|
Trending Topics
|
Israel Lobby Lacks the Latitude to Challenge Bush's Road Map
(Los Angeles Times) Paul Richter The "road map" for Mideast peace unveiled last week by the Bush administration includes elements long resisted by successive Israeli governments, and normally, Israel's formidable allies would be expected to deploy in strength in Congress and inside the administration itself to defuse pressure for tough concessions. But the pro-Israel lobby is reluctant to confront Israel's benefactor as he emerges victorious from the war in Iraq. What's more, Bush's friendship is treasured by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has asserted that no American president has been as supportive of Israel's interests. So when the administration's plan was released, Israel politely welcomed it - with reservations - as did its allies in Washington. "A lot of people, including many right-wing Israelis, think: 'This isn't going anywhere, so we don't have to get upset,'" said Prof. Marshall Breger, who was President Reagan's liaison with the American Jewish community.