The Diplomatic Storm of Benjamin Netanyahu

Ambassador John Bolton said “President Obama has the worst relationship with Israel since its creation in 1948.  Israel faces an existential threat from Iranian nuclear weapons and danger of a nuclear holocaust led by Islamic extremists.  The “agreement” is a trap that will lead to a nuclear Iran; it is a sell out that abandons our allies and puts Israel in danger.  Obama’s behavior towards Israel is reprehensible.  America should stand by Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the Congressional Chamber to a roar of cheers.   The President refused to meet with him, and some Congressional Democrats sat out the address.  The PM thanked President Obama for his support and contributions to Israel’s Iron Dome anti missile system before launching an attack on Iran diplomatic efforts.  “Iran’s leadership remains as radical as ever and cannot be trusted. The deal being worked out with the United States would not block Iran’s way to a nuclear bomb, but pave the way to it…a potential nuclear nightmare.”

Netanyahu drew so many standing ovations from both sides of the aisle that I might have been a football game.   President Obama’s team pounced on the speech each claiming the PM offered no viable alternatives to the negotiations.   Nancy Pelosi claimed the speech was “an insult to the intelligence of the United States.”  Susan Rice went on the air with claims that the original deal with Iran is unattainable, because Iran said no.   Her lapdog presentation at AIPAC was ridiculed by members purposefully clapping and cheering at inappropriate times. 

An in step conga line of uninformed liberals danced to the repeated refrain of “There was nothing new in the speech.”    However, there were two new parameters.  One, place much tougher restrictions and increase the breakout time for capabilities to build a nuclear bomb.  Two, only lift restrictions on Iran when it stops promoting terrorism, ends aggression against its neighbors, and stops threatening to destroy Israel. 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the deal would “witness a faster progress of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.”  Vice President Massoumeh Ebtekar called the speech on Iran’s nuclear talks deceitful and a desperate attempt to impose an irrational agenda.  He denies accusations it plans to produce a nuclear weapon. 

Secretary of State John Kerry swears that he will not allow external factors or politics to distract him from ongoing nuclear talks with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zariff boasted that Iran is very close to achieving a nuclear deal with international powers.   Mohammed also warned that sanctions, which Iran wants lifted, could torpedo the deal.  Talks resume on the March 15, 2015.   

Secretary Kerry wrapped up talks with Foreign Minister Zariff in Switzerland and headed for Saudi Arabia where he gave assurances to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, the new Monarch King Salman, and Foreign Ministers of the Sunni ruled Gulf States.  He promised that the US would not forget Iranian behavior in the region while it pursued a nuclear deal.  He vowed that the US would confront Iranian expansion and aggressiveness in the region. 

Faisal J. Abbas, editor in chief of the English language website of pan-Arab news agency Al Arabiya wrote “Despite this being perhaps the only thing that brings together Arabs and Israelis (as it threatens them all), the only stakeholder that seems not to realize the danger of the situation is President Obama, who is now infamous for being the latest pen pal of the Supreme Leader of the World’s biggest terrorist regime:  Ayottallah Ali Khamenei.”

Returning to Israel, Netanyahu released a statement.  “After my short visit to the US, I know that many around the world heard what Israel has to say about the impending deal with Iran."  He called on the P5+1 to insist on a deal that would link the lifting of restrictions to Iran,  ending their sponsorship of world terrorism, and ending its aggression against its neighbors and ending its calls for Israel’s destruction. 

The Senate will begin debate next week on a bill to require the President to submit any final nuclear deal with Iran for Congressional approval, and prevent the administration from suspending sanctions on Iran for 60 days.   The White House declared it will veto the legislation. 

In Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Sunni Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia leaders are shaking their heads in disbelief at our president’s irresponsible policies regarding Iran, an enemy that has sworn to destroy them.