I don’t think that this is a vetting issue. Political appointees should not, in an ideal world, need to defend themselves against this sort of attack. The problem is the political system which is based upon such an adversarial culture, where the smallest of things are blown up to epic proportions, and lies are woven out of selectively chosen quotes.

Basically, the US political system is broken.

Lobbyists like AIPAC are a part of the problem. These are unelected groups who are able to dictate the people who are chosen for political positions. This simply isn’t democracy.

Since 9/11, there has been a lot of call for mainstream muslims to find their voice and denounce the extremist elements in their communities. It seems to me that the mainstream Jewish community needs to do the same thing. Of course the US shouldn’t abandon Israel, considering the hostility of her neighbours, but there is a lot of positive criticism that is urgently needed. The US is the only country in a position to give that, but is unfortunately also the country most unlikely to be able to do so.

If we need an example of the success of negotiation, we can simply look at Northern Ireland, where this week ex-terrorists and murderers have condemned the killing of soldiers and police as treachery. This language would have been unthinkable 10 years ago, and that those politicians can now use that language shows what huge steps have been taken.

The US and Israel’s inability to achieve this is an awful failing.