RNC: Obama's Vulnerable On National Security

WASHINGON, May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following Op-Ed is by Steve
Huntley from the Chicago Sun-Times, and is being released by the Republican
National Committee:

Barack Obama says the United States should not negotiate with Hamas "unless
they recognize Israel, renounce violence and are willing to abide by previous
accords" that Israel reached with neighboring Arab states and the
Palestinians.

Which of those objections does not apply to Iran? The Democratic presidential
candidate has said he's willing to meet, "without precondition," with Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The difference between Iran and Hamas, Obama says, is that Iran is a country
and Hamas is a terrorist organization. It's also true that the State
Department describes Iran as "the most active state sponsor of terrorism," a
provider of "extensive funding, training and weapons" to Hamas, Hezbollah and
other groups, and an opponent of the Middle East peace process with "a high
profile role in encouraging anti-Israel terrorist activity -- rhetorically,
operationally and financially."

Obama further muddied the waters last week when he told David Brooks of TheNew
York Timesthat Hamas and Hezbollah need to understand "they're going down a
blind alley with violence that weakens their legitimate claims."

What would be the "legitimate claims" of Hamas, an organization founded for
the purpose of the destruction of Israel? What are the "legitimate claims" of
Hezbollah, also dedicated to the death of Israel, as well as serving as the
agent of Iran and Syria in trying to kill democracy in Lebanon?

Obama has asserted unequivocal backing for Israel. But his "legitimate claims"
remark gives you pause, making you wonder a bit about his worldview. Would the
"legitimate claims" of Hamas be on the table in "no precondition" talks with
Iran? National security has been a weakness for Democratic presidential
candidates and doubly so for Obama because of his inexperience. Only four
years ago he was an Illinois legislator.

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