Middle East watchers might want to examine the Democratic presidential campaigns in Iowa more carefully. From Des Moines to Sioux City the candidates are criss-crossing the state making prepared and extemporaneous statements about Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, Iraq and all other things Middle Eastern. Indeed, many of the Democrats' closing arguments before Thursday's Hawkeye state showdown are showcasing their supposed Middle East experience, particularly in the wake of Benazir Bhutto's assassination. Their statements serve as important clues to a future Democratic foreign policy in the Middle East -- far more than a consensus-driven Democratic Convention platform that won't be written until late Spring.
Putting aside the prefacing crescendo of criticism over Bush administration foreign policy fiascos too numerous to mention, most Democrats have waxed frequently on Iraq and Iran, and most recently, on Pakistan.
But they have yet to formulate any strategic vision of a post Iraq Middle East policy for the United States.
Nevertheless, here are some Middle East-oriented tidbits gathered from a perusal of most of the candidates' collective speeches, interviews, and just taped voter exchanges that Democrats have supported:
Given his vast experience with the topic, the most self-assured and expansive candidate on Middle East issues is U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden (who also would be one of the leading candidates for Secretary of State in a Democratic administration).
What is not surprising is that other candidates have borrowed many of their Middle East proposals from Senator Joe (particularly his proposal for the creation of an Iraqi government that devolves authority to local governments, rather than to a central Baghdad authority). He has been almost universally lauded by his competitors for the strength of his proposals at every turn. For a struggling Biden who deserves to be recognized for his substantive contribution to Democrats, closing polls indicate that Hawkeye Democrats do not appear willing to give Biden their vote of confidence where it counts, i.e., on Caucus night. Whether or not Sen. Biden survives the early primary contests, his Middle East proposals will surely stand out as pillars for the remaining candidates in the race. In fact, Biden's website is a treasure trove of thoughtful Middle East policy recommendations.
For Middle East aficionados, Biden's various speeches in Iowa may be the yellow brick road to Democrats in dire need of a post-Bush strategic Middle East policy.
It is truly sickening to see both the Democrats and the Republican
Here's an idea...why don't we agree to mind our own business for a few years and see how that goes.
One of the things we could focus on istead is how to come up with a rational system of caucusing that doesn't cleave to an archaic structure heralding back to whiskey barrels and turkey shoots. How about the order of states primaries be based on their ability to get voters to the booths on election day. If a state can succeed in that, it would be reason to give it primacy in the caucusing order.
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keep repeating it,...it's the quickest way out the extraordin
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I urge all Iowa caucus goers to realize that only 10% show up to caucus. Every person makes a difference
And no matter who is president WE NEED A NEW CONGRESS! Please consider running...
www.peacec
Amb. Ginsberg: As an Israeli dual citzen born in New York and raised in Israel your comments don't surprise me.
I wouldnt count on America being so 'steadfast with Israel' anymore.
A Middle East policy requires stepping back and rethinking what is best for the United States in the long run, which necessitat
It appears that without the outside pressure of another superpower to hold our ambitions in check, we have revealed ourselves to be spoiled rich kids.
But let's take the next step here. Do you really think that any of our domestic problems -- huge as they are -- will be solved before this war is safely ended?
Do you really think that a Clinton or an Obama could serve in the White House right now?
We Democrats like to presume weakness among the Republican
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If Israel takes military action against Iran, my guess would be that it won't be around long enough for the US to be "steadfast
I would say that a Biden administra
But, back to the race...
If Senator Biden is not the Democratic nominee, then you will be looking at another Republican administra
I hope that's clear as mud!