The big takeaway at this year's AIPAC policy conference is that Iran is the source of terror. There are endless images of goosestepping soldiers and of missile firing from the desert. The public urging is, Divest, sanction, yes, try all peaceful methods. And then if they defy you– well. And meantime, Israel may go into Gaza any minute now, and must count on America's support for doing so.
Anyway, in the speech Ehud Olmert, Israeli P.M., just gave to the policy conference, he avoided George Bush's misstep at the Knesset ten days ago. Bush said we must not appease Iran. Olmert's speech was circulated ahead of time and included the same word: "Israel will never capitulate to terrorism or choose appeasement in the face of evil." When he delivered it, Olmert changed the line to "show weakness in the face of evil." I guess we have to count that as moderation.
