<p>From the Office of Illinois Representative Perter Roskam…
<p>Greetings from Washington! In this town, it’s easy to get swept up in the critical domestic issues facing our country each day. With the mid-term elections less than four months away, a Democratic majority unable to draft a budget, and unemployment near ten percent, there is plenty keeping us busy.
<p>However, our country is also facing critical security issues on the international stage. Recently, I had the privilege of leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Israel – our nation’s only democratic ally in the tumultuous Middle East – to get a first hand account of the situation on the ground as it relates to American interests. As the co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, this trip was particularly insightful.
<p>Earlier this year, the international community was stunned to see President Obama usher Prime Minister Netanyahu out the side door of the White House. This unprecedented diplomatic slight to our most trusted ally in the Middle East coupled with controversial statements regarding the need for Israel to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty has created months of turmoil and ambiguity in the international arena. That ambiguity has left the door open for Iran to continue smuggling arms to Hamas in an effort to undermine the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hezbollah, another client of Iran, is destabilizing Lebanon.
This month, President Obama back peddled from his provocative treatment of Israel and hosted another yet another meeting in the White House. As they say, this time the “optics” were different. This time all the pomp and circumstance was afforded to our only democratic ally in the Middle East. I believe our interests at home and abroad are best served when Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran know where the United States stands in support of Israel. But it’s going to take more than pomp and circumstance for America’s interests to be protected abroad.
<p>Upon the Prime Minister’s return to Israel, I sat down with him in Jerusalem to discuss America’s relationship with Israel and the Iranian nuclear threat. In our discussion, Netanyahu was optimistic about continuing the historically strong relationship between our countries.
<p>The danger of a nuclear armed Iran, however, grows exponentially each day they continue enriching uranium. He pointed out that these Islamic extremist groups are methodical and aggressive – they’ve demonstrated this repeatedly with the use of suicide bombers in Pakistan, London, and India. If they will go to these lengths now, it is impossible to predict when and where they may choose to strike with a nuclear weapon in their hands. I also met with Salaam Fayaad, Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, to discuss his security challenges and economic development.
<p>My trip to Israel was thought-provoking. With such turmoil in the Middle East right now, I believe the United States must remain dedicated to our alliance with Israel and focused on taking proactive steps with our international allies to deter a nuclear Iran. For more information and pictures from my trip, check out The Hill, Roskam Tweets Israel Trip.
<p>Sincerely,
Peter J. Roskam
Member of Congress
<p>P.S. Traveling to Israel reminded me of the critical international issues facing our country today, and the Democrats’ ineffective leadership in this area. As we approach Election Day in November, I hope you will join me in standing with our friends and continuing to project freedom and security throughout the world.