Capitol View

Pawlenty joins GOP criticism of Obama Middle East proposal

Posted at 3:57 PM on May 19, 2011 by Mark Zdechlik (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2012, Tim Pawlenty

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty issued a statement criticizing President Barack Obama for saying a Middle East peace plan should involve returning to the 1967 borders between Israel and Palestine.

"President Obama's insistence on a return to the 1967 borders is a mistaken and very dangerous demand. The city of Jerusalem must never be re-divided," said Pawlenty.

In his statement Pawlenty also said Obama's proposal sends the wrong message to Israel and that, "it's never been more important for America to stand strong for Israel and for a united Jerusalem."

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said Obama "threw Israel under the bus" and handed the Palestinians a victory. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum called the president's approach "dangerous."


Comments (3)

Eating falafel at the Holy Land Deli this one time doesn't make you an expert on the Middle East, Timmy.

Posted by Chris | May 19, 2011 6:44 PM


Israel is addressed because we have given them an average of ~$2.5 billion / year in aid for the past decade, and before that an average of $3 billion+ / year. After decades of support and non-wavering friendship, we are certainly allowed to say our piece without this reactive vitriol and hysteria. The real roadblock is (and always has been) the Israelis and the Palestinians, not the US President.

Posted by Zach | May 19, 2011 11:07 PM


Zach, your logic, to say the least, makes no sense. Aid or no aid, would you prefer to support radical terrorists or the one single democratic state in the Middle East which actually respects its citizens regardless of race, sex or religion. Furthermore, let's not forget how much aid the U.S. has given to neighboring Arab states, and furthermore, of that aid, how much has actually gone to improving conditions?

Posted by Ryan | May 20, 2011 4:25 PM


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The feature examines statements made by Minnesota politicians and checks them for accuracy. Based on data analysis, document reviews and interviews with non-partisan analysts, statements are rated either true, false or inconclusive. PoliGraph is a collaboration between Minnesota Public Radio News and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. More

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