Exclusive: Hagel says critics distort his views on Israel, Iran

[DonViejo]

Source: Lincoln Journal-Star

Chuck Hagel said Monday an accurate assessment of his record will demonstrate "unequivocal, total support for Israel" and endorsement of tough international economic sanctions against Iran.

Critics have "completely distorted" his record, the former Nebraska senator said in his first interview as President Barack Obama's designated choice to be secretary of defense.

At last, Hagel said, with his nomination announced by the president, he has an opportunity to set the record straight.

While he has been "hanging out there in no-man's land unable to respond to charges, falsehoods and distortions," Hagel said, a negative assessment of his record by critics and opponents took on a life of its own.

But the fact is that there is "not one shred of evidence that I'm anti-Israeli, not one (Senate) vote that matters that hurt Israel."

"I didn't sign on to certain resolutions and letters because they were counter-productive and didn't solve a problem," Hagel said.

-snip-




Read more: http://journalstar.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/exclusive-hagel-says-critics-distort-his-views-on-israel-iran/article_c4f3da0a-af78-5496-b62f-a89ca28c4bac.html

[PatrynXX]

1. I'd hate to be the dumb dolt who decided taking on Chuck from the Republican side was a wise idea.

Would be like The Hunt For Red October. oh he wasn't worried about the Russians. it was what the Americans would do that worried him. Last time they took out a Republican (Ron Paul) they lost the Presidential Election. Can't imagine what the heck they expect now.


Still getting over Mitch's Brainless comment about our addiction to spending? o_O what spending. only thing left is Defense cuts. Can't imagine your going to do anything there. There's more Revenue to be had from Taxes returning to normal (they aren't tax hikes) than Spending Cuts. I doubt he has any idea how to balance his check book. At some point he'll have to pay the bills.

[iandhr]

2. The debate on Israel is dominated by extremists on both sides.

Its either "Israel can do no wrong any criticism of Israel is anti-semetic" Or on the other side the folks who compare Israel to Nazi Germany.


The extremes on both sides dominate the debate and there is no room for nuance.

[garthranzz]

5. Well here's nuance

Right there, in your post.

May I add that many of Israel's critics, especially on the left, are (imho, if I must) hypocrites, holding Israel to a standard they do not demand of any other nation. (Where are the equally vociferous - and numerous - outcries and dramatic handwringing over Egyptian, Syrian, Saudi and Palestinian occupation and oppression, not to mention that of other regions? Compare the amount of noise.) Israel faces an existential threat. Hamas does not and will not recognize Israel's right to exist. "Death to the Jews."

That does not, however, excuse egregious actions by Israel. (Many of Israel's supporters here are more non-questioning than Israelis themselves. Even "right wing" (whatever that term means) Israelis challenge the government, even while supporting its platform.) Further, policy should be subject to debate - sometimes policy is bad, or wrong. Israeli governments have made mistakes and bad policy decisions. Admitting that and addressing them are a good thing.

Of course, the value or effectiveness of a policy should not be judged a priori.

The issues are complex. The emotions high.

Thank you.

[leftynyc]

6. Well said

Very well said.

[iandhr]

7. very well said.

[iandhr]

8. I could not have said it better myself.

Its like you read my mind.

[garthranzz]

10. Thanks. I just fainted.

I said something about Israel and wasn't flamed. Wow.

Maybe there's hope.

(I really needed your response.)

[TwilightGardener]

3. Good to see Chuck's allowed to fight back now.

[grandpamike1]

4. Sounds like

"unequivocal, total support for Israel" and endorsement of tough international economic sanctions against Iran.

Sounds like the contract Grover Norquist makes Republicans sign not to ever raise taxes.

I am so tired of all of the fealty shown towards Israel by this country. Why do we continue to allow Israeli politics govern what we do here in the United States. Israel can take care of it's own country all by itself, but we will never have any politician, of any designation, ever vote against Israeli interests.

And no, I am not against Israel, but I am a Jew and my first allegiance is to my country, the United States and not to any other sovereign state.

[Comrade Grumpy]

9. I'm sorry to hear that.