REDLINES - ISRAEL/IRAN
(Is an attack on israel the same as an attack on US?)
Obama
- If Israel is attacked, we will stand with them. They are a true ally and friend.
- Have the strongest military and intelligence cooperation with them in history.
- Iran will not get a nuclear weapon. Organised strongest coalition and sanctions in history
for Iran.
- A nuclear Iran is a threat to our national security. They are a state sponsor of terrorism.
- They have to face a united world, and all available options.
- Romney proposes pre-mature military action. This is not the right course.
- Goal is to get Iran to recognise that it needs to give up its nuclear programme.
- Glad Romney agrees with my steps. At one point he seemed to say he would do our steps but do them "louder."
- Need to make sure all countries participate (even Russia and China). Getting all countries to agree to sanctions has increased pressure.
- Need clear evidence that programme is gone so that they can regain credibility.
- If they do not meet demands of international community, all options are available.
- Did not apologize. This is not true.
- Romney was doing business with Chinese state owned oil company that did business with Iran.
- Iran is at its weakest point in many years.
- My first trip abroad was to visit American troops.
- Visited holocaust museums in Israel.
- Want our future generations to think we stood on the right side of history.
- Romney is all over the map with his positions (Obama re-iterates contradictions, pitiful oneils is not fast enough to capture them). Romney did not think we should move heaven and earth to find bin Laden. Obama administration got bin laden.
Romney
- We will stand with Israel, militarily.
- A nuclear Iran is unacceptable. A threat to us and our friends.
- Will dissuade Iran from having a nuke through diplomatic means. Agree with sanctions, would have had them in earlier. Will tighten those sanctions.
- Take on more diplomatic efforts. Indict Iranian president for incitation of genocide.
- Attack is last resort.
- Obama administration was not as strong as it could be. He met with world's worst actors.
- Began an apology tour. He criticised America.
- President said he would create "daylight" between Israel and US.
- Essential for President to show strength.
- Iranian nuclear capability is unacceptable. Need tighter sanctions.
- We are four years closer to a nuclear Iran. We wasted these years.
- It is an apology tour because the President visited region and said America had been derisive and dictative. He did not visit Israel.
- Schieffer's hypothetical is not tenable.
- Under Obama, more violence, chaos and tumult in region. Assad still in power, growing influence of Al-Qaeda. Trade imbalance with China. Russia hinting they will back away from nuclear treaties.
- Democrat senators urging Obama to repair relationship with Israel.