Is AIPAC Still the Chosen One?
motherjones.com / Robert Dreyfuss
10-Sep-2009 (4 comments)

AS TWO MEN AT THE PODIUM called out names in rapid succession, senators and members of Congress rose from their candlelit tables to acknowledge the cheers of 7,000 pro-Israel activists gathered to fete them. The scene was the vast Washington Convention Center; the occasion, the gala banquet capping the annual three-day conference of Washington's most powerful lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. With more than half of Congress attending, and America's top politicians fumbling to score crowd points with awkwardly delivered Hebrew phrases and fulminations concerning Iran, the reading of the names has become a yearly demonstration of AIPAC's clout. Banquet speakers included Joe Biden, Newt Gingrich, and John Kerry, looming on gigantic screens that lined the hall. Representing Israel were President Shimon Peres (whose address was interrupted by a half-dozen Code Pink activists) and, via satellite link, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was a dog and pony show no other group—not the American Medical Association, not the National Rifle Association, not AARP—could hope to match.

>>>
recommended by IRANdokht

Share/Save/Bookmark

 
Shah Ghollam

Indeed comprehensive!

by Shah Ghollam on

I read it in whole! Thanks for posting it. The insider view is refreshing as well as very informative!


Mola Nasredeen

A Clear, Concise, and to the point observation by Mr Aslan

by Mola Nasredeen on

I read his article "Send in the clowns". Thanks.


IRANdokht

Thanks Molla jan

by IRANdokht on

Somewhere I read that you liked clowns... have you seen this article yet? 

Send in the clowns

IRANdokht


Mola Nasredeen

Excellent and comprehensive look at AIPAC

by Mola Nasredeen on

Thanks IRANdokht.