Israel's Man at State

by Stephen Lendman

The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE) is a pro-Israeli front group. It promotes strengthening US/Israeli ties.

Its executive director, Mitchell G. Bard, formerly was AIPAC's Near East Report editor. Earlier he was polling division senior analyst for GHW Bush. He's featured prominently on US scoundrel TV. Best to avoid him entirely.

AICE publishes the Jewish Virtual Library (JVL). It's an online pro-Israeli resource. It wholeheartedly supports John Kerry. Using material from his 2004 presidential campaign bid, it said:

He's "been at the forefront of the fight for Israel's security" throughout his Senate tenure, it said.

He endorses "strengthening Israel's security and bolstering the US-Israel special relationship."

"His pro-Israel voting record is second to none."

"John Kerry will never do anything to compromise (Israel's) security."

He's committed to a "special relationship."

His support for Israel is "unwavering."

He endorses "Israel's right to respond to terrorism - including against Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist groups in Gaza."

He backs "continued assistance in strengthening Israel's homeland defenses."

He called Arafat "a failed leader and unfit partner for peace and therefore supported his total isolation."

He "demanded a new, responsible Palestinian leadership, committed to ending the violence and fighting terror."

He wholeheartedly supports generous Israeli foreign aid. In the early 1990s, he wanted more than GHW Bush planned to give.

He always believed that America "must stand solidly behind Israel at the UN and other international organizations."

He favors moving America's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  Doing so is illegal. In 1947, the UN declared it an international city. It remains so today.

Kerry calls Jerusalem "Israel's indisputable capital." In 1999, he signed a letter criticizing Clinton for not moving America's embassy there.

He co-sponsored the 2003 Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act.

At the time, he said "we must ensure that Syria does not acquire and distribute additional weapons thereby exasperating tensions in the Middle East, raising potential threats to Israel, and undermining arms control."

The measure was all sticks and no carrots. It combined punitive economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

It heightened regional tensions. It banned military and dual use exports to Syria. It was prelude to last year's conflict. Syria likely saw it coming without knowing when.

Kerry opposes Iran's peaceful nuclear program. He calls it "unacceptable." He says it compromises the security of Israel, the region, America, and elsewhere.

He supports Israeli attacks on humanitarian missions to Gaza. After the May 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre, he said Israel "has every right in the world to make certain weapons are not being smuggled in."

Humanitarian missions bring vital aid. Kerry knows it. So do other US officials and Israeli ones.

Blockading Gaza is punitive. It's not for self-defense. Around 1.7 Palestinians are collectively punished illegally for voting for the wrong party. Kerry wholeheartedly supports doing it.

In 2009, he signed a Senate resolution opposing Palestinian self-determination. He falsely claims Israel has no legitimate peace partner.

His appointment signals business as usual. Israeli interests will be prioritized. Independent governments will be targeted. Imperial wars will rage.

He's Obama's point man to secure unchallenged global dominance. Getting it may entail destroying the Middle East and other regions entirely.

Kerry at State is bad news. It signals America's commitment to Israel and permanent wars. It threatens humanity. Israeli officials and their US Lobby hailed what deserves condemnation.

Netanyahu welcomed Kerry's appointment. He called him a personal friend and staunch Israeli supporter.

"I congratulate John Kerry on being chosen for the position of US Secretary of State," he said. "Kerry is very experienced and is known supporter of Israel's security."

"John Kerry and I are friends for many years and I greatly appreciated the fact that half a year ago, after the death of my father, he came to visit me during my mourning. I look forward to cooperating with him."

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) lauded Kerry's nomination. A joint chair Marc Stanley/president and CEO David Harris statement said in part:

"We are ecstatic to see that President Obama has selected Senator Kerry to be the next Secretary of State. Senator Kerry’s foreign policy credentials are impeccable and he is the right person to be representing the United States on the global stage at this time."

"He has been a leader when it comes to Israel and has made it abundantly clear that he - like the Obama Administration - stands squarely behind the Jewish state."

"Senator Kerry has been an outstanding ally to the Jewish community and we fully support his nomination. We urge the Senate to confirm him as the next Secretary of State without delay."

Former AIPAC executive director, Morrie Amitay, agreed that Kerry's support for Israel is longstanding. His voting record is exemplary. At the same time, he stopped short of calling it perfect.

Rhetorically he's critical of settlements. So are other US and EU officials. Words alone are hollow. Policies with teeth don't follow.

On December 21, The Anti-Defamation League welcomed Kerry's appointment. A joint national chair Barry Curtiss-Lusher/national director Abe Foxman statement said in part:

"Senator Kerry has been a consummate statesmen and a strong advocate of America's engagement in the world."

"As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has been a staunch defender of democracy and freedom and a vital voice on issues which are important to ADL."

"Throughout his Senate career, Mr. Kerry has consistently been an effective advocate for Israel's security in a dangerous region and demonstrated his commitment to fighting against anti-Semitism and bigotry all over the world."

"He has been an advocate and defender of the president's policy to prevent a nuclear Iran, telling the Democratic National Convention this summer: "Barack Obama promised always to stand with Israel to tighten sanctions on Iran -- and take nothing off the table."

His many "outstanding qualities" make him ideally suited to serve "our country well in the role of America's top diplomat."

The New York Times said Kerry was named "the for role of a lifetime." He's "the very picture of a secretary of state."

He's "been a loyal" administration supporter. He's a frequent foreign policy advisor and Obama confidant. He's long sought to become America's top diplomat.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee he chairs will conduct his confirmation hearing. He'll sail through the process. John McCain already calls him "Mr. Secretary."

Senior Republican Foreign Relations Committee member, Bob Corker, says "he comes into the position with a world of knowledge. (He'll) be someone that Congress will want to work with in a very positive way."

Senate Armed Services Committee Republican Kelly Ayotte said "there's no question he has a very strong depth of knowledge of (world) issues. (He's) certainly qualified."

On December 21, Haaretz headlined "When Kerry was Kohn: The Jewish roots of John Kerry."

During his 2004 presidential bid, Catholic Kerry learned "about his Jewish grandfather." Frederick A. Kerry was born Fritz Kohn. A century ago, he emigrated from today's Czech Republic.

Kerry's great grandfather, Benedikt Kohn, was a successful Moravian brewmaster.

Fritz abandoned his Jewish heritage. He converted to Roman Catholicism. In 1901, he changed his name to Kerry.

John Kerry's brother, Cameron, converted to Judaism after marrying Kathy Weinman. They met as fellow lawyers at a Washington law firm.

Jew or gentile matters less than supporting America's imperium. Kerry's fully on board. He's Obama's diplomatic point man. His job entails being Israel's man at State. He won't disappoint on all counts.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book is titled "Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

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