Michele Bachmann Hammers Obama on Middle East Policies

Republican presidential hopeful U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota offered a statement regarding Palestinian membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization -- and she took aim at President Barack Obama.

Today marked a sad day for the world and our ally Israel as the Palestinian flag was raised at UNESCO headquarters, Bachmann said. It is another representation of the failure of President Obamas leadership in the world as a terrorist organization that seeks the destruction of Israel was given legitimacy by UNESCO. It is President Obamas weakness in the Middle East that has emboldened the Palestinians to attempt to achieve statehood through the U.N. rather than at the legitimate negotiation table with Israel. I would go a step further and withdraw our membership from UNESCO and I would withdraw U.S. funding from any U.N. entity that recognizes Palestine or grants them membership. I would also deny funding for the Palestinians and would close the PLO office in Washington, D.C. The Palestinians must recognize Israels right to exist and renounce violence against Israel to become a serious partner in peace with Israel.And President Obama must realize that it is Israel who is our true friend in the Middle East.