Webb vs. Allen on the Middle East

By: Lowell
Published On: 8/5/2006 12:40:41 PM

From today's Washington Times, here's what Jim Webb thinks, in part, we should do about the Israel-Hezbollah conflict:

"Sooner or later this has to be dealt with in a different way, and I think this administration has really failed in terms of reaching out diplomatically, particularly with Syria," Mr. Webb told The Washington Times. "There is a way to cut Syria away from Iran. It is not a natural alliance. The Sunnis are a secular society. Particularly with [Syrian President Bashar] Assad, in my view, they have been trying to open up relations. Syria is a connector to Hezbollah."

Now, here's George Allen's spokesman, Bill Bozin:

When asked by The Times whether the Bush administration should open talks with Syria, Mr. Bozin said: "Syria is one of the main sponsors of Hezbollah and they know exactly what they need to do if they want to be constructive -- end their support for this terrorist group."

In other words, Jim Webb favors talking to Syria and George Allen says, essentially, "hell no."  Of course, that's the typical attitude of right-wing Republicans - bombs away but never negotiate.  That's short-sighted, stupid, and counterproductive. In contrast, Jim Webb understands geopolitics and is a top-notch strategist.  Jim Webb knows when force is appropriate and when it's time to sit down at a table for serious, hard-headed negotiations.  Big difference between the two candidates there.

Finally, here's Webb in general on the entire BushAllen approach to the Middle East:

  Mr. Webb, who like Syrian officials opposed the U.S. war in Iraq, has said the Bush administration's disregard for diplomacy in the Middle East has taken the heat off Iran, who many consider the No. 1 state sponsor of international terrorism.

"There will never be full stability in that region until American combat forces leave," Mr. Webb said in the campaign's July 22 debate in Virginia. "That's the history of that region. That's a 3,000-year history."

This is all true, but sadly, GeorgeBushAllen doesn't get it.  Instead, those guys think you can just go "bombs away" and all your problems are solved.  Well guys, you know what?  The world doesn't work that way, just because you wish it would.  Just like science, logic and fact often contradict your preconceived notions on so many areas.  But, of course, you're bored with all that.  Hey, maybe you guys should take up something more within your intellectual capacities, like clearing brush or lassoing cattle or whatever.  Just a thought.

Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign.  The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.

Comments



Damn it's great (Alicia - 8/5/2006 12:58:37 PM)
to hear a smart leader speak out with a voice of reason.  The last quote says it all:

"There will never be full stability in that region until American combat forces leave," Mr. Webb said in the campaign's July 22 debate in Virginia. "That's the history of that region. That's a 3,000-year history."



Webb Is Absolutely Right (AnonymousIsAWoman - 8/5/2006 5:56:13 PM)
Syria is not a natural ally for Iran or Hizbollah but is seeking a sphere of influence in the region. To anybody who "does nuance," which we know President Bush famously doesn't do, the secular Sunnis of Syria are uncomfortable with the Shiites of both Iran and its proxy Hizbollah.

Last Sunday, New York Times columnist and Midlle East expert Tom Friedman was on Meet the Press and he essentially said the same thing as Jim Webb.  It would be productive to peace efforts to open negotiation with Syria and to pry them away from their support for Hizbollah and the Shiites.

Friedman also made the point that nobody ever got to peace through refusal to talk to warring factions.  That is an insane way to proceed.

If ever the Bush Administration was a miserable failure - and it is in so many areas - its foreign policy is the worst.  For that alone this administration will go down in history as one of the worst ever in America.  These people have blown every opportunity for peace or prosperity for this nation.

And to think, George Allen voted with the Bush Administration 97 percent of the time.  He doesn't believe we should negotiate with warring factions to bring about a ceasefire, save lives, and promote peace.  It's time for a change to somebody who does understand both war and peace and why peace is more desirable.



Jim made some of these points on the Joel Rubin show today. (summercat - 8/6/2006 1:16:26 PM)
I think he appearance there was very good.  He also pointed out Allen's negatives on the GI bill, minimum wage and vets' issues.  Good stuff laid down in a very shport segment.


Diplomacy v. Violence (Teddy - 8/6/2006 6:59:38 PM)
Read the One Percent Solution by Suskind, which lays out several opportunities Bush had with the Saudis, Egypt, Syria, Palestinians, even Iran all of whom presented him with one opportunity after another to negotiate or begin to split apart the warring factions and create an opportunity to stabilize the Middle East, secure oil, even begin to inch toward his avowed goal of bringing democracy to the region--- not to mention actually doing something about fighting terrorists in more than one way.

He ignored, turned down, or bollixed up every last opportunity. He hadn't read the report, he hadn't even received the report (it was hijacked and diverted by Cheney), he disdained talking with various opponents because that might "encourage" them, his famous gut instinct told him not to trust the offer, and so on.

This President has no answer but bullying violence, no expectations but that the Appocalypse is coming, why waste time forestalling God's judment?  Perhaps he should be reminded that those who live by the sword, die by the sword. Too bad he will take so many of us with him.