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Are You There Obama? It's Me, Israel.
The New York Times published an Op-Ed yesterday by the editor at large from Haaretz newspaper, considered to be Israel’s left wing publication. In it, Aluf Benn made a very simple, but very important point: while the need for Obama to make overtures to the Muslim world is understandable, even necessary (though a quick glance at Iran makes us wonder what it’s all doing), doesn’t Israel deserve some attention as well (outside of a quick photo-op, that is)?
It’s an interesting and understandable view, coming from a man with a large say in the political opinions of the left-wing Israeli public. While Americans often find it easiest to focus on the settlers and their defiance as the roadblock to peace, (see a feature story on today’s NYT home page), they, Obama included, seem to be forgetting that there are many Israelis (possibly even the PM) …
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Israel's Resolve Seems to be Weakening Under Obama Pressure
Yesterday Israeli officials announced that Israel would be open to a temporary complete freeze of construction in the settlements. This comes after repeated calls for such a freeze from President Obama and repeated refusals by Israel, who wished to allow room for “natural growth.”
While the freeze would hold specifically for new construction, not continuing projects or East Jerusalem, it would seem to indicate a significant victory for Obama. And along with recent measures to give Palestinians more control in the West Bank and the founding of a committee headed by PM Netanyahu to improve their economic situation, topped off by Netanyahu’s recent acceptance of the possibility of a demilitarized Palestinian state, it seems that Israel is truly making an effort to get on board with the new American President.
How far this will go, with Israel’s right wing coalition and the Israeli wish for Palestinian and Arab …
Popularity: 1% [?]
Door Closing for Dialogue With Iran as Conflict Rages On
The ongoing protests to the recent election results in Iran are continuing, in the streets of Iran and in the cyber-world of Twitter and Facebook. While the Western world, especially the younger generation, has been voicing their support for the protesters and disdain for the the violent quashing of their efforts, many have started to ask–what does this mean for Obama’s oft-mentioned hope for negotiations with Iran in relation to their nuclear program?
To put it softly, the future does not look too rosy. Obama has been trying to walk the line between taking a diplomatic step back in the hope of retaining the possibility of talks and recognizing the emergence of a pro-democracy movement in Iran. While right after the elections Obama still pledged to “pursue a tough, direct dialogue with Iran,” his comments as of late (questioned Tuesday about continuing to pursue talks, he responded: “That’s a …
Popularity: 1% [?]
U.S., Israel Breathe Sigh of Relief as Hizbollah Loses Election
In a tight race for control of the Lebanese Parliament, Hizbollah has been defeated by the pro-Western March 14 coalition. Recent polls had given the election to Hizbollah, which would have put the U.S.-classified terror organization, with distinct ties to Iran and Syria, in control of the already unstable nation.
President Obama expressed his satisfaction with the news, saying that “…the people of Lebanon have demonstrated to the world their courage and the strength of their commitment to democracy.” Israeli politicans were also pleased, but wary. In a statement given yesterday, President Shimon Peres asserted: “The election results in Lebanon do not change the fact that Hezbollah remains a state within a state.”
The election results arrived in the wake of Obama’s much-discussed speech in Cairo. Some analysts even gave some of the credit for the positive results in Lebanon to Obama’s overtures to the Muslim world.
Also coinciding with the release of …
Popularity: 1% [?]
Obama’s Middle Eastern Journey: Courting Muslim Youth
UPDATE: Reactions from The New York Times from young Muslims:
Sulafah Al Shami, a 19-year-old Jordanian, watched the speech on Al Jazeera in Amman, Jordan:
The speech that President Barack Obama gave at Cairo University was very interesting and refreshing. It was definitely a big break from the tone and style that President Bush employed in addressing the Arab world.
Ingy Hassieb, a 19-year-old Egyptian, watched the speech in Alexandria, Egypt.
I like his positivity — the way he addressed the pros of Islam instead of the cons was a great and very logical way to start off. The way Islam is portrayed in the media right now is very one-sided and President Obama managed to acknowledge the distinction between extremism and Islam.
Samura Atallah, 20, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent, watched from the American University in Cairo’s dormitory in the city’s Zamalek neighborhood.
The reference to Koran Islamic history all
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