U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry is under fire from Republicans amid revelations from Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif that the former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate informed him of over 200 covert military operations Israel was conducting against Iranian interests in Syria during the Trump Administration.
New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik called Kerry's words to Zarif "a criminal act", called for his prosecution and for President Biden to remove him from his role. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley called Kerry's words "disgusting on many levels" and condemned him for stabbing Israel in the back. Meanwhile, Sean Hannity called Kerry "Tehran John."
With this in mind, I have six observations to offer.
First and foremost, Republicans and conservatives are taking Zarif's words at face value. At this point, Kerry has made no statement regarding Zarif's assertion although it would be helpful if he would. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible that Zarif is lying and Republicans have already made up their minds regardless of the facts.
Second, now let's say Zarif is telling the truth about what Kerry told him. In that case, I am in agreement with Stefanik, Haley and Hannity. This is an entirely contemptible act by Kerry against an ally to the very country which seeks its destruction.
Third, so where were Stefanik, Haley and Hannity back in 2017 when President Trump revealed Israeli covert operations in Syria to the Russians in the Oval Office? Did Haley resign over the matter? Nope. So while their criticism of Kerry is legitimate they are more than happy to look the other way when it is done at the top of their own ranks.
Fourth, I am inclined to believe Kerry told Zarif about Israeli covert operations. This is a man who doesn't care much for Israel. It has been almost exactly seven years to the day since Kerry likened Israel to an "Apartheid state".
Fifth, however stupid and contemptible Kerry was to reveal this information to Zarif there's not a lot he could have done with it. If Zarif is indeed being truthful about what Kerry told him about Israel then he is also being truthful about having very little power despite his title. Zarif also stated that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard have the real power in Iran and that they keep him in the dark.
Finally, I don't think much is going to come of it. It would be one thing if Kerry was still Secretary of State or if Iran was a part of his portfolio. But he is far removed from the process of re-entering the Iran nuclear deal at least in an official capacity. Yes, I would prefer if Biden rid himself of Kerry or if Kerr were resign to private life in his mansion on Beacon Hill but it's hard to take Republicans seriously when President Trump was all too eager to compromise Israeli covert operations in Syria too. So unless there is pressure brought to bear by Democrats (something which I highly doubt) Kerry is staying put.
UPDATE: Kerry put out a statement denying any such conversation took place. If Kerry is saying that Zarif is a liar then why did the Obama Administration see fit to negotiate a nuclear agreement with him?
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