Pro-Israel Group Backs Obama to Send 'Forceful Message' to Iran, Hizbullah
America's biggest pro-Israel groups are throwing their weight behind President Barack Obama's plan for U.S. military intervention in Syria.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC, said Tuesday that congressional authorization for strikes against Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime would ensure that what it called "barbarism on a mass scale" does not go unanswered.
In a statement it said military action would send a message to Assad's supporters — Iran and Hizbullah— that U.S. won't tolerate use of weapons of mass destruction.
“This is a critical moment when America must also send a forceful message of resolve to Iran and Hizbullah -- both of whom have provided direct and extensive military support to Assad,” it said.
“The Syrian regime and its Iranian ally have repeatedly demonstrated that they will not respect civilized norms. That is why America must act, and why we must prevent further proliferation of unconventional weapons in this region,” it said.
The Anti-Defamation League also supports Obama.
Its statement cited "significant national security interests" at stake and said the U.S. has a moral imperative to act.
AIPAC wields significant influence in Congress, which is expected to vote on authorizing use of force against Syria.
Source: Associated Press
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