12: Clinton at AIPAC
There was a lot of boiler plate about eternal friendship and the bad Iranians in the Secretary’s address to AIPAC, but there was also this:
“New construction in East Jerusalem or the West Bank undermines mutual trust and endangers the proximity talks that are the first step toward the full negotiations that both sides want and need. It exposes daylight between Israel and the United States that others in the region could hope to exploit. And it undermines America’s unique ability to play a role – an essential role, I might add — in the peace process. Our credibility in this process depends in part on our willingness to praise both sides when they are courageous, and when we don’t agree, to say so, and say so unequivocally.
“We objected to this announcement because we are committed to Israel and its security, which depends on a comprehensive peace. Because we are determined to keep moving forward along a path that ensures Israel’s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state living in peace with its Palestinian neighbors, who can realize their own legitimate aspirations. And because we do not want to see that progress jeopardized.” Here’s the whole thing: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/03/138722.htm
I saw the speech on C-Span, and I think Sec’y Clinton did a good job with her delivery and with the substance. She came across as very poised, forthright, and unafraid to say things that had to be said. As might be expected, she got a few standing-o’s when she criticized Iran, but the applause was much more sporadic and muffled when she brought up the issues of settlements and commitment to a two-state solution.
Thanks for the report. I only read it and, of course, that gives a different sense than actual delivery. There seemed to have been some concern that she was going to be booed. I take it that that didn’t happen.
Margaret–
Didn’t hear any boos. I missed about 5% at the start of the speech, but that was where she was reiterating U.S. support for Israel, so it’s unlikely there was any negative feedback from the audience during the part I missed.
A good speech and some of this will surface again behind close ddoors between the pres and Benjamin today, but I fear with little movement (as usual) in teh actual peace process.