Middle East

May 20, 2008 - Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) today questioned Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2009 budget request. Senator Specter used the opportunity to question Secretary Gates on the issue of talks with Iran.

During his opening remarks, Senator Specter also spoke in regards to the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen that killed 17 U.S. sailors. Many of the terrorists convicted in the attack have since escaped from prison or been freed by Yemeni officials. “I’d like to explore the reasons for that and whether we couldn’t have some leverage to see to it that those terrorists are brought to justice,” said Senator Specter.    » read more »

20 May 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates faced tough questions from lawmakers Tuesday about the Bush administration's refusal to hold talks with Iran unless Tehran first halts its uranium enrichment program. Gates told a Senate panel that it is an open question whether such talks would succeed while President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is in power.

At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on next year's Pentagon budget request, two lawmakers suggested the time has come for the United States to open wide-ranging talks with Iran - without preconditions.    » read more »

20 May 2008 -- Iraqi forces have moved into Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood in an operation aimed at bringing government control over the Shi'ite militia stronghold.

Iraq security officials say they launched "Operation Peace" early Tuesday to try to stabilize and secure the area.

Iraqi and US soldiers in Sadr City, Baghdad, April 2008: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Adrian Cadiz

A military spokesman says hundreds of troops have deployed in several sectors of the city. He says no violence has been reported.

The operation is in line with a truce reached earlier this month between Iraq's government and Shi'ite militiamen loyal to radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.    » read more »

Chicago, IL -- May 14, 2008 -- "As the United States joins Israel in celebrating its 60th anniversary, today's cowardly rocket attack and tragic injuries remind us of the ongoing threats that Israelis face with courage and resolve. In the days and years to come, the United States must maintain its unshakeable commitment to supporting Israel’s right and capability to defend itself against these outrageous terrorist attacks, so that the Israeli people can live in peace and security."

Source: Barack Obama campaign

May 12, 2008 -- President George W. Bush today announced the designation of an U.S. Honorary Delegation to attend celebrations in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel on May 14-15, 2008 in Jerusalem.

Members of the Honorary Delegation:

Dr. Miriam Adelson, Chairperson, Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment and Research
Mr. Sheldon G. Adelson, Chairman of the Board, Las Vegas Sands Corporation
Mr. Moshe Aflalo, CEO of Aflalo Equities
Mr. Neil Z. Auerbach, Managing Partner, Hudson Clean Energy Partners
Mr. Kenneth Bialkin, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLC
Mr. Elliott B. Broidy, Chairman and CEO of Broidy Capital Management
Mr. Matthew H. Brooks, Executive Director, Republican Jewish Coalition    » read more »

12 May 2008 -- The U.S. military in Iraq says it has killed three gunmen who attacked American patrols in Baghdad's Sadr City district despite a ceasefire deal for the district.

U.S. officials reported several incidents Sunday evening and Monday morning.

US soldiers enter Sadr City, March, 2007: US Army photo

Residents of Sadr City say the overall level of violence has dropped since Iraq's government announced the ceasefire deal on Saturday.

The truce was negotiated by Iraq's main Shi'ite political bloc and representatives of Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. His militia has a stronghold in Sadr City.    » read more »

Chicago, IL -- May 09, 2008 -- Hezbollah's power grab in Beirut has once more plunged that city into violence and chaos. This effort to undermine Lebanon's elected government needs to stop, and all those who have influence with Hezbollah must press them to stand down immediately.

It's time to engage in diplomatic efforts to help build a new Lebanese consensus that focuses on electoral reform, an end to the current corrupt patronage system, and the development of the economy that provides for a fair distribution of services, opportunities and employment.

We must support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions that reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, especially resolution 1701 banning the provision of arms to Hezbollah, which is violated by Iran and Syria.    » read more »

5/10/2008 -- "I am very concerned about the current situation in Lebanon. Hezbollah-allied militias, using weapons supplied by Iran and Syria, have seized control of West Beirut and are demanding that Prime Minister Fouad Siniora resign and hand over power to a military government.

Rioting in Lebanon: Photo by David (CC)

This is both an illegal challenge to a democratically-elected government and an issue of regional stability with international consequences.

The United States must actively support the sovereignty of the Lebanese government and the independence of Lebanon.    » read more »

10 May 2008 -- The UN refugee agency warns it may have to reduce or even suspend a number of aid programs for hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees because it has received only about half of the $261 million it needs.

The UN refugee agency says fading international interest in Iraq is having a terrible impact on the nearly five million people who have fled their homes.

A young boy watches as U.S. Marines distribute clothes and toys to Iraqi refugees: Humanitarian aid compound in Fallujah, Iraq. Photo by James Gordon (CC)    » read more »

May 8, 2008 -- "Today I join with all New Yorkers to commemorate and celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut – the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

Over the past 60 years, the people of New York have shared a special bond with Israel, and now, New York is home to the largest Jewish population of any state in the nation. I am thrilled to share in Israel’s joy during this time of celebration.

New York Governor Paterson celebrates 60th anniversary of Israel's founding

Our bond with Israel is historic and cultural. The achievements of the Jewish people, in fields from business to the arts, have played a central role in making New York the capital of the world.    » read more »

Chicago, IL -- May 07, 2008 -- This week marks the 60th anniversary of the fulfillment of a dream -- the independence of the State of Israel. Throughout many centuries, Jews held fast to the hope of returning as free people to the land of their ancestors. Blessed with visionary leaders like Theodore Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, in the 20th century they began to take the practical steps necessary to build a modern state.

Against all odds, and overcoming obstacles from international indifference, to hostile opposition in the region, to the murderous crimes of the Nazis, the leaders of the Zionist movement declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. In their moment of triumph, they were immediately plunged into a war for their new nation's very survival.    » read more »

May 7, 2008 -- MR. HADLEY: Good afternoon. On Tuesday, May 13th, the President and Mrs. Bush will travel to the Middle East. They will visit Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The trip will be an opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel's founding and to demonstrate our nation's support for and commitment to the region.

The President will reaffirm his personal commitment to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and encourage continuing efforts for a two-state solution, a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine living side by side in peace and security.    » read more »

5 May 2008 -- Iran says it will not hold a fourth round of talks with the U.S. on security in Iraq, as long as U.S. forces continue what it called "open bombings" in Iraq.

Speaking in Tehran today Monday Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ali Hosseini said under the current circumstances, any new talks would be meaningless.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Reese and his military working dog Grek: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Reese and his military working dog Grek wait at a safe house before conducting an assault against insurgents in Buhriz, Iraq, April 10, 2007. U.S.Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall    » read more »

21 April 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has failed to secure any firm Arab pledges on debt relief for Iraq or greater Arab diplomatic presence in Baghdad.

After a meeting of Arab states in Bahrain, Rice told reporters that a number of countries around the table expressed a desire for having permanent representation in Iraq, but that there were no firm commitments.

Condi Rice meets with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad, Iraq: Photo courtesy US State Dept.

The top U.S. diplomat said she believes it is a process that eventually will move forward.    » read more »

16 April 2008 -- Iraqi officials say two senior commanders in Basra were replaced Wednesday, weeks after Iraqi security forces failed in efforts to crack down on Shi'ite militias in the southern city.

Officials say the military chief and police chief were reassigned to Baghdad.

Iraqi soldiers cooking: Photo by James McCauley (CC)

Iraq's security forces launched an offensive in late March against militants loyal to radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. The effort triggered deadly clashes, during which hundreds of security force members refused to fight or gave their weapons to the militants.    » read more »