In an orgy of rhetoric Obama's speech on the Arab spring was generally disappointing to both his Arab partners and his Israeli constituency .
Yes he scolded the homicidal regime in Syria whilst still giving the Good Doctor a get out of jail free card.
Yes he talked about self determination yet subjected the Palestinians to a budget version of it.
Yes for the fist time he talked about the 1967 borders for an Israeli Palestinian solution though warned about a UN vote on a Palestinian state where then America has a legal responsibility to ensure its implementation .
Whatever hold Netanyahu has over Obama it seems to work as simultaneously he announced the urgent building of more settlements thus publicly humiliating Obama's historic efforts . It still astounds me that both the Israelis and Americans don't realize that their relationship is a burden on not only themselves but to the International community. With changing regional dynamics intransigence and unequivocal support is no longer acceptable or workable.
The pittance that was offered to Tunisia and Egypt pales in comparison to the $60 billion deal that they are currently negotiating with the Saudis.
All in all I think an opportunity was missed and though certain messages were sent the vagueness of it all smells of weakness on a President that is electioneering and will most probably win by default.
When fundamental principles are sacrificed for political and commercial advantage then any moral high ground and the right to pontificate falls on fallow ground.
So the West can not complain about the outcome of change if they are so hypocritical in their approach to the same desires of populations in the various countries that make up the Arabian Spring.
China where are you?
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When a weak President makes a weak speech a bloodthirsty one continues to go unchecked. The massacres in Syria continue and the illegitimate King of Bahrain continues to supress Bahrani citizens.
ReplyDeleteThese mass murderers have no place in this modern world if you are going have true human dignity.
Analysis
ReplyDeleteWyre Davies
BBC News, Jerusalem
In many ways the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, should be a man content with his lot. He is on a high-profile visit to Washington where he will be met with a firm handshake and warm words from President Barack Obama.
In a historic address to a joint-session of Congress next week, he can expect to be repeatedly applauded as he describes how his government tirelessly searches for peace.
And at the annual conference of Aipac - the American pro-Israel lobby - he will be feted as a hero and beacon of light in an otherwise hostile region.
But at home, in a dramatically changing Middle East, the Israeli leader appears increasingly out-manoeuvred and out of step with the attempts of others to resolve the frustrating and long-standing stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.