On July 23rd, a "Dear Colleague" letter was written by Senators Evan Bayh (D,IN) and James Risch (R,ID) urging President Obama to press Arab nations to take dramatic steps to normalize relations with the people and the government of Israel.  This letter, which has the support of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has been circulated through the Senate since last Friday.  While there certainly are many positive ideas in this letter, it appears to be one-sided.  According to Americans For Peace Now's (APN), Lara Friedman:

The letter, which is the top item on the "Take Action" page on the AIPAC website, focuses exclusively on President Obama’s call for Arab states to take steps to normalize relations with Israel, making no mention of the president’s call for Israel to stop settlement activity (and implying that steps Israel has already taken - like removing some checkpoints and PM Netanyahu’s belated support for the two-state solution - are sufficient demonstration of Israel’s commitment to the peace process). 

I urge readers to support President Obama's call for a balanced approach on Israeli settlements and normalization of relations by Arab nations.  Please contact your Senator through the Capitol toll-free switchboard, (800)828-0498 or (877)762-8762, and ask them to hold off signing the Bayh-Risch letter until it reflects this idea.  You could also e-mail them through the Senate website, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom link, or the Churces For Middle East Peace link.

FULL DETAILS HERE: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/7/27/211043/512