0ne Jerusalem convened a conference call today with Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and a group of bloggers, primarily to discuss steps that can be taken against Iran, and on the need to win the war against Islamic fascism, (a wholly appropriate term Santorum was the first to use publicly).

Santorum said this war will be won at home in America,  and noted the critical nature of the battle for public opinion in America. If the public  wavers, and  loses the will to fight, we will lose this war to a very determined, resourceful enemy.  That would mean a great tragedy for Israel, and grave problems for America and the rest of the Western world.  There is no reason not to believe that Iran is serious about eliminating Israel, according to Santorum.

He might also have added that this conflict will  be won in the halls of Congress. Santorum for years has been a force for the good in Congress: crafting a wide range of acts and resolutions designed to fight Islamic radicalism and bring a secure and just peace to the Middle East.

Having a strong religious background and beliefs, he can see quite clearly the dangers that a twisted version of Islam poses to the peace of the world.

Santorum spoke candidly of the problems with the State Department, which believes every conflict can be solved diplomatically. He was also properly scornful of the United Nations, and expressed serious doubts that the world body would play a useful role in either delaying or ending Iran's nuclear development program. He applauded the efforts of US Ambassador John Bolton, and expressed hope that his permanent nomination could move to the Senate floor and be voted on.

Regrettably, 'Republican' Senator Lincoln   Chafee, has at least temporarily put a hold on that nomination. Santorum believes it is essential that non—military means be applied to create the conditions for a regime change in Iran, before a nuclear program is completed.

Santorum's re—election race this year is a critical one for the pro— Israel community.  It would be difficult to find a Senator who has seen the issues in the Middle East more clearly, and been more forthright in speaking out on them.  For once, liberal Jews who claim they support Israel, but who normally vote Democratic  because of social issues, can not use that as an excuse to vote against Santorum. His opponent, Bob Casey, is also pro—life. Santorum was all but written off earlier in the year, when polls showed him down by 15—18 points. But now the gap has closed to 3 to 4 points, basically the margin of error in the polls, and the momentum is all his way.

Richard Baehr  9 14 06