Reassuring Jews about Obama’s pro-Israel stance

[Ian David]

Reassuring Jews about Obama’s pro-Israel stance
BY: MARILYN H. KARFELD Senior Staff Reporter

Under both Republican and Democratic presidents, Amb. Dennis Ross has played a crucial role in shaping Middle East policy and negotiating peace agreements.

As the special Middle East coordinator under President Clinton, the director of policy planning at the State Department under President George H.W. Bush, and a National Security Council staffer under President Reagan, Ross has avoided partisan politics.

But the stakes are so high in this election, Ross told over 700 people Sunday at a Democratic forum emphasizing Sen. Barack Obama’s support for Israel, “They don’t leave me a choice. We cannot continue the policy of the last eight years. We can’t afford four more years. Not only for Israel’s (sake), but for ours.”

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The current Republican administration’s lack of engagement in the Middle East has hurt Israel’s safety and increased the threat that Iran will obtain nuclear weapons and use them against Israel, Ross said.

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