Remember Bush's speech to the Israeli Knesset a few days ago, where he implicitly blasted Barack Obama for his willingness to talk to America's enemies?
Well, Newsweek has a new article up today that puts that speech in a somewhat amusing light, considering where it was delivered...
The title of the article: "Israel says it is holding peace talks with Syria"
Israel and Syria on Wednesday said they were holding indirect peace talks through Turkish mediators — the first official confirmation of contacts between the longtime enemies.
In statements issued minutes apart, the two governments said they "have declared their intent to conduct these talks in good faith and with an open mind," with a goal of reaching "a comprehensive peace."
So, in the heart of the Israeli government, Bush blasted Democrats for the very thought of talking to America's enemies, comparing them to those whose weakness and inaction contributed to the deaths of millions of Jews in the holocaust.
Then, a week later, Israel announces that they are holding peace talks with one of their most bitter enemies, in essence saying, "Yup, we're appeasers too".
This poor guy just can't catch a break anymore, can he?
Also, Israeli conservatives are acusing Prime Minister Olmert of a reverse "wag the dog": they claim he is opening peace negotiations to distract from a domestic scandal.
"Evidently the prime minister is so corrupt that he is not only taking cash money in envelopes but he is ready to trade the Golan Heights and our most vital interests in an attempt to save himself from criminal investigation," said lawmaker Yuval Steinitz of the hardline Likud Party.
P.S. Would the reverse of "wag the dog" be "wag the tail"? I'm leaning towards no, but it's a compelling possibility.