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Hillary Clinton
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Clinton: Pullout from Iraq will facilitate peace between Israel, Palestinians

Presidential candidate outlines her vision for US policy in Middle East in post-Bush era. 'All options must remain on table if Iran doesn't halt nuclear program," she says

WASHINGTON – The fundamental elements of a final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians have been clear since 2000, Senator Hillary Clinton said in an essay published Monday in Foreign Affairs.

 

The elements, according to the Democratic presidential candidate, include a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank in return for a declaration that the conflict is over, recognition of Israel's right to exist, guarantees of Israeli security, diplomatic recognition of Israel, and normalization of its relations with Arab states.

 

"US diplomacy is critical in helping to resolve this conflict. In addition to facilitating negotiations, we must engage in regional diplomacy to gain Arab support for a Palestinian leadership that is committed to peace and willing to engage in a dialogue with the Israelis," she said.

 

"Getting out of Iraq will enable us to play a constructive role in a renewed Middle East peace process that would mean security and normal relations for Israel and the Palestinians."

 

'We have lost precious time'

In the essay, in which Clinton outlines her vision of America's goals in the post-George W. Bush era, the senator said, "The next administration will have to confront an unpredictable and dangerous situation in the Middle East that threatens Israel and could potentially bring down the global economy by disrupting oil supplies.

 

"The next president will have to address the looming long-term threats of climate change and a new wave of global health epidemics. To meet these challenges, we will have to replenish American power by getting out of Iraq, rebuilding our military, and developing a much broader arsenal of tools in the fight against terrorism," Clinton wrote.

 

As for Iran, the senator said it poses "a long-term strategic challenge to the United States, our NATO allies, and Israel.

 

"The Bush administration refuses to talk to Iran about its nuclear program, preferring to ignore bad behavior rather than challenge it. Meanwhile, Iran has enhanced its nuclear-enrichment capabilities, armed Iraqi Shiite militias, funneled arms to Hizbullah, and subsidized Hamas, even as the government continues to hurt its own citizens by mismanaging the economy and increasing political and social repression," she said.

 

"As a result, we have lost precious time. Iran must conform to its nonproliferation obligations and must not be permitted to build or acquire nuclear weapons. If Iran does not comply with its own commitments and the will of the international community, all options must remain on the table."

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.15.07, 20:44
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