Maybe the Webb-Clinton Iran Bill Isn’t So Hot After All
Yesterday, I decided that Clinton co-sponsoring legislation that would withhold congressional funding for an attack on Iran absent explicit authorization is a good thing. I’m not so sure anymore. Unlike the Kyl-Lieberman amendment, which labels the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization, it’s highly unclear if the Clinton-Webb bill will pass. If the Democratic congrss doesn’t have the spine to stand up the Bush administration and various Iran hawks, Clinton would have just waisted a ton of capital with Haim Saban and AIPAC types — without a meaningful change of policy — meaning that she’ll be more likely to double up on various other misguided likudnik/Israeli hawk policy positions, like insisting on a unified Jerusalem being the capital of Israel.
If, on the other hand, this bill manages to pass and somehow withstand a Bush veto threat, I will go back to my old position and think that Hillary did something very worthwhile.
