Happy Birthday Israel!

Here’s what J Street thinks would be a good birthday present from the presidential candidates:

:: I will vigorously pursue a realistic and viable Israeli-Palestinian two-state peace agreement – starting in Year 1, not Year 7 or 8 of my presidency;

:: I will support and encourage Israeli-Syrian negotiations, not stand in the way as President Bush has, and I will engage directly with Syria to address our differences. 

:: I will send a dedicated team and an envoy to monitor all sides’ commitments, including on settlements and security, and to pursue tough diplomacy with as broad a range of actors as necessary to achieve sustainable peace and security;

:: I will do all these things because this is what constitutes real friendship to Israel and all the peoples of the region and contributes to American interests, security, and standing in the Middle East.