Embattled Middle East Hand Strikes Back At Political Critics

[Phx_Dem]

Washington — One of the experts who has advised Barack Obama’s campaign on Middle East issues is striking out against critics who have used him to criticize the Illinois senator’s views on Israel.

Robert Malley, a former special assistant to President Bill Clinton on Israel, told the Forward that the attacks on him by some pro-Israel advocates have “crossed the line.”

Malley, who now heads the Middle East and North Africa program at the International Crisis Group, emphasized his strong support for Israel and explained his views on the need to engage in talks with Iran and Syria and find ways to communicate with Hamas.

According to a statement from the Obama campaign, Malley is one of several experts who had offered advice to the candidate on Middle East policy. This role has taken center stage in recent weeks as right-wing groups and individuals tried to argue that Malley holds anti-Israeli views and that this indicates Obama himself has a problem with his Middle East policy.

http://www.forward.com/articles/12703/