Ambassador
James B. Cunningham

Biography

Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador James B. Cunningham
Greetings at the opening of the BESA Center for Strategic Studies
“U.S.-Israel Relations: Perspectives from Jerusalem and Washington”
Bar-Ilan University May 6, 2009

AMBASSADOR CUNNINGHAM:  Thank you very much, Professor Inbar, distinguished guests, speakers:  I am glad to join you today.  I would like to congratulate Professor Inbar at the BESA Center, as well as the co-sponsors, Abe Foxman and the Anti-Defamation League for organizing this series dialogue in U.S.-Israel Relations.  I have to say my Embassy is proud that we have been able to make a contribution to the conference.

With the new President in the United States and a new Prime Minister in Israel, this conference is an excellent opportunity to discuss the nature of our relationship – the timing couldn’t be better.

As the program for this conference indicates our two new governments and two countries are facing serious challenges.  As the BESA/ADL poll commissioned for this event notes, 91 percent of Israelis view close relations with the United States as vital to Israel’s security.  But, your poll also indicates the some apprehension as to where our countries are headed and about whether we can move forward together.  Only 48 percent believe that the two governments will maintain the friendly relationship that, I must add, we both want to have.  63 percent of the respondents are concerned that President Obama’s attempt to improve the reputation of the United States in the Moslem and Arab world, and I assume that is a quote from the poll, will come at Israel’s expense.  I would suggest that is a false dichotomy which begs many questions.  We are not out to improve our reputation.  What the United States and others, including Israel, need to do is to find ways to address an arc of instability and violence which runs from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Middle East.  If we succeed, Israel will be infinitely more secure than if we do not.

The meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu on May 18 will be an important meeting.  The two leaders will talk about the full range of issues that our countries confront – from Iran to the need to work for lasting peace between Israel, the Palestinians and Israel’s Arab neighbors.  They will do so in the recognition that the problems in the Middle East are inter-related.  That dealing with Islamic extremism and Iran’s nuclear weapons program is a necessity and that Israel has an important role to play. 

The United States will work for partnership.  Some of you have undoubtedly seen the commentary last week about the Obama Administration’s first 100 days.  On the second of those 100 days, the President named George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East peace.  Introducing him, Secretary Clinton said that “Mitchell will help us to  develop an integrated strategy that defends the security of Israel, works to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that will result in two states living side by side in peace and security, and to achieve further agreements to promote peace and security between Israel and its Arab neighbors.”  That is an imposing job description.  But that is what we need to do and you will note that defending the security of Israel comes at the top.

In the ensuing 98 days, Senator Mitchell has been here three times and has met with almost every country in the region.  Secretary Clinton has been here as well.  We have held the first substantive discussions with the Syrians and President Obama made a historic, direct address to the Iranian people and leadership.  The King of Jordan has been to Washington, followed by President Peres and soon Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Abbass and President Mubarak.  You can expect to see a lot more activity in the coming months and our partnership with Israel will be at the heart of it.

Every day I read in the press, mostly citing unnamed sources, speculation about impending confrontation in the U.S.-Israeli relationship.  I am not sure where those stories are coming from.  We don’t always agree with even our closest friends.  But I was heartened to see the results of your poll also show different aspects of the reality of our relationship.  72 percent of Israelis have a positive attitude towards the United States and 68 percent believe the U.S. is a loyal ally.  An even larger group, 76 percent believe that in a moment of truth, the United States will come to Israel’s assistance. 

Over the next few days, an impressive list of Israeli and American experts will examine our bilateral relationship and discuss who and what shapes American foreign policy, the role of American Jewry and the future of our relationship.  I am sure it will make for a lively and interesting discussion and I frankly wish I could stay for all of it, but thank you again for letting me join you this morning.