2012 Democratic
National Committee Convention Platform
The Middle East. President Obama and the Democratic
Party maintain an unshakable commitment to Israel's security. A strong and
secure Israel is vital to the United States not simply because we share
strategic interests, but also because we share common values. For this reason,
despite budgetary constraints, the President has worked with Congress to
increase security assistance to Israel every single year since taking office,
providing nearly $10 billion in the past three years. The administration has
also worked to ensure Israel's qualitative military edge in the region. And we
have deepened defense cooperation—including funding the Iron Dome system—to
help Israel address its most pressing threats, including the growing danger
posed by rockets and missiles emanating from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria,
and Iran. The President's consistent support for Israel's right to defend
itself and his steadfast opposition to any attempt to delegitimize Israel on
the world stage are further evidence of our enduring commitment to Israel's
security.
It is precisely
because of this commitment that President Obama and the Democratic Party seek
peace between Israelis and Palestinians. A just and lasting Israeli-Palestinian
accord, producing two states for two peoples, would contribute to regional
stability and help sustain Israel's identity as a Jewish and democratic state.
At the same time, the President has made clear that there will be no lasting
peace unless Israel's security concerns are met. President Obama will continue
to press Arab states to reach out to Israel. We will continue to support
Israel's peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, which have been pillars of peace
and stability in the region for many years. And even as the President and the
Democratic Party continue to encourage all parties to be resolute in the
pursuit of peace, we will insist that any Palestinian partner must recognize
Israel's right to exist, reject violence, and adhere to existing agreements.
Elsewhere in the
region, President Obama is committed to maintaining robust security cooperation
with Gulf Cooperation Council states and our other partners aimed at deterring
aggression, checking Iran's destabilizing activities, ensuring the free flow of
commerce essential to the global economy, and building a regional security
architecture to counter terrorism, proliferation, ballistic missiles, piracy,
and other common threats.
(369 words)
The 2008 Democratic
National Committee Convention Platform
Stand with Allies and Pursue Diplomacy
in the Middle East
For more than three decades, Israelis,
Palestinians, Arab leaders, and the rest of the world have looked to America to
lead the effort to build the road to a secure and lasting peace. Our starting
point must always be our special relationship with Israel, grounded in shared
interests and shared values, and a clear, strong, fundamental commitment to the
security of Israel, our strongest ally in the region and its only established
democracy. That commitment, which requires us to ensure that Israel retains a
qualitative edge for its national security and its right to self-defense, is
all the more important as we contend with growing threats in the region–a
strengthened Iran, a chaotic Iraq, the resurgence of Al Qaeda, the
reinvigoration of Hamas and Hezbollah. We support the implementation of the
memorandum of understanding that pledges $30 billion in assistance to Israel
over the next decade to enhance and ensure its security.
It is in the best interests of all
parties, including the United States, that we take an active role to help
secure a lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a
democratic, viable Palestinian state dedicated to living in peace and security
side by side with the Jewish State of Israel. To do so, we must help Israel
identify and strengthen those partners who are truly committed to peace, while
isolating those who seek conflict and instability, and stand with Israel
against those who seek its destruction. The United States and its Quartet
partners should continue to isolate Hamas until it renounces terrorism,
recognizes Israel's right to exist, and abides by past agreements. Sustained
American leadership for peace and security will require patient efforts and the
personal commitment of the President of the United States. The creation of a
Palestinian state through final status negotiations, together with an
international compensation mechanism, should resolve the issue of Palestinian
refugees by allowing them to settle there, rather than in Israel. All
understand that it is unrealistic to expect the outcome of final status
negotiations to be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949.
Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed
that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an
undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.
(392 words)
-- Ray Hanania
end
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