Hillary Clinton endorsed yesterday’s nuclear agreement with Iran and major world powers, saying the deal “can make the United States, Israel, and our Arab partners safer.” But Israel and “the Sunni Arab world have set aside old grievances to stand together against the West’s engagement with Iran,” showing how out of step Clinton’s view is from our allies in the Middle East.
In some of the most telling headlines yet, “Israel and Saudi Arabia present united front over Iran deal,” and “Iran Deal Worries Mideast Neighbors,” it is clear Clinton’s view that the nuclear deal could make Israel and Arab states safer is in stark contrast to views of those actually in the region. The deal is said to have “caused fury in Israel and consternation around the region at the likely increase in influence and resources of a newly enriched Iran.”
In her endorsement of the deal, Clinton also claimed she would propose “early talks on further strengthening our alliance” with Israel and would “deepen our security relationship” with our Arab partners. But given recent statements from Israel and Saudi Arabia, it does not seem like Clinton’s plan is off to a great start.