The Lincoln Plawg

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 05:50 p.m.

Powell shmoozes AIPAC - Moran not such a moron?

I think it would be fair to say that the British get less worked up than some about matters of symbolism: decades of dealing with colonial subjects importunately demanding independence (an object-lesson in be careful what you wish for) most of whom had symbolism as one of the few weapons in their locker - not to mention later decades of the Union Flag used for plastic bowler-hats (derbies) and items of underwear and paraded by the ghastly Loyalists of Northern Ireland [1] - have tended to dull the sensibilities somewhat.

But when the head of US diplomacy, following disastrous campaigns in the UN and in - no, on the phone to - Turkey - and whilst his government is fighting a war against a leading Arab nation - stands up to give a speech before the massed ranks of AIPAC, even the dullest of sensibilities can smell Symbol with a capital S.

It's perfectly possible to despise the entire barrel-load of Arab political monkeys and yet still need a good handful of nausea pills just to read Powell's stuff.

Now, this could be irony:

AIPAC came into being half a century ago to help the young Israel state meet the challenges of independence. Since then, AIPAC and its members have worked tirelessly and effectively on Israel's behalf. You have a world-class reputation for being one of the most effective such organizations in that regard.

But I doubt it.

Our two nations and peoples are bound together by our common democratic values and traditions. So it has been for over 50 years. So it will always be.

For ever and ever, amen. I've heard of consecutive life sentences, but this is ridiculous!

There's a generous helping of the usual bollocks about liberating the Iraqi people. And then we get to the meat.

It is now time for the entire international community to step up and insist that Iran end its support for terrorists, including groups violently opposed to Israel and to the Middle East peace process. Tehran must stop pursuing weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them. In addition, we will continue to support the aspirations of the Iranian people to improve their lives and live in peace and security with their neighbors.

Now, the last time I mentioned Iran's politics (as shamefully long ago as March 3), it was to note that President Mohammad Khatami had suffered losses in nationwide local elections. The divisions between his reformists and resurgent conservatives allied to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei have, it seems, been identified by USG as a offering a gap for the insertion of a US wedge - all

to support the aspirations of the Iranian people

of course!

And then there's Syria, which:

can continue direct support for terrorist groups and the dying regime of Saddam Hussein, or it can embark on a different and more hopeful course. Either way, Syria bears the responsibility for its choices, and for the consequences.

For once, it's not Mutt and Jeff - but Mutt and Mutt: mild-mannered Powell is at one with bruiser Rumsfeld with his night-goggles allegation in the infamous March 28 press conference (which I've mentioned more than once already).

[On the goggles, I see that AFP (?) (April 1 0320 EST) have Brigadier General Vincent Brooks (USCC) saying about them that

I'm just not aware of any that have been encountered.

There's a guy with a job offer in his back pocket!]

Of course, the provocation of Syria goes directly against the line of policy being pursued by Bush's pet sucker. Tony Blair has put quite some effort into wooing Bashir Assad to the path of reason, and into persuading him against keeping doubtful company. After Powell's performance, I rather think the boy Assad will (if he takes Tony's calls at all) have Matt 7:5 open in front of him - the one about the motes and beams. Because we all know Tony loves a good sermon...

Meanwhile, the symbolism inherent in the fact that Powell chose to lecture Syria from the bosom of the Israeli lobby cannot fail to have made an impression in Damascus.

And how should they meet the Secretary of State give like for like? What about sending over a nice, juicy slice of water-melon...

Whom we'd far have preferred to find something else to be loyal to!