 10:15 AM
U.S. to Help Fund Israeli Missile Defense
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency on Wednesday said that the Defense Department pledged to provide support for Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defense program, The Jerusalem Post and Middle East Newsline reported. Lt.-Gen. Henry Obering III relayed the pledge to senior Israeli army officials during a three-day visit to the Jewish state. Officials described the Arrow-3 as a new-generation system meant to destroy a missile that contained multiple warheads as well as decoys.
Aug 5, 2008 10:13 AM
U.S. to Pursue More Sanctions Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and five other world powers agreed to pursue new sanctions against Iran in response to Tehran’s failure to respond positively to an incentives package aimed at compelling the country to halt its nuclear activities, the Associated Press reported. “We are disappointed that we have not yet received a response from Iran ,” said State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos. “We agreed in the absence of a clear, positive response from Iran [that] we have no choice but to pursue further measures against Iran .”
Aug 1, 2008 11:48 AM
U.S., Israel Engage in Strategic Dialogue
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Top U.S. and Israeli officials on Thursday conducted a strategic dialogue in Washington to discuss regional threats, particularly the dangers of Iran ’s nuclear program. The dialogue, led by Under Secretary for Political Affairs Bill Burns and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation Shaul Mofaz, is “another demonstration of the strong cooperative security partnership between the United States and Israel, based on a long-standing friendship, shared values, and common interests,” according to a joint statement issued by the two countries.
Jul 31, 2008 11:47 AM
U.S. Reaffirms Saturday Deadline on Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Wednesday reaffirmed a Saturday deadline for Iran to give a final answer to an incentives offer in exchange for a halt of Tehran’s nuclear program, Agence France Presse reported. “There are consequences diplomatically for defying the just demands of the Security Council,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. “This is serious stuff,” he added, “and we along with the P-5 plus one are absolutely prepared to go down that pathway [of sanctions] should the Iran ian regime take the world down that pathway.”
Jul 30, 2008 9:46 AM
Rice: Iran Mustn’t Stall on Nuclear Incentives Offer
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday said that Iran must not delay a decision on an international offer of incentives in exchange for a halt in Tehran’s illicit nuclear program, Agence France Presse reported. “The Iran ians should know that this is not going to be a matter that they can stall,” Rice told reporters after talks with her Italian counterpart, Franco Frattini. “The world is watching.” The offer, which includes trade incentives and help with a civilian nuclear program, was officially made earlier this month by Javier Solana, the foreign policy chief of the European Union.
Jul 25, 2008 10:43 AM
U.S. Votes Against Anti-Israel U.N. Resolution
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on July 23 voted against a one-sided resolution at the United Nations Economic and Social Council that bemoaned the plight of Palestinian women but failed to condemn ongoing terrorist attacks on Israeli women. In a statement, the U.S. representative to the council, Laurie Lerner Phipps, said the resolution “was unbalanced, addressing victims on one side of a conflict, but not on the other. It ignored purposeful targeting of Israeli civilians by Palestinian terrorists. The United States was deeply concerned about humanitarian crisis and loss of life in the Gaze Strip.
Jul 24, 2008 11:42 AM
House Panel Conditions U.S.-Russia Nuclear Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on July 24 passed legislation by voice vote that conditions approval of the U.S.-Russia nuclear cooperation agreement on U.S. certification that Moscow has ceased all support for Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The bill also states that the administration must certify that Russia “is fully and completely supporting United States efforts to achieve effective international and United Nations Security Council sanctions on Iran in response to Iran ’s nuclear program.”
Jul 24, 2008 11:42 AM
White House: More Iran Sanctions to Come
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House on Wednesday said that Iran would face more international sanctions if it failed to halt its uranium enrichment activities, Agence France Presse reported. “We hope the Iran ian will provide a positive answer” to an incentives package offered by the United States and other world powers in return for Iran to halt its nuclear work, said national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe. “If they do not, the international community is united that more sanctions are coming.”
Jul 23, 2008 10:38 AM
U.S.: All Parties Must Condemn Jerusalem Attack
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House said all parties must condemn a Palestinian man’s bulldozer rampage in Jerusalem if Israel formally determines that it was a terrorist attack. “Local authorities are treating the second bulldozer attack as a terrorist incident. They are gathering information, but if it turns out that it was terrorism all parties must condemn it,” said spokeswoman Dana Perino on Tuesday.
Jul 18, 2008 8:53 AM
Senate Panel Approves Iran Sanctions Bill
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate Banking Committee approved legislation on Thursday by a vote of 19-2 that imposes tougher sanctions on Iran and authorizes state efforts to divest from Iran ’s energy sector. The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2008, introduced by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) and approved by the committee by a vote of 19-2, includes major provisions from the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act (S. 970) and the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act (S. 1930), which were both passed by the House last year.
Jul 17, 2008 8:53 AM
House and Senate Panels Approve Aid to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Key House and Senate panels approved $2.38 billion in security assistance for Israel as part of the fiscal year 2009 foreign aid bill. The security assistance included in the bill, which the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee approved on Wednesday and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved on Thursday, brings the total amount of assistance to Israel for next year to $2.55 billion when combined with the additional funding included in a recent supplemental appropriations bill.
Jul 17, 2008 8:53 AM
U.S. to Sell Combat Ships to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Pentagon notified Congress on Wednesday that it plans to sell to Israel shore-Littoral Combat Ships, spare parts, software and other goods and services worth as much as $1.9 billion, Reuters reported. “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said in a statement. “This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.”
Jul 16, 2008 9:34 AM
Pentagon: Iran ian Missiles Can Reach Europe
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Pentagon said that Iran now has the ability to launch a ballistic missile capable of hitting sections of eastern and southern Europe, Reuters reported. “The Iran ians themselves are describing… a 2,000-km range missile launch,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Trey Obering, director of the Missile Defense Agency, on Tuesday. “I believe, based on what I have seen, that they have the ability to do that and to continue to advance in the future.”
Jul 16, 2008 9:34 AM
U.S. Says Sanctions Isolating Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior Treasury Department official on Tuesday said that businesses in Europe are turning away from investing in Iran due to Tehran’s refusal to halt its nuclear activities, Reuters reported. “ Iran is finding itself, because of its own conduct, increasingly isolated from banking relationships, from legitimate business relationships, and that is starting to take its toll,” said Stuart Levey, Treasury’s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
Jul 15, 2008 10:34 AM
Pelosi: Iran Threatens the Entire World
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that Iran threatens the world, not only Israel and the Middle East, The Jerusalem Post reported. “Israel bears the brunt of that threat… and the safety not only of Israel but of the entire world depends on forcing Iran to give up its nuclear capability,” she said on Sunday in a speech before Hadassah Zionist Women’s Organization in Los Angeles. Pelosi’s statement comes in the wake of Tehran’s recent testing of long-range missiles capable of reaching Israel and U.S. forces in the region.
Jul 11, 2008 1:14 PM
Lawmakers Back U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday approved $5 million to fund joint U.S.-Israeli programs energy cooperation programs aimed at reducing the two countries’ dependence on foreign oil. The action on the funds, which were included in the fiscal year 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, follows a similar move by the House Appropriations Committee, which included $2 million in their version of the spending bill.
Jul 11, 2008 9:14 AM
Lawmakers Highlight Warming Europe-Israel Ties
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Two key House subcommittee chairmen praised the growth of the partnership between Israel and Europe, noting that it reflects their shared values and advances America’s own interests in the region.
Jul 10, 2008 11:14 AM
U.S. to Review Iran Sanctions Law Violation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Under Secretary for Political Affairs William Burns said that a leading Norwegian oil company’s business with Iran may violate a U.S. sanctions law against Tehran, Reuters reported. In testimony on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Burns asserted that StatoilHydro’s role in helping Iran develop natural gas warrants “a further serious review” to clarify whether it violates the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), which requires the government to sanction companies investing more than $20 million in Iran ’s energy sector.
Jul 8, 2008 3:04 PM
U.S. Sanctions Iran ian Firms Supporting Regime
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department sanctioned four Iran ian firms with ties to Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs, Reuters reported. “ Iran 's nuclear and missile firms hide behind an array of agents that transact business on their behalf,” said Stuart Levey, under secretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence.
Jul 7, 2008 9:35 AM
Treasury: More Iran Sanctions Needed
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior Treasury Department official told a German newspaper Thursday that Iran ian banks may face further sanctions if Tehran fails to comply with international demands to halt its illicit nuclear program, Reuters reported. In an interview with the German business daily Handelsblatt, Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said he was “very pleased” that the European Union had frozen the assets of Iran ’s largest lender, Bank Melli, and called for further diplomatic action. “The U.S. government has made clear it would like to continue the diplomatic path led by the European [Union],” he said.
Jun 27, 2008 10:19 AM
Bush Backs Boost in Israel Security Aid
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on June 30 signed into law a bill providing additional security assistance for Israel as part of a supplemental spending package for U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jun 26, 2008 10:06 AM
U.S. Accuses China of Violating Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States said that China has failed to crack down sufficiently on firms conducting business with Iran , Agence France Presse reported. “The U.S. government has asked Beijing to halt commercial transactions by Chinese firms that violate U.N. sanctions, nonproliferation norms, and [Chinese] law but our efforts are met with mixed results,” said James Shinn, assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on June 25.
Jun 25, 2008 10:06 AM
House Letter Reiterates Key Peace Principles
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
More than half of the House and three-quarters of the Senate sent letters to President Bush reinforcing the key principles America should stand by as it works to help Israel achieve peace. The letters reiterate Israel’s right to self-defense, call on the U.S. to stand strongly with Israel at the U.N. and urge the president to press the Arab states to do more to support Israeli-Palestinian talks. The House letter, sent on June 27 and signed by 268 members of the House, was authored by Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Howard Berman (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
Jun 25, 2008 10:06 AM
Lawmakers Raise Questions on U.S.-Russia Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chairman and the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday introduced a resolution that signals disapproval of the recent U.S.-Russian nuclear cooperation agreement, the Associated Press reported. Opponents of the deal say that it would reward Russia at the same time Moscow is undermining efforts to stop Iran ’s nuclear program.
Jun 24, 2008 10:06 AM
U.S. Navy Chief Visits Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead is visiting the Jewish state this week at the invitation of Israel Navy Commander Vice Adm. Eli Marum in order to strengthen and further develop global maritime partnerships and increase maritime security, the Navy said in a statement on Monday. “This is my first visit to Israel, and I've found it to be extremely worthwhile, productive and enjoyable both professionally and personally,” Roughead said. “This is an important visit because of the close relationship between our nations and our navies.”
Jun 24, 2008 10:06 AM
House Leader: Impose Tougher Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee called for tougher sanctions against Iran , calling for the implementation of existing U.S. law that penalizes Iran and the enactment of further measures. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Rep. Howard Berman (D-NY) said that America “never imposed a sanction under ILSA [the Iran -Libya Sanctions Act] on any companies investing in Iran 's energy sector.”
Jun 20, 2008 3:57 PM
House Approves Israel’s Security Assistance Increase
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Thursday approved additional security assistance for Israel as part of its passage of a supplemental spending package for U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to the likelihood that Congress will enact a Continuing Resolution at the end of this fiscal year, keeping all programs, including aid to Israel, at fiscal year 2008 levels, Congress decided to include Israel's aid increase in the supplemental, in line with the first year of the new 10-year, $30 billion security assistance agreement reached between the United States and Israel.
Jun 20, 2008 11:54 AM
U.S. Sanctions Group Supporting Al Qaeda, Hamas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States has sanctioned a Saudi-based charity for funneling money to Al Qaeda, Hamas and other terrorist groups, the Associated Press reported. The sanctions against the Al Haramain Islamic Foundation entail the freezing of any assets found in the United States that belong to the charity and the prohibiting of all financial transactions by Americans with the group.
Jun 20, 2008 11:54 AM
Sanctions Force Chinese Firm to End Iran Ties
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States has lifted sanctions on a Chinese firm and its American subsidiary after they addressed U.S. concerns over their support for Iran ’s missile program, the Associated Press reported. “Removing China Great Wall Industry Corp. from our sanctions list marks a great success for our counter-proliferation sanctions program,” said Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, in a statement on Thursday.
Jun 19, 2008 11:46 AM
U.S. Freezes Assets of Venezuelans Aiding Hizballah
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States Treasury froze the assets of two Venezuelans, including a diplomat, linked to the terrorist group Hizballah, and accused the Venezuelan government of protecting them, Reuters reported. Treasury named Ghazi Nasr al-Din – until recently the charge d’affaires at the Venezuelan Embassy in Damascus – and Fawzi Kan’an under an executive order that targets terrorists and those who give them financial or material support.
Jun 19, 2008 11:46 AM
Lawmakers Back U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A key House subcommittee approved an energy bill that contains provisions including $2 million in funding for U.S.-Israel energy cooperation programs aimed at reducing the two countries’ dependence on foreign oil. “I can think of no two countries that have more of a strategic interest in overcoming a reliance on foreign oil, and no two nations more capable of using their resources to do so, than the United States and Israel,” said Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), a champion of the initiative and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, which approved the energy bill.
Jun 18, 2008 9:46 AM
Senate Committee Backs Tougher Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
By a vote of 19 to 2, the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday approved comprehensive sanctions legislation that strengthens U.S. tools to escalate the pressure on Iran to cease its dangerous nuclear activities. The Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 closes loopholes in existing sanctions law, strengthens U.S. tools to cut off funds to Iran ’s nuclear program and would prohibit the implementation of the recent U.S.-Russian nuclear cooperation agreement until the president can certify that Russia has ended its nuclear cooperation with Iran .
Jun 17, 2008 10:18 AM
U.S. Condemns China- Iran Trade
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that China must halt its trade with Iran , Reuters reported. “This is not a time for business as usual with Iran , this is a time to demonstrate to Iran that they are hurting their country politically and economically by withholding information from the international community,” Gregory Schulte told reporters in Beijing. Schulte’s statement comes as Iran continues to refuse to provide information about its nuclear activities to the IAEA.
Jun 16, 2008 9:44 AM
Lawmakers Object to U.S.-Russia Nuclear Agreement
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Senior House members from both sides of the aisle criticized the pending U.S.-Russia nuclear cooperation agreement during a hearing on June 12 of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, citing Moscow’s support for Iran ’s illicit nuclear program. Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) said he questioned whether “Moscow has been a good enough partner in helping us bring Iran ’s pursuit of nuclear weapons to a halt,” suggesting that the issue should remain the “highest priority” in America’s relationship with Russia.
Jun 12, 2008 10:25 AM
Rice: World Losing Patience with Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran that the world has lost patience over its ongoing delays in responding to a new package of incentives offered by Western countries in exchange for a halt in Tehran’s nuclear program, the Associated Press reported. Rice said the United States and other countries are “attentive to any sense that Iran is trying to use this opportunity for them to stall, because I think that no one is of a mind to allow them to stall very much longer” and are “looking to see whether the Iran ian have a reasonable response, a forthcoming response.”
Jun 10, 2008 3:25 PM
U.S., EU Call for Tougher Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and the European Union issued a joint statement on Tuesday that warns Iran of their readiness to go beyond current United Nations sanctions in pressuring the Islamic Republic to halt its nuclear program, Reuters reported. The statement warns Iran that America and the 27 countries of the EU are prepared to crack down on Iran ian banks that will cut them off from the international banking system and thereby hinder the regime’s ability to fund its nuclear program and terrorist activities.
Jun 5, 2008 10:02 AM
U.S., EU Criticize Iran on Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States joined the European Union in criticizing Iran for its ongoing defiance of the international community in its pursuit of nuclear weapons, the Associated Press reported. “The questions that remain unanswered strongly suggest that Iran has undertaken a significant state-sponsored effort to develop nuclear weapons – an effort that agency inspectors are not in a position to verify has halted,” said Gregory Schulte, the U.S. envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a statement on June 4 before the 35-nation board that oversees the agency.
Jun 5, 2008 10:02 AM
Bush: Iran ‘An Existential Threat to Peace’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
At the outset of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the Oval Office on June 4, President Bush reaffirmed the gravity of the Iran ian nuclear threat, the Associated Press reported. “ Iran is an existential threat to peace,” the president said. “It’s very important for the world to take the Iran ian threat quite seriously, which the United States does.”
Jun 2, 2008 7:44 AM
Rice: Onus on Iran to Stop Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice placed the onus squarely on Iran to resolve the ongoing controversy over its illicit nuclear program, saying that Tehran can receive a package of incentives and a place at the negotiating table if it halted its nuclear activities. Asked on Friday how she would respond to a message by the Iran ian foreign minister sent through the press that called upon the U.S. to change its policies, Rice said, “Well, the Iran ian foreign minister doesn't have to send messages to me through the press."
May 30, 2008 10:08 AM
U.S. to Use Israeli Security Technology in Airports
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he plans to use novel Israeli methods, like behavior-detection technologies, to better secure America’s airports, Reuters reported. “That’s a scenario where Israel has a lot of experience,” Chertoff said on Thursday at a conference in Jerusalem for homeland security ministers from around the world. “I think that it is of interest to us to see if there is any adaptation there.” Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport uses extremely strict security measures that rely heavily on techniques that detect suspicious behavior among passengers.
May 29, 2008 2:01 PM
Hadley: Nuclear-Armed Iran Would Be ‘Disastrous’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said the United States considers the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran “disastrous for the peace of the Middle East and the world.” In a speech on Wednesday before the Proliferation Security Initiative, Hadley said, “We will not betray future generations by allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
May 28, 2008 11:47 AM
U.S. Says Hizballah Violence Is Self-Defeating
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department said that Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s statement that his organization does not seek to control Lebanon demonstrates the self-defeating character of the violence it recently initiated in Lebanon, Agence France Presse reported. “I think their actions belie the statements,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack on Monday. “They [Hizballah] showed a willingness to use arms to kill their fellow citizens. Perhaps these words are a recognition of the real political damage done to Hizballah.”
May 27, 2008 11:17 AM
U.S. Criticizes Iran for Lack of IAEA Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In response to the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating that Iran has failed to cooperate fully with nuclear inspections, the United States said that Iran has not convincingly demonstrated that its nuclear program lacks a military dimension, Agence France Presse reported. “ Iran continues to rebuff the IAEA’s efforts to investigate troubling indications that Iran has engaged in studies, engineering work, and procurement relevant to building nuclear weapons,” said Gregory Schulte, the U.S. envoy to the IAEA.
May 23, 2008 5:31 PM
U.S., Israel Sign Agreement on Energy Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States and Israel signed an agreement to cooperate on advanced renewable energy and efficiency technologies. Cooperative efforts will include “collaborative research and development of new and improved sources of high-temperature thermal energy storage” and “electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery technologies and utilization approaches,” among other projects, the Department of Energy said in a statement.
May 22, 2008 10:19 AM
Rice: Iran Must Make the ‘Right Choice’ on Nukes
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran that it faced punitive action from the international community if it failed to make the “right choice” with respect to halting its illicit nuclear program, Reuters reported. “If Iran will not make the right choice, then it will face consequences,” Rice said in a news conference with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Wednesday.
May 21, 2008 9:19 AM
Gates Calls for More Pressure on Tehran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Defense Secretary Robert Gates raised questions about the efficacy of engaging with Iran , stating that increased pressure on Tehran constitutes the best way to gain leverage with the regime, Agence France Presse reported. The key to achieving progress with Iran “is developing leverage either through economic or diplomatic or military pressures on the Iran ian government so they believe they must have talks with the United States because there is something they want from us, which is the relief from the pressure,” Gates told a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday.
May 21, 2008 9:19 AM
U.S. Condemns China for Selling Weapons to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A U.S. official said that Chinese businesses continue to sell weapons to Iran , which then ships them to Iraq to use against American troops, the Associated Press reported. “Certainly, we would hope that China wishes to avoid a global reputation as a safe transit and transshipment point for foreign proliferators," Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Patricia McNerney told the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on Tuesday. McNerney also said that Chinese firms are selling weapons to Myanmar, Sudan and Syria.
May 19, 2008 2:13 PM
Pelosi: More ‘Proactive’ Steps Needed Against Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the United States must exercise more “proactive” measures to stop Iran ’s nuclear program and should make clear that America’s relations with other countries would be conditioned on their policies with respect to Iran , The Jerusalem Post reported. “People have to know you are deadly serious that if you want to be our friend, if you want the benefit of our friendship, a central pillar of our foreign policy is to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” Pelosi said on Sunday during her trip to Israel in honor of its 60th anniversary.
May 16, 2008 7:51 AM
House Backs Security Assistance to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House passed legislation that authorizes $2.55 billion in security assistance to Israel for fiscal year 2009, and endorses the implementation of a 10-year U.S.-Israeli security agreement that pledges $30 billion in security assistance to Israel over the next decade. The bill, passed by voice vote on Thursday, also requires the president to evaluate on an ongoing basis the extent to which Israel has a qualitative military edge over all possible military threats, and to assess all future U.S. military sales in that context.
May 16, 2008 7:51 AM
Bipartisan House Delegation Visits Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A bipartisan delegation of leading House members landed in Israel on Friday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state’s founding. The 13-member delegation is being led by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-FL). “The creation of Israel stands out as one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century and as a beacon of hope to the world,” Pelosi said.
May 14, 2008 9:41 AM
Lawmakers Raise Concerns on U.S.-Russia Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Members of the House and Senate raised concerns about the U.S.-Russia nuclear agreement that President Bush submitted to Congress on Tuesday, pointing to Russia’s ongoing support for Iran ’s illicit nuclear program, Congressional Quarterly reported. “I am disappointed by our administration’s insistence on moving forward to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia at a time when it is actively undermining our foreign policy with respect to Iran – the most serious threat to international security,” said Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN).
May 14, 2008 9:41 AM
U.S. to Provide Military Aid to Lebanon
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States is preparing to send military aid to the Lebanese government to help it combat Hizballah as the terrorist group foments chaos throughout the country, The Wall Street Journal reported. “The best solution is for the Lebanese Armed Forces to be… capable of protecting the leaders,” said President Bush on Monday in an interview with the Arabic satellite channel Al Arabiya. “We want to make them better so that they can respond.”
May 13, 2008 9:41 AM
Bush Denounces Hizballah for Lebanon Crisis
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush denounced the terrorist group Hizballah for fomenting violence in Lebanon, expressed support for the Lebanese government and called upon the international community to assist the Lebanese people. “The United States will continue to firmly support the Government of Lebanon, led by Prime Minister Siniora, against this effort to undermine the hard-fought gains in sovereignty and independence the Lebanese people have made in recent years,” Bush said in a statement issued on Monday.
May 12, 2008 12:45 PM
Rice Condemns Syria, Iran for Supporting Hizballah
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice condemned Syria and Iran for supporting the terrorist group Hizballah as it fuels violence in Lebanon against the country’s democratically elected government, the Associated Press reported. “Backed by Syria and Iran , Hizballah and its allies are killing and injuring innocent civilians and undermining the legitimate authority of the Lebanese government and the institutions of the Lebanese state,” Rice said on Friday in a statement. “Seeking to protect their state, Hizballah has exploited its allies and demonstrated its contempt for its fellow Lebanese.”
May 8, 2008 1:54 PM
Senators Urge Bush Not to Undermine Iran Policy
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Thirty two senators signed a letter to President Bush expressing concern that the impending nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia would undermine U.S. policy towards Iran . The letter, authored by Sens. Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) and sent on Wednesday, urges the president “not to send the agreement with Russia to Congress until Russia has ended support for Iran ’s ballistic missile program and stopped providing advanced conventional weapons and assistance to Iran ’s nuclear fuel cycle program.” The agreement was signed by the United States and Russia on May 6.
May 8, 2008 10:06 AM
U.S. Extends Sanctions on Syria
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush announced that he is extending U.S. sanctions against Syria in light of Damascus’ efforts to build a nuclear reactor with the help of North Korea, Agence France Presse reported. “I took these actions to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions of the Government of Syria,” Bush stated in an executive order issued on Wednesday.
May 8, 2008 10:06 AM
U.S. Warns of Iran ian Threat in Latin America
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. official warned that Iran seeks to undermine American influence by maintaining terrorist networks in Latin America, Agence France Press reported. “It’s a way to push back on us,” said Thomas Shannon, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, on Wednesday. “Our broader concern is that it … maintains that capacity in the Americas as a threat against us in the event of any conflict.”
May 7, 2008 4:05 PM
Hadley: Bush Backs Israel’s Right to Self-Defense
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush’s national security advisor said the president staunchly backs Israel’s right to self-defense, noting that Bush at times has defied world opinion by taking such a position. “The president has been very strong on Israel’s right to defend itself, and has defended that right for Israel to defend itself and its people against terror, when, initially, he was a fairly lonely voice,” said Stephen J. Hadley during a news briefing on Wednesday. “And I think that's been important to Israel and important to give Israel the confidence to defend its people.”
May 6, 2008 2:05 PM
U.S. Condemns Iran ’s Support for Terrorists
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department condemned Iran for supporting insurgents attacking American forces in Iraq and for supporting the terrorist group Hizballah. “ Iran is playing a very unhelpful role in Iraq,” said State Department spokesman Tom Casey on Monday. “It continues to train, fund, and support these extremist militia groups.” Casey also called Hizballah “in many ways a creature of Iran .”
May 2, 2008 9:59 AM
Senate Panel Backs U.S.-Israel Missile Defense
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A key Senate panel approved its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2009, authorizing $162 million for Israel’s Arrow and short-range missile defense programs as part of the Department of Defense’s overall budget. While many of the details are still embargoed, the Senate Armed Services Committee released several pieces of information critical to the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship. The bill, approved by the committee on May 1, authorizes a $30 million increase above the president’s original budget request in order to extend the missile defense shield.
May 1, 2008 11:33 AM
U.S. Report: Iran ‘Most Active’ Sponsor of Terror
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Iran remains the “most active” and “most significant” state sponsor of terrorism in the world, according to the State Department’s new annual report on terrorism, Agence France Presse reported. The report, released on April 30, calls Iran “a threat to regional stability and U.S. interests in the Middle East because of its continued support for violent groups, such as HAMAS and Hizballah, and its efforts to undercut the democratic process in Lebanon, where it seeks to build Iran ’s and Hizballah’s influence to the detriment of other Lebanese communities.”
May 1, 2008 11:33 AM
House Panel Backs Security Assistance to Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A key House committee approved legislation that authorizes $2.55 billion in security assistance to Israel for fiscal year 2009, and endorses the implementation of a 10-year U.S.-Israel security agreement that pledges $30 billion in security assistance to Israel over the next decade. The bill, passed by voice vote on Wednesday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also requires the president to evaluate on an ongoing basis the extent to which Israel has a qualitative military edge over all possible military threats, and to assess all future U.S. military sales in that context.
Apr 30, 2008 10:12 AM
Bush: Hamas a ‘Problem to World Peace’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush condemned the terrorist group Hamas, criticizing its violent and destabilizing actions in Gaza and noting that it poses a continuing danger to world peace. Members of Hamas are “the ones who are undermining peace. They’re the ones whose foreign policy objective is the destruction of Israel,” said Bush during a press conference on Tuesday. “They're the ones who are… trying to create enough violence to stop the advance of the two-party state solution. They are a significant problem to world peace – or Middle Eastern peace. And that's the reason I'm not talking to them.”
Apr 25, 2008 8:23 AM
White House: Iran ’s Actions Speak Louder Than Words
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House said it remains skeptical about the credibility of Iran ’s claim that it would open its nuclear facilities for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We’ll see. Actions speak louder than words,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on April 24. “And we haven't seen a lot of action on their side, but a lot of words.”
Apr 24, 2008 10:23 AM
U.S. Protests Libyan Comparison of Israel to Nazis
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The deputy American ambassador to the United Nations walked out of a Security Council meeting on Wednesday after a Libyan representative compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to those of the Nazis in the concentration camps, The New York Sun reported. The ambassador, Alejandro Wolff, was joined by representatives from France, Britain, Belgium, Croatia, and Costa Rica.
Apr 23, 2008 4:41 PM
In Resounding Vote, Congress Marks Israel’s 60th
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In a landmark display of the strong U.S.-Israel alliance, both the House and Senate resoundingly passed resolutions recognizing the 60th anniversary of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Senate resolution, which passed by unanimous consent on April 22, was introduced with the entire Senate signing on as cosponsors. The House resolution passed by a vote of 417-0 on April 23.
Apr 22, 2008 4:04 PM
U.S. Rejects Dealing With Hamas
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
In the wake of former President Jimmy Carter’s meeting with Hamas leaders, senior U.S. officials rejected attempts to engage the terrorist group and said that Hamas will not help the Palestinians. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday said that America “is not going to deal with Hamas, and we certainly told President Carter that we did not think meeting with Hamas was going to help the Palestinians.”
Apr 22, 2008 4:04 PM
Gates: Iran ‘Hell-Bent’ on Acquiring Nukes
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said Iran is “hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons” and is “a destabilizing force throughout the Middle East and Southwest Asia.” In a speech on Monday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Gates said another Middle East war “is the last thing we need” and “would be disastrous on a number of levels,” but “the military option must be kept on the table, given the destabilizing policies of the regime and the risks inherent in a future Iran ian nuclear threat – either directly or through nuclear proliferation.”
Apr 18, 2008 9:23 AM
Lawmakers Press Administration on Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House members pressed the Bush administration to implement sanctions against Iran with greater vigor, saying that its efforts to date have been insufficient to persuade Tehran to halt its nuclear program. “We have failed to get the international community to embargo so much as a box of cereal,” said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) on Thursday, criticizing the absence of adequate pressure on Iran in a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee that included Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman.
Bush: America Supports Lebanese Democracy
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush said the United States supports the Lebanese government and the Lebanese people as they face efforts by Iran and Syria to undermine their sovereignty, Reuters reported. “The United States will continue to stand with the Lebanese government and the Lebanese people as they struggle to preserve their hard-won sovereignty and independence, endeavor to provide justice for victims of terrorism and political violence, and continue to seek the election of a president committed to these principles,” Bush said on Friday in a written statement.
Apr 17, 2008 1:50 PM
U.S. ‘Speechless’ Over Ahmadinejad’s 9/11 Comment
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The State Department said it was “speechless” after Iran ian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad questioned the accepted version of the 9/11 attacks, Agence France Presse reported. “I am not sure what you say about a statement like that. It leaves one speechless,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack on April 16. “It is just misguided, misinformed rhetoric.”
Apr 15, 2008 4:05 PM
Lawmakers Criticize World Bank for Loans to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
House members criticized the World Bank for continuing to disburse funds to Iran and called for greater U.S. action in pressuring other nations to isolate Iran ian banks from international financial markets. In a hearing last week before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) said she is “deeply bothered that the World Bank group continues to disburse funding to Iran ."
Apr 15, 2008 10:04 AM
Rice: Nothing to Be Gained by Hamas Dialogue
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice condemned any efforts to initiate dialogue with Hamas, noting that the terrorist group constitutes an obstacle rather than an asset to peace. “We certainly continue to try to do everything we can from a humanitarian point of view, but let’s point the finger exactly where it belongs,” she said on Friday in response to a question about former President Jimmy Carter’s forthcoming meetings with Hamas leaders.
Apr 14, 2008 12:10 PM
Paulson: All Nations Must Sanction Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urged all nations to implement United Nations sanctions against Iran and to employ greater vigilance in combating Iran ian money laundering and terrorist financing. “We urge all nations to vigorously implement the financial provisions of [United Nations Security Council Resolution] 1803, particularly with respect to the financial institutions identified in the resolution,” said Paulson on April 12 in a statement to the International Monetary and Financial Committee Meeting.
Apr 10, 2008 11:06 AM
Rice: Aid to Israel ‘Promotes Our National Security’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that the Bush administration’s Foreign Military Financing (FMF) request for fiscal year 2009, which includes $2.55 billion in military aid for Israel, “will advance U.S. interests by ensuring that coalition partners, allies, and friendly foreign governments have the equipment and training necessary for common security goals and burden-sharing in joint missions.”
Apr 10, 2008 11:06 AM
U.S. General Observes Israeli Defense Drill
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chief of the U.S. National Guard is in Israel this week observing the country’s largest-ever civil defense exercise, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported. Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum is surveying the massive military and civilian emergency drills, which are designed to prepare the Jewish state for any potential conflict with Syria and Iran .
Apr 8, 2008 7:01 PM
Senators Speak Out Against Nuclear Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Two senior Senate leaders called for strong action to contain the proliferation of nuclear weapons by regimes such as Iran . In a hearing on the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act (ICPA), Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA) highlighted the dangers posed by Iran to the United States and allies in the region and noted that ICPA seeks to reduce such threats by achieving a nuclear-free Iran .
Apr 4, 2008 12:19 PM
House Speeches Honor Israel's 60th Anniversary
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Democratic Israel Working Group and House Republican Israel Caucus on Thursday launched the first in a series of bipartisan weekly floor speeches to honor Israel’s 60th anniversary and the contributions the Jewish state has made during the past six decades.
Apr 3, 2008 2:17 PM
Senate Report: Nuclear Arms Race Possible
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee asserts that Saudi Arabia would probably develop nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them, the Associated Press reported. The study, written under the direction of Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), the senior Republican on the committee, states that an Iran ian nuclear weapon frightens the Saudis “to their core.” In the face of Iran ’s continuing nuclear pursuit, analysts have noted that Turkey and other Arab states in the region would face increased pressure to develop a nuclear weapon to compete with Tehran’s aggressive behavior.
Apr 2, 2008 10:17 AM
U.S. Says Arab Summit Failed Because of Syrian Location
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A State Department official said Tuesday that the Arab summit held in Damascus last weekend failed to resolve any regional disputes, possibly because of its locale.
Apr 2, 2008 10:17 AM
House Resolution Affirms Rights of Jewish Refugees
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House on Tuesday passed a resolution by voice vote asserting that it would be “inappropriate and unjust for the United States to recognize rights for Palestinian refugees without recognizing equal rights for Jewish refugees from Arab countries.”
Apr 1, 2008 1:06 PM
Senators Press for End to Saudi Boycott of Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee’s International Trade Subcommittee have sent a joint letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab urging them to do more to convince Saudi Arabia to end its involvement in the Arab League boycott of Israel. The letter by Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Gordon Smith (D-OR) reminded Rice and Schwab of Riyadh’s commitment to end its boycott of Israel upon entering the World Trade Organization in 2005.
Mar 31, 2008 11:29 AM
U.S. Slams Swiss- Iran ian Gas Contract
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Mar 27, 2008 12:00 PM
Congressional Leader Lambastes Anti-Israel U.N. Advisors
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee criticized the nomination of two United Nations advisors for their inflammatory anti-Israel remarks, saying they reinforced the need for “fundamental reform” of the U.N.
Mar 27, 2008 10:00 AM
American Diplomats Call for Hizballah Disarmament, Tribunal Cooperation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
American officials call on Hizballah to disarm “now”.
Mar 27, 2008 9:00 AM
U.S. Envoy Questions 'Utility' of U.N. Mideast Meetings
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
U.S. diplomat questions the “utility” of the U.N. Security Council’s monthly Middle East briefing Tuesday.
Mar 24, 2008 12:49 PM
British, Armenian Firms Sanctioned for Iran Deals
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
British and Armenian knowingly and illegally re-exporting Boeing 747s to Iran , in violation of the Export Administration Regulations.
Mar 21, 2008 12:34 PM
Iran Added to Port Security Advisory List
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Mar 20, 2008 2:29 PM
Treasury Warns Financial Institutions of Iran ian Deception
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. government warned financial institutions Thursday that Iran is using “an array of deceptive practices” to hide its involvement in nuclear proliferation and terrorist activities.
Mar 20, 2008 12:24 PM
U.S. to Investigate Swiss- Iran ian Gas Deal
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. slammed a Swiss- Iran ian gas agreement signed this week and said it would launch a legal review of the deal to determine if it violates terms of American sanctions against Iran .
Mar 20, 2008 11:24 AM
Iran May Have Resumed Weapons Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Vice President Dick Cheney said Wednesday that it was unclear if Iran has restarted its nuclear weapons program.
Mar 18, 2008 8:00 AM
U.S.: Iran ian Elections ‘Highly Restricted’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States said Monday that last week’s parliamentary elections in Iran were “highly restricted” because they denied voters the chance to vote for opponents of the current Iran ian regime.
Mar 17, 2008 7:59 AM
Lawmakers Call on Arab States to Support Talks
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Members of a key House subcommittee said that the Arab states’ commitment is necessary for successful Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. “Without Arab nation's support the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority will fail,” Rep. Joe Knollenberg said Wednesday during a hearing of the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee.
Mar 14, 2008 3:56 PM
Lawmakers Raise Concerns About Abbas Comments
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Members of Congress raised concerns on Wednesday regarding Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ recent comments to a Jordanian newspaper about the prospect of taking up armed struggle if the peace process fails.
Mar 14, 2008 1:56 PM
Senate Restores Cuts to International Affairs Spending
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Senate last night restored $4.1 billion in cuts to the international affairs budget previously made by the Senate Budget Committee. The Senate approved on a bipartisan basis by a vote of 73-23 an amendment by Sens. Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) to fully fund international programs at the president’s request level of $39.8 billion.
Mar 12, 2008 1:54 PM
U.S. Sanctions Foreign Bank tied to Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
U.S. Sanctions Foreign Bank tied to Iran .
Mar 11, 2008 3:54 PM
Syria, Iran Slammed for Human Rights Abuses
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A key government report released Tuesday criticized Syria and Iran for continuing to commit serious human rights abuses.
Mar 10, 2008 4:10 PM
U.S. Condemns Anti-Israel Measure at U.N.
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Friday was the only nation to vote against an anti-Israel resolution at the United Nations.
Mar 7, 2008 10:45 AM
Levey Says Sanctions ‘Painful’ for Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Mar 6, 2008 3:44 PM
U.S. Presses Foreign Banks over Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson told a key House committee Wednesday that the U.S. government is continuing to apply pressure on foreign banks dealing with Iran .
Mar 5, 2008 1:44 PM
House Passes Resolution Condemning Hamas Attacks
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and backing Israel’s right to defend itself.
Mar 5, 2008 11:43 AM
Rice Backs Israel’s Right to Defend Itself
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of ongoing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians.
Mar 4, 2008 11:42 AM
White House Blames Hamas for Gaza Violence
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House blamed Hamas terrorists on Monday for the recent violence in Gaza, the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported. “The number one thing that has to happen is that Hamas has got to stop targeting Israeli citizens with rockets,” White House National Security Council Spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. “It must stop.” Since Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, Palestinian terrorists have turned the coastal strip into a base for launching attacks at southern Israel.
Mar 3, 2008 3:42 PM
White House Stands with Victims of Terrorism
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Bush administration said Friday it would not intervene to block payment of a $174 million judgment awarded to the family of an American citizen killed in a 2002 Palestinian terrorist attack, The Washington Post reported. Aharon Ellis, a U.S. citizen, was killed by a Palestinian gunman in 2002 while performing at a bar mitzvah in Hadera, Israel. His widow, Leslye Knox, a 46-year-old mother of six, sued the PLO and the PA under the Antiterrorism Act of 1990, which allows American victims of terrorism and their relatives to sue the perpetrators in U.S. courts.
Feb 29, 2008 12:25 PM
U.S. Sanctions Syria for Facilitating Terror
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States on Thursday announced new economic sanctions against Syria for facilitating the flow of money, weapons, terrorists and other resources into Iraq, the Associated Press reported. “Since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Syria has become a transit station for al-Qaeda foreign terrorists on their way to Iraq,” said Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement.
Feb 28, 2008 11:24 AM
U.S. Rejects Iran ian Denial of Nuclear Work
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday said that Iran ’s dismissal of intelligence indicating that it tested technology relevant to nuclear bombs could trigger further IAEA action, Reuters reported. “This troubling new information we have received gives all the more reason for the Security Council to act and for the [IAEA] Board [of Governors] to back [IAEA inspectors] in continued investigations and make clear to Iran it must fully disclose past and current activities,” said Amb. Gregory Schulte.
Feb 28, 2008 11:24 AM
U.S. and Israel to Test Joint Missile Defense Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. defense official on Wednesday told a congressional subcommittee that America and Israel are planning war games through 2010 to test their joint ballistic missile defense capabilities, Reuters reported. The two countries will undertake “an ambitious bilateral exercise program over the next two years that will realistically test our joint capability to address ballistic missile threats,” Michael Vickers, an assistant secretary of defense, told a House Armed Services subcommittee.
Feb 27, 2008 1:14 PM
House Committee Condemns Hamas Rocket Attacks
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved a resolution by unanimous consent that condemns the continuing Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza on Israeli civilians and supports Israel’s efforts to defend its citizens. Since the Jewish state withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Palestinian terrorists have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities. The resolution, introduced by Reps. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), and Shelley Berkley (D-NV), places responsibility for the ongoing violence on Hamas and Islamic Jihad and their patrons, Iran and Syria.
Feb 26, 2008 12:41 PM
Federal Judge: Iran Must Pay Terror Victim’s Family
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A federal judge on Monday said that Iran must pay more than $33 million to the family of a U.S.-born Israeli diplomat killed in a 1992 terror attack, the Associated Press reported. U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle said Iran was responsible for the truck bombing at the Israeli Embassy in Argentina that killed 29 people, including David Ben-Rafael, who was born in the United States before he emigrated to Israel. While Hizballah claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran helped the terrorist group by financing and organizing its activities.
Feb 26, 2008 12:41 PM
U.S. to Arab States: Combat Terrorist Financing
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department’s top sanctions official is traveling to the Middle East this week to encourage Arab countries to combat terrorist financing and pressure Iran over its nuclear program, Reuters reported. Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, will visit Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to talk to government officials and banking executives. The trip “is part of our overall mission to combat terrorist financing,” said Treasury spokesman John Rankin.
Feb 26, 2008 12:41 PM
U.S. Sanctions Syrian With Ties to Assad
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The Treasury Department announced that it has frozen the assets of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s cousin, Rami Makhluf. “Rami Makhluf has used intimidation and his close ties to the Asad regime to obtain improper business advantages at the expense of ordinary Syrians," said Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, on Feb. 21.
Feb 19, 2008 9:16 AM
U.S. Delegation to Israel: Iran Is a Threat
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Two senior American lawmakers said the United States and Israel see eye-to-eye on the urgency of the Iran ian threat, The Jerusalem Post reported. In a visit to Israel as part of a bipartisan American delegation on U.S.-Israel security issues, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) on Feb. 18 said there is “no difference of opinion” separating the two countries “in response to the fundamental nature of Iran ’s desire to acquire nuclear weapons, and its ongoing development of fuels for that purpose.”
Feb 14, 2008 11:07 AM
Rice: U.S. Will Not Back Anti-Semitic U.N. Conference
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that the United States will not fund or even attend the United Nations’ 2009 conference on racism in Durban, South Africa, if it resembles the previous 2001 conference, which deteriorated into a platform for anti-Semitism. “We’ve not tried to make a final decision on this, but let me just state very clearly we don't have any interest in participating in something that deteriorates into the kind of conference that Durban I was,” Rice said in testimony on Feb. 13 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Feb 14, 2008 11:07 AM
House Lawmaker Condemns Hamas Rockets Attacks
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) called upon the international community to condemn Palestinian terrorists firing rockets at Israel and expressed support for Israel’s efforts to defend its citizens. “Enough is enough,” wrote Garrett in an op-ed published on Feb. 13 in The Forward. “It’s time for the global community to stand up to Palestinian extremists and fight to protect the innocent Israelis in harm’s way.”
Feb 13, 2008 10:07 AM
Bush: America Backs Lebanese Government
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush sent a letter to Lebanese President Fouad Siniora expressing support for the democratically elected government of Lebanon and condemning the efforts of Iran and Syria to undermine it. “The United States will continue to be an unwavering friend to the Lebanese people, who should have the opportunity to enjoy security and freedom without the threat of terrorism,” Bush wrote in the letter.
Feb 12, 2008 10:07 AM
Burns Denounces Iran ’s Deception on Nuclear Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns condemned Iran for its deceptive conduct over its illicit nuclear program, saying that the regime’s claim that it seeks only peaceful nuclear energy defies belief. In remarks on Monday before the Foreign Press Association in London, Burns said, “Physicists will tell you, and some leading European politicians will say, ‘Isn’t it curious that in a country that has exactly one nearly functioning nuclear reactor… that they should spend all this time and effort and flagrantly violate the U.N. resolutions to learn how to enrich and reprocess uranium?’”
Feb 11, 2008 11:05 AM
Treasury: ‘ Iran Remains a Serious Threat’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said the recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) confirms the gravity of Iran ’s threat and the value of diplomacy in stopping Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “Let me make clear: Iran remains a serious threat, a threat that needs to be countered,” said Kimmitt in a speech on Friday to the Anti-Defamation League in Palm Beach, Fla.
Feb 11, 2008 10:05 AM
U.S. Envoy Warns Iran on Uranium Enrichment
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A top United States envoy said that Iran ’s pursuit of advanced uranium-enriching technology would intensify international pressure on the regime, Agence France Presse reported. “Any Iran ian attempt at a more advanced centrifuge would be an escalation of Iran ’s ongoing non-compliance with its obligation to suspend all enrichment-related activities,” said Gregory Schulte, the U.S. ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, on Friday.
Feb 6, 2008 8:42 AM
U.S. Denounces Iran ian Firing of Rocket
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States condemned Iran ’s firing of a research rocket into space, noting that it uses the same technology needed for employing ballistic missiles, Reuters reported. “It’s unfortunate Iran continues to test ballistic missiles,” said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe on Feb. 4. “This regime continues to take steps that only further isolate it and the Iran ian people from the international community.”
Feb 5, 2008 3:55 PM
U.S. Condemns Suicide Bombing in Israel
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States denounced the Feb. 4 suicide bombing in Israel that killed a woman and wounded 38 others, Agence France Press reported. “We condemn the attack and greatly regret the loss of life,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. “And our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, and certainly wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
Feb 4, 2008 10:41 AM
U.S. Diplomat: More Sanctions on Iran ‘Long Overdue’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A United States diplomat called a third United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution against Iran “long overdue” and said Tehran must disclose all past and present nuclear activities, the Associated Press reported. “Full disclosure is particularly important, given the U.S. assessment that Iran was secretly pursuing nuclear weapons ... just over four years ago,” Ambassador Greg Schulte, the permanent representative of the United States to the United Nations Office in Vienna, told reporters during a visit to Berlin on Friday.
Jan 30, 2008 3:11 PM
Lantos Condemns PLO Praise of Terror Mastermind
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) harshly denounced the Palestine Liberation Organization’s representative in Washington, Afif Safieh, for calling the late terrorist George Habash “a great leader.” “I am astonished that the PLO’s representative to this country would make such an asinine comment and would actually have the temerity to call on Americans to come to his office and sign a ‘register of condolences’ for this vicious individual. How disgusting,” said the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a statement.
Jan 30, 2008 9:10 AM
U.S. Condemns Syria for Suppressing Human Rights
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The United States condemned Syria for arresting government protestors, suppressing human rights, and supporting terrorism, Agence France Presse reported. “We condemn the recent arrest of Syrian political activist Riad Seif,” the State Department said in a statement.
Jan 30, 2008 9:10 AM
Lawmakers Urge World Bank to Change Iran Policies
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Steven Rothman (D-NJ) sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson calling on them to ensure that the World Bank does not continue granting loans to Iran or guarantees on foreign investment in the country.
Jan 29, 2008 10:56 AM
U.S. Acts to Keep Spare F-14 Parts from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush on Monday signed into law a major military spending bill that includes provisions prohibiting the Pentagon from selling leftover F-14 fighter jet parts, a move intended to prevent them from falling into the hands of rogue states like Iran , the Associated Press reported. The initiative to enact a ban came in the wake of media reports indicating that Iran , China and other countries were exploiting weaknesses in Pentagon surplus-sale security to obtain the sensitive military equipment.
Jan 29, 2008 10:56 AM
Bush: Hamas Brings Palestinians Only Misery
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush harshly criticized the terrorist group Hamas for offering nothing but suffering to the Palestinians, Agence France Presse reported. “Look what Hamas has brought you,” Bush said on Monday in an interview with ABC News Radio. “They’ve delivered you misery.” Bush’s statement comes in the aftermath of Hamas’ destruction of the wall separating Gaza and Egypt, enabling thousands of Palestinians to freely cross the border in an area used to smuggle weapons.
Jan 28, 2008 1:55 PM
Bush Condemns Assassination of Lebanese Official
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
President Bush condemned the recent assassination of a Lebanese official and called upon Iran and Syria to stop interfering in Lebanon’s affairs, the Associated Press reported. “This bombing, the latest in a series of terrorist attacks targeting those who are working to secure Lebanon's independence and sovereignty, is a part of the continuing assault on Lebanon's institutions,” Bush said in a statement on Saturday. “We will not falter in our support for the democratically-elected Lebanese government.”
Jan 24, 2008 11:55 AM
Ackerman Condemns Arab Anti-Semitism
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior House leader harshly denounced the Arab world for political repression of its own citizens and anti-Israel and anti-American incitement. “Quite simply, the continuous propagation by some Arab governments of insidious, incendiary and poisonous speech regarding Israel and the Jewish people makes our efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict all the more difficult,” said House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) during a hearing of his subcommittee on Jan. 22.
Jan 24, 2008 8:55 AM
Top U.S. Diplomat Visits Israel for Strategic Dialogue
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
A senior U.S. official departed for the Jewish state on Jan. 23 for talks with Israeli government officials about Iran ’s nuclear program and other regional issues, Reuters reported. The visit of Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns comes as part of an ongoing series of strategic dialogues between the two countries, strengthening the already close cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem.
Jan 23, 2008 10:55 AM
White House: Israel Has a Right to Defend Itself
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The White House said it supported Israel’s efforts to defend itself from ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza, noting that the United States would exercise similar measures if assaulted in the same way. When “upwards of 150 rockets a day are landed on your territory and injuring or potentially injuring your citizens, you have a right to defend yourself,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Jan. 22. “Imagine if that was happening here. We would certainly defend ourselves.”
Jan 23, 2008 9:55 AM
Colorado Announces Plans to Divest from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Colorado’s governor announced that his state’s pension funds will divest themselves from companies that have invested at least $20 million in Iran ’s energy sector, The Colorado Springs Gazette reported. “We cannot continue to economically support a country that is the No. 1 supporter of terrorism worldwide and is actively smuggling [improvised explosive devices] and other weapons into Iraq, putting our troops at risk,” said Gov. Bill Ritter on Jan. 22.
Jan 23, 2008 9:55 AM
Rice: Hamas to Blame for Gaza Situation
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza placed responsibility for the situation in Gaza squarely on the terrorist group Hamas, noting that it has consistently rebuffed international demands to halt terrorism. “Ultimately, Hamas is to blame for this circumstance because if they were more responsible toward the international community, then there would be – Gaza would be connected to the outside world rather than cut off,” Rice said on Jan. 22 in a press briefing en route to Berlin.
Jan 18, 2008 12:48 PM
U.S. General: Iran Advancing Missile Program
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The head of the U.S. missile defense program said Iran has sped up its development of long-range missiles that could threaten Europe in a few years, the Associated Press reported.
Jan 18, 2008 12:48 PM
U.S. Presses China on Iran Sanctions
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte pressed Chinese officials to back a new U.N. Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran , warning that Tehran is continuing its uranium enrichment and missile development, the Associated Press reported.
Jan 15, 2008 9:47 AM
Crocker: Iran Continues to Attack U.S. in Iraq
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq on Saturday said that Iran continues to sponsor extremist groups attacking American forces in Iraq, The Washington Times reported. “From the empirical data I cannot draw any conclusion that the Iran ians have made a fundamental shift in their approach to Iraq, away from supporting extremist militia groups that are attacking our forces and also attacking Iraqis, and toward their stated position, which is support for the Iraqi government,” said Ryan Crocker during a press conference after briefing President Bush in an army base in Kuwait. During President Bush’s visit to the Middle East over the past week, he has repeatedly highlighted the dangers of Iran ’s nuclear program and support for terror, noting on Sunday that Iran threatens “the security of nations everywhere.” The State Department has consistently labeled Iran the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Jan 8, 2008 3:07 PM
New Jersey Divests Pension Funds from Iran
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
New Jersey became the third state in the nation to divest its pension funds from Iran when Gov. Jon Corzine on Jan. 4 signed legislation authorizing the measure, The New York Times reported. New Jersey’s pension fund, worth about $80 billion, is the ninth largest in the country. “Divesting our finances from entities associated with Iran will send a clear message in the universal language of money that New Jersey will have no part in Iran ’s pursuit of actions that would lead to Holocaust-like genocide and the complete destruction of a sovereign nation,” said Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen, a New Jersey Democrat who sponsored the divestment bill. California and Florida have passed similar divestment laws.
Jan 8, 2008 2:07 PM
Rice: Iran ian ‘Provocation is Dangerous’
from AIPAC Legislation and Policy News
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Jan. 7 condemned Iran for its aggression when three Iran ian speedboats threatened to destroy United States Navy warships in the Persian Gulf. “There is nothing normal about what the Iran ians did, at least I hope that's not what the Iran ians consider to be normal behavior, because it was provocative,” said Rice in an interview with BBC Arabic Television. “And that kind of provocation is dangerous, and I would sincerely hope that the Iran ians would refrain from any such activity.” Rice added that America “will continue to defend its interests in the Gulf” and “it will defend the interests of its allies in the Gulf.”