The cause celebre of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is even impinging on Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki's visit to the U.S., where he is scheduled to address a joinst session of Congress tomorrow. Al-Maliki addressed Israel's actions as he stated, "The Israeli attacks and airstrikes are completely destroying Lebanon's infrastructure." He added, "I condemn these aggressions and call on the Arab League foreign ministers' meeting in Cairo to take quick action to stop these agressions: we call on the world to take quick stands to stop the Israeli aggression." Congressional Democrats were quick to attack Iraq's recently elected prime minister. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) asseverated, "Unless Mr. Malaki disavows his critical comments of Israel and condemns terrorism, it is inappropriate to honor him with a joint meeting of Congress." Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) joined by New York senior senator Chuck Schumer asserted, "It is imperative that the U.S. Congress and the world know immediately whether you support or condemn Hezbollah's acts of terrorism." Even though Al-Maliki should obviously be even handed in his condemnation as to Israel and Hezbollah, he could be forgiven if he wondered if these lecturers were aligned with him in his war on the terrorists and insurgents plaguing his country. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert rejected these Democratic attempts to deny the new democratic leader of Iraq the honor of speaking to a bicameral Congressional audience.
Cf. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,205521,00.html and http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/20/world/middleeast/20shiites.html?_r=2&ex=1153713600&en=78691f5524ed9816&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin&oref=slogin.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment