Since Senator Obama is being attacked because of his advisors, we think it's important to circulate the following statement that was made by key respected Jewish members of past American administrations, defending Robert Malley who was an adviser to President Clinton, and is now the head of the very serious and prestigious Middle East Department of the International Crisis Group Think Tank.

                                                                                                        Signed: Joanne Yaron, Chair, DA-Israel and Hillel Schenker, Vice Chair, DA-Israel

Former U.S. Officials on Middle East Support Rob Malley, Director of Crisis Group's Middle East Program

Statement released on 11 February 2008

Over the past several weeks, a series of vicious, personal attacks have been launched against one of our colleagues, Robert Malley, who served as President Clinton's Special Assistant for Arab-Israeli affairs. They claim that he harbours an anti-Israeli agenda and has sought to undermine Israel's security. These attacks are unfair, inappropriate and wrong. They are an effort to undermine the credibility of a talented public servant who has worked tirelessly over the years to promote Arab-Israeli peace and US national interests. They must stop.

We have real differences among us about how best to conduct US policy toward the Middle East and what is the right way to build a lasting two-state solution that protects Israel's security. But whatever differences do exist, there is no disagreement among us on one core issue that transcends partisan or other divides: that the US should not and will not do anything to undermine Israel's safety or the special relationship between our two nations. We have worked with Rob closely over the years and have no doubt he shares this view and has acted consistent with it.

We face a critical period in the Middle East that demands sustained, determined and far-sighted engagement by the United States. It is not a time for scurrilous attacks against someone who deserves our respect.

Sincerely,

Samuel (Sandy) Berger
Former National Security Advisor

Amb. Martin Indyk
Former Ambassador to Israel and Egypt and Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs

Amb. Daniel C. Kurtzer
Former Ambassador to Israel

Aaron David Miller
Former Senior Adviser for Arab-Israeli Negotiations, Department of State

Amb. Dennis Ross
Former Special Envoy of the President to the Middle East