Pawlenty Slams Obama on ‘Anti-Israel Attitude’: ‘He Thinks Israel Is the Problem’
- Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:37pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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The Council on Foreign Relations in New York City set the stage this afternoon for Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty to deliver the most hawkish and extensive Middle East policy agenda speech to date among candidates in the 2012 field. The speech outlined a four category approach to Middle Eastern governments, criticized President Obama’s murky policy of “engagement” when handling democracy movements, and condemned the President’s treatment of our ally Israel.
You can listen to the full comments below. The Israel remarks start at about the 15-minute mark:
Gov. Pawlenty called on the president to put forward a legitimate plan for peace in the region, rather than constantly putting blame on Israel. According to remarks posted on his website:
“It breaks my heart that President Obama treats Israel, our great friend, as a problem, rather than as an ally. The President seems to genuinely believe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies at the heart of every problem in the Middle East. He said it Cairo in 2009 and again this year.
President Obama could not be more wrong.
The uprisings in Tunis, Cairo, Tripoli and elsewhere are not about Israelis and Palestinians. They’re about oppressed people yearning for freedom and prosperity. Whether those countries become prosperous and free is not about how many apartments Israel builds in Jerusalem.
Today the president doesn’t really have a policy toward the peace process. He has an attitude. And let’s be frank about what that attitude is: he thinks Israel is the problem. And he thinks the answer is always more pressure on Israel.
I reject that anti-Israel attitude. I reject it because Israel is a close and reliable democratic ally. And I reject it because I know the people of Israel want peace.”
In addition, Gov. Pawleny affirmed that the United States has a vital stake, and is both ready and capable to take on the challenge of steering the Middle East in the right direction.
“The revolutions now roiling that region offer the promise of a more democratic, more open, and a more prosperous Arab world. From Morocco to the Arabian Gulf, the escape from the dead hand of oppression is now a real possibility.
Now is not the time to retreat from freedom’s rise.”
The former Minnesota governor slammed President Obama for being “timid, slow, and too often without a clear understanding of our interests or clear commitment to our principles,” and claimed the president failed in his response to the Arab Spring.
As several Republican candidates have advocated for a isolationist-leaning approach to foreign policy, Gov. Pawlenty affirmed himself as someone who would take a different approach if president:
“The leader of the United States should never leave those willing to sacrifice their lives in the cause of freedom wondering where America stands. As President, I will not.
We need a president who fully understands that America never ‘leads from behind.’”
The race for the GOP 2012 presidential candidate is as open as it has ever been, and as the media frenzies over each new candidate that files FEC paperwork, attention on Gov. Pawlenty has begun to dilute. Some see today’s speech as a turning point for Gov. Pawlenty, and a move to cement himself among the ticket’s top contenders. From the New York Times:
“The speech comes as Mr. Pawlenty is struggling to break out in a campaign that has been dominated recently by the entries of Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Jon M. Huntsman Jr., the former governor of Utah. Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is leading in polls that show Mr. Pawlenty at the bottom of the pack.
Mr. Pawlenty is trying to take advantage of a rift in his party over the extent of the country’s involvement overseas.”
It remains to be seen if Gov. Pawlenty’s foreign policy approach will be in line with majority of voters in the GOP primary. That said, Tuesday’s speech hedged the Governor of a state over 2000 miles from any ocean as the Presidential candidate with the most extensive global ambitions.
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Comments (75)
Meyvn
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:26pmObama and those that support him are the problem.
Report Post »HairRazor
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:26pmYes Obama is a total slack.. but a speech from the ‘Soros’ Dew Drop Inn’.. bad form.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:14pmThe Good, Obama will be called out this time.
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:09pmObama; Stupid little man living in his stupid little world!
Report Post »johna650
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:59pmWhen American Jews stop supporting the Bolshevik horde occupying 1600 Pennsylvania I’ll become concerned about Israel. Why do we waste our time supporting Israel when 70-80% of Jews support the Bolsheviks? Someone want to answer that question? I mean if American Jews don’t care about Israel why should the rest of us give a damn?
Report Post »HairRazor
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:40pmThe Jews you speak of are rebels of a chosen people. They have exchanged the truth for a lie. They are not followers of the Torah. We, who are Christians, are honor bound to honor and bless Israel. I stand ready to protect..
Report Post »Lion420
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:59pmHow do you make peace with monsters, who want nothing but your death? You kill them first. PERIOD Until we wake up to the facts of the situation and fight these animals on their own terms, they will eventually rise up and kill us all.
Report Post »symbolsofa
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:59pmEVILS OF WESTERN DEMOCRACY:all countries boasting of democracy at its best. American democracy, which is increasingly sounding like an oxymoron, is not free from the same disease its European version is suffering from: while people are told that “enemies” of America were attacking their love of freedom and their way of life, those very same values are being undermined not by the “enemies” or America as claimed but by the American administration itself in the form of wiretapping phones and emails, denial of basic right of habeas corpus to detainees, and undermining the civil liberties people are entitled to. Financial freedom is a thing of the past: American dream is getting harder and harder to realize owing to a ruthless system of mortgage based on heavy interest imposed upon the “owner.” Statistics show that increasing number of Americans are being born in dept, live their entire lives in debt, and die in dept than ever before in this system of “right to ownership.” Racial, religious, and ethnic discrimination is endemic in almost all Western democracies. The poor, who make up the vast majority of the society at the bottom of the wealth pyramid, have to fend for themselves without care and respect. The system, while encouraging women to undress freely, denies them the same right to dress up decently. The old saying that “crime doesn’t pay” has been reversed: now the criminals have taken on the role of the protected, while the innocent have to look for
Report Post »ICEDRAGONNITE
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:42pmWe are not a DEMOCRACY! Never have been will not be. We are a Republic, a Representive Republic. We are a double blessed nation. We are not out of the fight yet. This only round one. Those that don’t believe in the exceptionalism the United States Of America. They don’t know history or the Scriptures. We have problems bad guys decieved and gained power, now they go down.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:55pmClause K of the agreement you signed prohibits advertising without permission of the Blaze. You are stealing from Glenn, but, a LOT of patriots seem to like ripping Glenn off. You have no ethics.
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:52pmObama is a joke, he is done for a president.
Report Post »wewantchillywilly
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:36pmHe is the most likely vice presidential nomination.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:35pmThis is just another diversity issue- If we were all the same we wouldn’t have these problems… Until we all wear little green tunics the diversity police will never sleep.. We must all be diverse equally!
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:03pmequally??? so if you are as dumb as a rock I have to be too?
Report Post »ICEDRAGONNITE
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:30pmBO HAS TO ACCUSE iSRAEL OF BEING AT FAULT FOR EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THE MIDDLE EAST. First to call anyone a Palestinan is an insult. This name was attributed to the Jews (Israelites) by the Romans to demean and anger the Israelites. This name was derived form the name Philistine the Israelites enemy for hundreds of years. This name has been changed over the years to mean something else and to pertain to another group. If history would be learned the deception that we live under now would be exposed much eaiser. Why would BO makes these accusations and remarks against Israel? His upbringing pretty well says it all. Commie, Socialist, Mohomedist. This does not say to much about his loving charity toward Israel. Example why try to destroy the relationship with England? Again it’s personal. His father was jailed and tortured by the English. did he live and let live nope but get even. Look out when the rest of his hates surface. Make no mistake the religion of Islam is dead, died in 1948. The cult of today is Mohomedism this is pure EVIL. THIS CULT WILL USE ANY EXCUSE TO DESTROY, ENSLAVE , RAPE , PILLAGE, AND CONQUER, ANY LAND AT ANY COST. THE CALIPHATE THAT IS NOW BEING PUT TOGETHER FEET (IRON AND CLAY). BEWARE ABSLOUTE DESTRUCTION IS NOW ON THE MARCH. BLACK HORSE. WHITE HORSE, RED HORSE, PALE HORSE.
Report Post »PATRIOT
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:27pmOk and your point is……… you want to advertise buy a space do not post it here
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:23pmWell duh, of course Obama blames Israel. Obama’s a Muslim.
Report Post »commonsenseguy
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:23pmwell,if that communist shoe fits, then wear it. he is right obama and soros have tried to destroy Israel from the start, they have used every country around them to agitate their hatred towards Israel, soros has paid people to die for their agenda, they will continue to use and abuse people until they start an all out war with Israel,and will set back and allow more people to die for a new world order agenda that will destroy not only israel and every country in this world for soros to have the power to control everyone and everything, so again i have to agree with pawlenty, obama is anti Israel,anti America and is PRO NEW WORLD ORDER, OR BETTER YET. PURE COMMUNIST GOVERNMENT .
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:18pmGood call Paw, but you just aren’t going to get it done!
Report Post »cookcountypatriot
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:17pmpotus leads from behind…in the military thats called a coward
Report Post »frustratedwithgovt
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:09pmGood for him for speaking out. I agree with him and stand with Israel as well.
Report Post »Goodgriefgeezlouise
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:05pmI like to see this..Republicans running against each other and the focus is on only one thing…The incredible incompetence of the current administration..Stand together..and whoever gets the nomination, all must join to take back this country for the majority who have been silent too long..Talk the talk and walk the walk..Tim Paw. just speaks to one of the many issues that confront Americans..I applaud every candidate that speaks out on all these important issues..How long have conservatives been far too quiet..Time to stand up and be counted..
Report Post »Deanna in Missouri
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:05pmYou watch…the media is going to push Jon M. Huntsman Jr as the Republican candidate. He would be the worst possible candidate for us. He loves Obama.
Report Post »frustratedwithgovt
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:16pmAgreed. They are all ready calling him “moderate” etc. Huntsman is a mole. Nice try by the left but he has no chance.
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:04pmIt’s President Obama and the State Department that are equally responsible for the deceit and betrayal shown to Israel, and President Obama’s 30 day ultimatum is a further insult!
Report Post »CONSERVATIVE BORICUA
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:00pmPawlenty way to nice! I like him, but I still waiting on Sarah!
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:47pmMr. Pawlenty is absolutely right. Obama is a trouble maker on all sides. He is not standing with Israel and their borders, and he does not protect our own borders! He is purposely destroying our country while professing his love for it. He has lied to American’s over and over again. We must vote this idiot out.. as I don’t see anyone Impeaching him!
Report Post »escape_from_socialism
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:45pmMr. Pawlenty. CFR – kiss of death. CFR = NWO.
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:44pmTo Imama Obama Israel is the problem.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on June 29, 2011 at 1:23amIsrael is the problem between them and the occupied palestinians.They’re illigally holding on to land that is not theirs and are mandated to return to the 67 borders.All arabs including hamas would accept that.As long as israel is in violation of the palestinians rights there will be unrest and resistence from palestinians.You can’t simply tyranize people because you have the military power and expect them to submit.[this isn't the 20th century which invvolved goverrnments manipulating their people-this is the peoples' self determination].They resist however they can as tyranized people do.Might does not make right and when israel loves its chidren more then illigally occupying land to prove that they can or to to get hamas to jump through its hoops and submit to occupation and say what israel dictates to them to say about the origin of their state[that is was noble and just as oppssed to ignoble, then there can be peace.it’s their cloce.
Report Post »Big Book Harry
Posted on June 30, 2011 at 2:13amEven if Isreal were to return to the 1967 borders there would be no peace. The muslems that surround them consider them pigs and worthy of slaughter. My GOD would NEVER condone killing unless ones life was in immediate danger.
Report Post »Want our country back
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:40pmI stand with Israel and the USA
potus doesn’t get anything right….. ever…. or he’s intentionally trying to destroy us…. and I think it’s the latter
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:48pmI heard this entire presser on the radio.
Report Post »T-Paw is desperately seeking some attention, and made some inflammatory accusations about the entire Administration. From the tepid (tender) way he replied to reporter questions, he would not do well in a debate of these issues.
Remember how he backed down against Obom-Anney Care when Mitt was present? T-Paw would fill his loafers if Obama OR Biden debated him on Israel, and Hillary would positively OWN him.
He talks big but folds under pressure!
cessna152
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:50pmGeorge Washington debates Joseph Stalin… why even bother. Just get government out of the way!!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:01pm“He has an attitude. And let’s be frank about what that attitude is:”
Report Post »Obama thinks he is above the limitations of president and has consistently proved it since he became president..
Sound The Trumpet In Zion
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:09pmWhether I vote for him or not, I‘m proud to see that he stands with Israel who’s greatest desire is to live in peace without losing the nation that God gave to them even though they are trying to take it away from them and exterminate them off the face of the earth. They will find out though that they will not be able to do it even with obama’s help.
Report Post »lemmings4obama
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:10pmOh my, thank goodness Encinom commented. We all care how you feel Encinom. You are important!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:15pmContinue to speak TRUTH to power. Right now Obama thinks he has the power .. but really it is God’s … I STAND WITH ISRAEL! God Bless the USA.
TEA!
Report Post »fatjack
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:17pmMONICNE, the employer mush have over looked you today. A little tip, get to the corner a wee bit early. Better luck in the morning.
Report Post »PATRIOT
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 5:30pmI stand with Israel and would help them in any way i am able but isn’t this t-paw the guy that went spineless during the debate.. if so we have enough people in gov with no spine.
Report Post »VegasGuy
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:01pmToday the president doesn’t really have a policy toward the peace process. He has an attitude. And let’s be frank about what that attitude is: he thinks Israel is the problem. And he thinks the answer is always more pressure on Israel.
____________________________________________________________________________________
What else would you expect from a President who is a Muslim in his heart?
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:25pmThis guy better get out there and start some Donald Trump like speaches or he’ll disapere
Report Post »AmericanTruthSeeker
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 6:56pmI agree, it’s the latter! Eyes to see, Ears to hear & Sword to use. From the front to the back of the book! Speak the truth!
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 7:10pmMy screensaver:
“BeBe shcooling Obama”
‘nuf sed!
Report Post »zoro51
Posted on June 29, 2011 at 12:58pmisreal is choes like america what happends there we are symbiot to it. this SOCIALIST will be removed in 2012 NO MORE SUCKING UP to no 3rd world leaders EVER. America IS vital to isreal I stand with isreal and rememebr the WHOLE land was given to ABRAHAM not mohomuid PERIOD it was given to isreal not ishmael… PERIOD this leader we have now shall go down again he will NOT win in 2012. AMERICA STAND with isreal let all others FALL.. THIS arrogant socialist pres I did NOT vote for n hes RUINED AMERICA we gave him a chance like king saul was n HE BLEW it n was removed. SOON a DAVID.. like will be in the white house n restore america while others crash n burn.
Report Post »Angels
Posted on June 29, 2011 at 2:21pmI agree with you Pawlenty.
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