Gary Fitleberg, December 30, 2004

A Jewish group called on the United Nations secretary-general to fire his chief adviser for comparing Ariel Sharon to an assassin.

On Thursday, the American Jewish Congress called Lakhdar Brahimi’s comments "scandalous and false." Brahimi, an Algerian and a former Arab League official who has a history of anti-Israel statements, reportedly told Europeans to place additional pressure on Israel and Prime Minister Sharon "when he assassinates people," and called Israel’s positions vis-a-vis the Arab "Palestinians "cynical and ridiculous." "By repeatedly showing himself to be bigoted and biased against Israel, Mr. Brahimi has fatally undermined his own credibility, and usefulness, at the United Nations," said Jack Rosen, the AJCongress’ chairman.

Advocates for Israel have complained before to Secretary-General Kofi Annan about Brahimi, but Annan has said Brahimi was speaking for himself and not on behalf of the United Nations when he made such comments.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg