This is a short diary to pass on a White House Press Release that
Obama is already engaging in the Middle East immediately. It's what he promised!
Although there is plenty to disagree about regarding I-P issues, there is no dispute that the Israeli invasion of Gaza has lead to a humanitarian crisis. It is essential to deal with this crisis in a way which creates new diplomatic opportunities as well as do address the immense human need. That is what Obama is already doing.
According to Huffington Post Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs announced:
This morning, the President placed phone calls to four Middle Eastern leaders: President Mubarak of Egypt, Prime Minister Olmert of Israel, King Abdullah of Jordan, and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. He used this opportunity on his first day in office to communicate his commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term, and to express his hope for their continued cooperation and leadership. In the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, he emphasized his determination to work to help consolidate the ceasefire by establishing an effective anti-smuggling regime to prevent Hamas from rearming, and facilitating in partnership with the Palestinian Authority a major reconstruction effort for Palestinians in Gaza. He pledged that the United States would do its part to make these efforts successful, working closely with the international community and these partners as they fulfill their responsibilities as well. The President appreciated the spirit of partnership and warm nature of these calls.
The engagement by Obama himself is a wonderful beginning.
In addition to the obvious urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis, several features are laudable.
- Bypassing Hamas and dealing with other players (Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan (as Inland points out)
- Simultaneously addressing the Israeli concern of prevention of weapon smuggling.