Chalabigate
"Weapons of Mass Deception"
2004-12-18
"Democrats" query Bush over probe into AIPAC
Janine Zacharia
THE JERUSALEM POST
Dec. 18, 2004
Four House Democrats sent a letter to US President George W. Bush on Thursday urging him to provide them "with information that will clarify the circumstances" surrounding the FBI's investigation into AIPAC.
"While we certainly wish to see that justice is served, egregious press leaks and reports of a questionable sting operation by the FBI raise serious concerns about the integrity of the AIPAC probe," the lawmakers wrote.
They cited a report in The Jerusalem Post earlier this month, which said the FBI had planted what was described as "classified" information with AIPAC employees to see if they would pass it on to Israel.
The information outlined a plan by Iranians to kidnap Israelis operating in northern Iraq.
"If true, such tactics raise formidable questions about the motives, direction, and very premise of the AIPAC investigation," the letter said.
The four also expressed concern that the "sensationalized media frenzy surrounding the investigation" could feed mounting anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism throughout Europe and the Middle East.
The letter was signed by Reps. Robert Wexler* of Florida, Robert Menendez* of New Jersey and Eliot Engel* and Gary Ackerman* of New York.
Several weeks ago, the FBI issued subpoenas to four senior AIPAC officials to testify before a grand jury in Virginia. They were informed that they would be asked to testify in late December but a court date has yet to be set.
This article can also be read at Jerusalem Post
Congressman Wants AIPAC Prober Probed
Gary Fitleberg, September 30, 2004
A U.S. congressman wants the Bush administration to probe the man investigating the premier pro-Israel lobby.
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) asked President Bush on Wednesday to investigate David Szady. The FBI's assistant director for counterintelligence, Szady is leading the investigation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and has led government agencies involved in targeting Jewish employees for probes in the past, according to a JTA investigation.
http://truthnews.com/world/2004090247.htm
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* [Reps. Robert Wexler of Florida, Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Eliot Engel recieves pro-israeli PAC contributions which naturally explains their concern on the issue. For more details: http://www.wrmea.com/archives/Oct_2004/0410019.html
And Gary Ackerman´s involvement can be further investigated here:
http://chalabigate.blogspot.com/2003/05/aipac-hijacks-roadmap.html ]
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The letter:
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express our deep concern about the FBI's ongoing investigation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and allegations that it may have transmitted classified information to Israel. In the aftermath of the two highly publicized raids on AIPAC headquarters and recent issuing of four subpoenas to AIPAC employees, it is clear this investigation is proceeding with a renewed intensity. As Members of Congress who value AIPAC's contributions to the U.S.-Israel relationship and respect its distinguished staff, we urge you to provide us with information that will clarify the circumstances surrounding this investigation.
While we certainly wish to see that justice is served, egregious press leaks and reports of a questionable sting operation by the FBI raise serious concerns about the integrity of the AIPAC probe. According to last week's Jerusalem Post, a suspected Pentagon analyst was used by the FBI to plant information in the hands of AIPAC employees. The information allegedly outlined an extensive Iranian plot to kidnap and kill Israelis working in the Kurdish section of Iraq. If true, such tactics raise formidable questions about the motives, direction and very premise of the AIPAC investigation. As we see it, these tactics are immoral and potentially damaging to American security interests in the Middle East. Moreover, with America facing a multitude of documented security threats, it seems ill-advised that the FBI would be focusing its resources on incredulous operations to entrap otherwise innocent Americans.
At this time, we also wish to express our deep misgivings about nefarious press leaks surrounding this investigation. On December 1, when the FBI arrived at AIPAC headquarters, CNN cameras were conspicuously waiting downstairs. Within minutes, highly detailed information was leaked to the wires and channeled throughout the world. While we do not know who has been providing this information to the press, the circumstances suggest it may be stemming from the ranks of individuals associated with the AIPAC probe. As such, we strongly encourage you to investigate this matter and, if found, eradicate these damaging leaks.
At a time when anti-Semitism has reemerged in Europe and anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment has intensified throughout the Arab world, we are concerned about the long-term repercussions of the sensationalized media frenzy surrounding this investigation. Regardless of the outcome, the AIPAC investigation gives fodder to conspiracy theorists that carry deep suspicions of Israel and Jews and brings to light an extremely troublesome debate about alleged dual loyalties of the American Jewish community.
Mr. President, an honorable organization is on the line, as are the reputations of dignified individuals, and Congress has yet to hear from you or your Administration on this issue despite previous requests. Reports indicate that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice was notified of this investigation over two years ago. After what appeared to be a short hiatus prior to the election, the FBI has once again taken action against AIPAC and its employees. If crimes have been committed, then those responsible must be held accountable. If no illegalities have occurred, however, we strongly urge you to do everything in your power to exonerate AIPAC and its staff from this public castigation.
It is in this vein that we urge you to facilitate a briefing of Members of Congress on the circumstances surrounding the AIPAC investigation and thank you, in advance, for your expeditious response.
Sincerely,
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY)
Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY)
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
THE JERUSALEM POST
Dec. 18, 2004
Four House Democrats sent a letter to US President George W. Bush on Thursday urging him to provide them "with information that will clarify the circumstances" surrounding the FBI's investigation into AIPAC.
"While we certainly wish to see that justice is served, egregious press leaks and reports of a questionable sting operation by the FBI raise serious concerns about the integrity of the AIPAC probe," the lawmakers wrote.
They cited a report in The Jerusalem Post earlier this month, which said the FBI had planted what was described as "classified" information with AIPAC employees to see if they would pass it on to Israel.
The information outlined a plan by Iranians to kidnap Israelis operating in northern Iraq.
"If true, such tactics raise formidable questions about the motives, direction, and very premise of the AIPAC investigation," the letter said.
The four also expressed concern that the "sensationalized media frenzy surrounding the investigation" could feed mounting anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism throughout Europe and the Middle East.
The letter was signed by Reps. Robert Wexler* of Florida, Robert Menendez* of New Jersey and Eliot Engel* and Gary Ackerman* of New York.
Several weeks ago, the FBI issued subpoenas to four senior AIPAC officials to testify before a grand jury in Virginia. They were informed that they would be asked to testify in late December but a court date has yet to be set.
This article can also be read at Jerusalem Post
Congressman Wants AIPAC Prober Probed
Gary Fitleberg, September 30, 2004
A U.S. congressman wants the Bush administration to probe the man investigating the premier pro-Israel lobby.
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) asked President Bush on Wednesday to investigate David Szady. The FBI's assistant director for counterintelligence, Szady is leading the investigation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and has led government agencies involved in targeting Jewish employees for probes in the past, according to a JTA investigation.
http://truthnews.com/world/2004090247.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* [Reps. Robert Wexler of Florida, Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Eliot Engel recieves pro-israeli PAC contributions which naturally explains their concern on the issue. For more details: http://www.wrmea.com/archives/Oct_2004/0410019.html
And Gary Ackerman´s involvement can be further investigated here:
http://chalabigate.blogspot.com/2003/05/aipac-hijacks-roadmap.html ]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The letter:
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express our deep concern about the FBI's ongoing investigation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and allegations that it may have transmitted classified information to Israel. In the aftermath of the two highly publicized raids on AIPAC headquarters and recent issuing of four subpoenas to AIPAC employees, it is clear this investigation is proceeding with a renewed intensity. As Members of Congress who value AIPAC's contributions to the U.S.-Israel relationship and respect its distinguished staff, we urge you to provide us with information that will clarify the circumstances surrounding this investigation.
While we certainly wish to see that justice is served, egregious press leaks and reports of a questionable sting operation by the FBI raise serious concerns about the integrity of the AIPAC probe. According to last week's Jerusalem Post, a suspected Pentagon analyst was used by the FBI to plant information in the hands of AIPAC employees. The information allegedly outlined an extensive Iranian plot to kidnap and kill Israelis working in the Kurdish section of Iraq. If true, such tactics raise formidable questions about the motives, direction and very premise of the AIPAC investigation. As we see it, these tactics are immoral and potentially damaging to American security interests in the Middle East. Moreover, with America facing a multitude of documented security threats, it seems ill-advised that the FBI would be focusing its resources on incredulous operations to entrap otherwise innocent Americans.
At this time, we also wish to express our deep misgivings about nefarious press leaks surrounding this investigation. On December 1, when the FBI arrived at AIPAC headquarters, CNN cameras were conspicuously waiting downstairs. Within minutes, highly detailed information was leaked to the wires and channeled throughout the world. While we do not know who has been providing this information to the press, the circumstances suggest it may be stemming from the ranks of individuals associated with the AIPAC probe. As such, we strongly encourage you to investigate this matter and, if found, eradicate these damaging leaks.
At a time when anti-Semitism has reemerged in Europe and anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment has intensified throughout the Arab world, we are concerned about the long-term repercussions of the sensationalized media frenzy surrounding this investigation. Regardless of the outcome, the AIPAC investigation gives fodder to conspiracy theorists that carry deep suspicions of Israel and Jews and brings to light an extremely troublesome debate about alleged dual loyalties of the American Jewish community.
Mr. President, an honorable organization is on the line, as are the reputations of dignified individuals, and Congress has yet to hear from you or your Administration on this issue despite previous requests. Reports indicate that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice was notified of this investigation over two years ago. After what appeared to be a short hiatus prior to the election, the FBI has once again taken action against AIPAC and its employees. If crimes have been committed, then those responsible must be held accountable. If no illegalities have occurred, however, we strongly urge you to do everything in your power to exonerate AIPAC and its staff from this public castigation.
It is in this vein that we urge you to facilitate a briefing of Members of Congress on the circumstances surrounding the AIPAC investigation and thank you, in advance, for your expeditious response.
Sincerely,
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY)
Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY)
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
Milton Frihetsson, 13:54
