Debbie Schlussel: Iraq = HAMASastan 2?: Supports Israel Boycott
So glad our troops, including my cousin, helped liberate Iraq. So what do we get in return? Islamic law, a Shi'ite government that is inching toward Iran-style fundamentalism, and NOW, that country supports the Arab Boycott of Israel.
Our friend, Jerusalem Post reporter Michael Freund alerts us to his story, today, about the Iraqi government's decision to participate in the Arab Boycott:
The US-backed Iraqi government sent an official representative to this week's meeting of the Arab League Boycott Office in Damascus, The Jerusalem Post has learned, prompting criticism from members of Congress and the Bush administration.
Liaison officers from 14 countries met for four days this week to discuss ways of intensifying the Arab embargo against Israel. Among those taking part were delegates from several ostensible US allies, such as Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
Tom Casey, a spokesman for the US State Department, told the Post that Washington was unhappy with Baghdad's action. . . .
Contacted by phone, a spokesman for the Iraqi embassy in London declined to comment.
Unhappy? That and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. We have federal anti-boycott laws specifically outlawing the Arab Boycott of Israel. They were passed in 1977, as amendments to the Export Administration Act and the Ribicoff Amendment to the 1976 Tax Reform Act. The federal statute citation is 15 CFR 760 et seq. And there is a federal Anti-Boycott Office to enforce them. Apparently, our State Dept. and Prez see those as mere formalities.
Where is our government and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice on this? Too busy telling Bono and The Independent that "Rocket Man" reminds her of her first boyfriend, apparently.
We should be telling Iraq that if they boycott Israel, they don't get funds. But we won't. Just like we gave in and gave our tax $$$ to HAMASastan's government.
Don't hold your breath for that to change. Our foreign policy is consistent on one thing: Those who run it simply don't have the guts. Despite all the self-promotion, PR, and hype about their physical fitness work-outs, when it comes to the real tests of strength, President Bush and Clueless Condoleeza are just plain wimpy.
Posted by Debbie on May 19, 2006 09:40 AM to Debbie Schlussel