Republicans have unwittingly become a pawn of Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, by inviting him to address a joint session of Congress on March 3. DESPITE OUR long-term support of Israel, we are not at its beck and call.
Netanyahu orchestrated the event to achieve two things:
(1) Use it as campaign fodder in the run-up to the March 17 Israeli elections; and,
(2) Attempt to prove he has sway over U.S. foreign policy.
Netanyahu is unhappy the United States is holding out hope it can come to terms with Iran to defuse its nuclear program.
Netanyahu contends more sanctions — or worse, threats of military action — imposed against Iran will make it buckle to outside demands.
Netanyahu thinks like a bully, not a diplomat.
Yes, the negotiations have experienced setbacks. But it’s because the stakes are so high that Iran not develop nuclear weapons that it’s worth going the distance.
Instead, House Speaker John Boehner — in an attempt to upstage President Obama — secretly invites Iran’s staunchest enemy to address members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Already, the invitation has backfired. Ten Senate Democrats who had favored additional sanctions have since withdrawn their support.
And lest Speaker Boehner and his cohorts forget, their allegiance is to the United States, not Netanyahu.
— Susan Lynn
Invitation to Bibi misguided, risky
