Sanctions

The Obama administration is working hard to be sure that Congress does not legislate any additional sanctions against Iran, after talks to eliminate nuclear weapons development have (predictably) failed. In fact, as an incentive for Iran to continue the talks, the foreign policy geniuses at the White House have suggested that sanctions may be reduced.

This is the same Iran that is actively preparing to build nuclear weapons, whose very leaders regularly espouse the "annihilation" of other states in the region, that is the largest and most virulent sponsor of terror in the world, that oppresses its own people, subjugates women and murders gay people, and is otherwise a bad actor on the world stage. They are also our avowed enemy. But additional sanctions, heavens no!

On the other hand, Adam Credo reports:

The Obama administration is refusing to discuss reports that emerged early Thursday claiming that the White House is considering imposing sanctions on Israel for continuing construction on Jewish homes in Jerusalem.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf dodged several questions on Thursday when confronted with reports that the administration had held secret internal meetings to discuss taking action against Israel for its ongoing building in East Jerusalem.

The classified meetings were reportedly held several weeks ago and included officials from both the State Department and White House, according to the Israeli daily Ha’aretz, which first reported on the meetings.

The possibility of sanctioning Israel for its ongoing construction sends a signal that the Obama administration is willing to go further in its denunciations of Israel then any previous White House.

So ... Iran threatens a nuclear holocaust and Obama wants to lessen sanctions. Israel builds apartments in their national capital and Obama wants to impose sanctions. Perfect!

Hopefully, some adult in the State Department (unlikely) or in the administration (impossible) will consider the idiocy of this idea and nip it in the bud. More likely, there will be significant push back from Congress. But our newly minted "emperor" president seems perfectly willing to rule by fiat. After all, it's the only way his failed presidency can remain relevant.

An active part of the Democratic base is Jewish voters, who support the party both financially and with hard work on the ground. Most of those Jewish voters recognize that Israel is an ally and a long time friend of the United States.

I truly do hope that those voters watch carefully as the story evolves. I also hope that this one time Democratic leaders reign in Obama. I'm also curious to learn Hillary Clinton's position on this travesty.

Elections truly do have consequences. Incredible.