Did Will Marshall of PPI just call for "evenhandedness" on Israel's part?

[madfloridian]

I was surprised to read this.

America as an honest broker

"Whether or not the Gaza war is still raging when Barack Obama takes office, he should act promptly to restore America's credibility as an honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This means reversing his predecessor's decision to stand aloof from the conflict. It is hard to argue now that presidential disengagement has enhanced Israel's security or advanced America's security goals in the region.

The same can be said for President Bush's post 9-11 habit of offering nearly unqualified support for Israeli policy. Empathy for a fellow victim of terrorism is understandable.

But by giving Israel a pass on making tough choices necessary for lasting peace, President Bush has undermined America's reputation for even-handedness in the region and handed our jihadist enemies a propaganda windfall.

That is in direct opposition to the letter someone received from Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats in 2003 when he used the same words.

September 10, 2003

The Honorable Howard Dean
P.O. Box 1228
Burlington, VT 05402

Dear Governor Dean:

We are writing to respond to your comments on the Middle East at a recent
campaign event and in Tuesday's candidate debate and explain why we believe
it is wrong to say the U.S. should "not take sides" in the
Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

American foreign policy has been - and must continue to be - based on
unequivocal support for Israel's right to exist and to be free from terror.
The Palestinians have at best been ambivalent about their willingness to
accept Israel's existence and from Yasir Arafat on down they have promoted
or acquiesced in the use of terrorism as a tactic in their struggle. It is
unacceptable for the U.S. to be "evenhanded" on these fundamental issues.

All of us want a genuine peace process to succeed, and all of us accept the
legitimacy of a Palestinian state once the Palestinian leadership and people
recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and not only renounce
the use of violence but at last take action to dismantle the terrorist
infrastructure inside the Palestinian Authority. Time and time again, the
Israeli people have shown their willingness to take risks for peace. But
they will only do so with the knowledge that U.S. support for Israel will
not waver.

It is important for America to help facilitate a peaceful resolution of the
conflict, but in playing this role we must be true to our values and make
sure that all parties clearly understand our policies. This is not a time to
be sending mixed messages; on the contrary, in these difficult times we must
reaffirm our unyielding commitment to Israel's survival and raise our voices
against all forms of terrorism and incitement.

Sincerely,

Howard L. Berman
Nancy Pelosi
Robert Matsui
Steny Hoyer
Martin Frost
Nita Lowey
Tom Lantos
Edward Markey
Chet Edwards
Ben Cardin
Steve Rothman
Steve Israel
Gary Ackerman
Barney Frank
Rahn Emanuel
Adam Smith
Anthony Weiner
Chris Bell
Adam Schiff
Hilda Solis
Robert Menendez
Shelley Berkley
Robert Andrews
Joseph Crowley
Jose Serrano
John Larson
Ellen Tauscher
Dennis Cardoza
Patrick Kennedy
Linda Sanchez
Harold Ford Jr.
Brad Sherman
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Alcee Hastings


http://www.house.gov/berman/letter_new.html

Change of tune, Will Marshall. Wary of public opinion?

[Ken Burch]

1. Who knows?

Al From will probably make him recant the heresy tomorrow.

[Sebastian Doyle]

2. Richard Perle is trying to act like he never had anything to do with the PNAC agenda

Maybe his fellow PNAC signator Will Marshall is trying to do the same thing?

What's next? Wolfowitz offering to personally negotiate a peace deal?