Berkley backs sanctions against Iran

WASHINGTON -- After returning from her 15th trip to Israel, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., on Monday said the United States should not rule out a pre-emptive strike against Iran to eliminate its ability to develop nuclear weapons.

"I think it would be very bad diplomacy to take any option off the table," Berkley said.

But before even considering an attack, Berkley said, the United States should seek to unite the international community and persuade the United Nations to impose "serious sanctions" against Iran.

"I believe Iran's economy is in very bad shape and the Iranian leadership is hanging on by its fingertips," Berkley said. "Sanctions could bring Iran to its knees, and force a collapse similar to that of the Soviet Union."

None of the leaders of Israel's numerous political parties are talking about attacking Iran, Berkley said.

But the looming threat of a nuclear Iran "trumps everything," among Israel's concerns.

Berkley, who is Jewish, said Israel's economy is booming and the morale of Israelis has improved since last year's costly war against Lebanon.

"These people have had 60 years of war perpetrated against them, and I think they have a very fatalistic feeling that this is the hand they have been dealt, and they are going to play it," Berkley said.

Berkley was one of 18 Democratic lawmakers who visited Israel last week on a trip paid for by the American Israel Education Foundation. The foundation also financed a trip by 18 Republican congressmen the week before.

Berkley accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of coming down with "diplomatic flu" after he canceled meetings with the Democratic and Republican delegations.

"At a time when the Palestinians are trying to raise hundred of millions of dollars from Congress, he missed an opportunity to speak to about 10 percent of the members," she said. "I think that's a big mistake on his part."

Meanwhile, violence continues to rage among 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza after it was taken over by Hamas, a militant Islamic organization.

"If there is hell on earth, it is in Gaza right now," Berkley said.

Hamas is trying to consolidate its control in Gaza with massive executions of any Palestinians associated with Fatah, a rival group, and by forcing Christians to "convert or die," she said.

Berkley also said Hamas is launching attacks on Israel from Gaza.

Another trouble spot is Israel's border with Lebanon where Hezbollah, another militant Islamic organization, is as strong as it was before last year's war with Israel.

Berkley said Iran is funneling money and military equipment to Hezbollah through Syria.

Surprisingly, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did not urge Berkley and other U.S. lawmakers to fight the proposed sale of $20 billion in arms by the United States to Saudi Arabia. Berkley is one of 115 lawmakers opposed to the deal.

Olmert does not want to do anything to jeopardize $30 billion in U.S. aid to Israel over the next 10 years, Berkley said.

"I understand, but I think it's a disaster," Berkley said. "This arms deal will destabilize the Middle East. We want the Saudis to stand up to Iran, but the Saudis have learned to work Americans very well. They look right into our eyes and lie to our faces."

Berkley also traveled to Cyprus, a Mediterranean island which is the subject of a territorial dispute between Greece and Turkey. Since 1974, Turkey has occupied one-third of the island.

Berkley said Turkey should withdraw its 40,000 troops from Cyprus.

"I went to the Green Line, which separates the two sides of Cyprus," Berkley said. "The Greek side is flourishing. The Turkish side is squalor and misery."