An Excerpt From Senator Obama's Speech
AIPAC Conference
June 4, 2008

"Hamas now controls Gaza. Hizbollah has tightened its grip on southern Lebanon, and is flexing
its muscles in Beirut. Because of the war in Iraq, Iran - which always posed a greater threat to
Israel than Iraq - is emboldened, and poses the greatest strategic challenge to the United States
and Israel in the Middle East in a generation. Iraq is unstable, and al Qaeda has stepped up its
recruitment. Israel’s quest for peace with its neighbors has stalled, despite the heavy burdens
borne by the Israeli people. And America is more isolated in the region, reducing our strength
and jeopardizing Israel’s safety."

http://www.cfr.org/publication/16419/obamas_speech_at_the_aipac_conference.html