The Israel lobby myth revived again

February 18, 2010

Comments 44

In a post last week, Professor Stephen Walt, co-author of The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy, declared that his thesis that the Israeli lobby in the US played a key role in the decision to invade Iraq has now been confirmed.

Here’s why: ''I hope readers will forgive me if I indulge today in a bit of self-promotion, or more precisely, self-defence. This week, yet another piece of evidence surfaced that suggests we were right all along … In his testimony to the Iraq war commission in the UK, former prime minister Tony Blair offered the following account of his discussions with Bush in Crawford, Texas, in April 2002. Blair reveals that concerns about Israel were part of the equation and that Israel officials were involved in those discussions.''
Yet, a close reading of what Blair actually said (''the Israel issue was a big, big issue at the time'') reveals that he was referring to Israel’s actions in the West Bank during Operation Defensive Shield, not to the decision to invade Iraq.
Two weeks ago, Walt argued that if the US attacks Iran it will not be doing so independently - it would be because of the Israel lobby and its backers, including neoconservative newspaper columnists: ''If the United States does launch an attack, it will be doing so in part on Israel’s behalf, and the lobby would bear significant responsibility for having pushed this dangerous policy.''
In The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy, Walt and his co-author John Mearsheimer, wrote that American politicians are so fearful of ''The Lobby'' that they cannot vote according to their conscience. Other assertions are that the US invaded Iraq because of Israel and a cabal of mostly Jewish, neoconservative intellectuals who coerced the administration into the war: ''Within the US, the main driving force behind the war was a small band of neoconservatives, many with ties to the Likkud.''
The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy has been labelled the modern Protocols of the Elders of Zion and The International Jew. White supremacist David Duke has applauded it; The Holocaust denying Institute for Historical Review has published it on its site; Hamas, the PLO, Iran’s press service, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and Al Jazeera have been giving the paper heavy airing.
The book argues that US support for the Jewish state has endangered American domestic security, leading to terrorism and hatred against the American nation. Why has the most powerful nation in the world been willing to neglect its own security for the sake of another state? Because of the all-powerful, nefarious Israel lobby, referred to ominously as ''The Lobby’’ (their capitalisation), comprised of American Jews who ''make a significant effort … to bend US foreign policy so that it advances Israel’s interests.'' The book argues that the ''unmatched power'' of the Israel lobby has hijacked American foreign policy, noting that the American-Israel Public Affairs committee ''is a de-facto agent of foreign government and has a stranglehold on the US congress''.
According to the authors, ''The Lobby'' is everywhere, controlling the media and academic publications and silencing debate on Israel, although they fail to explain the rampant and pervasive anti-Israel sentiment spreading on almost every campus and permeating global newspapers. The book seeks to explain most of America’s misfortunes in the world through a shadowy, sinister Israel lobby. This is quintessential conspiracy theory, combining ''blame-the-Jew'' with antiquated ''Jews seek world domination'' myths. Although AIPAC is singled out as a lobby with vast tentacles of damaging influence reaching across all sectors of government, other Jewish bodies are roped into the mix.
The allegations that American Jews, and by extensions other Diaspora Jews, have a double loyalty, are subversive, even treasonous, and are working harmfully for another country is an alarming imputation to make. To question the loyalty of Jews who are devoted to America, or Australia or any other country, and suspect them of disloyalty is wrong and unfair. History tells us that in times of national predicaments and crisis, Jews have frequently been accused of such betrayal.
The book is overflowing with factual errors that even Noam Chomsky, no supporter of Israel, ridiculed the work, saying the authors, ''have a highly selective use of evidence (and much of the evidence is assertion)''. Christopher Hitchens mocked the ''over-fondness for Jewish name dropping''. Abe Foxman, in The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control explains the danger of such myths being promoted and demolishes the authors’ contentions.
The book’s core formulation - powerful Jews behind the scenes - is the staple of the radical fringe. But to have such charges aired with a tag of academic respectability in a style affiliated with serious, objective scholarship and to have them enter mainstream discourse is alarming. If Chicago and Harvard intellectuals accept these absurd convictions and beliefs, anyone may.
Mearsheimer opposed the Iraq War, believing it would provide Israel with the chance of ethnically cleansing the Palestinians. In December 2004, he offered diametrically different opinions to that of his book, stating that the Americans went to the Iraq war in good faith, believing they would find weapons of mass destruction, fearing that Saddam Hussein could become a serious threat to the US and believing in the power of democracy - that is, rather than acting in the interests of Israel. How does one explain such contradictions?
As Senator Moynihan once said, ''You have right to your own opinions, but not to your own facts.''

Dvir Abramovich is the Jan Randa Senior Lecturer in Jewish Studies and director of the Centre for Jewish History and Culture at The University of Melbourne. He is editor of the Australian Journal of Jewish Studies and president of the Australian Association of Jewish Studies. He is co-editor of the book Testifying to the Holocaust, published in 2008.

Comments

44 comments so far

I think you'll find if you look hard enough that Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz were in fact front and centre at the Pentagon when the decision to invent the excuse of WMD's and link Saddam Hussein's Iraq with Al Quaeda and pin blame for the 9/11 attacks on Washington and New York on him, thereby giving a perfect excuse for war and as it was termed at the time, regime change. Regime change was at the time Israel's policy. Both these men are strident Zionists. So, with the benefit of a hindsight and all that has come to light since the Iraq war we can make our own minds up about whether or not there was divided loyalty on the part of these pivotal players Perle and Wolfowitz. Go figure!

Moradchai Vanunu | GC - February 18, 2010, 9:32AM

OK we get it - only Jews may acknowledge the existence of the Israel Lobby. Apologies for contemplating the issue.

USS Liberty - February 18, 2010, 10:51AM

Take a step back and see the wood for the trees, You Dvir, ARE the Israel Lobby. You ARE a part of this lobby that you deny is everywhere. The whole point of this blog is to play the victim thereby justifying the increasingly brutal, illegal, occupation and usurpation of Palestine. The charge of anti-semitism no longer holds water in the face of Israeli hubris.

Rhett Orric | GC - February 18, 2010, 11:00AM

Well, of course there is an Israel Lobby, just as there are lobbies for everything from the environment to gay rights to underwater basket weaving. However, Dvir is correct to point out that allegations of a disproportionate amount of "influence" by the Israel Lobby is laughable - and that it is an anti-Israeli bias to think otherwise.

Where he is wrong is to link an anti-Israeli bias to an anti-Semitic bias. Although I deplore the way many posters here at the Age link the two, they are not the same. Not everything Jewish is a cause to attack Israel; and definately not anything Israeli is a casue to attack Jews.

Sisu - February 18, 2010, 11:10AM

Oh dear, you need to read Bob Drogon's "Curveball", senate reports and anything other than the excrable Abe Foxman and you will note that all the phoney evidence about WMD was supplied directly by Israel and the lobby in the US.

Marilyn - February 18, 2010, 11:58AM

Dvir, of course there is a israel lobby, as some one mention you are part of it. Look at the way Ahmadinejad was misquoted in his interview where he referred to "wiping israel from the map", he was actually referring to a physical map. The story was twisted by people like you Dvir. If you listen to the whole interview and not the clever editing, he is only referring to the fact that he doesn't recognize the country of israel. He made no mention of killing all the jews, but the story was twisted until all we hear is "wiping israel off the map" as if holocaust (TM) number 2 is on the way.

Dave - February 18, 2010, 11:58AM

Dvir, other commentators here to your article correctly point out that one should not confuse anti-Israeli sentiment with anti-semetic sentiment. To do so prevents a rational discussion about the role of Israel in middle east politics.

The difference between the work of Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer and your artciles on this web site is that they are credible academics, and you are not.

Arkady Rabinowitz | Sydney - February 18, 2010, 1:41PM

Of course there is a Jewish Lobby.. anyone else notice the influx of holocaust films that hit the screens around the same time israel was invading lebanon and palistine? The hollywood holocaust movie scene is definitely pro-Israeli propaganda

Asa | Bondi - February 18, 2010, 2:36PM

That's right, Dvir, there's no Israeli Lobby, just like there's no Mossad and no Israeli nuclear weapons of mass destruction, right?

Max Gross | Yarra Ranges - February 18, 2010, 2:38PM

Dvir, you are beginning to discuss some worthwhile topics instead of just whinging! Of course there is an Israel lobby, but to assume they control the western world is hubris of the highest order by these people. But you need propaganda to win the hearts and minds..... *sigh*

vanessa - February 18, 2010, 2:40PM

It should not come as a surprise that Jews' ears prick up if they think they can hear these old tunes hammered out once more. Our own virulently anti-Semitic blog poster Marilyn ... and fellow bigots such as "Arkady" and "Max" help perpetuate this toxic myth.

The naive assumption at work here is that the American dog has no interests of its own, leaving it free to be wagged by the pro-Israel tail. It's a convenient view, casting the great superpower as a hapless, and essentially innocent, victim. But guess what: the US emphatically does have its own strategic interests - oil chief among them - and it guards them fiercely. Support for Israel as a loyal, dependable ally - ready to take on Arab and other forces that might pose a threat to those interests - has served America's purposes well. That's why the US acts the way it does, not because Aipac tells it to.

Perhaps the most powerful example - if only because so many believe the reverse to be true - is the Iraq war. Plenty of Mearsheimer-Walt followers reckon it was the "Lobby" wot done it: it was Israel that pushed for war. But as Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to Colin Powell, and others have explained, Israel's leaders in fact repeatedly warned against an attack on Saddam, fearing it would distract from, and embolden, what it regarded as the real threat, namely Iran. As it happened, they were right.

Josh | Melbourne - February 18, 2010, 6:23PM

I reckon Sisu has pretty well nailed it.

However, an effective lobby is not some well-financed, shadowy pressure group, it's the right person in the right place at the right time. If the current Middle East situation is anything to go by, any lobby that engineered it really needs to get its act together- because this is just one dirty great mess and likely to get dirtier and messier

David | Leongatha - February 19, 2010, 8:01AM

Iran is a threat to the entire world not just israel even though it decided to make israel its number one target. If the USA is dumb enough, or maybe brave enough, to attack iran, believe you me it will not be because of a lobby group of Jews advocating for Israel. It will be because the nobel prize winner President realises its time to avoid a nuclear war.

Bonita | Rowston, - February 18, 2010, 11:54PM

What a slam dunk! Your logic and solid argument tear the professor's arguments to shred. What do the Jews and Israelis have to do for the world and Christian folks like myself to like them?

Jamie | Australia - February 18, 2010, 11:47PM

I have no doubt that the Israeli lobby had a hand in pushing the American administration to attack Iraq. But I'm not sure Israel was crazy about the idea. I read somewhere that in fact the Israeli government of the time told the Americans that an invasion would have catastophic implications for the region. What a shame uncle sam went his own way and created another Vietnam.

Sam | Hurtsville, NSW - February 18, 2010, 11:42PM

I find it hysterical that eminent scholars would buy into hackneyed conspiracy theories that have been so discredited they are not even funny. This blog is becoming a must read for me, so keep churning them my good Dr.

Hayden | WA - February 18, 2010, 11:38PM

That this kind of rubbish was published in the London Review of Books says plenty about the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish feeling that dominates the intellectual atmosphere in England and around the world.

Jaxon | Tasmania - February 18, 2010, 9:28PM

Actually, i could believe that if you have a powerful team of influential policy makers and political operatives, you could convince an administration already leaning for an invasion to go the extra step. But that's where it stops.All the other claims the professors make don't sound true, and come across as just unbelievable.

Carmen | NSW - February 18, 2010, 9:24PM

I can't believe anyone would buy the garbage that one group of people, and I don't care if it's the pro-lifers or the gun lovers, can make any government invade another country. I mean, I've heard a lot of things, but this one takes the cake.

EddieK | Oakland - February 18, 2010, 9:20PM

Hey guys if we try hard enough we can pin the JFK assassination on the Israeli lobby.

Natalie | Melbourne - February 18, 2010, 9:17PM

Bonita, going to war against Iran would only start a nuclear war. It's the worst possible option. By a long way.

Good blog. Two comments; One, every group lobbies. It's just the way it is.

Two, quoting the morally and intellectually bankrupt Christopher Hitchens is IMO not such a great move. Other than that, good blog.

Dan - February 19, 2010, 9:35AM

As a university student i studied the protocols of the elders of Zion which was a forgery by the Russian police. As students we saw through the crap that it was, and the nonsensical nature of this document.

Daniella - February 19, 2010, 9:59AM

The invasion of Iraq wasn't about Israel, or a lobby, or about liberating the Iraqi people. It wasn't even about George Bush finishing his father's unfinished work. It was about big oil companies wanting a share of the spoils and wanting to make sure oil suppy wasn't affected.

Leroy | Victoria - February 19, 2010, 10:05AM

I hate to say it, but on this one you're totally right mate. I don't buy any theory that looks for what I call the lone gun theory. What I mean is that the Israeli lobby theory looks to paint the lobby as so powerful so as to push a sovreign nation like America into war. Can't happen. There wer probably a hundred different reasons and factors that led Bush to declare war. Sorry everybody, but this time you can't lay it at the feet of the Jews.

Benny | QLD - February 19, 2010, 10:10AM

I had never heard of the two gentleman you refer to Dr Abramovich, but I'm grateful for bringing them to my attention. I am truly appaled by this report, and the damage it seeks to inflict on the Jewish people. My grandfather was Jewish, and he would often recount the antisemitism he encountered first hand as a boy. All good people, he said, must be judged by how they treat those who are different and are in the minority. We should all fight with all our might and soul against incitment directed at the Jews.

Freya - February 19, 2010, 10:44AM

The Israelis have been stirring the entire world to attack Iran because they want to be the only nation in the arab middle east to have nuclear bombs. Iran has never attacked israel, not in the first gulf conflict and not in any other war. I don't think Israel has to worry, and besides, it has the fourth strongest army in the world.

Sonny | Spain - February 19, 2010, 10:38AM

Max: you refer to Israel's supposed arsenal of mass weapons. Perhaps you are correct in your assertion, but Israel has never been the aggressor in any war, and has never exercised the option of using wmd's. This tiny country, built from the ashes of the Holocaust, is a miracle that we should all applaud. It is truly a shame that the Arab world has chosen to seek to destroy it.

Jurgen | WA - February 19, 2010, 10:27AM

Maybe you folks down under don't have time to read 15000 word books but I did and let me tell ya, the professors have a point. AIPAC, or the lobby, have a lot of juice and connections. they know exactly what buttons to push. That's why the Israelis don't like Obama, coz the man says it like it is and takes orders from no one.

Santiago M | New York - February 19, 2010, 10:22AM

Sure the lobby exists, just watch what happens the moment you try and criticize Israel. Not good.

Seth | Lileah,Tasmania - February 19, 2010, 11:42AM

Asa, i found it really offensive and shameful for you to say that Holocaust films is pro-israeli propaganda. The holocaust happened before israel was established; it's a fact of history. For you to use it for political purposes is unfair and disrespectful to the memory of the victims and their families.

Katja | Victoria - February 19, 2010, 11:46AM

While I agree that pro-Israel lobbyists did not push the Bush administration into the invasion, the main architects of the invasion did include the security and interests of Israel as one of their reasons. Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Perl and Bolton, with others, wrote an open letter to Clinton in early 1998 recommending he invade Iraq and "remove" Sadaam's regime. You can read the full letter at http://www.newamericancentury.org/iraqclintonletter.htm.

I did read "The Israel Lobby" while I was living in the US. The authors took pains to emphasise that there was no conspiracy and that there is nothing inherently wrong with pro-Israel lobbying. Their main concern was when this lobbying went against US interests.

My own experience in living there was that there are a large number of independent pro-Israel organisations, from grassroots campaigns up to AIPAC, active at ensuring support for Israel remained high in government, media and universities. I had no real problem with that, but I was appalled at the vehement stifling of any opposing view. It prevented an open debate and most Americans have no idea of the suffering of the Palestinians, many actually believing that they had migrated to the West Bank from Jordan after 1948!

bikegeek | Terrigal - February 19, 2010, 11:49AM

I'm sorry - but what? What in hell are all these comments talking about? What Israeli lobby? Who says you're criticised for 'talking about Israel'? I'm a university student and basically all I see in terms of Israel is rampant unlimited criticism.

University students (supposedly the new intelligentsia) are so far left and so rabidly anti-Israel that they will say anything. It's just utter crap; antisemitism has somehow become acceptable again. It was especially bad when i was at UWS, but come on. How does the 'Israeli lobby' force anyone to do anything? It's just the stupidest idea ever. It's like, if you stop thinking, and start talking about the wildest, dumbest crap you possibly can, you'd start believing what everyone says criticising Israel.

That's what is just so confusing - all these comments are about some all powerful Israeli lobby, and it just doesn't make any sense; it's as if anyone with Jewish name that works for any government is 'pulling the strings'. What's even more strange is that it used to be the mark of the extreme right wing that were antisemitic and now it appears to be the extreme left. Guess the extreme left and extreme right aren't that different after all.

Tom | Sydney - February 19, 2010, 12:03PM

Bikegeek, you would have to live on another planet not to hear, read or watch about the suffering of the Palestinians. What about the suffering of the Israelis? But I agree with you, there is not open debate, we only get to hear from the one side, the Palestinian side.

Evelin - February 19, 2010, 1:00PM

If anything, most public opinion in Israel was against the war because they knew who would end up getting the blame for it. However, the Israeli lobby in America, is primarily composed of *Americans* and there is no doubt that they played a significant role in pushing for the war - it's not necessarily to serve Israel's interests but their own. An antisemitic backlash would suit them just fine - more grist for the propaganda mill and a population boost for Israel .... it worked for them last time.

Miriam | Sydney - February 19, 2010, 1:09PM

Miriam are you seriously saying that the so named lobby wanted to promote or provoke antisemitism? If you are, then you have no idea how twisted this sounds. No Jewish person wants to unlease hatred and violence against Jews which is what antisemitism amounts to. There is no purpose served by people getting assaulted. If you have a chance to do so, please post again and apologize.

Thomas | St Kilda - February 19, 2010, 1:33PM

What if in 1948 the state of Israel was not created smack bang in the Middle East in the middle of Muslim communities?

What if those early proposals for a Jewish homeland in Madagascar or, as a certain Theodor Herzl contemplated, Uganda, had been acted upon instead? Where would the world be today?

No PLO?

No Hezbollah?

No Hamas?

No Al Qaeda?!

No 9/11?!!

No U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq?!!!

And that's just for starters, right folks?

Max Gross | Yarra Ranges - February 19, 2010, 2:58PM

Readers of this blog may be interested in this -
Professor Petras is the author of numerous books on state power and the nature of globalization in the context of the US and Latin America, and most recently in the Middle East. His latest book, published in 2006, is titled The Power of Israel in the United States.

" I would argue that the pro-Israel lobby, the Zionist Lobby, is the dominant factor in shaping US policy in the Middle East, particularly in the most recent period. One has to look at this beyond AIPAC. , we have to look at a whole string of pro-Zionist think tanks from the American Enterprise Institute on down, we have to look at a whole power configuration, which not only involves AIPAC, but also the President of the Major American Jewish Organizations, which number 52. We have to look at individuals occupying crucial positions in the government, as we had recently with Elliott Abrams and Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Feith and others. We have to look at the army of op-ed writers who have access to the major newspapers. We have to look at the super-rich contributors to the Democratic Party, media moguls, etc. this, together with the leverage in Congress and in the Executive, is the decisive factor in shaping US foreign policy in the Middle East. And I want to emphasize that.
http://dissidentvoice.org/Apr07/Borer-Petras-Finkelstein17.htm

Ruth - February 19, 2010, 3:14PM

Haha you are full of it Mr Abramovich as stated by an earlier post on this blog , "you are the Israel Lobby" . What a joke , i truly wonder for how much longer zionists can get away with the outrageous lies that you tell oh thats right its another "conspiracy theory" that the Jews/Zionists control the western media but hang on a second they do as per an article in the LA Times from December 19, 2008 by Joel Stein a Zionist Jew who says I quote "I have never been so upset by a poll in my life. Only 22% of Americans now believe "the movie and television industries are pretty much run by Jews," down from nearly 50% in 1964. The Anti-Defamation League, which released the poll results last month, sees in these numbers a victory against stereotyping. Actually, it just shows how dumb America has gotten. Jews totally run Hollywood."

So Mr Abramovich please stop lying as you are to easy to expose the Jewish/Zionist Lobby is all powerful because it has a huge amount of control over the western media which enables you and your fellow followers of the Judaic Religion to get away with your lies like "poor us , we are the victims of anti-semitism" lol "poor Israel surrounded by enemies" or "We [Israel] do not have thermonuclear weapons of mass destruction" hahaha . I am sick to death of these outrageous lies told by YOU the jewish/Zionist controlled media and Israel.
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/19/opinion/oe-stein19

Mick | Australia - February 19, 2010, 4:26PM

*News Corp. President Peter Chernin (Jewish),
*Paramount Pictures Chairman Brad Grey (Jewish),
*Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert Iger (Jewish),
*Sony Pictures Chairman Michael Lynton ( Jewish),
*Warner Bros. Chairman Barry Meyer (Jewish),
*CBS Corp. Chief Executive Leslie Moonves (Jewish,his great uncle was the 1st P.M. of Israel),
*MGM Chairman Harry Sloan (Jewish)
*NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker (Jewish).
*Rupert Murdoch (his mother is Jewish so according to Jewish Genealogical tradition that makes him Jewish beyond that he is a Zionist no matter what his religion is)

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/19/opinion/oe-stein19

Mick | Australia - February 19, 2010, 4:34PM

acking buckets of that. Even Jewish members of the House of Commons such as Sir Gerald Kaufman, have talked of the power of the Israel lobby in both the US and the UK. There have been many instances in the US of members of Congress who have tried to take an even handed stance on the Palestine issue only to have the Jewish lobby campaign against them for re-election and to have them beaten. Now, there are very few members of the US Congress prepared to take on the Lobby. You only have to look at the massive funding provided to sustain an otherwise nonviable Israeli state, with no apparent benefit, and great cost, to US national security, to see that it is an extraordinary case of the tail wagging the dog.

Lesm | Balmain - February 19, 2010, 4:41PM

@Jurgen | WA - February 19, 2010, 10:27AM: One of the most grotesque aspects of Israel's expansionist policies is the use of the Holocaust as some sort of excuse. It's like Bush and Cheney using the dead of 9/11 as an excuse to destroy Iraq and blow up poor, helpless Afghans.

Max Gross | Yarra Ranges - February 19, 2010, 5:12PM

Not to quote the Jewish Lobby but this is biased tripe.

Gaza in that case was really a quite demonstration and Jerusalem has fair planning laws and Israel isn't a apartheid state
A Israeli isn't Arab really isn't a Palestine.
If I were to believe this I would believe that Palestine never existed and Israel was created by God personally and not the Allies after the war.
Or that Hamas and other Arab countries haven't guaranteed peace with Israel if they go back to the 1967 borders.
Or the wall isn't about stealing more land.
This article was about as accurate as Inglorious Basterds.
And does more damage to the Jewish people than good.
Hopefully the wonderful Jewish people out there who helped bring down apartheid can teach the Israelis to do the same.
Israel needs to be part of the answer not the problem.
And stop treating the rest of the world with contempt.
The Kiwis can tell us all about Mossad forging passports.They get caught and then do it again.
We are not all stupid.

BMP | Sydney - February 19, 2010, 5:57PM

Jurgen / WA I saw your comment.

Give your house and land back to the Aborginals. They have a direct link to the land and country. Not something created on the ashes and brutality of people kicked out of their homes. Jews have lived with Muslims throughout the ages but it wasn't the Muslims who killed them it was a mad European.

BMP | Sydney - February 19, 2010, 6:10PM

Evelin, it was another planet I was living in - called the USA :-). The Palestinian story certainly gets a hearing here in Oz but not over there. From Fox on the right through to MSNBC on the left, the media are pro-Israeli, or at best carefully avoid being seen as criticising Israeli actions. AIPAC conventions draw a large percentage of congress. There is more debate in universities, but faculty risk losing their jobs if they show any anti-Israel bias (pro-Israel is fine).

That being said, I saw no evidence of some sort of conspiracy, but just a large number of independent pro-Israel activist organisations working very effectively to stifle debate and ensure the US support Israel even when their policies such as the illegal settlements went against US interests. These groups cut across the entire spectrum on US society with Christian and non-denominational membership as well as Jewish. In fact, the most active people working against these groups is J Street, a Jewish organisation.

bikegeek | terrigal - February 19, 2010, 7:14PM

Dvir Abramovich can’t see a tree in a forest! They magnify a few tragic incidents of Europe and deny all other tragic inducements around the world!! People of Dvir’s nature have been using ‘holocaust’ to justify the most painful and slow motion HOLOCASUT in the longest running concentration camps located inside occupied Palestine with a stamp of infinity. This type of hypocrisy and double standard is sickening.

mukto_mona/Sydney 2/19/2010 10:23:17 PM (posted, hope will be published)

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For further details please contact any of our officials in future.

With thanks.

Sincerely Yours

Faruque Ahmed
Secretary
NSW TDA
6-Nov-09

NSW TAXI DRIVERS ASSOCIATION
Incorporating Bailee Drivers, Owner Drivers and Lessee Drivers
Inc 9882558 ABN:98 653 928 763
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nswtdaforum
PO Box 322 Alexandria NSW 2015
President: Anne Turner Secretary: Faruque Ahmed
Mob: 0431 585 944 Mob: 0432 665 822

Media Release: The NSW TDA 2009 Election Result



The following members were elected at the AGM of Aug 30th 2009.

President: Anne Turner
Vice President: Eddy Diab
Secretary: Faruque Ahmed
Treasurer: Trevor Bradley
Media Manager: Van Conterno
Website Manager: Bhargav Brahmbhatt (Bargo)
Membership Manager: Owusu (Junior) Debrah
Bailee Representative a): Ted Hirsch
Bailee Representative b): Mohamad Youssef
Lessee Representative: Ray Prasad
Plate Owner Representative: Eddy Diab
Minutes Secretary: Trevor Bradley


Van Conterno
Media Manager
Mobile: 0417 455 606
Date: Saturday
September 05, 2009

Full Text of President Ahmadinejad’s Remarks at U.N. Conference on Racism April 21, 2009

Full Text of President Ahmadinejad’s Remarks at U.N. Conference on Racism April 21, 2009
by Jeremy R. Hammond

Ahmadinejad speaks at the U.N. conference on racism (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images)

This is a rush transcript of the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s remarks at the United Nations Durban Review Conference on racism in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 20, 2009. Transcribed from the translation given in the U.N. webcast of the speech.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful… [Protestors in clown costumes escorted out by security] May he bestow upon his prophets… Praise be upon Allah, the Almighty, who is just, kind, and compassionate. May he bestow upon his prophets his blessings and his grace from Adam to Noah; Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, and His last prophet, Mohammed. Peace be upon them all who are the harbingers of monotheism, fraternity, love … [Applause] … human dignity and justice.

Mr. Chairman. I call upon all distinguished guests to forgive these ignorant people.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Praise be upon Allah, the Almighty, who is just, kind, and compassionate, and praise and salutations of the Almighty God to the great prophet. May he bestow upon [us] His blessings, His grace. We thank the Almighty God. Praise be upon him who is just and who is compassionate. And the salutations and regards of Allah to his prophets, from Noah to Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, and his last prophet Mohammed. Peace be upon them all who are the harbingers of monotheism, fraternity, love, human dignity, and justice.

Mr. Chairman. Honorable Secretary General of the United Nations. Madam High Commissioner. Ladies and Gentleman. We have gathered here in the follow up to the Durban conference against racism and racial discrimination to work out practical mechanisms for our holy and humanitarian campaigns. Over the last centuries, humanity has gone through tremendous suffering and pain. In the middle ages, thinkers and scientists were sentenced to death. It was then followed by a period of slavery and slave trade, when innocent people in millions were captivated and separated from their families and loved ones, to be taken to Europe and America under worse conditions; the dark period that also experienced occupations, lootings, and massacres of innocent people.

Many years passed by before nations rose up and fought for their liberty and freedom, and they paid a high price. They lost millions of lives to expel the occupiers and proclaim their independence. However, it did not take long that the coercive powers imposed two wars in Europe which also plagued a part of Asia and Africa. Those horrific wars claimed about 100 million lives and left behind massive devastation. Had lessons been learned from the occupations, horrors, and crimes of those wars, there would have been a ray of hope for the future. The victorious powers called themselves the conquerors of the world while ignoring or downtreading the rights of other nations by the imposition of oppressive laws and international arrangements.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us take a look at the U.N. Security Council, which is one of the legacies of World War II and World War I. What was the logic behind their granting themselves the veto rights? How can such a logic comply with humanitarian or spiritual values? Could it be in conformity with the recognized principles of justice, equality before law, love, and human dignity? [Applause] Or rather, with discrimination, injustice, violation of human rights, or humiliation of the majority of nations and countries?

That Council is the highest decision-making world body for safeguarding the international peace and security. How can we expect the realization of justice and peace when discrimination is legalized and the origin of law is dominated by coercion and force rather than by justice and the right?

Coercion and arrogance is the origin of oppression and wars. Although today many proponents of racism condemn racial discrimination in their words and in their slogans, a number of powerful countries have been authorized to decide for other nations based on their own interests and at their own discretions. And they can easily ridicule and violate all laws and humanitarian values, as they have done so.

Following World War II, they resorted to military aggression to make an entire nation homeless on the pretext of Jewish sufferings. And they sent migrants from Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world in order to establish a totally racist government in the occupied Palestine… [Delegates walk out in protest. Applause] And in fact in compensation for the dire consequences of racism in Europe… Okay, please. Thank you. And in fact in compensation for the dire consequences of racism in Europe, they helped bring to power the most cruel and repressive, racist regime in Palestine. [Applause]

The Security Council helped stabilize this occupation regime and supported it in the past 60 years, giving them a free hand to continue their crimes. It is all the more regrettable that a number of Western governments and the United States have committed themselves to defend those racist perpetrators of genocide whilst the awakened conscience and free minded people of the world condemn aggression, brutalities and bombardments of civilians in Gaza. They have always been supportive or silent against their crimes. And before that, they have always been silent with regard to their crimes.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, what are the root causes of U.S. attacks against Iraq or invasion of Afghanistan? [Shouts from audience] What are the root causes of U.S. attacks against Iraq invasion of Afghanistan? Was the motive behind the invasion of Iraq anything other than the arrogance of the then U.S. administration and the mounting pressures on the part of the owner of wealth and power to expand their sphere of influence, seeking the interests of giant arms manufacturing companies, affecting a noble culture with thousands of years of historical background, eliminating potential and practical traits of Muslim countries against the useful Zionist regime, or to control and plunder energy resources of the Iraqi people? Why, indeed almost a million people were killed and injured and a few more millions were displaced and became homeless. Why, indeed the Iraqi people have suffered enormous losses amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars. And why was hundreds of billions of dollars imposed on the American people and its allies as a result of these military actions? Wasn’t the military action against Iraq planned by the Zionists and their allies in the then U.S. administration in complicity with the arms manufacturing companies and the owner of the wealth?

The invasion of Afghanistan; restore peace, security, and economic well being in this country. The United States and its allies not only have failed to contain [?] in Afghanistan, but also the illicit cultivation of narcotics multiplied in the course of their presence. The basic question is: What was the responsibility of the job of the then U.S. administration and its allies? Did it represent the world? Have they been mandated by them? Have they been authorized on behalf of the people of the world to interfere in all parts of the globe? And of course mostly in our region aren’t these measures a clear example of egocentrism, racism, discrimination, or infringement upon the dignity and independence of nations?

Ladies and gentlemen, who are responsible for the current global economic crisis? Where did the crisis start from? From Africa? From Asia? Or was it first from the United States, then spreading to Europe and to their allies? For a long time they imposed inequitable economic regulations. By their political power on the international economy they imposed a financial and a monetary system without a proper international oversight mechanism on nations and governments that played no role in the repressive trends or policies. They have not even allowed their people to oversee of monitor their financial policies. They introduce all laws and regulations in defiance to all moral values only to protect the interests of the owners of wealth and power. They further presented a definition of market economy and competition that denied many of the economic opportunities that could be available to other countries of the world. They even transferred their problems to others whilst the wave of crisis lashed back, plaguing their economies with thousands of billions of dollars in budget deficits. And today, they are injecting hundreds of billions of cash from the pockets of their own people into the failing banks companies and financial institutions making the situation more and more complicated for the economy and their people. They are simply thinking about maintaining power and wealth. They couldn’t care any less about the people of the world and even about their own people.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, racism is rooted in the lack of knowledge concerning the truth of human existence as the selected creature of God. It is also the product of his deviation from the true path of human life and the obligations of mankind in the world of creation. Failing to consciously worship God, not being able to think about the philosophy of life or the path to perfection that are the main ingredients of divine and humanitarian values, have restricted the horizon of human outlook, making transient and limited interests a yardstick for his actions.

That is why the cells of the Devil’s power took shape and expanded its realm of power by depriving others from enjoying equitable and just opportunities to development. The result has been the making of an unbridled racism that is posing the most serious threat against the international peace and has hindered the way for building peaceful coexistence in the entire world. Undoubtedly, racism is the symbol of ignorance which has deep roots in history. And it is indeed a sign of frustration in the development of human society. It is therefore crucially important to trace the manifestations of racism in situations or in societies where ignorance or lack of knowledge prevails in the societies. This increasing general awareness and understanding towards the philosophy of human existence is the principle struggle against such manifestations; which is the key to understanding the truth that humankind centers on the creation of the universe, and the key to a return to the spiritual and moral values, and finally the inclination to worship God the Almighty. The international community must initiate collective moves to raise awareness in the afflicted societies where the ignorance of racism still prevails so as to bring to a halt the spread of these malicious manifestations.

Dear friends, today the human community is facing a kind of racism which has tarnished the image of humanity in the beginning of the third millennium. The world Zionism personifies racism that falsely resorts to religion and abuse religious sentiments to hide their hatred and ugly faces. However, it is of great importance to bring into focus the political goals of some of the world powers and those who control huge economic resources and interests in the world. They mobilize all their resources, including their economic and political influence and world media to render support in vain to the Zionist regime, and maliciously endeavor to diminish the indignity and disgrace of this regime. This is not simply a question of ignorance, and one cannot conquer this ugly phenomenon through cultural campaigns. Efforts must be made to put an end to the abuse by Zionists and their supporters of political and international means and respect of the will and aspirations of nations. Governments must be encouraged and supported in their fights aimed at eradicating this barbaric racism [applause] and to move towards reforming … [applause] … the current international mechanisms.

There is no doubt that you are all aware of the conspiracies of some powers and Zionist circles against the goals and objectives of this conference. Unfortunately, there has been literature and statements in support of Zionism and their crimes, and it is the responsibility of honorable representatives of nations to disclose these campaigns which run counter to humanitarian values and principles. It should be recognized that boycotting such a session as an outstanding international capacity is a true indication of supporting the blatant example of racism.

In defending human rights it is primarily important to defend the rights of all nations to participate equally in all important international decision making processes without the influence of certain world powers. And secondly it is necessary to restructure the existing international organizations and their respective arrangements. Therefore this conference is a testing ground and the world public opinion today and tomorrow will judge our decisions and our actions [applause].

Mr. President. Mr President. Ladies and gentlemen. The world is going through fundamental changes, radical fundamental changes. Power relations have become so weak and fragile. The sounds of cracks in the pillars of world oppression can now be heard. Major political and economic structures are at the brink of collapse. Political and security crises are on the rise. The worsening crises in the world economy for which there can be seen no bright prospect, amply demonstrate the rising tide of far reaching global changes. I have repeatedly emphasized the need the change the wrong direction in which the world has been managed today. And I have also warned of the dire consequences of any delay in this crucial responsibility.

Now, in this [?] and valuable event, I would like to announce here to all leaders thinkers, and to all nations of the world present in this meeting and those who have a hunger for peace and economic well being, that the management, the inequitable and unjust management of the world, is now at the end of the road. This deadlock was inevitable since the logic of this imposed management was oppressive.

The logic of collective management of world affairs is based on noble aspirations which centers on human beings and the supremacy of the Almighty God. Therefore it defies any policy or plan which goes against the interest of nations. Victory of the right over the wrong and establishment of a just world system have been promised by the Almighty God and his messengers and it has been a shared goal of all human beings from different societies and generations in the course of history. Realization of such a future depends upon the knowledge of the creation and the belief in the hearts of all the faithful [applause]. The making of a global society is in fact the accomplishment of a noble held in the establishment of a common global system that will be run with the participation of all nations of the world in all major and basic decision making processes and the definite route to this sublime goal. Scientific and technical capacities as well as communication technologies have created a common and wider spread understanding of the world society and has provided the necessary ground for a common system.

Now it is incumbent upon all intellectuals, thinkers, and policy makers in the world to carry out their historical responsibility with firm belief to this definite route, I also want to lay emphasis on the fact that the western liberalism and capitalism, like communism, has reached to its end since it has failed to perceive the truth of the world and human[kind] as it is. It has imposed its own goals and directions on human beings with no regard for human and divine values, justice, freedom, love, or brotherhood; has based the living on the intensive competition securing individual and collective material interests.

Now we must learn from the past by initiating collective efforts by dealing with present challenges, and in this connection and in closing my remarks I wish to draw your kind attention to two important points. One: It is absolutely possible to improve the existing situation in the world. However, it must be noted that it could only be achieved through the cooperation of all countries in order to get the best out of existing capacities and resources in the world. My participation in this conference is because of my conviction of these important issues, as well as to our common responsibility to defending the rights of nations vis-a-vis the sinister phenomenon of racism, and being with you, the thinkers of the world. [Applause]

Two: Mindful of the inefficacy of the current international political, economic, and security systems on the world scene, it is necessary to focus on the divine and humanitarian values and by referring to the true definition of human beings, and based upon justice and respect for the rights of all people in all parts of the world, and by acknowledging the past wrongdoings in the past dominant management of the world undertake collective measures to reform the existing structures. In this respect, it is crucially important to reform the structure of the Security Council, including the elimination of the discriminatory veto right … [applause] … and change the current world and financial monetary systems. It is evident that lack of understanding on the urgency for change is equivalent to the much heavier costs of delay.

Dear friends, be aware that to move in the direction of justice and human dignity is like the national rapid flow in the current of a river. Let us not forget the essence of love and affection, the promised bright future of human beings is a great asset that will serve our purpose in keeping us together to build a new world and to make the world a better place full of love fraternity and blessings; a world devoid of poverty and hatred, [inaudible] the increasing blessings of God Almighty and the righteous management of the perfect human being. Let us all join hands in amity in playing our share in the fulfillment such a decent new world.

I thank you Mr. President, Secretary General, and all distinguished participants for having the patience to listen to me. Thank you very much.

Source: Full Text of President Ahmadinejad’s Remarks at U.N. Conference on Racism April 21, 2009