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2008 Elections
Palestine: Democratic Candidates
Posted on Thursday October 25, 2007
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Sen. Christopher Dodd
For one thing, that means supporting the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act, which I’m proud to cosponsor. That act would put Congress on the record as decrying any organizations or countries that support terrorism or violently oppose a two-state solution. But more importantly, it will cut off all American funds from the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority, unless Hamas takes three essential steps:
· Recognize Israel’s right to exist;
· Renounce violence;
· And accept all prior agreements with Israel.
There can be no peace otherwise.
October 23, 2006
Speech at the National Summit of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Houston, TX
Former Sen. Mike Gravel
The linchpin to long-term stability in the Middle East is the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian impasse. The U.S., along with its European and Asian allies, and regional players (to include Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan under the auspices of the United Nations) must sponsor direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, including Hamas. The negotiations, with the goal of a two-state solution, must be scheduled as soon as possible. Sponsoring nations and organizations would guarantee the demilitarized borders of both parties, would guarantee Israel's right to survive and thrive, and would make a commitment to the Palestinians to raise their economic standards to that of Israel. An accomplishment of this magnitude would go a long way to defusing the radical Islamic confrontation with the West. For that reason alone, Americans must be prepared to spend whatever political capital is required to bring peace to the region.
Solving the Israeli- Palestinian problem and the energy problem will set the stage to crush terrorism, its advocates and its financiers. Characterizing the effort to control terrorism as a "war" is grossly misleading and leads us to believe that the only solution is a military one. It promotes a never-ending culture of war. A "war" on terror will be no more successful than the “war” on drugs, or the “war” on poverty.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Look, I've been to Israel, and I've met with the Israelis, and I've met with the Palestinian people, and I've met with people throughout the region. My wife and I have been to the region twice in the last year and two months. And there is a deep desire for peace on all sides.
But the United States must take an even-handed approach. We have to do everything we can to help Israel survive. And Israelis perceive this existential threat; we must be attuned to that. At the same time, the Palestinians are crying for justice that they can't receive with walls and fences and losing their property.
There has to be a United States presence that assures the survival of the Israelis and the rights of the Palestinians. And, frankly, here again, I'm the only one running for president who's even talking about this.
And this is really -- the door to peace in the Middle East going right through Jerusalem. And anyone who would be president of the United States has to have the capacity to talk not only to the Israelis and the Palestinians, but the Syrians, the Iranians, the Iraqis, the Jordanians, and all of the others in the region. And I have that capacity.
October 4, 2007
Transcript, “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” PBS
Sen. Barack Obama
For more than three decades, Israelis, Palestinians, Arab leaders, and the rest of the world have looked to America to lead the effort to build the road to a lasting peace. In recent years, they have all too often looked in vain. Our starting point must always be a clear and strong commitment to the security of Israel, our strongest ally in the region and its only established democracy. That commitment is all the more important as we contend with growing threats in the region -- a strengthened Iran, a chaotic Iraq, the resurgence of al Qaeda, the reinvigoration of Hamas and Hezbollah. Now more than ever, we must strive to secure a lasting settlement of the conflict with two states living side by side in peace and security. To do so, we must help the Israelis identify and strengthen those partners who are truly committed to peace, while isolating those who seek conflict and instability. Sustained American leadership for peace and security will require patient effort and the personal commitment of the president of the United States. That is a commitment I will make.
July/August 2007
Article by Barak Obama, “Renewing American Leadership,” Foreign Affairs
Gov. Bill Richardson
A fundamental tenet of American foreign policy is to support Israel, but Tim, you've got to bring diplomacy. The problem in the Middle East is there is no Middle East peace process. There are no -- there is no Middle East peace envoy. We don't talk to Syria. You've got Israel today less safe than it ever was. You've got Hamas on one side. You've got Hezbollah. You've got Iran wanting to build nuclear weapons. But you do it through diplomacy; you do it through a Middle East peace process. Get Lebanon involved, get Syria involved. The two-state solution. It's called diplomacy.
September 26, 2007
Transcript, Democratic Presidential Debate, Hanover, NH
