Who does Ocasio-Cortez represent?
In a recent segment on NewsNation, TV anchor Chris Cuomo took progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to task over her criticism of Israel’s military tactics against Hezbollah. Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the “Squad,” had labeled Israel’s use of exploding devices disguised as pagers as a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Cuomo challenged her perspective directly, questioning why she failed to acknowledge that these devices targeted members of a terrorist organization intent on Israel’s destruction.
Cuomo raised an important point: “Would you have defended al Qaeda when the U.S. was engaging them in Iraq?” This comparison highlighted the necessity of scrutinizing the context in which military actions occur, especially when dealing with organizations that pose an existential threat.
Ocasio-Cortez responded by expressing her concern over civilian casualties, citing the tragic death of a 9-year-old Lebanese girl in the attacks. “What did the 9-year-old girl who was killed do to deserve that?” she asked, implying that questioning the morality of military operations equates to supporting terrorism.
Cuomo countered this argument by emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself against a group known for its violent intentions. He remarked that Israel operates independently of U.S. laws and that their military strategies should be understood within the context of an ongoing conflict with terrorists. He stated, “If the representative suggests that the U.S. should not support Israel based on these tactics, good luck with that.”
Furthermore, Cuomo pointed out a disturbing trend: Ocasio-Cortez’s office was vandalized with accusations of supporting terrorism, a situation she described as ugly and unacceptable. Yet, he noted, she has been silent on threats and attacks against her Republican colleagues, including bomb threats against Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and assassination attempts on former President Trump. Cuomo argued that this selective outrage reveals a troubling lack of empathy for those who hold opposing views.
In sum, Cuomo’s critique underscores a significant divide in how political figures engage with complex issues of national security and humanitarian concerns. The dialogue is crucial, especially for those who advocate for strong national defense policies and a firm stance against terrorism.
