Split Over Tactics As Jonathan Pollard Drive Heats Up

[Purveyor]

Link convicted spy to peace talks? Leaders divided on way forward after clemency fails.

12/31/13 Stewart Ain

After President Barack Obama again refused to include imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard on his Christmas clemency list, supporters of Pollard’s release are conflicted on how best to proceed.

There are some who believe Pollard, who has already served 28 years of a life sentence, should be freed in light of recent revelations that the U.S. spied on the e-mails of senior Israeli leaders, including the prime minister and defense minister.

“Is this how friends treat each other?” asked Israeli Transportation and Road Safety Minister Israel Katz. “Pollard was arrested for much less.”

Others believe Israel should demand Pollard’s release in return for making concessions in the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

“I do think that in the context of negotiations with the Palestinians something could be done that would provide the basis for his release,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “I have always said and I do believe that this is the option that would make a difference. …”

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http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/international-news/split-over-tactics-pollard-drive-heats-up

[Electric Monk]

1. What it comes down to is, it's ok if you are...

this post has a good chance to get hidden too, which just proves my point.

[jberryhill]

2. That's really dumb

I fail to see the point in demanding Pollard as a condition to settling differences with someone else entirely.

[Scootaloo]

3. It's STILL a silly argument

"You should release the convicted criminal because your guys violated the law too!"

I was unaware that the existence of unconvicted criminals means that convicted ones should be given clemency. Someday I'll figure out why some people go for the "other people do bad stuff too!" line of jusification.

[Electric Monk]

4. It has become more common here, as I've noticed recently

and been vilified for it, too.

[customerserviceguy]

5. He's a bargaining chip

if we really, really, really NEED Israel to do something they'd rather not do.

[Jesus Malverde]

6. .

[kelliekat44]

7. Never!! Sielgleman not Pollard. nt

[msanthrope]

8. That traitor will die in prison unless Israel gives something worth his hide.

So far, they haven't.