Power ‘faces uphill battle’ to secure ambassador nod

Irishwoman Samantha Power faces strident opposition from elements of the Israeli lobby to be confirmed as the US ambassador to the UN.

Ms Power, 42, who was born in Dublin, was named to the post by President Barack Obama, but faces a difficult nomination battle.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which is highly influential in the US, says she “faces an uphill battle” to get nominated because of Israeli opposition.

Ms Power replaces Susan Rice, who takes over as Obama’s national security adviser.

The newspaper article, headlined “Jewish groups will approve of Rice nomination, but Power faces uphill battle”, notes: “A 2002 YouTube video that is less than three minutes long is likely to play a prominent role in any campaign launched by right-wing Republican and Jewish groups against the appointment of Sam-antha Power as America’s next ambassador to the United Nations.”

The video purportedly shows her calling for an American imposed settlement in the Middle East backed up by American troops if necessary, even if that upsets the Israeli people.

According to Haaretz, “the appointment of Rice and Power — certain to please liberals, Democrats, and women — strengthens the hand of liberal interventionists”.

The Jewish Press noted that Ms Power, “although a darling of the left-wing, is not shy to advocate all of the methods associated with tyrants”. Ms Power, they claim, “has an itchy trigger finger”.

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) also expressed opposition to Ms Power’s nomination.

“We understand that Samantha Power played an important role in diminishing the negative impact of the UN Durban II conference which condemned alleged Israeli human rights actions,” the ZOA said in a statement.

ZOA cited Ms Powers’s documented record of outspoken anti-Israel statements and lack of diplomatic tact and has urged the US senate to vote her down when her nomination comes before it.