.container .managed-content h4 { font-weight: bold; } .container .managed-content ul { margin-bottom: 30px; } Issue Brief - An Iron-Clad Defense

U.S. congressional funding allowed Israel to deploy the state-of-the-art Iron Dome mobile air defense system last March. Placed along Israel's volatile border with Gaza, the Israeli-developed system has intercepted deadly Hamas rocket attacks and is saving lives. Learn more about this remarkable Israeli technology.

Featuring Dr. Ari Sacher Project Manager, Rafael Issue Brief - A Qualitative Military Edge

Over the past year, President Obama and the U.S. Congress have reaffirmed America's policy of maintaining Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME) in the Middle East. During a period of unprecedented threats and change in the region, how critical is Israel's military superiority to the safety and security of the Jewish state?

Featuring Mr. Yaakov Katz Military Correspondent and Defense Analyst, The Jerusalem Post Issue Brief - China, Russia and the Middle East

In recent years, both Russia and China have increased their political and economic involvement throughout the Middle East. The result has been a set of foreign policies that often counter America's core strategies in this volatile region. How should the United States approach Russian and Chinese involvement in the region?

Featuring Dr. Jonathan Adelman Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, University of Denver Issue Brief - Deciphering Damascus

For eleven years, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has violently suppressed all forms of civil dissent in his country while increasing ties with Iran and supporting terrorist groups. What impact will recent events have on the Assad regime? Can it survive? Andrew Tabler, the author of the newly released book, "In the Lion's Den: An Eyewitness Account of Washington's Battle with Syria," has the first-hand experience to answer these questions, and any others you may have, about the state of affairs in Syria.

Featuring Mr. Andrew Tabler Next Generation Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Issue Brief - Hizballah's Hold on Lebanon

The Iranian-backed terrorist group Hizballah has evolved into one of the most powerful political and military forces in Lebanon today—cementing the Islamic Republic's footprint in the region. How will the United States and Israel deal with Lebanon?

Featuring Ms. Mara Karlin Fellow, The Johns Hopkins University-SAIS; Levant Analyst Issue Brief - How Foreign Policy Is Crafted

Join this simulation of a meeting between the White House National Security Council and senior congressional leaders as they debate how to handle some of the country's greatest foreign policy challenges. Participants will not only face the complexity of national security issues, but will better understand the multiplicity of views and players in foreign policy decision-making, as well.

Featuring Mr. Jeffrey Colman Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Issue Brief - Inside the Islamic Republic of Iran

For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has brutally cracked down on all forms of political dissent. With revolutionary conflicts raging throughout the region, how long can the regime in Tehran continue to survive?

Featuring Mr. Ali Alfoneh Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute Issue Brief - Israel at the U.N.

From delegitimization to disproportionate scrutiny of its defensive actions, Israel has faced an uphill battle at the United Nations for decades. Now, 64 years after the U.N. voted for the creation of a Jewish state, what is Israel doing to ensure fair treatment at the world body?

Featuring Mr. Eliav Benjamin Counselor for Political Affairs, Embassy of Israel Issue Brief - Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation

Israeli cooperation with the Palestinians has led to record economic growth in the West Bank, as well as improved security in the territory. What impact will Fatah's recent agreement with Hamas and their refusal to engage in direct negotiations with Israel have on this cooperation?

Featuring Dr. Robert Danin Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Head of Mission for the Quartet in Jerusalem Issue Brief - Palestinian Provocations

From Fatah-Hamas unity talks and the pursuit of a unilateral declaration of statehood to rocket attacks and border skirmishes, the Palestinians have unleashed a wave of provocations against the Jewish state. What's next?

Featuring Dr. Jonathan Schanzer Vice President for Research, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Issue Brief - Presidents and Prime Ministers

Since 1948, successive American presidents and Israeli prime ministers have been at the forefront of the U.S.-Israel partnership. This session analyzes the historic relationships between leaders of both countries, from Truman and Ben-Gurion to Obama and Netanyahu.

Featuring Ambassador Yehuda Avner Former Advisor to Israel's Prime Ministers; Former Israeli Ambassador to Australia and the United Kingdom; Fellow, The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs Issue Brief - Refocusing on Iran

With the Middle East and North Africa in turmoil, some experts believe that the world has lost its focus on Iran's illicit nuclear program. Are global powers doing all they can to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability?

Featuring Dr. Michael Makovsky Foreign Policy Director, Bipartisan Policy Center Issue Brief - Syrian Fallout

The regime of Bashar Assad is struggling to remain in power following months of violent civil unrest in Syria. As the international community continues to question the legitimacy of Assad's rule, what does the current upheaval mean for neighboring Israel?

Featuring Mr. Elliott Abrams Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Deputy National Security Advisor Issue Brief - The Arab Earthquake

From Tunisia to Bahrain, the Arab world has undergone a seismic political shift over the past year, countering decades of authoritarian rule. Will democracy truly find a home in the Arab world or is the future far murkier?

Featuring Dr. Tal Becker International Associate, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Senior Fellow, Hartman Institute for Contemporary Jewish Thought Issue Brief - The Case for Foreign Aid

The United States faces enormous challenges to its security and economic well-being. America's military leaders have warned that the country cannot meet these challenges through military spending alone. U.S. leadership around the globe depends on a robust foreign aid budget—this session explains why.

Featuring Ms. Ester Kurz Director, Legislative Strategy and Policy, AIPAC Issue Brief - Turkey's Precarious Path

This past spring, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AK Party won a third term in office—making him Turkey's longest serving prime minister. How will Erdogan's victory affect already strained relations between Turkey and Israel? Will the one-time model of Islamic democracy continue to embrace the anti-Western regimes of Syria and Iran?

Featuring Dr. Soner Cagaptay Director, Turkish Research Program, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy One on One - AIPAC on Campus

Pro-Israel students have emerged as a potent political force throughout the United States. This in-depth conversation explores current campus trends and forecasts challenges and opportunities.

Moderator Mr. Jonathan Kessler Leadership Development Director, AIPAC One on One - Global Delegitimization

From the United Nations to other international organizations, the campaign to delegitimize Israel is proliferating around the globe. How can Israel ensure fair treatment in international fora when its mere existence is often questioned?

Featuring Dr. Alan Mendoza Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Henry Jackson Society The Honorable David Siegel Consul General of Israel, Los Angeles Moderator Mr. Stephen Schneider Director, International Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Living With New Realities

The rapid transformation of the Middle East has left America and Israel with myriad unanswered questions and a host of potential security challenges. How will Israel and the United States adapt long-standing strategies to new regional realities?

Featuring Mr. Ilan Berman Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council Moderator Ambassador Brad Gordon Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Palestinian Leadership Dilemma

Instead of negotiating peace with Israel, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has embraced the forces of radicalism and the terrorist group Hamas. Is this a sign of where Palestinian leadership is headed?

Featuring Mr. David Makovsky Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and Director, Program on the Middle East Peace Process, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Moderator Mr. David Gillette Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Race for the White House

With only one year to go until the 2012 presidential election, the race for the White House is in full swing. This panel examines the potential candidates for America's highest office and what their candidacy could mean for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Featuring Dr. Whit Ayers President, Ayres, McHenry, & Associates Inc. Ms. Ann Lewis President, No Limits Foundation Moderator Mr. Robert Bassin National Political Director, AIPAC One on One - The Future of Zionism

In 1902, the founder of modern Zionism, Theodore Herzl, wrote, "If you will it, it is no dream." Forty-six years later, Herzl's dream of a modern Jewish state in ancient Israel became a reality. This session delves into the history of modern Zionism and examines its relevancy today in Israel, the United States and the Diaspora.

Featuring Mr. Yossi Klein Halevi Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute; Contributing Editor, The New Republic Moderator Mr. Tom Sawicki Director of Programming, Jerusalem Office, AIPAC One on One - Uncovering the Real Egypt

With revolutionary transformation in Egypt this year, many of the assumptions about this once reliable Western ally have completely changed. What is the new reality in Egypt? Where is the country headed, and where do its people hope the nation will go?

Featuring Dr. Steven Cook Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations Moderator Dr. Raphael Danziger Senior Research Advisor, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Additional Programming - The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign Legacy Lounge

Make your commitment to AIPAC a permanent one. AIPAC's endowment team will be in the Legacy Lounge during all breakout sessions to explore with you various planned giving options that might be most advantageous for your estate, including bequests, life insurance and retirement assets. Legacy gifts can be made both charitably and non-charitably to benefit both you and AIPAC.

Featuring Ms. Jodi Kurtis Endowment Director, The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign

.container .managed-content h4 { font-weight: bold; } .container .managed-content ul { margin-bottom: 30px; } Issue Brief - An Iron-Clad Defense

U.S. congressional funding allowed Israel to deploy the state-of-the-art Iron Dome mobile air defense system last March. Placed along Israel's volatile border with Gaza, the Israeli-developed system has intercepted deadly Hamas rocket attacks and is saving lives. Learn more about this remarkable Israeli technology.

Featuring Dr. Ari Sacher Project Manager, Rafael Issue Brief - A Qualitative Military Edge

Over the past year, President Obama and the U.S. Congress have reaffirmed America's policy of maintaining Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (Q.M.E.) in the Middle East. During a period of unprecedented threats and change in the region, how critical is Israel's military superiority to the safety and security of the Jewish state?

Featuring Mr. Yaakov Katz Military Correspondent and Defense Analyst, The Jerusalem Post Issue Brief - China, Russia and the Middle East

In recent years, both Russia and China have increased their political and economic involvement throughout the Middle East. The result has been a set of foreign policies that often counter America's core strategies in this volatile region. How should the United States approach Russian and Chinese involvement in the region?

Featuring Dr. Jonathan Adelman Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, University of Denver Issue Brief - Deciphering Damascus

For eleven years, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has violently suppressed all forms of civil dissent in his country while increasing ties with Iran and supporting terrorist groups. What impact will recent events have on the Assad regime? Can it survive? Andrew Tabler, the author of the newly released book, "In the Lion's Den: An Eyewitness Account of Washington's Battle with Syria," has the first-hand experience to answer these questions, and any others you may have, about the state of affairs in Syria.

Featuring Mr. Andrew Tabler Next Generation Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Issue Brief - Hizballah's Hold on Lebanon

The Iranian-backed terrorist group Hizballah has evolved into one of the most powerful political and military forces in Lebanon today—cementing the Islamic Republic's footprint in the region. How will the United States and Israel deal with Lebanon?

Featuring Ms. Mara Karlin Fellow, The Johns Hopkins University-SAIS; Levant Analyst Issue Brief - How Foreign Policy Is Crafted

Join this simulation of a meeting between the White House National Security Council and senior congressional leaders as they debate how to handle some of the country's greatest foreign policy challenges. Participants will not only face the complexity of national security issues, but will better understand the multiplicity of views and players in foreign policy decision-making, as well.

Featuring Mr. Jeffrey Colman Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Issue Brief - Inside the Islamic Republic of Iran

For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has brutally cracked down on all forms of political dissent. With revolutionary conflicts raging throughout the region, how long can the regime in Tehran continue to survive?

Featuring Mr. Ali Alfoneh Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute Issue Brief - Israel at the U.N.

From delegitimization to disproportionate scrutiny of its defensive actions, Israel has faced an uphill battle at the United Nations for decades. Now, 64 years after the U.N. voted for the creation of a Jewish state, what is Israel doing to ensure fair treatment at the world body?

Featuring Mr. Eliav Benjamin Counselor for Political Affairs, Embassy of Israel Issue Brief - Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation

Israeli cooperation with the Palestinians has led to record economic growth in the West Bank, as well as improved security in the territory. What impact will Fatah's recent agreement with Hamas and their refusal to engage in direct negotiations with Israel have on this cooperation?

Featuring Dr. Robert Danin Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Head of Mission for the Quartet in Jerusalem Issue Brief - Palestinian Provocations

From Fatah-Hamas unity talks and the pursuit of a unilateral declaration of statehood to rocket attacks and border skirmishes, the Palestinians have unleashed a wave of provocations against the Jewish state. What's next?

Featuring Dr. Jonathan Schanzer Vice President for Research, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Issue Brief - Presidents and Prime Ministers

Since 1948, successive American presidents and Israeli prime ministers have been at the forefront of the U.S.-Israel partnership. This session analyzes the historic relationships between leaders of both countries, from Truman and Ben-Gurion to Obama and Netanyahu.

Featuring Ambassador Yehuda Avner Former Advisor to Israel's Prime Ministers; Former Israeli Ambassador to Australia and the United Kingdom; Fellow, The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs Issue Brief - Refocusing on Iran

With the Middle East and North Africa in turmoil, some experts believe that the world has lost its focus on Iran's illicit nuclear program. Are global powers doing all they can to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability?

Featuring Dr. Michael Makovsky Foreign Policy Director, Bipartisan Policy Center Issue Brief - Syrian Fallout

The regime of Bashar Assad is struggling to remain in power following months of violent civil unrest in Syria. As the international community continues to question the legitimacy of Assad's rule, what does the current upheaval mean for neighboring Israel?

Featuring Mr. Elliott Abrams Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Deputy National Security Advisor Issue Brief - The Arab Earthquake

From Tunisia to Bahrain, the Arab world has undergone a seismic political shift over the past year, countering decades of authoritarian rule. Will democracy truly find a home in the Arab world or is the future far murkier?

Featuring Dr. Tal Becker International Associate, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Senior Fellow, Hartman Institute for Contemporary Jewish Thought Issue Brief - The Case for Foreign Aid

The United States faces enormous challenges to its security and economic well-being. America's military leaders have warned that the country cannot meet these challenges through military spending alone. U.S. leadership around the globe depends on a robust foreign aid budget—this session explains why.

Featuring Ms. Ester Kurz Director, Legislative Strategy and Policy, AIPAC Issue Brief - Turkey's Precarious Path

This past spring, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AK Party won a third term in office—making him Turkey's longest serving prime minister. How will Erdogan's victory affect already strained relations between Turkey and Israel? Will the one-time model of Islamic democracy continue to embrace the anti-Western regimes of Syria and Iran?

Featuring Dr. Soner Cagaptay Director, Turkish Research Program, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy One on One - AIPAC on Campus

Pro-Israel students have emerged as a potent political force throughout the United States. This in-depth conversation explores current campus trends and forecasts challenges and opportunities.

Moderator Mr. Jonathan Kessler Leadership Development Director, AIPAC One on One - Global Delegitimization Campaign

From the United Nations to other international organizations, the campaign to delegitimize Israel is proliferating around the globe. How can Israel ensure fair treatment in international fora when its mere existence is often questioned?

Featuring Dr. Alan Mendoza Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Henry Jackson Society The Honorable David Siegel Consul General of Israel, Los Angeles Moderator Mr. Stephen Schneider Director, International Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Living With New Realities

The rapid transformation of the Middle East has left America and Israel with myriad unanswered questions and a host of potential security challenges. How will Israel and the United States adapt long-standing strategies to new regional realities?

Featuring Mr. Ilan Berman Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council Moderator Ambassador Brad Gordon Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Palestinian Leadership Dilemma

Instead of negotiating peace with Israel, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has embraced the forces of radicalism and the terrorist group Hamas. Is this a sign of where Palestinian leadership is headed?

Featuring Mr. David Makovsky Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and Director, Program on the Middle East Peace Process, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Moderator Mr. David Gillette Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Race for the White House

With only one year to go until the 2012 presidential election, the race for the White House is in full swing. This panel examines the potential candidates for America's highest office and what their candidacy could mean for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Featuring Dr. Whit Ayers President, Ayres, McHenry, & Associates Inc. Ms. Ann Lewis President, No Limits Foundation Moderator Mr. Robert Bassin National Political Director, AIPAC One on One - The Future of Zionism

In 1902, the founder of modern Zionism, Theodore Herzl, wrote, "If you will it, it is no dream." Forty-six years later, Herzl's dream of a modern Jewish state in ancient Israel became a reality. This session delves into the history of modern Zionism and examines its relevancy today in Israel, the United States and the Diaspora.

Featuring Mr. Yossi Klein Halevi Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute; Contributing Editor, The New Republic Moderator Mr. Tom Sawicki Director of Programming, Jerusalem Office, AIPAC One on One - Uncovering the Real Egypt

With revolutionary transformation in Egypt this year, many of the assumptions about this once reliable Western ally have completely changed. What is the new reality in Egypt? Where is the country headed, and where do its people hope the nation will go?

Featuring Dr. Steven Cook Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations Moderator Dr. Raphael Danziger Senior Research Advisor, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Additional Programming - The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign Legacy Lounge

Make your commitment to AIPAC a permanent one. AIPAC's endowment team will be in the Legacy Lounge during all breakout sessions to explore with you various planned giving options that might be most advantageous for your estate, including bequests, life insurance and retirement assets. Legacy gifts can be made both charitably and non-charitably to benefit both you and AIPAC.

Featuring Ms. Jodi Kurtis Endowment Director, The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign

.container .managed-content h4 { font-weight: bold; } .container .managed-content ul { margin-bottom: 30px; } Issue Brief - Answering the Tough Questions

Pro-Israel activists deal with challenging questions all of the time. If you've ever struggled to answer the tough questions about Israel, the Middle East or U.S. foreign policy, this is your opportunity to get the vital information you need. You ask the questions, and we'll provide the background, insight and information.

Featuring Mr. Jonathan Kessler Leadership Development Director, AIPAC Issue Brief - Building New Alliances

As geopolitical realities in the Middle East and Mediterranean evolve, so, too, do Israel's strategic relations in the region. While the Jewish state's ties with Turkey have strained in recent years, its alliances with Greece and former Eastern Bloc states have strengthened. This session explores new directions in Israel's foreign relations.

Featuring Dr. Raphael Danziger Senior Research Advisor, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Issue Brief - Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood

After officially being banned from Egyptian politics for decades, the Muslim Brotherhood is vying to increase its influence in the nation's post-Mubarak-era government. How dangerous is the Brotherhood's rise to power?

Featuring Dr. Steven Cook Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations Issue Brief - Final Status Issues

For years, politicians and pundits alike have referred to "final status issues" between Israel and the Palestinians as previously understood goal posts already recognized by both parties. But are they? If negotiations resume, what exactly are the "final status issues" at play, and how do Israelis and Palestinians view them differently?

Featuring Ambassador Brad Gordon Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Issue Brief - Freedom From Oil

As recent events in the Middle East have illustrated, much of the world's oil sits beneath the sands of highly unstable nations—a chief national security vulnerability for the West and one felt acutely by Israel. How is the Jewish state working to break its dependence on oil? What role can Israel's recently discovered natural gas fields play, and what are the prospects of Israel becoming a new energy player?

Featuring Dr. Gal Luft Director, Institute for the Analysis of Global Security Issue Brief - Israel, America's Strategic Partner

As the political and military landscape continues to change throughout the Middle East, Israel remains America's most stable ally in the region. This session explores the multiple layers of the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel and examines why strengthening that relationship is in the vital national interest of both countries.

Featuring Dr. Marvin Feuer Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Issue Brief - Israel and the "Arab Spring"

The so-called "Arab Spring" has transformed Israel's backyard into a wilderness of uncertainty. How will changing dynamics in the region affect Israeli security and foreign policy, as well as its quest for peace with its neighbors?

Featuring Mr. Yossi Klein Halevi Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute; Contributing Editor, The New Republic Issue Brief - Prospects for Peace

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has repeatedly refused to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, instead forming an alliance with the terrorist group Hamas. What is the prospect for peace, given the Palestinians' recent provocative actions?

Featuring Mr. David Makovsky Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and Director, Program on the Middle East Peace Process, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Issue Brief - Races and Faces of 2012

Congressional races are heating up as America heads closer to the 2012 general election. This exclusive briefing explores the races and faces of an election that could reshape American policy in the Middle East.

Featuring Mr. Edward Miller Deputy National Political Director, AIPAC Issue Brief - Sanctioning Tehran

Iran is feeling the impact of sanctions targeting its illegal nuclear weapons program—yet the Islamic Republic continues to head down the wrong path. How vulnerable is Tehran to tougher sanctions? How does the West proceed?

Featuring Mr. Avi Jorisch Founder and President, Red Cell Intelligence Group Issue Brief - The Campaign Against Israel in Europe

More than six decades after Israel's birth, the campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state across Europe continues. Whether it's new approaches to boycott Israel or old accusations equating Zionism with racism, the goal of these anti-Israel activities is to disrupt and dismantle cooperation between Israel and Europe. This session examines the ongoing campaign against Israel throughout the European continent.

Featuring Dr. Alan Mendoza Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Henry Jackson Society Issue Brief - The Iran, Lebanon, Hizballah Nexus

Iran continues to expand its sphere of influence in Lebanon, through its proxy terrorist army Hizballah. Can Lebanon free itself from Iranian domination? How can U.S. policy effect change along Israel's northern frontier?

Featuring Mr. Michael Totten Journalist and Author, The Road to Fatima Gate: The Beirut Spring, the Rise of Hezbollah and the Iranian War Against Israel Issue Brief - The Jerusalem Factor

Jerusalem is treasured by the world's three biggest monotheistic religions, but the Holy City's Jewish connection and centrality to Israel's identity is unique. This session unearths Jerusalem's ancient Jewish history and forecasts its future.

Featuring Mr. Tom Sawicki Director of Programming, Jerusalem Office, AIPAC Issue Brief - The Pakistan Predicament

Pakistan has a radicalized Muslim population; shares borders with Iran, Afghanistan and India; and holds an arsenal of nuclear weapons. Recently, the world learned that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had been living for years down the street from the Pakistani Military Academy. How have recent events affected Washington's complicated relationship with Islamabad and its goals in the region?

Featuring Dr. Aparna Pande Research Fellow, Hudson Institute Issue Brief - The Palestinian Street

From the West Bank to Gaza, Palestinian society has undergone significant shifts over the past year. While economically, the West Bank has surged, Palestinian political leaders have taken a less positive path. How do Palestinians currently view their future—do they seek peace, economic growth or a return to violence?

Featuring Dr. Robert Danin Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Head of Mission for the Quartet in Jerusalem One on One - Broad Pro-Israel Support

Israel is not just an issue of concern to the Jewish community. Americans from all backgrounds are becoming involved in the pro-Israel movement. Our panel explains why Latinos, African Americans and religiously motivated pro-Israel Christians support the U.S.-Israel relationship and how they are expressing their support.

Moderator Mr. Jeff Mendelsohn National Outreach Director, AIPAC One on One - Israel's Place in the World

Israel's best and brightest are using their innovative spirit to create cutting-edge breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, high technology and energy. These Israeli-made solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues are being used in countries around the globe, from Africa to Asia and beyond. How has this affected the Jewish state's image on the international stage?

Featuring Mr. Eliav Benjamin Counselor for Political Affairs, Embassy of Israel Moderator Mr. Jeffrey Colman Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Living With an Atomic Iran

What would the Middle East and the world look like if Iran obtained a nuclear weapon? What would it mean for global stability? These are questions many in the West are asking as Iran presses ahead with its illicit nuclear program.

Featuring Dr. Orde Kittrie Professor of Law, Arizona State University; Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Visiting Scholar, The Johns Hopkins University-SAIS Moderator Mr. Charles Perkins Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Missile Defense

The head of the Pentagon's missile defense agency recently announced that jointly developed U.S.-Israeli missile defense systems will be used to protect U.S. military bases throughout the Middle East. This session explores why missile defense cooperation is an essential pillar of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Featuring Mr. Yaakov Katz Military Correspondent and Defense Analyst, The Jerusalem Post Moderator Mr. Jeff Kuhnreich Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC One on One - Peace and Reconciliation Featuring Mr. Elliott Abrams Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Aaron David Miller Public Policy Scholar, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Moderator Ms. Ester Kurz Director, Legislative Strategy and Policy, AIPAC One on One - Unilateral Palestinian Statehood Featuring Dr. Tal Becker International Associate, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Senior Fellow, Hartman Institute for Contemporary Jewish Thought Moderator Mr. David Gillette Deputy Director, Policy and Government Affairs, AIPAC Additional Programming - The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign Legacy Lounge

Make your commitment to AIPAC a permanent one. AIPAC's endowment team will be in the Legacy Lounge during all breakout sessions to explore with you various planned giving options that might be most advantageous for your estate, including bequests, life insurance and retirement assets. Legacy gifts can be made both charitably and non-charitably to benefit both you and AIPAC.

Featuring Ms. Jodi Kurtis Endowment Director, The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign

"We believe that any lasting peace must acknowledge the very real security concerns that Israel faces every single day.” - President Barack Obama, September 21, 2011

“I want to thank you, Mr. President, for standing with Israel and supporting peace through direct negotiations.” - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, September 21, 2011

“As we pursue that peace, I know that the Prime Minister recognizes that America's commitment to Israel will never waver, and that our pursuit of a just and lasting peace is one that is not only compatible, but we think puts Israel's security at the forefront." - President Obama, September 21, 2011

“Peace has to be achieved, as both President Obama and I have said, through direct negotiations between the parties." - Prime Minister Netanyahu, October 3, 2011 

"The United States will continue to stand with Israel, because the bond between our two nations is unshakable.” - President Obama, September 27, 2011

“We deeply appreciate America sticking by its pledges to uphold the principle there's no alternative to direct talks, there's no end-running the peace process that the Palestinians are doing in trying to declare a state in the United Nations." - Israel's Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren, September 20, 2011

“The most important thing I bring with me is the continuing commitment to the security of Israel. We have been strong allies, we have been strong partners. We have always made a commitment to do everything we can to support the security of Israel and as the Secretary of Defense, I intend to continue that commitment. I think it's important for us to say to this region that when it comes to the difficult issues we face we stand together to try to confront our difficult and common challenges." - Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, October 3, 2011

"I have to commend you and of course, President Obama, for strengthening that alliance and our cooperation.” - Prime Minster Netanyahu to Secretary Panetta, October 3, 2011

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Delivers Remarks at the United Nations
Sept. 23, 2011

Thank you, Mr. President.

Ladies and gentlemen, Israel has extended its hand in peace from the moment it was established 63 years ago. On behalf of Israel and the Jewish people, I extend that hand again today.

I extend it to the people of Egypt and Jordan with renewed friendship, for neighbors with whom we have made peace. I extend it to the people of Turkey, with respect and goodwill. I extend it to the people of Libya and Tunisia, with admiration for those trying to build a democratic future. I extend it to the other peoples of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with whom we want to forge a new beginning. I extend it to the people of Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, with all of the courage of those fighting brutal repression.

But most especially, I extend my hand to the Palestinian people, with whom we seek a just and lasting peace.

(APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, in Israel, our hope for peace never wanes. Our scientists, doctors, innovators apply their genius to improve the world of tomorrow. Our artists, our writers enrich the heritage of humanity.

Now, I know that this is not exactly the image of Israel that is often portrayed in this hall. After all, it was here in 1975 that the age-old yearning of my people to restore our national life in our ancient biblical homeland, it was then that this was braided -- branded, rather, shamefully as racism.

And it was here in 1980, right here, that the historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt wasn't praised. It was denounced.

And it's here, year after year, that Israel is unjustly singled out from condemnation. It's singled out for condemnation more often than all the nations of the world combined; 21 out of the 27 General Assembly resolutions condemn Israel, the one true democracy in the Middle East.

This is an unfortunate part of the U.N. institution. It's the -- the theater of the absurd. It doesn't only cast Israel as the villain; it often casts real villains in leading roles. Gadhafi's Libya chaired the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. Saddam's Iraq headed the U.N. Committee on Disarmament.

You might say that's the past. Well, here's what's happening now, right now, today. Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon now presides over the U.N. Security Council. This means, in effect, that a terror organization presides over the body entrusted with guaranteeing the world's security. You couldn't make this thing up.

So here in the U.N., automatic majorities can decide anything. They can decide that the sun sets in the West -- or rises in the West. I think the first has already been preordained. But they can also decide -- they have decided that the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Judaism's holiest place, is occupied Palestinian territory.

And yet, even here in the General Assembly, the truth can sometimes break through.

In 1984, when I was appointed Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, I visited the great rabbi of Lubavitch. He said to me -- and, ladies and gentlemen, I don't want any of you to be offended, because, from personal experience of serving here, I know there are many honorable men and women, many capable and decent people serving their nations here, but here's what the rabbi said to me.

He said to me, "You'll be serving in a house of many lies." And then he said, "Remember that even in the darkest place, the light of a single candle can be seen far and wide."

Today, I hope that the light of truth will shine, if only for a few minutes, in a hall that for too long has been a place of darkness for my country. So, as Israel's prime minister, I didn't come here to win applause; I came here to speak the truth.

(APPLAUSE)

The truth is -- the truth is that Israel wants peace. The truth is that I want peace. The truth is that, in the Middle East, at all times -- but especially during these turbulent days -- peace must be anchored in security.

The truth is that we cannot achieve peace through U.N. resolutions, but only through direct negotiations between the parties. The truth is that, so far, the Palestinians have refused to negotiate. The truth is that Israel wants peace with a Palestinian state, but the Palestinians want -- want a state without peace. And the truth is: You shouldn't let that happen.

Ladies and gentlemen, when I first came here 27 years ago, the world was divided between East and West. Since then, the Cold War ended, great civilizations have risen from centuries of slumber, hundreds of millions have been lifted out of poverty, countless more are poised to follow, and the remarkable thing is that, so far, this monumental, historic shift has largely occurred peacefully.

Yet a malignancy is now growing between East and West that threatens the peace of all. It seeks not to liberate, but to enslave; not to build, but to destroy. That malignancy is militant Islam. It cloaks itself in the mantle of a great faith, yet it murders Jews, Christians and Muslims alike with unforgiving impartiality.

On September 11th, it killed thousands of Americans, and it left the Twin Towers in smoldering ruins. Last night, I laid a wreath on the 9/11 Memorial. It was deeply moving.

But as I was going there, one thing echoed in my mind: the outrageous words of the president of Iran on this podium yesterday. He implied that 9/11 was an American conspiracy. Some of you left this hall; all of you should have.

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Since 9/11, militant -- militant Islamists slaughtered countless other innocents, in London and Madrid, in Baghdad and Mumbai, in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and every part of Israel.

I believe that the greatest danger facing our world is that this fanaticism will arm itself with nuclear weapons, and this is precisely what Iran is trying to do. Can you imagine that man who ranted here yesterday -- can you imagine him armed with nuclear weapons?

The international community must stop Iran before it's too late. If Iran is not stopped, we will all face the specter of nuclear terrorism. And the Arab Spring could soon become an Iranian Winter. That would be a tragedy.

Millions of Arabs have taken to the streets to replace tyranny with liberty, and no one would benefit more than Israel if those committed to freedom and peace would prevail. This is my fervent hope.

But as the prime minister of Israel, I cannot risk the future of the Jewish state on wishful thinking. Leaders must see reality as it is, not as it ought to be. We must do our best to shape the future, but we cannot wish away the dangers of the present.

And the world around Israel is definitely becoming more dangerous. Militant Islam has already taken over Lebanon and Gaza. It's determined to tear apart the peace treaties between Israel and Egypt and between Israel and Jordan. It's poisoned many Arab minds against Jews in Israel, against America and the West. It opposes not the policies of Israel, but the existence of Israel.

Now, some argue that the spread of militant Islam, especially in these turbulent times, if you want to slow it down, they argue, Israel must hurry to make concessions, to make territorial compromises. And this theory sounds simple.

Basically, it goes like this: Leave the territory and peace will be advanced. The moderates will be strengthened. The radicals will be kept at bay. And don't worry about the pesky details of how Israel will actually defend itself. International troops will do the job.

These people say to me constantly, just make a sweeping offer and everything will work out. You know, there's only one problem with that theory. We've tried it, and it hasn't worked.

In 2000, Israel made a sweeping peace offer that met virtually all of the Palestinian demands. Arafat rejected it. The Palestinians then launched a terror attack that claimed 1,000 Israeli lives.

Prime Minister Olmert afterwards made an even more sweeping offer, in 2008. President Abbas didn't even respond to it.

But Israel did more than just make sweeping offers. We actually left territory. We withdrew from Lebanon in 2000 and from every square inch of Gaza in 2005. That didn't calm the Islamic storm, the militant Islamic storm that threatens us. It only brought the storm closer and made it stronger. Hezbollah and Hamas fired hundreds of rockets against our cities from the very territories we vacated.

See, when Israel left Lebanon and Gaza, the moderates didn't defeat the radicals; the moderates were devoured by the radicals. And I regret to say that international troops, like UNIFIL in Lebanon and UBAN (ph) in Gaza, didn't stop the radicals from attacking Israel.

We left Gaza hoping for peace. We didn't freeze the settlements in Gaza; we uprooted them. We did exactly what the theory says: Get out, go back to the 1967 borders, dismantle the settlements.

And I don't think people remember how far we went to achieve this. We uprooted thousands of people from their homes. We pulled children out of -- out of their schools and their kindergartens. We bulldozed synagogues. We even -- we even moved loved ones from their graves.

And then, having done all that, we gave the keys of Gaza to President Abbas.

Now, the theory says it should all work out and President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority now could build a peaceful state in Gaza. You can remember that the entire world applauded. They applauded our withdrawal as an act of great statesmanship, as a bold act of peace.

But, ladies and gentlemen, we didn't get peace. We got war. We got Iran, which through its proxy, Hamas, promptly kicked out the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority collapsed in a day, in one day.

President Abbas just said on this podium that the Palestinians are armed only with their hopes and dreams. Yep, hopes, dreams, and 10,000 missiles and Grad rockets supplied by Iran, not to mention the river of lethal weapons now flowing into Gaza from the Sinai, from Libya, and from elsewhere. Thousands of missiles have already rained down on our cities.

So you might understand that, given all this, Israelis rightly ask, what's to prevent this from happening again in the West Bank?

See, most of our major cities in the south of the country are within a few dozen kilometers from Gaza. But in the center of the country, opposite the West Bank, our cities are a few hundred meters or, at most, a few kilometers away from the -- the edge of the West Bank.

So I want to ask you: Would any of you -- would any of you bring danger so close to your cities, to your families? Would you act so recklessly with the lives of your citizens?

Israel is prepared to have a Palestinian state in the West Bank, but we're not prepared to have another Gaza there. And that's why we need to have real security arrangements, which the Palestinians simply refuse to negotiate with us.

Israelis remember the bitter lessons of Gaza. Many of Israel's critics ignore them. They irresponsibly advise Israel to go down this same perilous path again.

You read what these people say, and it's as if nothing happened, just keep repeating the same advice, the same formula as though none of this happened. And these critics continue to press Israel to make far-reaching concessions without first assuring Israel's security. They praise those who unwittingly feed the insatiable crocodile of militant Islam as bold statesmen. They cast as enemies of peace those of us who insist that we must first erect a sturdy barrier to keep the crocodile out or, at the very least, jam an iron bar between its gaping jaws.

So, in the face of the labels and the libels, Israel must heed better advice. Better a bad press than a good eulogy. And better still would be a fair press whose sense of history extends beyond breakfast and which recognizes Israel's legitimate security concerns.

I believe that, in serious peace negotiations, these needs and concerns can be properly addressed. But they will not be addressed without negotiations.

And the needs are many, because Israel is such a tiny country. Without Judea and Samaria, the West Bank, Israel is all of nine miles wide. I want to put it for you in perspective, because you're all in this city. That's about two-thirds the length of Manhattan. It's the distance between Battery Park and Columbia University. And don't forget that the people who live in Brooklyn and New Jersey are considerably nicer than some of Israel's neighbors.

So how do you -- how do you protect such a tiny country, surrounded by people sworn to its destruction and armed to the teeth by Iran? Obviously, you can't defend it from within that narrow space alone. Israel needs greater strategic depth, and that's exactly why Security Council Resolution 242 didn't require Israel to leave all the territories it captured in the Six-Day War. It talked about withdrawal from territories to secure and defensible boundaries.

And to defend itself, Israel must therefore maintain a long-term Israeli military presence in critical strategic areas of the West Bank. I explained this to President Abbas. He answered that, if a Palestinian state was to be a sovereign country, it could never accept such arrangements.

Why not? America has had troops in Japan, Germany, and South Korea for more than half-a-century. Britain has had an air space in Cyprus -- or, rather, an air base in Cyprus. France has forces in the three independent African nations. None of these states claim that they're not sovereign countries.

And there are many other vital security issues that also must be addressed. Take the issue of air space. Again, Israel's small dimensions create huge security problems. America can be crossed by a jet airplane in six hours. To fly across Israel, it takes three minutes. So is Israel's tiny air space to -- to be chopped in half and given to a Palestinian state not at peace with Israel?

Our major international airport is a few kilometers away from the West Bank. Without peace, will our planes become targets for anti- aircraft missiles placed in the adjacent Palestinian state? And how will we stop the smuggling into the West Bank? It's not merely the West Bank; it's the West Bank mountains. It just dominates the coastal plain, where most of Israel's population sits below. How could we prevent the smuggling into these mountains of those missiles that could be fired on our cities?

I bring up these problems because they're not theoretical problems; they're very real. And for Israelis, they're life-and-death matters. All these potential cracks in Israel's security have to be sealed in a peace agreement before a Palestinian state is declared, not afterwards, because if you leave it afterwards, they won't be sealed. And these problems will explode in our face and explode the peace. The Palestinians should first make peace with Israel and then get their state.

I'd also want to tell you this: After such a peace agreement is signed, Israel will not be the last country to welcome a Palestinian state as a new member of the United Nations. We will be the first.

(APPLAUSE)

And there's one more thing. Hamas has been violating international law by holding our soldier, Gilad Shalit, captive for five years. They haven't given him even one Red Cross visit. He's held in a dungeon in darkness, against all international norms.

Gilad Shalit is the son of Aviva and Noam Shalit. He is the grandson of Zvi Shalit, who escaped the Holocaust by coming to the -- in 1930s as a boy to the land of Israel. Gilad Shalit is the son of every Israeli family. Every nation represented here should demand his immediate release. If you want to...

(APPLAUSE)

If you want to pass a resolution about the Middle East today, that's the resolution you should pass.

(APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, last year in -- in Israel, in Bar-Ilan University, this year in the Knesset and in the U.S. Congress, I laid out my vision for peace in which a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizes the Jewish state, yes, the Jewish state. After all, this is the body that recognized the Jewish state 64 years ago. Now, don't you think it's about time the Palestinians did the same?

The Jewish state of Israel will always protect the rights of all its minorities, including the more than 1 million Arab citizens of Israel. I wish I could say the same thing about a future Palestinian state, for as Palestinian officials made clear the other day -- in fact, I think they made it right here in New York -- they said the Palestinian state won't allow any Jews in it. They'll be Jew-free, Judenrein. That's ethnic cleansing.

There are laws today in Ramallah that make the selling of land to Jews punishable by death. That's racism. And you know which laws this evokes.

Israel has no intention whatsoever to change the democratic character of our state. We just don't want the Palestinians to try to change the Jewish character of our state. We want to give up...

(APPLAUSE)

We want them to give up the fantasy of flooding Israel with millions of Palestinians. President Abbas just stood here, and he said that the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the settlements. Well, that's odd. Our conflict has been raging for -- was raging for nearly half-a-century before there was a single Israeli settlement in the West Bank.

So if what President Abbas is saying was true, then I guess that the settlements he's talking about are Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jaffa, Be'er Sheva. Maybe that's what he meant the other day when he said that Israel has been occupying Palestinian land for 63 years. He didn't say from 1967; he said from 1948.

I hope somebody will bother to ask him this question, because it illustrates a simple truth. The core of the conflict is not the settlements; the settlements are a result of the conflict.

(APPLAUSE)

The settlements have to be -- it's an issue that has to be addressed and resolved in the course of negotiations. But the core of the conflict has always been -- and unfortunately remains -- the refusal of the Palestinians to recognize a Jewish state in any border.

I think it's time that the Palestinian leadership recognizes what every serious international leader has recognized, from Lord Balfour and Lloyd George in 1917 to President Truman in 1948 to President Obama just two days ago, right here. Israel is the Jewish state.

(APPLAUSE)

President Abbas, stop walking around this issue. Recognize the Jewish state and make peace with us.

In such a genuine peace, Israel is prepared to make painful compromises. We believe that the Palestinians should be neither the citizens of Israel, nor its subjects. They should live in a free state of their own. But they should be ready, like us, for compromise.

And we will know that they're ready for compromise and for peace when they start taking Israel's security requirements seriously and when they stop denying our historical connection to our ancient homeland.

I often hear them accuse Israel of Judaizing Jerusalem. That's like accusing America of Americanizing Washington or the British of Anglicizing London. Do you know why we're called Jews? Because we come from Judea.

In my office in Jerusalem, there's an ancient seal. It's a signet ring of a Jewish official from the time of the Bible. The seal was found right next to the Western Wall, and it dates back 2,700 years to the time of King Hezekiah. Now, there's a name of the Jewish official inscribed on the ring in Hebrew. His name was Netanyahu. That's my last name.

My first name, Benjamin, dates back 1,000 years earlier to Benjamin, Binyamin, the son of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. Jacob and his 12 sons roamed these same hills of Judean Samaria 4,000 years ago, and there's been a continuous Jewish presence in the land ever since.

And for those Jews who were exiled from our land, they never stopped dreaming of coming back, Jews in Spain, on the eve of their expulsion, Jews in the Ukraine fleeing the pogroms, Jews fighting the Warsaw ghetto, as the Nazis were circling around them. They never stopped praying. They never stopped yearning. They whispered, "Next year in Jerusalem. Next year in the promised land."

(APPLAUSE)

As the prime minister of Israel, I speak for a hundred generations of Jews who are dispersed throughout the lands, who suffered every evil under the sun, but who never gave up hope of restoring their national life in the one and only Jewish state.

Ladies and gentlemen, I continue to hope that President Abbas will be my partner in peace. I've worked hard to advance that peace. The day I came into office, I called for direct negotiations without preconditions. President Abbas didn't respond. I outlined a vision of peace of two states for two peoples. He still didn't respond. I removed hundreds of roadblocks and checkpoints to ease freedom of movement in the Palestinian areas. This facilitated a fantastic growth in the Palestinian economy. But, again, no response.

I took the unprecedented step of freezing new buildings in the settlements for 10 months. No prime minister did that before, ever.

(APPLAUSE)

Once again -- you applaud, but there was no response. No response.

In the last few weeks, American officials have put forward ideas to restart peace talks. There were things in those ideas about borders that I didn't like. There were things there about the Jewish state that I'm sure the Palestinians didn't like. But with all my reservations, I was willing to move forward on these American ideas.

President Abbas, why don't you join me? We have to stop negotiating about the negotiations. Let's just get on with it. Let's negotiate peace.

(APPLAUSE)

I've spent years defending Israel on the battlefield. I've spent decades defending Israel in the court of public opinion. President Abbas, you've dedicated your life to advancing the Palestinian cause. Must this conflict continue for generations? Or will we enable our children and our grandchildren to speak in years ahead of how we found a way to end it? That's what we should aim for. And that's what I believe we can achieve.

In two-and-a-half years, we met in Jerusalem only once, even though my door has always been open to you. If you wish, I'll come to Ramallah.

Actually, I have a better suggestion. We've both just flown thousands of miles to New York. Now we're in the same city. We're in the same building. So let's meet here today, in the United Nations.

(APPLAUSE)

Who is there to stop us? What is there to stop us? If we generally want peace, what is there to stop us from meeting today and beginning peace negotiations?

And I suggest we talk openly and honestly. Let's listen to one another. Let's do as we say in the Middle East. Let's talk dugli (ph). That means straightforward. I'll tell you my needs and concerns; you'll tell me yours. And with God's help, we'll find the common ground of peace.

(APPLAUSE)

There's an old Arab saying that you cannot applaud with one hand. Well, the same is true of peace. I cannot make peace alone. I cannot make peace without you.

President Abbas, I extend my hand, the hand of Israel, in peace. I hope that you will grasp that hand.

We are both the sons of Abraham. My people call him Avraham. Your people call him Ibrahim. We share the same patriarch. We dwell in the same land. Our destinies are intertwined. Let us realize the vision of Isaiah.

(SPEAKING IN HEBREW)

The people who walked in darkness will see a great light. Let that light be the light of peace.

(APPLAUSE)

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen: I would like to talk to you about a subject that is at the heart of the United Nations – the pursuit of peace in an imperfect world.
War and conflict have been with us since the beginning of civilization. But in the first part of the 20th century, the advance of modern weaponry led to death on a staggering scale. It was this killing that compelled the founders of this body to build an institution that was focused not just on ending one war, but on averting others; a union of sovereign states that would seek to prevent conflict, while also addressing its causes.

No American did more to pursue this objective than President Franklin Roosevelt. He knew that a victory in war was not enough. As he said at one of the very first meetings on the founding of the United Nations, “We have got to make, not merely a peace, but a peace that will last.”

The men and women who built this institution understood that peace is more than the absence of war. A lasting peace – for nations and individuals – depends upon a sense of justice and opportunity; of dignity and freedom. It depends upon struggle and sacrifice; on compromise, and a sense of common humanity.

One delegate to the San Francisco Conference that led to the creation of United Nations put it well – “Many people,” she said, “have talked as if all we had to do to get peace was…to say loudly and frequently that we loved peace and hated war. Now we have learned that no matter how much we love peace and hate war, we cannot avoid having war brought upon us if there are convulsions in other parts of the world.”

The fact is, peace is hard, but our people demand it. Over nearly seven decades, even as the United Nations helped avert a third World War, we still live in a world scarred by conflict and plagued by poverty. Even as we proclaim our love for peace and hatred of war, there are convulsions in our world that endanger us all.
I took office at a time of two wars for the United States. Moreover, the violent extremists who drew us into war in the first place – Osama bin Laden, and his al Qaeda organization – remained at large. Today, we have set a new direction.

At the end of this year, America’s military operation in Iraq will be over. We will have a normal relationship with a sovereign nation that is a member of the community of nations. That equal partnership will be strengthened by our support for Iraq – for its government and Security Forces; for its people and their aspirations.

As we end the war in Iraq, the United States and our coalition partners have begun a transition in Afghanistan. Between now and 2014, an increasingly capable Afghan government and Security Forces will step forward to take responsibility for the future of their country. As they do, we are drawing down our own forces, while building an enduring partnership with the Afghan people.

So let there be no doubt: the tide of war is receding. When I took office, roughly 180,000 Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. By the end of this year, that number will be cut in half, and it will continue to decline. This is critical to the sovereignty of Iraq and Afghanistan, and to the strength of the United States as we build our nation at home.

Moreover, we are poised to end these wars from a position of strength. Ten years ago, there was an open wound of twisted steel and broken hearts in this city. Today, as a new tower rising at Ground Zero symbolizes New York’s renewal, al Qaeda is under more pressure than ever before. Its leadership has been degraded. And Osama bin Laden, a man who murdered thousands of people from dozens of countries, will never endanger the peace of the world again.

Yes, this has been a difficult decade. But today, we stand at a crossroads of history with the chance to move decisively in the direction of peace. To do so, we must return to the wisdom of those who created this institution. The UN’s Founding Charter calls upon us, “to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.” And Article 1 of this General Assembly’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’ Those bedrock beliefs – in the responsibility of states, and the rights of men and women – must be our guide.

In that effort, we have reason to hope. This year has been a time of transformation. More nations have stepped forward to maintain international peace and security. And more individuals are claiming their universal right to live in freedom and dignity.

One year ago, when we met here in New York, the prospect of a successful referendum in South Sudan was in doubt. But the international community overcame old divisions to support the agreement that had been negotiated to give South Sudan self-determination. And last summer, as a new flag went up in Juba, former soldiers laid down their arms; men and women wept with joy; and children finally knew the promise of looking to a future that they will shape.

One year ago, the people of Cote D’Ivoire approached a landmark election. And when the incumbent lost, and refused to respect the results, the world refused to look the other way. UN peacekeepers were harassed, but did not leave their posts. The Security Council, led by the United States, Nigeria, and France, came together to support the will of the people. And Cote D’Ivoire is now governed by the man who was elected to lead.

One year ago, the hopes of the people of Tunisia were suppressed. But they chose the dignity of peaceful protest over the rule of an iron fist. A vendor lit a spark that took his own life, but ignited a movement. In the face of a crackdown, students spelled out the word freedom. The balance of fear shifted from the ruler to those that he ruled. Now the people of Tunisia are preparing for elections that will move them one step closer to the democracy they deserve.

One year ago, Egypt had known one President for nearly thirty years. But for 18 days, the eyes of the world were on Tahrir Square, where Egyptians from all walks of life – men and women; young and old; Muslim and Christian – demanded their universal rights. We saw in those protesters the moral force of non-violence that has lit the world from Delhi to Warsaw; from Selma to South Africa – and we knew that change had come to Egypt and to the Arab World.

One year ago, the people of Libya were ruled by the world’s longest serving dictator. But faced with bullets and bombs and a dictator who threatened to hunt them down like rats, they showed relentless bravery. We will never forget the words of the Libyan who stood up in those early days of revolution and said, “Our words are free now. It’s a feeling you can’t explain.”

Day after day, in the face of bullets and bombs, the Libyan people refused to give back that freedom. And when they were threatened by the kind of mass atrocity that often went unchallenged in the last century, the United Nations lived up to its charter. The Security Council authorized all necessary measures to prevent a massacre. The Arab League called for this effort, and Arab nations joined a NATO-led coalition that halted Qadhafi’s forces in their tracks.

In the months that followed, the will of the coalition proved unbreakable, and the will of the Libyan people could not be denied. Forty-two years of tyranny was ended in six months. From Tripoli to Misratah to Benghazi – today, Libya is free. Yesterday, the leaders of a new Libya took their rightful place beside us, and this week, the United States is reopening our Embassy in Tripoli. This is how the international community is supposed to work – nations standing together for the sake of peace and security; individuals claiming their rights. Now, all of us have a responsibility to support the new Libyan government as they confront the challenge of turning this moment of promise into a just and lasting peace for all Libyans.

So it has been a remarkable year. The Qadhafi regime is over. Gbagbo, Ben Ali, and Mubarak are no longer in power. Osama bin Laden is gone, and the idea that change could only come through violence has been buried with him. Something is happening in our world. The way things have been is not the way they will be. The humiliating grip of corruption and tyranny is being pried open. Technology is putting power in the hands of the people. The youth are delivering a powerful rebuke to dictatorship, and rejecting the lie that some races, religions and ethnicities do not desire democracy. The promise written down on paper – “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” – is closer at hand.

But let us remember: peace is hard. Progress can be reversed. Prosperity comes slowly. Societies can split apart. The measure of our success must be whether people can live in sustained freedom, dignity, and security. And the United Nations and its member states must do their part to support those basic aspirations.

In Iran, we have seen a government that refuses to recognize the rights of its own people. And as we meet here today, men, women and children are being tortured, detained and murdered by the Syrian regime. Thousands have been killed, many during the holy time of Ramadan. Thousands more have poured across Syria’s borders. The Syrian people have shown dignity and courage in their pursuit of justice – protesting peacefully, standing silently in the streets, dying for the same values that this institution is supposed to stand for. The question for us is clear: Will we stand with the Syrian people, or with their oppressors?

Already, the United States has imposed strong sanctions on Syria’s leaders. We have supported a transfer of power that is responsive to the Syrian people. Many of our allies have joined us in this effort. But for the sake of Syria – and the peace and security of the world – we must speak with one voice. There is no excuse for inaction. Now is the time for the United Nations Security Council to sanction the Syrian regime, and to stand with the Syrian people.

Throughout the region, we will have to respond to the calls for change. In Yemen, men, women and children gather by the thousands in towns and city squares every day with the hope that their determination and spilled blood will prevail over a corrupt system. America supports their aspirations. We must work with Yemen’s neighbors and our partners around the world to seek a path that allows for a peaceful transition of power from President Saleh, and a movement to free and fair elections as soon as possible.

In Bahrain, steps have been taken toward reform and accountability, but more are required. America is a close friend of Bahrain, and we will continue to call on the government and the main opposition bloc – the Wifaq – to pursue a meaningful dialogue that brings peaceful change that is responsive to the people. And we believe the patriotism that binds Bahrainis together must be more powerful than the sectarian forces that would tear them apart.

Each nation must chart its own course to fulfill the aspirations of its people, and America does not expect to agree with every party or person who expresses themselves politically. But we will always stand up for the universal rights that were embraced by this Assembly. Those rights depend upon elections that are free and fair; governance that is transparent and accountable; respect for the rights of women and minorities; and justice that is equal and fair. That is what our people deserve. Those are elements of a peace that lasts.
Moreover, the United States will continue to support those nations that transition to democracy – with greater trade and investment, so that freedom is followed by opportunity. We will pursue a deeper engagement with governments, but also civil society – students and entrepreneurs; political parties and the press. We have banned those who abuse human rights from travelling to our country, and sanctioned those who trample on human rights abroad. And we will always serve as a voice for those who have been silenced.

Now I know that for many in this hall, one issue stands as a test for these principles – and for American foreign policy: the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.

One year ago, I stood at this podium and called for an independent Palestine. I believed then – and I believe now – that the Palestinian people deserve a state of their own. But what I also said is that genuine peace can only be realized between Israelis and Palestinians themselves. One year later, despite extensive efforts by America and others, the parties have not bridged their differences. Faced with this stalemate, I put forward a new basis for negotiations in May. That basis is clear, and well known to all of us here. Israelis must know that any agreement provides assurances for their security. Palestinians deserve to know the territorial basis of their state.

I know that many are frustrated by the lack of progress. So am I. But the question isn’t the goal we seek – the question is how to reach it. And I am convinced that there is no short cut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades. Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the UN – if it were that easy, it would have been accomplished by now. Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians who must live side by side. Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians – not us – who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them: on borders and security; on refugees and Jerusalem.

Peace depends upon compromise among peoples who must live together long after our speeches are over, and our votes have been counted. That is the lesson of Northern Ireland, where ancient antagonists bridged their differences. That is the lesson of Sudan, where a negotiated settlement led to an independent state. And that is the path to a Palestinian state.

We seek a future where Palestinians live in a sovereign state of their own, with no limit to what they can achieve. There is no question that the Palestinians have seen that vision delayed for too long. And it is precisely because we believe so strongly in the aspirations of the Palestinian people that America has invested so much time and effort in the building of a Palestinian state, and the negotiations that can achieve one.

America’s commitment to Israel’s security is unshakeable, and our friendship with Israel is deep and enduring. And so we believe that any lasting peace must acknowledge the very real security concerns that Israel faces every single day. Let’s be honest: Israel is surrounded by neighbors that have waged repeated wars against it. Israel’s citizens have been killed by rockets fired at their houses and suicide bombs on their buses. Israel’s children come of age knowing that throughout the region, other children are taught to hate them. Israel, a small country of less than eight million people, looks out at a world where leaders of much larger nations threaten to wipe it off of the map. The Jewish people carry the burden of centuries of exile, persecution, and the fresh memory of knowing that six million people were killed simply because of who they were.

These facts cannot be denied. The Jewish people have forged a successful state in their historic homeland. Israel deserves recognition. It deserves normal relations with its neighbors. And friends of the Palestinians do them no favors by ignoring this truth, just as friends of Israel must recognize the need to pursue a two state solution with a secure Israel next to an independent Palestine.

That truth – that each side has legitimate aspirations – is what makes peace so hard. And the deadlock will only be broken when each side learns to stand in each other’s shoes. That’s what we should be encouraging. This body – founded, as it was, out of the ashes of war and genocide; dedicated, as it is, to the dignity of every person – must recognize the reality that is lived by both the Palestinians and the Israelis. The measure of our actions must always be whether they advance the right of Israeli and Palestinian children to live in peace and security, with dignity and opportunity. We will only succeed in that effort if we can encourage the parties to sit down together, to listen to each other, and to understand each other’s hopes and fears. That is the project to which America is committed. And that is what the United Nations should be focused on in the weeks and months to come.

Now, even as we confront these challenges of conflict and revolution, we must also recognize once more that peace is not just the absence of war. True peace depends upon creating the opportunity that makes life worth living. And to do that, we must confront the common enemies of human beings: nuclear weapons and poverty; ignorance and disease. These forces corrode the possibility of lasting peace, and together we are called upon to confront them.

To lift the specter of mass destruction, we must come together to pursue the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. Over the last two years, we have begun to walk down that path. Since our Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, nearly 50 nations have taken steps to secure nuclear materials from terrorists and smugglers. Next March, a Summit in Seoul will advance our efforts to lock down all of them.

The New START Treaty between the United States and Russia will cut our deployed arsenals to the lowest level in a half century, and our nations are pursuing talks on how to achieve deeper reductions. America will continue to work for a ban on the testing of nuclear weapons, and the production of fissile material needed to make them.

As we meet our obligations, we have strengthened the treaties and institutions that help stop the spread of these weapons. To do so, we must continue to hold accountable those nations that flout them. The Iranian government cannot demonstrate that its program is peaceful, has not met its obligations, and rejected offers that would provide it with peaceful nuclear power. North Korea has yet to take concrete steps toward abandoning its weapons, and continues belligerent actions against the South. There is a future of greater opportunity for the people of these nations if their governments meet their obligations. But if they continue down a path that is outside international law, they must be met with greater pressure and isolation. That is what our commitment to peace demands.

To bring prosperity to our people, we must promote the growth that creates opportunity. In this effort, let us not forget that we have made enormous progress over the last several decades. Closed societies gave way to open markets. Innovation and entrepreneurship has transformed the way we live and the things that we can do. Emerging economies from Asia to the Americas have lifted hundreds of millions from poverty. Yet three years ago, we confronted the worst financial crisis in eight decades. That crisis proved a fact that has become clearer with each passing year – our fate is interconnected; in a global economy, nations will rise, or fall, together.

Today, we confront the challenges that have followed that crisis. Recovery is fragile. Markets are volatile. Too many people are out of work. Too many others are struggling to get by. We acted together to avert a Depression in 2009. We must take urgent and coordinated action once more. Here in the United States, I have announced a plan to put Americans back to work and jumpstart our economy, and committed to substantially reduce our deficit over time. We stand with our European allies as they reshape their institutions and address their own fiscal challenge. For other countries, leaders face a different challenge as they shift their economies towards more self-reliance, boosting domestic demand while slowing inflation. So we will work with emerging economies that have rebounded strongly, so that rising standards of living create new markets that promote global growth. That is what our commitment to prosperity demands.
To combat the poverty that punishes our children, we must act on the belief that freedom from want is a basic human right. The United States has made it a focus of our engagement abroad to help people to feed themselves. And today, as drought and conflict have brought famine to the Horn of Africa, our conscience calls on us to act. Together, we must continue to provide assistance, and support organizations that can reach those in need. And together, we must insist on unrestricted humanitarian access so that we can save the lives of thousands of men, women and children. Our common humanity is at stake. Let us show that the life of a child in Somalia is as precious as any other. That is what our commitment to our fellow human beings demands.

To stop disease that spreads across borders, we must strengthen our systems of public health. We will continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. We will focus on the health of mothers and children. And we must come together to prevent, detect, and fight every kind of biological danger – whether it is a pandemic like H1N1, a terrorist threat, or a treatable disease. This week, America signed an agreement with the World Health Organization to affirm our commitment to meet this challenge. Today, I urge all nations to join us in meeting the WHO’s goal of making sure all nations have core capacities to address public health emergencies in place by 2012. That is what our commitment to the health of our people demands.

To preserve our planet, we must not put off the action that a changing climate demands. We must tap the power of science to save those resources that are scarce. Together, we must continue our work to build on the progress made in Copenhagen and Cancun, so that all of the major economies here today follow through on the commitments that were made. Together, we must work to transform the energy that powers are economies, and support others as they move down that path. That is what our commitment to the next generation demands.

And to make sure our societies reach their potential, we must allow our citizens to reach theirs. No country can afford the cancer of corruption. Together, we must harness the power of open societies and open economies. That is why we have partnered with countries from across the globe to launch a new partnership on Open Government that helps ensure accountability and empower their citizens. No country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere. And no country can realize its potential if half its population cannot reach theirs. This week, the United States signed a new Declaration on Women’s Participation. Next year, we should each announce the steps we are taking to break down economic and political barriers that stand in the way of women and girls. That is what our commitment to human progress demands.

I know that there is no straight line to progress, no single path to success. We come from different cultures, and carry with us different histories. But let us never forget that even as we gather here as heads of different governments, we represent citizens who share the same basic aspirations – to live with dignity and freedom; to get an education and pursue opportunity; to love our families and our God. To live in the kind of peace that makes life worth living.

It is the nature of our imperfect world that we are forced to learn this lesson over and over again. Conflict and repression will endure so long as some people refuse to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Yet that is precisely why we have built institutions like this that bind our fates together – because those who came before us believed that peace is preferable to war; freedom is preferable to suppression; and prosperity is preferable to poverty. That is the message that comes not from capitals, but from citizens.
When the corner-stone of this very building was put in place, President Truman came here to New York and said, “The United Nations is essentially an expression of the moral nature of man’s aspirations.” As we live in a world that is changing at a breathtaking pace, that is a lesson that we must never forget.

Peace is hard, but we know that it is possible. Together, let us resolve to see that it is defined by our hopes and not our fears. Together, let us work to make, not merely a peace, but a peace that will last. Thank you.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today voted to admit Palestine as a full member of the Paris-based agency.