Obama, Clinton and Foreign Policy in the Middle East

Obama, Clinton and Foreign Policy in the Middle East

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Barack Obama's been criticized as weak in support of Israel and not tough enough on Iran. Hillary Clinton's talked about "massive retaliation" if Israel is attacked and an "umbrella of deterrence" all over the Middle East. We explore their differences and similarities on a crucial arena of foreign policy. Also, tomorrow's Pennsylvania primary, and oil, gas—and waivers of environmental protections—in Wyoming's open spaces.

Making News

Size of Victory Is Crucial in Pennsylvania Primary ()

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are both trying to curb expectations for tomorrow's Pennsylvania primary. Clinton, who once led by 20 percent, says she'll be happy to win by a few points. Obama concedes he will lose. Tom Baldino is Professor of Political Science at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre.

Guests:

Tom Baldino: Professor of Political Science, Wilkes University

Main Topic

Obama, Clinton and Foreign Policy in the Middle East ()

Barack Obama says Israel is " America's strongest ally in the Middle East," but skeptics contend he's soft on the Palestinians and not tough enough on Iran. Hillary Clinton promises "massive retaliation" if Israel's ever attacked by Iran, and an "umbrella of deterrence" that would go beyond that. These and other differences have been used to suggest that Obama's support of Israel is insufficient. Does Obama suffer from guilt by association with his church pastor and others? Who are the real advisors to his campaign? Does Clinton really support a two-state solution? What about a pre-emptive attack on Iran?

Guests:

Ann Lewis: Senior Advisor, Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign
Mel Levine: Advisor, Barak Obama's presidential campaign
Caroline Glick: Assistant Foreign Policy Adivsor, then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Jeremy Ben-Ami: Executive Director, J-Street

Reporter's Notebook

High-Energy Wyoming ()

Wyoming is in the midst of an oil and gas boom. If it were a country, it would be one of the world's largest coal-producing nations. The Clinton and George W. Bush administrations between them have leased out "15.5 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management, as well as hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest and private land." But the Clinton Administration enforced laws to "manage, protect and improve," while the Bush Administration "has lifted every possible impediment to industry." That's according to Alexandra Fuller in yesterday's New York Times.

Guests:

Alexandra Fuller: author, New York Times op-ed article

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