1.  Bills & Resolutions

(SYRIA)  S. Res. 180: Introduced 5/11/11 by Sen. Lieberman (I-CT) and currently having 19 cosponsors, "A resolution expressing support for peaceful demonstrations and universal freedoms in Syria and condemning the human rights violations by the Assad regime."  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.  For more on this, see reporting by Josh Rogin in the Cable.

(ISRAEL) S. 921:  Introduced 5/9/11 by Sen. Schumer (D-NY) and two cosponsors, "A bill to allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel."  Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

(Goldstone/UN) S. 923: Introduced 5/9/11 by Sen. Vitter (R-LA) and having 3 cosponsors, "A bill to withhold United States contributions to the United Nations until the United Nations formally retracts the final report of the 'United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict'." Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(WOMEN IN THE MIDEAST) H. Res. 258: Introduced 5/10/11 by Rep. Carnahan (D-MO) and having 18 cosponsors, "Honoring and supporting women in the Middle East and North Africa for their bravery and leadership and calling on the United States Government and the international community to recognize their vital role in democracy movements and promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls in the region."  (Senate companion version is S. Res. 109).  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(RELIGIOUS FREEDOM) HR 1856:  Introduced 5/11/11 by Reps. Wolf (R-VA) and Smith (R-NJ), "To amend the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to strengthen the promotion of religious freedom in United States foreign policy and to reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and for other purposes."  Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, and Oversight and Government Reform.

2.  Cantor/Hoyer Resolution Blasting the Palestinians (just in time for AIPAC conference)

As predicted in last week's Round-Up, in the context of the upcoming AIPAC conference (May 22-24) there was expected to be some legislative vehicle - a letter or resolution - blasting the Palestinians unity deal and taking the Palestinians to task for their efforts to gain international recognition and recognition at the UN in September.  This prediction has proven entirely accurate.  Below is the text of the currently circulating draft (no confirmation that it is final) of a resolution to be introduced by Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), in a bipartisan show of unity around this issue.  Reportedly the resolution will be brought to the floor under suspension of the rules the week of the AIPAC conference (one would expect this to happen after the AIPAC lobby day, in order to give AIPAC Hill visitors a chance to lobby their members to co-sponsor the resolution).

Full text of the resolution (draft dated May 13, 2011, 12:35 p.m.)

Reaffirming the United States' commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and for other purposes.

Whereas the policy of the United States since 2002 has been to support a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict;

Whereas a true and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties and acceptance of each other's right to exist;

Whereas Palestine Liberation Organization Chair Yassir Arafat pledged in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on September 9, 1993, that ''all outstanding issues relating to permanent status will be resolved through negotiations'' a pledge that served as a critical basis for the Israeli-PLO Declaration of Principles signed 4 days later;

Whereas the unity agreement signed by Fatah and Hamas on May 4, 2011, was reached without Hamas being required to renounce violence, accept Israel's right to exist, and accept prior agreements made by the Palestinians (the ''Quartet conditions'');

Whereas Hamas, an organization responsible for the death of more than 500 innocent civilians, including 24 United States citizens, has been designated by the United States Government as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a specially designated terrorist organization;

Whereas Hamas kidnapped and has held Israeli sergeant Gilad Shalit in captivity in violation of international norms since June 25, 2006;

Whereas Hamas continues to forcefully reject the possibility of peace with Israel;

Whereas Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has consistently advocated for immediate direct negotiations with the Palestinians, who, in turn, have prevented negotiations by insisting on unprecedented pre-conditions;

Whereas on April 22, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stated, ''We will not deal with nor in any way fund a Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless and until Hamas has renounced violence, recognized Israel and agreed to follow the previous obligations of the Palestinian Authority'';

Whereas United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, stated on February 18, 2011, that it was ''unwise'' for the United Nations to attempt to resolve key issues between the Israelis and Palestinians;

Whereas Palestinian leaders are pursuing a coordinated strategy to seek recognition of a Palestinian state within the United Nations and directly from foreign governments;

Whereas on December 15, 2010, the House adopted House Resolution 1765, which reaffirmed that the House of Representatives supports a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states, a democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition and opposes any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians;

Whereas current United States law precludes assistance to a Palestinian Authority which shares power with Hamas unless that Authority publicly accepts Israel's right to exist and adheres to all prior agreements and understandings with the United States and Israel;

Whereas the United States annually provides more than $550 million annually and has provided more than $3.5 billion cumulatively in direct bilateral assistance to the Palestinians, who are among the world's largest recipients of foreign aid per capita;

Whereas United States aid to the Palestinians is predicated on a good faith commitment from the Palestinians to the peace process including direct negotiations with Israel;

Whereas Palestinian abandonment of the Quartet conditions and inclusion of Hamas in a government would jeopardize the positive steps the Palestinian Authority has taken in building institutions and improving security in the West Bank in recent years; and

Whereas efforts to form a unity government without accepting the Quartet conditions, to bypass negotiations and unilaterally declare a Palestinian state, or to appeal to the United Nations or other international forums, or directly to foreign governments for recognition of a Palestinian state, violate the underlying principles of the Oslo Accords, the Road Map, and other relevant Middle East peace process agreements, all of which require resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations only:

Now, therefore, be it  Resolved, That the House of Representatives

(1) reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states, a democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition;

(2) states its firm belief that any Palestinian unity government must publicly and formally forswear terrorism, accept Israel's right to exist, and reaffirm previous agreements made with Israel;

(3) reiterates its strong opposition to any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians;

(4) urges Palestinian leaders to--

(A) ensure that any Palestinian government will seek peace with Israel;

(B) cease all efforts at circumventing the  negotiation process, including through a unilateral declaration of statehood or by seeking recognition of a Palestinian state from other nations or the United Nations;

(C) resume direct negotiations with Israel immediately and without preconditions; and

(D) take appropriate measures to counter incitement to violence and fulfill all prior Palestinian commitments, including dismantling the terrorist infrastructure embodied in Hamas;

(5) supports the Administration's opposition to a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and its use of the veto at the United Nations Security Council on February 18, 2011, the most recent example of a longstanding United States policy of vetoing unbalanced United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process;

(6) calls upon the Administration to announce that it will veto any resolution on Palestinian statehood that comes before the United Nations Security Council which is not a result of agreements reached between Israel and the Palestinians;

(7) calls upon the Administration to lead a diplomatic effort to oppose a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and to oppose recognition of a Palestinian state by other nations, within the United Nations, and in other international forums prior to achievement of a final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians;

(8) affirms that Palestinian efforts to circumvent direct negotiations and pursue recognition of statehood prior to agreement with Israel will harm United States-Palestinian relations and will have serious implications for the United States assistance programs for the Palestinians and the Palestinians Authority;

(9) supports the position taken by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on April 22, 2009, that the United States ''will not deal with or in any way fund a Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless and until Hamas has renounced violence, recognized Israel and agreed to follow the previous obligations of the Palestinian Authority.'';

(10) urges the administration to consider suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority pending a review of the unity agreement; and

(11) reaffirms the United States statutory requirement precluding assistance to a Palestinian Authority that includes Hamas unless that Authority and all its ministers publicly accept Israel's right to exist and all prior agreements and understandings with the United States and Israel.

3.  Berkley-Engel Letter Opposing Palestinian Unity

Late on 5/6/11 the office of Rep. Berkley (D-NV) circulated the following Dear Colleague letter:

Dear Colleague:
 
As you know, Hamas and Fatah recently signed a reconciliation agreement to share power within the Palestinian Authority.  We have serious concerns about Hamas being part of a Palestinian government, given their continued terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and their commitment to Israel's destruction. 
 
We have therefore written a letter to President Obama, urging him to suspend aid to the Palestinian Authority unless and until the PA and its ministers can be certified to recognize Israel's right to exist, accept previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements, and renounce terrorism...
 
 Letter text:
 
Dear Mr. President:
 
We write to you with serious concerns regarding the new power-sharing Palestinian government between Fatah and Hamas.  As you know, the two Palestinian organizations signed a reconciliation agreement on May 4, 2011 to share power within the Palestinian Authority (PA).  Given that Hamas has long been designated by the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, we are greatly concerned that U.S. funds going to the Palestinians could end up supporting terrorists or terrorist activities, or that the purposes of U.S. assistance will be undermined by the participation of a rejectionist group in the PA.
 
As you know, under U.S. law, no U.S. aid is permitted to go to a power-sharing PA government that includes Hamas unless you have certified that such a government, including all ministers, has accepted two principles included in Section 620K of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (PATA), P.L. 109-446: (1) recognition of the Jewish state of Israel's right to exist and (2) acceptance of previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements.  Moreover, the Quartet, comprised of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia, will not deal with Hamas unless it accepts Israel's right to exist, commits itself to all previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements, and renounces terrorism. 
 
In the last several months, Hamas has demonstrated its rejection of those principles by firing dozens of missiles into Israel in an attempt to terrorize the population and undermine any attempts to reach a peace agreement between Israel and her neighbors.  It is difficult to imagine a way that the Palestinian Authority will be able to meet the requirements of the Quartet and U.S. law with Hamas as a full participant.  We, therefore, urge you to immediately suspend aid to the Palestinian Authority unless and until that government and its ministers can be certified to recognize Israel's right to exist, accept previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements, and renounce terrorism.
 
We thank you for your attention to this matter and look forward to your reply.
 
Sincerely,

4.  Kirk on Egypt

On 5/10/11 Sen. Kirk (R-IL) took to the Senate floor to deliver remarks on "Egypt's Political Future."  Kirk lists some of the many challenges and setbacks that have emerged since the departure of Mubarak, including the outbreak of sectarian violence and the (anticipated) growing strength of the Muslim Brotherhood.  Based on this list,  Kirk concludes that the U.S. faces an entirely binary choice regarding Egypt's future orientation:  "...It could become a secular American ally that respects the rule of law, diversity, and a peace treaty with Israel; or it could become a Muslim Brotherhood-controlled ally of Iran that embraces terrorist groups such as Hamas, persecutes its own religious minorities, and rejects peace with Israel."  Having articulated this incredibly over-simplified scenario, Kirk suggests that the U.S. must "do everything in our power to support the secular forces of Egypt or face the prospect of a strategic setback on the scale of Iran in 1979, laying the foundation for potentially yet another war in the Middle East."  He does not indicate what form he believes this support should take, or whether he is at all concerned that U.S. overt intervention in Egypt's domestic affairs at this time might backfire. 

His full statement:

"Mr. President, more than 2 months ago, a popular uprising in Egypt swept President Hosni Mubarak from power after 30 years in office. The Egyptian military is now charged with reforming that country's political system in preparation for parliamentary and Presidential elections.

History teaches us this sort of transition happens in three phases, not two. First, the dictator falls. Next follows a weak interim government. Only then does a final permanent government enter the scene.

"We remember the French Revolution with the fall of Louis XVI, then the hopefulness of the French First Republic, and then finally the rise of Napoleon.  We remember the October Revolution--first the fall of the czar, then the hopefulness of the interim Kerensky government, and finally the rise of the Soviet Union. Most recently we remember Iran--first the fall of the shah, then the hopefulness of the interim Bakhtiar government, and finally the rise of Khomeini.

"Today we are watching this sequence play out in Egypt. First Mubarak fell, then came the jubilation of Tahrir Square and the hopefulness of an interim military government, and now we are left to wonder what act 3 will bring.  Will Egypt remain a strong U.S. ally in the region; will it uphold the Camp David peace treaty with Israel; will it commit to the rule of law and human rights at home; or will Egypt fall into the hands of the radical Muslim Brotherhood; will it drift toward Iran and embrace the enemies of Israel?

"Unfortunately, recent developments indicate Egypt is moving in the wrong direction. The Muslim Brotherhood is gaining additional influence and may soon gain significant legislative power. According to a poll released on April 25 by the Pew Research Center, 78 percent of Egyptians hold a favorable view of the Muslim Brotherhood--and that is better than the youth-led ``April 6 Movement'' that removed Mubarak from power. In September's planned elections, the Muslim Brotherhood plans to contest anywhere between 30 to 50 percent of all parliamentary seats.

"Meanwhile, Egypt's foreign policy is shifting away from the United States and our allies and toward the Islamic Republic of Iran and its terrorist proxies. On April 18, Iran announced the appointment of the country's first ambassador to Egypt in 30 years. On April 27, Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby said he will meet with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, in Indonesia on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit. The two officials will discuss next steps for the Iranian-Egyptian relationship. On May 3, Iran's Foreign Minister announced he would send his deputy to visit Egypt in the coming days.

"Egyptian authorities helped negotiate the recent reconciliation agreement between the terrorist movement Hamas and Fatah--a major setback to Israeli-Palestinian peace. When asked to comment on Hamas being a terrorist organization, Egypt's Foreign Minister said:  '[We must] allow someone who is fighting for a cause to see the light of day at the end of the tunnel and enter into peace.'
 
"On March 28, Hamas submitted a request to the Egyptian Government to reopen its Embassy in the Gaza Strip. On April 28, Egypt's Foreign Minister announced plans to reopen the Rafah border with Hamas on a permanent basis--a potential boon to the Hamas terrorist organization.  On April 30, Al Hayat reported that Hamas would be relocating its offices from Damascus--sending the terrorist group's No. 2 man, Musa Abu Marzouk, to Egypt.

"Meanwhile, Egypt's commitment to democracy and human rights has suffered a serious setback following recent attacks on the country's Coptic Christian community that left scores dead and hundreds more injured. This follows the interim government's move to dismiss the Coptic governor of the city of Quena only days after his appointment--caving to mass demonstrations organized by the Muslim Brotherhood.  As one Coptic bishop told AFP: 'They are led by Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood, and they are chanting: 'We won't leave until the Christians leave.'
 
"Finally, on March 28, Dr. Maikel Nabil Sanad, a 25-year-old blogger, was arrested for 'insulting the military,' and 'disturbing public security' after posting comments on his blog that were critical of the military's role in the protests. This arrest clearly violated the International Covenant on International and Political Rights and the new government's commitment to the fundamental freedoms of its people. If Egyptians could freely express their views in Tahrir Square, they should have the freedom to express their views online.

"Mr. President, the trajectory of Egypt's revolution now faces two distinct scenarios: It could become a secular American ally that respects the rule of law, diversity, and a peace treaty with Israel; or it could become a Muslim Brotherhood-controlled ally of Iran that embraces terrorist groups such as Hamas, persecutes its own religious minorities, and rejects peace with Israel.  We must do everything in our power to support the secular forces of Egypt or face the prospect of a strategic setback on the scale of Iran in 1979, laying the foundation for potentially yet another war in the Middle East."

5.  APN Warns President Obama: Don't Leave Mideast Peace Out of Your Mideast Speech

May 12, 2011:  Amidst reports that President Obama will in the coming days deliver a major Middle East foreign policy speech, APN President Debra DeLee today issued the following statement:

"We are deeply concerned about reports that, on the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the U.S., President Obama is planning to deliver a major Middle East foreign policy speech that fails to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ensuring Israel's future as a democracy and a Jewish state must be an integral part of President Obama's vision for the Middle East.  This future can only be ensured by ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  The time has come for the President to grab the bull by the horns and take dramatic action, presenting his vision for Israeli-Palestinian peace and laying out how he plans to turn this vision into the basis for an agreement.

"President Obama is right to want to 're-set' U.S. relations with the Arab world in the wake of the 'Arab Spring' and the killing of Osama bin Laden.  These developments represent an historic opportunity to build new U.S. relations with the peoples of the Middle East.  However, it would be a serious mistake to try to do so without also re-setting his Administration's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.   There is no way to remove the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the agenda of the peoples of the Arab world.  No amount of wishful thinking in Washington or Jerusalem can change this. Ignoring this reality will undermine any U.S. outreach to the Arab world and risks inflaming the already tense Israeli-Palestinian status quo.  Indeed, re-engaging energetically to resolve the conflict would do more to restore U.S. standing and credibility in the eyes of the peoples of the Arab world than any speech President Obama could ever make to them.

"The U.S. can play an important role in shaping the future of the Middle East - including that of Israel and the Palestinians.  President Obama can inspire the peoples of the region by his example and by using U.S. political and economic weight to support them in their fight for democracy, good governance, freedom, security and peace.  He should lay the groundwork for such a role now."

6.  As Sen. Mitchell Resigns, APN Urges Obama to Personally Lead Mideast Peace Efforts

5/13/11, Washington, DC - Reacting to the news of Senator George Mitchell's resignation from his position as President Obama's special Middle East Envoy, Americans for Peace Now's President and CEO, Debra DeLee, today issued the following statement:

"We wish Senator George Mitchell well as he moves on from his role in the Obama Administration, and we express our gratitude for his efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian arena these past two and a half years. Through the course of his long career in public service, Senator Mitchell has distinguished himself as a truly principled and committed patriot, a statesman, and an advocate of peace.

"With peace efforts stalled, the entire world is wondering if Senator Mitchell's departure discloses a decision by the Obama Administration to back off further from peace efforts. It is vital that President Obama demonstrate - through his actions and words - that this is not the case. Now is the time for President Obama to take charge personally of his Israeli-Palestinian policy.  Envoys and shuttle diplomacy have had their day; what is needed now is resolute personal engagement and dramatic action from the President himself.

"The time has come for President Obama to articulate his own vision of permanent status, making clear that achievement of this vision is a key U.S. interest and serves the vital interests of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. In doing so, and by making clear his plan for pursuing this vision, President Obama today can challenge both Israelis and Palestinians to prove their commitment to peace, to inspire the peoples of the region by his example, and to rebuild U.S. leadership and credibility in the region and beyond."

7.  Odds & Ends

The Forward, 5/11/11: Bibi Prepares To Address a Friendly Congress, an Impatient White House

The Hill 5/11/11:  Will Palestinian bonds be legal after Hamas joins the unity government?

The Hill 5/11/11: Time for legislation on Bahrain

JTA 5/8/11:  Pelosi delegation meets with Netanyahu

Washington Post 5/8/11: 'Jerusalem' or 'Israel?' Supreme Court case raises trove of constitutional questions (for background on this topic, see the 3/4/11 edition of the Round-Up)

Washington Post 5/7/11: Administration planning $1 billion debt relief for Egypt