Early Praise For Powell

Jewish leaders say designee for secretary of state will be a friend of Israel.

JAMES D. BESSER
Washington Correspondent

Washington

or a community that is

notoriously nervous
about incoming secre-
taries of state — even
George Shultz, today venerated by
pro-Israel forces, was initially
regarded as hostile — the reaction
to the selection of retired Gen.
Colin Powell has been overwhelm-
ingly positive.
Despite hints of concern about
Powell's strong focus on the
Persian Gulf and an approach to
regional conflicts that some see as
excessively cautious, the Yiddish-
speaking nominee has drawn
praise from a wide range of Jewish
leaders, and from both peace
process supporters and critics.
At a news conference following the announcement
of his selection by President-Elect George W. Bush,
Powell briefly addressed the Mideast peace process.
"It is absolutely a given that under a Bush adminis-
tration, America will remain very much engaged," he
said. "I expect it to be a major priority of mine and of
the department. It will be based on the principle that
we must always ensure that Israel lives in freedom and
in security and peace.
"But at the same time," he continued, "we have to
do everything we can to deal with the aspirations of
the Palestinians and other nations in the region who
have an interest in this."

The Oil Question

Most Jewish leaders say this is precisely the kind of
diplomatic formulation expected of an incoming secre-
tary of state.
"Any administration seeking to promote a settlement
in the Middle East has to take other elements into
account in addition to Israel," said Jess Hordes,
Washington director of the Anti-Defamation League.
"We have to wait and see how the new administration,
and Powell in particular, balance these elements."
American University political scientist Amos
Perlmutter, who said he has known the Gulf War com-
mander "for years," predicted that Powell's support for
Palestinian aspirations will not translate into backing
for Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat.
"This is not going to be a good administration for
Arafat," he said. "Right now, Arafat is getting ready to

Related editorial: page 35

Human Rights Priority

Some Jewish leaders worry that both
Powell and Rice will give shorter
shrift to the international human
rights agenda that President Bill
Clinton and his two secretaries of
state advanced, such as protecting the
rights of Jews in the former Soviet
Union.
But the critics were a distinct
minority in Jewish board rooms this
week, reflecting both genuine admira-
tion for the former Joint Chiefs chair-
man and a desire by Jewish leaders to
say nothing that would impede their
access to the man about to become
the nation's top diplomat.
"I have no reservations about
him," said Abraham Foxman,
national director of the Anti-
Defamation League. "He is a man
of experience who appreciates
America's role — and understands
make another major mistake; he thinks he can raise an
America's limitations."
intifada now, and get a better deal with Bush." But
Foxman referred to Powell's early days in the Bronx.
Powell, Perlmutter said, is unlikely to offer a sympa-
"He grew up in a Jewish environment; he continues to
thetic ear.
feel good about those days, and his time at City
"There's no love for Arafat by Powell. He's going to
College, when he was surrounded by a generation of
be tough."
Jewish students who have gone on to greater achieve-
Privately, some Jewish leaders
ments. Many of them are still his friends."
expressed concern that Powell, reflecting
As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
Presi dent-Elect Powell worked closely with Israeli military
the big-oil background of the new pres-
George W Bush's leaders, he said — including Ehud Barak, his
ident and vice-president, will tilt U.S.
no minee for opposite number as Israel's chief of staff.
policy in the region in favor of the oil
of state,
secretary
producing states.
But Foxman agreed that there will be jar-
n
Powell, ring shifts in emphasis as the new administra-
Gen.
Coli
Shoshana Bryen, special projects director
vows stro n g support tion reevaluates U.S. policy in the region.
of the Jewish Institute for National
for Israel during a "Israel policy never plays alone; it has to be
Security Affairs (JINSA), noted that "every
1991 speech to seen in the context of the broader region."
secretary of state has to nod toward the oil
an Israel
the
Americ
producing states. They have to do that as
Others expressed concern about Powell's
Publ
ic
Affairs well-known reservations about the use of U.S.
long as we want to keep heating our homes
Co mmittee. military force.
and driving our cars." But, she added, "On
balance, his program and his views will be
"I'm a little worried about his military doc-
good for Israel."
trine, as expressed before the Gulf War," said Phil
Other analysts say Powell will generally take pro-
Baum, executive director of the American Jewish
Israel positions, but warn that his ability to shape poli-
Congress. "He is hesitant about using U.S. troops even
cy in the region will depend on his position relative to
in places where we think they may be necessary." But
the other two stars in the Bush foreign policy constel-
Baum said he is satisfied Powell will work to maintain
lation — Condoleezza Rice, the President-elect's
the special U.S.-Israel relationship and that he will seek
choice as National Security Adviser, and the incoming
and listen to input from Jewish leaders.
vice president, Dick Cheney.
Peace Process
Cheney, many predicted with concern, will be
unusually involved in the new administration's foreign
Powell's appointment won praise from both ardent
policy; some foresee a tug of war for influence between
peace process critics and backers.
Cheney and Powell, with Rice playing more of a sup-
POWELL on page 20
porting role.

12/22
2000

19

