AIPAC flexes muscles

We are witnessing the most intense and significant political battle of the past 50 years. How intense? Tens of millions of dollars spent; vast amounts of airtime purchased; hundreds of lobbyists, favors and commitments bought; promises and threats made. How significant? Potential for world war.

The issue is the six-nation agreement with Iran concerning sanctions and nuclear weapons. On one side of the issue is a tiny, albeit nuclear-armed country with fewer people than New York City, but with powerful friends. On the other side, the rest of the world favoring this agreement.

Although not a treaty that the Senate would need ratify, Congress insisted on veto power even though the president has constitutional authority. Why then did Congress insist on this extraordinary power?

Enter those powerful friends. This struggle illustrates what has long been said: that Congress is Israeli-occupied territory inciting muddled loyalty, and that the American-Israeli Political Action Committee is the most powerful in the land. Add to the mix the beneficiaries of military conflict “e.g. arms makers” and you have a witches’ brew poured onto decisions of war and peace.

Michael Poulin

Spokane