There may be occasions when it makes sense for the United States to talk with its adversaries. However, when it comes to the upcoming Durban II conference, there’s nothing to talk about.
The United States should commit to boycotting the conference and never look back.
Set to take place in Geneva next week, Durban II is a sequel to the notorious World Conference Against Racism, sponsored by the United Nations and held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. Led by Muslim countries and others hostile to Israel, that event turned into a rabidly anti-Zionist circus, and prompted a U.S. walkout.
Though organizers of Durban II will likely tone down the rhetoric a bit this time, we have no doubts about the direction this farce will take: Blame Israel and the West for everything wrong with the world.
Moreover, the Durban II agenda contains a thinly veiled anti-free speech initiative, which would condemn “the defamation of religion.” Recalling the violent overreaction throughout the Muslim world to a few tasteless cartoons published in a Danish newspaper a few years ago, it’s clear Durban II planners want to stifle free speech.
Unless, of course, it’s anti-Israel speech.
That’s certainly what attendees will hear when Iran’s savagely anti-Israel and anti-Semitic president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, addresses the conference.
The U.S. administration initially announced it would pull out of the conference, but has since revised its position, leaving the door open to attending if organizers revise objectionable language in one official document.
As if a few altered words on a piece of paper would prevent countries like Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria from moderating their hatred toward Israel.
Canada, Italy and, naturally, Israel have already confirmed they will not attend Durban II. Several European countries and Australia may soon follow. As the world superpower, the United States should be among those nations. Our participation in a Durban II boycott would be a beacon to other countries that also may want to stay away.
Diplomacy is a good thing. Engaging with adversaries can lead to understanding and peace, however cold. But there are times when a clear statement must be made. The Durban process is flawed, tainted and irredeemable.
We echo the call from the American Jewish Committee, B’nai B’rith and other leading Jewish groups, and urge the Obama administration to stop equivocating: No to anti-Israel screeds. No to Durban II.