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Edward Peck, a former U.S. ambassador who spent 32 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, served as deputy director of Ronald Reagan's Task Force on Terrorism and also was chief of mission in Baghdad. He is now a trainer and lecturer on foreign affairs. He visited Charlotte on Wednesday to speak to members of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. In an interview with the Observer, Peck called himself a "shin kicker" in diplomatic circles. He talked about how the U.S. relationship with Israel is causing trouble for both countries. He also talked about the current state of Iraq.
On Iraq: "We've destroyed that country. ... We have knocked off Saddam Hussein, and the country is now in pieces. Just as women care about women all over the world, Arabs care about Arabs, and Muslims care about Muslims. We have savagely eroded our standing in the world. Perception is everything, and the perception is that the United States is not what it was. We look savage, nasty, uncaring ... and hypocritical. ... I don't think (Iraq) will ever be a country again in my lifetime.
On Israel: "The key problem we face in the Middle East is the occupation of Palestine. ...They have a lot of reasons to be unhappy with this situation (in Palestine).
"Our relationship with Israel is costing us prestige and dignity. ... I would cut the relationship. Israel doesn't need us. I would say, 'You are now on your own.' ... Everybody knows exactly what should happen in the Middle East. Unless they're all living in peace and security, none are going to live in peace and security."
