U.S. Presidential candidate John Kerry in the Jewish-American
New York paper The Forward:
Forward Forum
An Unwavering Commitment To Reforming the
Middle East
By John Kerry
August 27, 2004
Across the Middle East, the United States and Israel are facing a
range of crucial security challenges. We are not secure while Saudi
donors fund terror, while Iran pursues a nuclear weapons programs and
while Syria sponsors terrorist operations. We are not secure while
Iraq is at risk of becoming a haven for terrorists. And we are not
secure while Israel, the one true democracy in the region, remains
the victim of an unrelenting campaign of terror. If we continue
without a more effective strategy, we are not supporting our ally as
best we can.
For too long, America has not led, and Iran's program has
advanced. Let me say it plainly: a nuclear-armed Iran is
unacceptable. I believe we must work with our allies to end Iran's
nuclear weapons program and be ready to work with them to implement a
range of tougher measures, if needed. Developing an international
coalition enhances our influence by ensuring that all nations are
united in the effort, leaving no room for Iran to play allies against
one another.
The Syria Accountability Act, which I co-sponsored in the Senate,
gave the president authority to sanction Syria, a concrete step
against Syria's support for terror and its occupation of Lebanon. As
president, I will never delay implementing sanctions as the Bush
administration did for many months.
The greatest long-term strategic threat to U.S.-Israeli relations
is U.S. dependence on Mideast oil. A new national security policy
demands an end to that dependence. For too long, America has lost its
voice when talking about the policies and practices of some
governments in the Persian Gulf. If we are serious about energy
independence, then we can finally be serious about confronting the
role of Saudi Arabia in financing and providing ideological backing
for Islamic fundamentalist jihadists. This is a problem that this
administration has ignored — and one that must be addressed.
I have a plan for energy independence from Mideast oil in the next
10 years. I will invest in the research and exploration needed to
develop renewable energy sources. I will take the lead in developing
the new technology and production methods needed to ensure that
resources such as coal and natural gas are used more efficiently and
cleanly, and fully integrated into the new energy economy. I want an
America that relies on its own ingenuity and innovation and not the
Saudi royal family.
As president, I will use bold diplomacy to get governments to
recognize the growing crisis of resurgent anti-Semitism, and take
action to deal with it — not hide it. Silence will never prevail
— either abroad or at home. As president, I will support the
creation of an office within the State Department dedicated to
combating anti-Semitism, as well as adding reporting on acts of
anti-Semitism around the world to the State Department's annual human
rights reporting.
I will work with the United Nations and our allies to bolster
security in Iraq so that we can meet our goals for elections and
speed up reconstruction. I will launch a massive effort to train and
equip Iraqi security forces, so that they can take over the security
of their nation, allowing us to draw down our troops in an orderly
manner.
These steps will be vastly more effective when backed by a
long-term strategy to change the political equation in the Middle
East, to empower reformers and foster democracy.
I will launch an aggressive public diplomacy campaign in Arab and
Muslim countries to tackle head-on the anti-Semitic and anti-Israel
propaganda that fuels ignorance and hatred. This will be a part of an
expansive American-led, international effort to promote democratic
reforms throughout the Middle East by supporting secular education,
business development and educational initiatives. By carefully
targeting aid and development programs we can most effectively
bolster civil society groups to take action to advance reform.
American leadership is needed to bolster Israel's security at home
as well as in the region. I believe that we must stand with Israel,
supporting our ally's right to build a security fence and to allow
its own Supreme Court — not the International Court of Justice
— to address the issue of the route of the fence. The fence has
proven its value as an anti-terror measure.
I believe, in addition, that the withdrawal from Gaza, which Prime
Minister Sharon announced in April, holds great promise. Indeed, this
step enjoys overwhelming support among Israelis. It must receive our
support and backing as well.
The success of the withdrawal also requires a real Palestinian
effort to establish security — to ensure Gaza does not remain a
haven for terrorists to launch attacks on Israel. Experience has made
very clear that for the Palestinians to meet this key test, new
Palestinian leadership is required, as Yasser Arafat has proven
himself not to be a partner for peace.
As president, I will work with the Palestinian community to
empower new, responsible Palestinian leadership committed to a
permanent end to terror and the promotion of democracy. I will ensure
that allies are united in this effort, not working at cross-purposes
by propping up a failed Palestinian power structure. This kind of
tough and frank diplomacy will be a hallmark of my administration. We
will magnify our power and restore American influence to enhance our
own security and that of our allies. We will restore our alliances
and we will lead. But we will never compromise America's special
relationship with our ally Israel. As president, I will never
pressure Israel to make concessions that will compromise its
security.
My commitment to a safe and secure Jewish state is unwavering. For
19 years, this is a pledge I have kept in the United States Senate
— whether through my votes on economic aid, military security or
the location of the U.S. Embassy. And it is one I will continue to
keep as I lead a bold new effort to enhance regional security
throughout the Middle East.
John Kerry is the Democratic nominee for president of the
United States.
