Gary Fitleberg, January 6, 2005

State Department officials said an office to monitor international anti-Semitism will be unveiled shortly after Condoleezza Rice is confirmed as secretary of state.

Michael Kozak, the acting assistant secretary of state for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, said Wednesday that discussions of where to place the office are ongoing, as well as a budget for the office, which was mandated as part of the Global Anti-Semitism Awareness/Review Act, which passed Congress in October. State Department officials say plans are almost completed to incorporate the office into the portfolio of the special envoy for Holocaust issues, but is awaiting Rice's approval before moving forward.

The State Department had originally opposed the office, suggesting it would be viewed as favoritism in its overall reporting on human rights.

The headquarters should be stationed in the capital of the homeland of the Jewish people and ONLY Jewish nation state in the world -- Jerusalem, Israel. A suggestion. Start by monitoring the so-called "moderate" state of terrorism organization controlled and dominated Palestinian Authority/Palestine Liberation (PA/PLO) Organization, its subsidiaries of terrorism such as Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Force 17 and Tanzim as well as the sister organizations of terrorism Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad. Start there and then continue to neighbors Iran, Syria and its "occupied" Lebanon, moving east to Saudi Arabia continuing through Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Don't forget those "peace partners" Egypt and Jordan.

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

Copyright © 2005 Gary Fitleberg