The last thing the world needs is another Middle East confrontation. Yet there are politicians in both political parties, who seem determined to create one. Although the international negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have made significant progress, Senators Kirk and Menendez are reviving legislation that would threaten Iran with new sanctions.
President Obama made it clear in his State of the Union Address that such legislation would kill the prospects for a deal. The EU and UK also have called on the US Congress to use restraint so as not to undermine negotiations. Although President Obama is threatening to veto the bill should it be passed in both Houses, there is a real danger that there may be enough Aye votes in the Senate to override a veto. The only way to prevent this outcome is for massive grassroots pressure.
Speaker Boehner’s decision to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the Congress on this subject and the latter’s acceptance of this invitation attests to the toxic role, which this right-wing Israeli government and its American allies, including AIPAC are continuing to play in American politics. It is high time that this aggressive intervention in American foreign policy cease. Even if you have already called, pick up the phone and call your Senators again.
DC Congressional Switchboard is 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to both your Senators. Let them know:
- You are opposed to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s intervention in American national security policy.
- You support the Obama Administration’s diplomacy with Iran and believe it is in the best interest of the United States and the rest of the world.
- You are strongly opposed to the Menendez-Kirk effort to push a sanctions bill through the Senate.
When you make this call ask the staff member where the Senator stands on these issues. Please pass along any responses to rustiangael@unitedforpeace.org
All we are saying, is give peace a chance! If you appreciate receiving timely action alerts like this, please make a donation to UFPJ so that we can continue to keep our member groups and dedicated activists linked together for effective action and impact!
