Sen. Obama's Middle East Policies Confusing and Inconsistent

Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks today called Sen. Barack Obama's most recent Middle East policy pronouncement confusing and inconsistent.While campaigning in Texas yesterday for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Barack Obama said his willingness to meet with foes like Iran and Syria "does not include Hamas," reported Reuters.

"This most recent declaration by Senator Barack Obama demonstrates his fundamental lack of understanding of the dynamics of the Middle East. Iran and Syria have been designated by the United States as state-sponsors of terrorism; Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization. None recognize Israel's right to exist or its basic need for safe and secure borders," said RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks.

"To declare that he would meet with Iran and Syria, but not Hamas, is another clear example of Senator Obama's shaky grasp of Middle East realities. His proposed policies are not only confusing and inconsistent, but above all, they are naive and dangerous."