Sunday, March 4, 2012

On Defense, Obama Speaks to U.S. Backers of Israel

On Sunday President Obama gave a strong speech defending his administration's commitment to Israel's security in response to the Republican presidential candidates who have called for a more forceful response to Iran's nuclear program. In his speech President Obama declared he would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran and if the situation called for a military response that option was not off the table.

"I do not have a policy of containment," Mr. Obama said, to a cheering crowd. "I have a policy to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And as I've made clear time and again during the course of m presidency, I will not hesitate to use for when it is necessary to defend the United States and its interests."

Mr. Obama then went onto address the security problems posed by too much loose talk of war. "For the sake of Israel's security, America's security, and the peace and security of the world, now is not the time for bluster." Any military strike would only delay Iran's nuclear program not deter it.

President Obama then briefly commented on domestic polities then returned to affirming his commitment to Israel's safety and security stating, “But as you examine my commitment, you don’t just have to count on my words,” he said. “You can look at my deeds.”

Mr. Obama declared, to applause: “There should not be a shred of doubt by now: when the chips are down, I have Israel’s back.” He added: “So if during this political season you hear some question my administration’s support for Israel, remember that it’s not backed up by the facts.” President Obama concluded his speech once again affirming his administrations strong support of Israel and also reminding the American public that force would only be used when the time and circumstance call for it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/05/world/middleeast/in-aipac-speech-obama-warns-against-loose-talk-of-war.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto

Nicole LeDonne



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