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March 11, 2009

Intel Pick Withdraws Nomination, Blasts Israel Lobby
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The Obama administration’s pick to become the nation’s top intelligence
analyst has withdrawn his nomination after an intense lobbying campaign
by backers of Israeli government policies. Former US Ambassador Charles
“Chas” Freeman had come under Republican-led opposition over his
comments criticizing Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land. Freeman
has years of diplomatic experience, including stints as US ambassador to
Saudi Arabia and assistant secretary of defense. Some Democrats joined
in on the opposition to Freeman’s appointment. In a statement,
Democratic Senator Charles Schumer took credit for Freeman’s withdrawal,
saying, “I repeatedly urged the White House to reject him, and I am glad
they did the right thing.” In a statement, Freeman blasted lobby groups,
lawmakers and pundits who support Israeli government policies for
forcing his withdrawal. Freeman wrote, “The tactics of the Israel Lobby
plumb the depths of dishonor and indecency…The aim of this Lobby is
control of the policy process through the exercise of a veto over the
appointment of people who dispute the wisdom of its views, the
substitution of political correctness for analysis, and the exclusion of
any and all options for decision by Americans and our government other
than those that it favors.” Freeman continued, “I regret that my
willingness to serve the new administration has ended by casting doubt
on its ability to consider, let alone decide what policies might best
serve the interests of the United States rather than those of a Lobby
intent on enforcing the will and interests of a foreign government.”



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