Well this week has been chock full of fun news regarding the Middle East. We have had all kinds of arguments surrounding the Goldstone report, discussions over settlements and finally the President at the U.N.
Now the Right wing is up in arms about President Obama supposedly apologizing (which he did not do) for the U.S. role in the world and supposedly turning away from our Israeli friends. I was listening to hate talk radio - the only thing I could find for part of the drive from Kenniwick, WA to Portland OR until I got in range of Progressive talk.
But, we had Karl Rove, Lynn Cheney and Sean Hannity all babbling about how Obama hates Israel and wants to team up with Moammar Ghadafi, Hugo Chavez, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejhad. Fairly insane company but, given that it is the commentators pushing this meme are fairly insane themselves this is no surprise.
Follow me below the fold for some more UN and M.E. news.
In my considerably questionable opinion this was the best message of the day:
A senior U.S. administration source Tuesday told Haaretz that "during the tripartite meeting Obama strongly expressed his impatience."
The source said the meeting was "businesslike" but not cordial. Netanyahu and Abbas voiced their opinions but did not attack.
"The time has come to re-launch negotiations - without preconditions - that address the permanent-status issues: security for Israelis and Palestinians; borders, refugees and Jerusalem," Obama said in his first address to the world body since assuming office in January.
"The goal is clear: two states living side by side in peace and security - a Jewish State of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people," Obama told the UN.
http://www.haaretz.com/...
It's about time that both parties were told to stop with the war of words, delaying tactics and recognizes the legitimate national aspirations of both people. I have always been a fan of the Presidents Middle East approach and the Cairo speech meant a lot to me regarding how I view President Obama. He does not fail to disappoint me here.
It is time the U.S. stepped into the breach that eight long years of Bushco. inattention or worse created. Palestinians need to know that America WILL support their national aspirations and that their participation at the bargaining table will be respected and rewarded.
Israel needs to know that it's best friend in the world and strongest ally understands the need for safety and security for not only the Israeli people but also for the Jewish people in a National Homeland. These two facets, brought about by the Cairo Speech and reiterated at the UN shows just how serious the U.S. is regarding a two state solution.
Now, this won't happen overnight, but, the President is laying important groundwork here. I am proud of our President today.
Funny enough the leaders of Israel are also pleased with the President today. In an interview with Haaretz Prime Minister Netanyahu said:
Mr. Prime Minister, President Obama mentioned in his speech the need to "end the occupation." You characterized the speech as "positive."
"I think that the speech was a good speech, a positive one, one that expressed our determination to reach peace, and he also said something that we have asked for over the course of the last half-a-year, and that is the need to meet and to begin the diplomatic process without preconditions.".....
Full interview here: http://www.haaretz.com/...
Now Netanyahu does go on to say this bit of toxicity:
"This is a wording that was adopted by government that preceded mine, government that did not agree to return to the '67 lines. Obviously we will not agree to this. Even on the issue of settlements he did not say anything new because this is the accepted position by all administrations for the last 40 years."
I am not sure what he is saying here. He could be talking about the area around Jerusalem with a corridor to Har Ha'tzofim or he could be talking about much more. I won't judge until that becomes clearer, but, that statement right there seems to be a "torpedo" statement.
I think we will have to wait until negotiations start (and the U.S. seems to be taking the lead here) to see what "rabbits" Netanyahu will pull out of his hat.
Of course it would not be a UN Middle East day without some lunacy. Here we have an Egyptian Minister whining about Europeans and TEH JOOZ:
Egypt's culture minister says a Western conspiracy "cooked up in New York" prevented him from becoming the next head of the UN's agency for culture and education.
Farouk Hosny says "European countries and the world's Jews" wanted him to lose.
http://www.haaretz.com/...
Good to see the Culture Minister of a major country in the area has no issues with prejudice.
Oh and One State solution folks got a friend they can be proud of:
In a rambling speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Libyan ruler Muammar Gadhafi encouraged Israelis to continue settling the West Bank but to prepare for eventually becoming citizens of "Isratine," a combination of Israel and Palestine. (my emphasis)
The Libyan leader, who has long been one of Israel's harshest critics, did not lash out as he has done in the past. Instead, he reiterated his call for a single state in which Jews and Palestinians would live together.
http://www.haaretz.com/...
Apparently according to Gadhafi - settlements should continue - a novel approach... But I will say one thing for Gadhafi, this is exactly why I am against settlements. He is right that if Israel settles the W.B. there will be only two options and both are not what I as a progressive Israel supporter want.
All in all, an interesting week with a lot of discussion. The next few months should be fascinating. Peace to you all.