Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, July/August 2004, page 98

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Diplomats’ Letter Met Resounding...

Silence. Major U.S. media virtually ignored the letter signed by 60 (now 82) retired diplomats warning President George W. Bush that his current Mideast policy has “placed U.S. diplomats, civilians and military doing their jobs overseas in an untenable and even dangerous position.” After inviting nearly 400 journalists to a May 4 press conference at the National Press Club—which moved walls, if not heaven and earth, to accommodate the 50 journalists and 10 cameramen who showed up (see the June 2004 Washington Report, p. 9)—we expected front-page coverage. True, after years of criticizing bias in the media, and providing the only honest story in town, we should have known better. While smaller newspapers picked up Kata Kertesz’s excellent Associated Press article, The New York Times, Washington Post and other print media turned a blind eye. On the other hand...

International Reaction Was Excellent.

At last some Americans, the world learned, were speaking out against U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. In the midst of world outrage caused by “Bulldozer“ Ariel Sharon’s ethnic cleansing campaign in Rafah, Israel’s assassination policy, and Bush’s tacit approval of same—as well as the shocking Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Baghdad—it was reassuring to hear…

A Voice of Reason From the U.S.A.

Voice of America’s Laurie Kassman and Radio Free Europe’s Frank Csongos gave the letter good coverage. The International Herald Tribune, The Daily Star of Lebanon, Saudi Arabia’s Arab News, The Times of India, the Jerusalem Post, Australia’s Herald Sun, and Swiss and Turkish Internet newspapers carried the story. Press in the U.K.—where British diplomats had written a similar letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair—took even more notice: The BBC, The Guardian, The Scotsman, The Independent, The Telegrah all carried excellent articles. Our favorite headline was The Mirror’s:

“Dubya the Dangerous: Now U.S. Diplomats Sound Alarm.”

President Bush declined to reply to a faxed and express-mailed request for a meeting with the retired diplomats, who wanted to warn him that his unabashed support for Israel is costing U.S. its credibility, prestige and friends. Perhaps the president was too busy speaking to the AIPAC conference and campaigning for re-election. Or might he have an aversion to receiving words of wisdom from retired diplomats, as well as retired presidents—like his dear old dad?

We’ve Also Requested a Meeting…

With Secretary of State Colin Powell to deliver the letter and discuss Mideast policy. If we are rebuffed again, we’ll hold another press conference—this time outside the White House. Meanwhile, another group of former U.S. diplomats is trying their luck with a new letter that focuses on Iraq, but avoids the Israel/Palestine hot buttons. We say, the more pressure on this administration the better! So, if you’re a diplomat…

It’s Not Too Late to Sign the Letter.

Non-diplomats can sign our supplemental list. The letter is posted on the homepage of our Web site, <www.wrmea.com>. Or you can call the Washington Report at 1-800-368-5788. Let’s show our president, and the world, that not all Americans approve of where our foreign policy has taken this country, and that Bush’s foreign policy is…

Costing Him Votes.

Three out of five (60 percent) of respondents in a Zogby America poll conducted June 2 to 5 disapprove of Bush’s performance in Iraq. Half of those polled feel the country is on the wrong track. The same polls show 44 percent of voters would choose Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), and 42 percent Bush, with 11 percent still undecided. With Independent candidate Ralph Nader added to the mix, the percentages are unchanged, with Nader taking 3 percent. The presidential election, however, is…

Not the Only Game in Town.

It’s Congress, after all, that actually votes to give Israel more foreign aid than any country—and some entire continents—on Earth. That’s why the Americans elected to the Senate and the House of Representatives are the major beneficiaries of…

Pro-Israel PAC Contributions.

Starting on p. 27 of this issue, voters can learn the extent of their representatives’ indebtedness to the pro-Israel lobby. (Not listed are the names of those who have not taken money from pro-Israel political action committees—including presidential candidate Ralph Nader.) Whatever one’s lack of enthusiasm at being given the choice of Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dumber for the next president of the United States, there’s much work to be done on the ground in order to prove that Tip O’Neill was right when he said that…

All Politics Is Local.

Readers Will Note…

That this issue devotes even more ink than usual to the peace efforts of Christian and Jewish organizations. We firmly believe that moderate religious groups have an essential role to play in bringing peace to the Middle East. Often their voices are drowned out by smaller but highly organized right-wing supporters of Israel, be they Armageddonists or ardent Zionists. Just as it ignores the Palestinian plight, the mainstream American media ignores the words of the sensible Christian, Muslim and Jewish moderates who represent the majority of their respective faiths. We want to help ensure that…

Their Voices Will Be Heard!

At a recent leadership meeting in Washington, DC, representatives of organizations working for human rights for Arab- and Muslim Americans at home and peace abroad agreed that they are working tirelessly, but alone, with little coordination. By joining together and coordinating efforts, the group concluded, we could have a much greater impact. Whether this happens or not, time will tell. In its 22 years of existence, however, one of the Washington Report’s main goals, and very real achievements, has been covering the conferences, speeches and actions undertaken by every Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Arab-American, and university group that we can—and thus serving as these organizations’…

Unified Platform.

We also cover the latest in books, films, fund-raising and other vital peace-and-justice efforts around the world. The article you read on the pages of the Washington Report, or on our Web site, often is the only media attention devoted to the excellent efforts and superb ideas which people otherwise might never hear about. When you hand out free copies of this magazine, which is your voice, at local events, you help us find new subscribers and spread ideas across the country. Please keep sending us news and photos about your organization’s activities so we can continue to spread your good news. Your contributions make it possible for a very small staff to cover events around the globe.

Your Financial Contributions…

Also are critical, now more than ever. When you receive our half-yearly letter seeking your support, please be generous. We will be including a brief survey, as well as a book list and order form. We hope to use the information from the survey to attract new advertisers. We already know that our readers are the best and the brightest, interested in education, world travel and investment, as well as peace. Attracting new advertisers will help defray printing costs and maintain subscription rates. It will also keep us from worrying about paying the bills from issue to issue—and from once again digging into our pockets to pay the rent.

Please Help Us Continue to Publish…

The truth about U.S. domestic and foreign policies. At this crucial time, when the Iraq turnover approaches and U.S. elections loom, we know that Israel will take every advantage of media attention focused on these events to wreak havoc on the occupied Palestinian territories. Let’s join together and…

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