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Letter to ADL from Dr. Howard Dean
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HOWARD DEAN
for America
Thank you for your letter regarding the Middle East.
There is no difference between our positions when it comes to my unequivocal support for Israel's right to exist and to be free from terror. I stand firmly with you in the war on terror and have called on the Palestinian leadership to renounce violence and to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure that exists inside the Palestinian Authority.
As I have said before, the United States must remain committed to the special, longstanding relationship we have with Israel, including providing the resources necessary to guarantee Israel's long-term defense and security. Maintaining Israel's security is a key U.S. national security interest.
I believe, however, that the United States has another important role to play in the region -- that of an honest broker at the negotiating table -- with the trust of both sides and able to facilitate direct talks between the parties. The U.S. must be able to understand the needs of both sides in order to help them find a truly lasting and comprehensive settlement through direct negotiation.
We are also in agreement that only the Palestinians and the Israelis themselves can make and keep the peace and work out the specifics of a lasting agreement. Peace cannot be imposed by outside parties. On the issue of settlements, both parties have acknowledged that Israel will have to remove a number of settlements. How many and which those are will have to be determined as part of a final agreement negotiated by the parties.
I deplore violence of any kind, especially violence perpetrated by terrorists against innocent civilians. The U.S. and Israel are partners in the war on terror. As long as that war continues, members of Hamas, who are enemies in that war, are going to be casualties if they continue to target innocent civilians with terrorist acts. Ending violence and stopping the terrorists is the first step toward a lasting peace in the Middle East.
I will follow in the footsteps of Bill Clinton from day one of a Dean Administration and make every effort to bring peace to this troubled region. I believe the United States is the only intermediary that can bring the parties to the peace table, and that playing the role of a fair and honest broker when there is consistent with the special relationship that the U.S. has with Israel. Preserving that role is key to achieving peace. A secure Israel is not only more likely to take risks for peace, but also underscores to the region that there is no alternative to peace.
President Bush squandered 18 months in refusing to engage his personal political capital in the region. He allowed the situation to deteriorate even further, thereby significantly undermining the credibility of the U.S. and our ability to play an effective role. I have called on President Bush to rise above partisan politics by asking President Bill Clinton, a statesman with a track record for making peace, to go to the region on behalf of the United States in an effort to bring the parties back to the negotiating table and work out an agreement to immediately end the violence.
Since Harry Truman's historic decision to make the United States the first nation to recognize the Jewish state, Americans have been united in their commitment to the state of Israel. I will not allow a crack to emerge in that important national consensus. I look forward to working with you in the future and to develop a strong working relationship.
Thank you again for your letter. I wish you and your family a healthy and a happy New Year.
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Sincerely,
Howard Dean, MD
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