Exploiting the crisis with Washington

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There is an element of irony in the current crisis of relations between the Obama administration and Israel. On the one hand, although US President Barack Obama and his advisors deny there is anything wrong with US-Israel relations today, it is easy to understand why no one believes them.

 

On the other hand on most issues, there is substantive continuity between Obama’s Middle East policies and those his immediate predecessor George W. Bush adopted during his second term in office. Yet, whereas Israelis viewed Bush as Israel’s greatest friend in the White House, they view Obama as the most anti-Israel US president ever.

 

This contradiction requires us to consider two issues. First, why are relations with the US now steeped in crisis? And second, taking a page out of Obama’s White House chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel’s playbook, how can Israel make sure not to let this crisis go to waste?

 

The reason relations are so bad of course is because Obama has opted to attack Israel and its supporters. In the space of the past ten days alone, Israel has been subject to three malicious blows courtesy of Obama and his advisors. First, during his visit to the White House last Tuesday, Obama treated Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu like a two-bit potentate. Rather than respectfully disagree with the elected leader of a key US ally, Obama walked out in the middle of their meeting to dine with his family and left the unfed Netanyahu to meditate on his grave offense of not agreeing to give up Israel’s capital city as a precondition for indirect, US-orchestrated negotiations with an unelected, unpopular Palestinian leadership that supports terrorism and denies Israel’s right to exist.

 

 

Next, there was the somewhat anodyne – if substantively incorrect – written testimony by US Army General David Petreaus to the Senate about the impact of the Arab world’s refusal to accept Israel’s right to exist on US-Arab relations. In the event, the administration deliberately distorted Petreaus’s testimony to lend the impression that the most respected serving US military commander blames Israel for the deaths of US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. After Petreaus rejected that impression, his boss Defense Secretary Robert Gates repeated the false and insulting allegation against Israel in his own name.

 

Finally there is was the report this week in Politico in which nameless administration sources accused National Security Council member Denis Ross of “dual loyalties.” Ross of course has won fame for his career of pressuring successive Israeli governments into giving unreciprocated concessions to Palestinian terrorists. Still, in the view of his indignant opponents in the Obama White House, due to his insufficient hostility to the Israeli government, Ross is a traitor. If Ross wants to be treated like a real American, he needs to join Obama in his open bid to overthrow the elected government of Israel.

These moves would be sufficient to throw US-Israel relations into a tailspin. When combined with the administration’s ultimatum demanding a moratorium on Jewish construction in Jerusalem and its threat to coerce Israel into accepting an Obama plan for Palestinian statehood that will imperil Israel’s security, it becomes abundantly clear that there is no way to make this crisis go away. There is a crisis in US relations with Israel today because the President of the United States has very publically taken a torch to those relations and he responds to any sign that the flames are waning by dousing fresh kerosene on the fire. 

 

And yet, when Obama’s personal animus is set aside and one examines the substance of his actual policies, ironically, there is little difference between the current administration’s policies and those of its immediate predecessor.

 

In his second term in office, Bush ignored the significance of Hamas’s electoral victory in January 2006 and its takeover of Gaza in June 2007. The US expanded its training program for the Palestinian armed forces and pushed Israel to accept a framework for Palestinian statehood that would more or less push it back to the indefensible 1949 armistice lines.

 

From 2004, the Bush administration sought to appease Iran into giving up its nuclear program – first indirectly through the negotiations that France, Britain and Germany conducted with Teheran. Then in 2006, the administration began direct negotiations with the mullahs.

 

Bush personally rejected repeated Israeli requests to purchase refueling aircraft and bunker buster bombs necessary for attacking Iran’s hardened nuclear facilities. And he refused to back Israeli plans to attack Iran’s nuclear installations. So too, Bush stopped calling for regime change in Iran. After the November 2007 publication of the falsified National Intelligence Estimate on Iran’s nuclear program, Bush discarded the possibility of a US military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities altogether.

 

In the 2006 war between Israel the Iranian and Syrian-proxy force Hizbullah, ignoring Hizbullah’s membership in the Lebanese government and the Lebanese military’s active support for Hizbullah’s war effort, Bush forbade Israel from attacking Lebanese government targets. In so doing, he forced Israel to fight a regional foe as if it were a local street gang and so rendered the ultimate result of that war – Israel’s first strategic military defeat – a foregone conclusion.

 

Despite Syria’s open sponsorship of the insurgency in Iraq, its strategic alliance with Iran, as well as its sponsorship of Hizbullah, Hamas and al Qaida in Iraq and Lebanon, the Bush administration sought to prevent Israel from destroying Syria’s Iranian-financed, North Korean-built nuclear facility. After Israel destroyed the installation in Sept. 2007, the Bush administration demanded that Israel keep silent about the significance of Iranian-North Korean-Syrian nuclear alliance.

 

Finally, the Bush administration denied the inherent hostility of the Islamist government in Turkey. Instead it cultivated the fantasy that this anti-American, anti-Israel, Hamas, Syria and Iran-supporting regime is a trustworthy ally.

 

Israel went along with all of these US policies despite their strategic madness because Israel wanted to be a team player. The Sharon and Olmert governments and the Israeli public as a whole believed that Israel had an ally in the Bush administration and that when push came to shove, the massive risks Israel took supporting the US’s policies on Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and the Palestinians would be rewarded.

 

With Obama of course, things are different. Probably if Obama treated Israel with the same friendliness his predecessor showered on its leaders, Netanyahu would have been willing to walk the plank just as Ehud Olmert and Ariel Sharon did, in the interests of helping his team. But what Obama has made clear in his mistreatment of Israel is that he doesn’t want Netanyahu to walk the plank for the team. He wants Israel off the team.

 

Although unsettling, this dismal state of affairs has a bright side. It provides Israel with a rare opportunity to stop acceding to US policies that are bad for Israel and the US alike. After all, if the US is willing to instigate a crisis in its relations with Israel over plans to zone for housing units in Jerusalem neighborhoods like Ramat Shlomo and French Hill, then clearly Israel can do no right. And if Israel can do no right in the eyes of the administration, then there is no point in bending to its will. Instead, Israel must simply do what it must to secure its interests.

 

In the hope of winning over the Obama administration, Israel has kept the Iranian opposition at arm’s length. This should end. Israel should employ covert and overt means to help Iran’s Green Movement destabilize with the aim of toppling the Iranian regime. At the same time, Israel should employ covert and overt means to destroy Iran’s nuclear installations.

 

This week Senator John Kerry travelled to Lebanon and Syria to raise the prospects of peace talks between Israel and both countries. Rather than applaud his efforts, Israel should point out that Hizbullah controls the Lebanese government and that US support for the Lebanese military and government strengthens Hizbullah. So too, Israel should make clear that since Syrian dictator Bashar Assad is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Arab water boy, it is preposterous to call for Israel to surrender the Golan Heights to his regime. Instead of rehashing the same nonsense, Israel should actively support Syria’s Kurds in their bid for autonomy and champion the cause of political prisoners languishing in Syrian jails.

 

Turkey’s announcement this week that it supports Iran’s nuclear ambitions should be recognized for what it was: An announcement that the NATO member state has joined the Iranian axis with Syria, Lebanon, Hamas and Hizbullah. Israel should respond to Turkey’s announcement by announcing a moratorium on weapons sales to Turkey and so end its counterproductive attempts to paper over the fact that its former strategic ally has become its enemy.

 

As to the Palestinians, rather than succumb to US demands in the interest of starting doomed-to-fail negotiations with Fatah, Israel should tell the truth. It has nothing to negotiate about and no one to negotiate with. Fatah’s leaders Mahmoud Abbas and Salam Fayyad reject Israel’s right to exist. They support terrorism. They already rejected a “two-state solution” less than two years ago. Aside from that, they lack the support of their own electorate which prefers Hamas’s more direct approach to destroying Israel.

 

Instead of pretending that begging these impotent adversaries for peace serves its interests, Israel should get off its knees and adopt policies that will enhance its interests. For instance, given that the Obama administration views Ramat Shlomo as the equivalent of Eli and E-1, Israel should build up the neighborhood in Eli that was home to fallen IDF commanders Majors Ro’i Klein and Eliraz Peretz and implement its construction plans for E-1.

 

Ironically, all of these policies are consonant not only with Israel’s strategic needs, but with the US’s own strategic interests. And since Obama’s hostility towards Israel is not subject to change, rather than focus on winning over the White House, the Netanyahu government should devote its energies to selling its policies to the American people. Repeated polls have shown that the American public supports an Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. By the same token, commonsense policies towards the likes of Fatah, Hamas, Hizbullah, Syria and Turkey, combined with the unapologetic assertion of Israel’s rights in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria will find a strong core of support in the US that can offset some of the damage Obama is doing to US ties with Israel.

 

Although much maligned, Emmanuel’s call not to let a good crisis go to waste can be taken as a crass way of saying that every cloud has a silver lining. Israel did not ask for this fight with Obama. It would have been willing to keep up the fantasy that Bush’s second-term policies made sense. But since a fight is what it got, Israel has no choice other than to strike out on its own. As it happens, if Israel does so, not only will it protect itself, it will protect the US from the dangerous policies its leader has opted to pursue.

 

Originally pubilshed in The Jerusalem Post.

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28 Comments

  • Bill K. 04/03/2010 at 2:36

    What earthly purpose did Netanyahu’s visit to Washington accomplish that couldn’t have been done with a five minute phone call? From this end, the visit looks it was just another opportunity for the Obama administration to engage in yet another catty snub of Israel
    .
    Netanyahu is not a naïf. Anyone who cares to look at Obama knows that a millimeter below the surface he has the demeanor of a lout and the soul of a thug. His henchmen pick up on this persona and try to emulate it. So Biden goes to Israel, and with all the subtlety of Al Capone, tries to browbeat Israel into submission over new housing in Jerusalem. When Israel righteously refuses to submit to this coercion Hillary Clinton screeches that Biden has been “embarrassed” by Israeli intransigence.
    Netanyahu’s visit, actually more of a summons, to Washington was a trap from the outset. Naturally Netanyahu was treated rudely. This is how the leftists dream of dealing with Israel and Netanyahu gave them that opportunity. Reportedly, at a White House meeting with Obama, Netanyahu resorted to a flow chart showing how he was not responsible for embarrassing Biden about the Jerusalem housing issue. How pathetic was that? After this humiliating performance is there any wonder Obama walked out on the Israeli delegation with the supercilious injunction “let me know if there is anything new”?
    Imagine if Netanyahu had asserted that as Prime Minister he was ultimately responsible for all Israeli policies, that Jerusalem is indeed the capital of Israel, that Biden is a jerk, that Hillary is a harpy and that all the housing that needs to be built in Jerusalem will be built. And that furthermore the Palestinians themselves are responsible for their own miserable status and that if Obama really was interested in peace in that area he would be pressuring the Palestinians to renounce violence and reform their society. Of course Obama would have blown his stack at this impertinence but as former street tough, ..er community organizer, he would have recognized that his opponent was not about to be pushed around.
    The recent passage of ObamaCare in the Congress provided a sordid and corrupt a spectacle that would cause the denizens of a banana republic to flinch. The current regime in Washington is rude, crude and cares nothing for diplomatic niceties or common courtesy for that matter. As is usually the case when dealing with obnoxious bullies, you avoid them if possible but if confronted you reply curtly and above all you do not submit to their irrational demands.

    Reply
  • Terry, Eilat - Israel 04/03/2010 at 8:38

    While I’m completely in agreement with your analysis & the steps we should take, do you really think Netanyahu is the man for the job?
    So far, it doesn’t seem so.

    Reply
  • Marc Handelsman, USA 04/03/2010 at 9:45

    Why did the Obama Administration opt to attack Israel and her supporters? Because President Obama and his advisors are terrified of how Iran will retaliate after courageous IAF pilots bomb Iranian nuclear sites. And the President wants to validate his Nobel Peace Prize by being the so-called “anointed” one who will attempt to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict. The main obstacle in the way of President Obama’s plans is Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition. Finally, the President will do whatever it takes to have PM Netanyahu replaced by Tzipi Livni and Kadima.

    Reply
  • Ron Grandinetti 04/03/2010 at 13:09

    Caroline,
    “ISRAEL SHOULD GET OFF ITS KNEES AND ADOPT POLICIES THAT WILL ENHANCE ITS INTEREST”
    No truer words could be spoken.
    First of all the treatment of PM Netanyahu during this last visit was not only uncalled for but a sign this fraud president lacks class amongst other attributes. A sign of immaturity.
    The PM is a leader of a sovereign nation that is suppose to be one of our closest friend and ally, another democracy. In addition he is a former decorated soldier.
    A majority of Americans were upset with Barak for his actions towards the PM.
    This BHO is nothing more than a wet behind the ears, acorn community organizing anti-Semite arrogant punk and by no means presidential.
    Barak is more interested in being on TV daily, he thinks he is Mr. Hollywood.
    I am sure all the kool-aid drinkers are reading up on some of the Barry Obama falsehoods.
    He is a real fraud perpetuated by a liberal left wing media and likes of George Soros.
    For one thing, if you expect a friend to walk a plank for you in return you should show your loyalty towards that friend.
    Supporting the likes of the Palestinians, Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria is not my idea of showing loyalty for walking a plank.
    I believe a majority of Americans support Israel and her sovereignty and it’s time to start electing those in our government that will do likewise.
    Stop funding the Palestinians, Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and the rest of the terrorist nations and organizations.
    What is disturbing is this government uses kid gloves with Iran and treats Israel like crap.
    If anything, the U.S. should let Iran know that U.S. along with its ally Israel will not tolerate her pursuing this nuclear ambition to be used as a weapon and will take military steps to put a halt to it.
    The idea Iran will listen to sweet talk is utter nonsense and foolish.
    If anything there should be concentrated effort to over-throw the Hitler presidency along with the mullahs. Time to free the people of Iran from these gangsters.
    In the meantime, Israel needs to stop discussions with U.S. administration and concentrate on building and expanding communities and taking a hard stand against her enemies.
    Tell the stooges, John Kerry, Georgie Mitchell and Hillary to forget coming to Israel.
    Tell the goose neck wimp of a president of Syria forget any idea about the Golan Heights, this is Israeli territory and will stay that way.
    If he or his government along with Hezbollah makes a false move towards Israel, they will pay a price.
    Time to stand tall Israel, we are with you.

    Reply
  • Ron Grandinetti 04/03/2010 at 13:10

    Caroline,
    “ISRAEL SHOULD GET OFF ITS KNEES AND ADOPT POLICIES THAT WILL ENHANCE ITS INTEREST”
    No truer words could be spoken.
    First of all the treatment of PM Netanyahu during this last visit was not only uncalled for but a sign this fraud president lacks class amongst other attributes. A sign of immaturity.
    The PM is a leader of a sovereign nation that is suppose to be one of our closest friend and ally, another democracy. In addition he is a former decorated soldier.
    A majority of Americans were upset with Barak for his actions towards the PM.
    This BHO is nothing more than a wet behind the ears, acorn community organizing anti-Semite arrogant punk and by no means presidential.
    Barak is more interested in being on TV daily, he thinks he is Mr. Hollywood.
    I am sure all the kool-aid drinkers are reading up on some of the Barry Obama falsehoods.
    He is a real fraud perpetuated by a liberal left wing media and likes of George Soros.
    For one thing, if you expect a friend to walk a plank for you in return you should show your loyalty towards that friend.
    Supporting the likes of the Palestinians, Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria is not my idea of showing loyalty for walking a plank.
    I believe a majority of Americans support Israel and her sovereignty and it’s time to start electing those in our government that will do likewise.
    Stop funding the Palestinians, Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and the rest of the terrorist nations and organizations.
    What is disturbing is this government uses kid gloves with Iran and treats Israel like crap.
    If anything, the U.S. should let Iran know that U.S. along with its ally Israel will not tolerate her pursuing this nuclear ambition to be used as a weapon and will take military steps to put a halt to it.
    The idea Iran will listen to sweet talk is utter nonsense and foolish.
    If anything there should be concentrated effort to over-throw the Hitler presidency along with the mullahs. Time to free the people of Iran from these gangsters.
    In the meantime, Israel needs to stop discussions with U.S. administration and concentrate on building and expanding communities and taking a hard stand against her enemies.
    Tell the stooges, John Kerry, Georgie Mitchell and Hillary to forget coming to Israel.
    Tell the goose neck wimp of a president of Syria forget any idea about the Golan Heights, this is Israeli territory and will stay that way.
    If he or his government along with Hezbollah makes a false move towards Israel, they will pay a price.
    Time to stand tall Israel, we are with you.

    Reply
  • Isaac 04/03/2010 at 14:20

    Caroline:
    Many solid points; well presented.
    Fayyad/Abbas of Fatah and Hamas are playing good cop-bad cop.
    Obama may have secretly agreed to recognize a unilateral declaration of independance(UDI) within minutes if the PA makes its move.
    The IDF will need to act immediately if a UDI is declared. Judea and Samaria are Jewish territory notwithstanding US troops being sent by Obama. It may come to that. We need to make a stand!!
    Bibi needs to delay and delay until the November elections.
    As you said, he needs to get the American people (Rev Hagee’s evangelicals as well as Janet Porter’s Faith2action group) to generate a huge momentum with, perhaps, a million-man march on Washington on behalf of Israel.

    Reply
  • Francis Motta 04/03/2010 at 14:24

    Thank you for your article about exploiting a crisis. I applaud you for having such insight. Hopefully, your people will never be taken in by this deceiver. Most folks I know believe that Obama is a Muslim anyway so expect hudna at best.
    Do not trust this one for a moment. He is not even cleaver enough to hide his intentions and honesty is far from him. After all he is a politician and that from Chicago so what do you expect? We Americans learned how “open and honest” he is right from the beginning of his term. He has been closed lipped about everything except in his great boasts, that he will never accomplish anyway.
    Obama is a narcissist. If I were Mr. Netanyahu, I would not be found in the same room with him. Even to a casual observer Obama shows qualities of arrogance and immaturity not the qualities anyone would want for their president. Such a shame Israel looks to this man for its help instead of The One True God. I suppose that’s politics but if I were you guys I would do what is expedient for your own survival. As far as any assistance from mankind, with the exception of Israeli loving Christians you guys are on your own. Don’t worry though, in the end you get the most important thing right. Our prayers to our Father are heard and He is with you so fear not.
    Francis Motta
    Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Reply
  • DaveP 04/03/2010 at 17:42

    Arabs must be very worried, though they may not show it. If Israel does not trust America, then who can pressure Israelis to cede territory and concessions for no reciprocal gain?
    I’m sure Saudi Arabia will soon be calling Obama to re-think.

    Reply
  • Charles Smyth 04/03/2010 at 19:07

    It would be more useful for Netanyahu to sell his government’s policies to the Israeli people, and get on with creating an Israeli hegemony from the Suez canal to the Euphrates, with or without the Americans whom Hamid Karzai sized up this week after Obama–unlike his new chums in Tehran and Beijing who will secure the Karzai gang, a Central Asian Zimbabwe–read him the Riot Act.

    Reply
  • Walter 04/03/2010 at 21:14

    Caroline said,
    “When combined with the administration’s ultimatum demanding a moratorium on Jewish construction in Jerusalem and its threat to coerce Israel into accepting an Obama plan for Palestinian statehood that will imperil Israel’s security, it becomes abundantly clear that there is no way to make this crisis go away.
    …what Obama has made clear in his mistreatment of Israel is that he doesn’t want Netanyahu to walk the plank for the team. He wants Israel off the team.
    …Although unsettling, this dismal state of affairs has a bright side. It provides Israel with a rare opportunity to stop acceding to US policies that are bad for Israel and the US alike. After all, if the US is willing to instigate a crisis in its relations with Israel over plans to zone for housing units in Jerusalem neighborhoods like Ramat Shlomo and French Hill, then clearly Israel can do no right. And if Israel can do no right in the eyes of the administration, then there is no point in bending to its will. Instead, Israel must simply do what it must to secure its interests.”
    +++
    The policies of the current US administration have effectively guaranteed that an unavoidable crisis is approaching.
    Israel is in a corner, a crisis, a tipping point, is approaching.
    And imo, Israel should ferment the/a coming crisis, at a time of Israel’s own choosing.
    For Israel’s advantage.
    Fatah, Hamas, Hizbullah, yes!, but also Syria and Turkey, Jordan, et al, from time-to-time, *always* reveal that they [truly] are, or [truly] consider themselves to be, the mortal enemies of Israel, and the Jewish people.
    What’s new?
    Nothing.
    Be strong Israel.
    Do what is right.
    IMO, to prove its bona fides to the world, Israel should embrace those people, among its Arab citizens, who are willing to openly declare that they are Israel’s friends.
    The justification for such an Israeli policy?…
    Exodus 22:21
    Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
    Exodus 23:9
    Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
    Leviticus 19:33
    And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.
    34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
    Deuteronomy 10:17
    For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
    18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
    19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
    Psalms 34:14
    Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
    And then, Israel should demonstrate its resolve, TO BE STRONG, by expelling those Arabs within Israel, who choose to decieve Israel, who choose to riot against, or who promote sedition against, the state of Israel.
    All those who declare that they are ‘Palestinians’, expel them, to the ‘Palestinian’ state;
    Jordan.
    Cleanse Jerusalem, cleanse Gazza, cleanse Samaria and Judea, of your enemies!
    Israel will be secure, when its enemies recognise Israel’s determination to prosecute it’s right to defend itself, in the face of aggression, from within, or without.
    And if Israel also did this great thing, of befriending her Arab ‘strangers’, this would also give the lie, to the accusations of Israel’s enemies, without.
    Is it too difficult Israel, to do what is right?
    Embrace your friends Israel, and condemn your wicked enemies!

    Reply
  • tom 04/03/2010 at 22:53

    Caroline, congratulations on a great article. It seems that whenever I run an issue through my head, and come up with a solution, and turn on my computer, and read what you said, I discover that you’ve already stated what I concluded, but far more artfully then I ever could. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  • shalom 04/03/2010 at 23:52

    This is all wishfull thinking, Caroline. There is 0% chance of any of this happening with Bibi at the helm, or with any other secular leader.
    Only someone who believes in Israel as the G-d given land will stand up to Hossain Obama and his coherts. Feiglin is the one.

    Reply
  • Bill K. 04/04/2010 at 1:14

    I was so irate about Netanyahu’s treatment by Obama I dashed off my post without fully reading your article. My bad.
    It is one of your best articles ever. It cuts right to the heart of the crisis between the United States and Israel without mincing words or resorting to mushy equivocations.
    Brilliant!

    Reply
  • Y. Ben-David 04/04/2010 at 2:15

    Caroline-outstanding piece! It is about time to point out that W Bush was no “friend” of Israel. I will never forget the hectoring we got from Powell and Condi when Israelis were being slaughtered daily during Arafat’s suicide bomber war…”disproportionate response, disproportionate response!”. The Bush family has been on the Arab (particularly Saudi) payroll ever since Poppy Bush was President.
    A true friend is someone who is willing to help you when you are in trouble….W Bush and our previous “friend” Clinton were opportunists who kept saying the love us in order to get concessions out of us. The last real FRIEND Israel had in the White House was Lyndon Johnson who pushed for the favorable-to-Israel UN Security Council Resolution 242 after the Six-Day War and he did not pressure Israel to give up the territories won in that war. He also concluded the biggest arms deals with Israel up to that time which allowed Israel to deal with Nasser’s war of attrition.
    It’s about time Israelis learn their history in order to realize who their true friends are and, even more, to realize that they can NOT hand their basic security interests over to any other party.

    Reply
  • Isaac 04/04/2010 at 2:31

    Caroline:
    Tom’s words reflect my feelings too. I go through the issues and do have my own solutions and then, voila!, you come up with it!!

    Reply
  • John B 04/04/2010 at 5:30

    This article addresses reality. Looking at facts and seeing them for what they are is unfashionable in the post modernist (lying) mindset world, so my sincerest congratulations to you. It is a tremendous relief to find an honest presentation of what is going on, and I am sure this will strike the chord of truth which is the unsung song in many bewildered hearts. Please do keep it up and may we all see things for what they are! One can only wonder why intelligent people choose to believe suicidal lies in the first place.
    It is interesting to see how the control of Israeli media has now been extended to the Jerusalem Post, by the way. And I suspect many of the commenters who supported you there will be moving to your website.
    I discovered JP about three years ago and was struck by the refreshingly honest tone of the paper, especially your, and the editor’s, columns. Then I noticed a year, year and a half, ago that his take on things changed and he began to start toeing the “internationally acceptable” line to a degree. This trend has continued and increased. Much like David Cameron is to current British politics, no real substance.
    I now wonder how long you will survive there. As it is the system for comments that has been introduced renders them all but pointless.

    Reply
  • independentpatriot 04/04/2010 at 10:37

    A philosopher once said, that society has always been judged by how well its Jews are treated. To paraphrase: The march of freedom will be judged by how long Israel needs to go it alone. How will future generations judge our courage? What will they think of our strength? Will our posterity ask us, why did you abandon us? Israel stands as the bridgehead for freedom. But then when in Jewish history did not the Jews stand up for freedom and against the evils of tyranny, depostism and human subserviance. The Jews stood alone against every Empire to have ruled this world.Too bad that it seems the Jews once again,stand alone.

    Reply
  • juniper 04/04/2010 at 21:42

    Hear Hear! Superb essay! Thank you Caroline Glick for mentioning the Green people of Iran. At last!
    Having followed the Iranian elections from last June, it would be totally correct and marvellous if Israel did as you said overtly and covertly assisted these people.
    They can see that the US will not help them throw off the horrific shackles of the Islamic Republic, and only a country with a vested interest in PEACE will help them.
    Remember how Cyrus the Great freed the Jews from Babylon? Now we can repay our rescuers!

    Reply
  • Will48 04/05/2010 at 5:46

    First of all, no real friend would ask you to “walk the plank”. If they ask you to, they are not your friend, period. It’s all been one long con game to begin with, when not one American bomb was spared to bomb the railways to Aushwitz, in aquiescence to Saudi demand.
    Saudis/Arabs were/are the real strategic allies of USA. All the rest is a smokescreen.
    The only use the US had for Israel was to bribe the Egyptians out of the Soviet camp with the hard won, paid with Israeli blood for, Sinai territory. With USSR gone, they have no need for Israel any longer.
    The one real unknown today is the level of threats being issued by the US admin on Israel (that there are threats being issued can’t be doubted, at least to hold out the vital arms supplies – if not halted already).
    In the end, all the nice ideology of Freedom and Defense of Liberty is just propaganda used by the American Empire on its subjects. Its true ideology is of course, as it always was, the pursuit of “interests”, Freedom and Liberty be damned.

    Reply
  • Jose 04/05/2010 at 10:34

    More Earthquakes on April 15….

    Reply
  • beniyyar 04/05/2010 at 14:46

    If Barack Obama had any serious knowledge or understanding of the history of the Palestinian Israeli peace negotiations, he would realize that his actions to date have been counterproductive. Not only has he alienated most Israelis and even many Americans by his humiliating treatment of the Prime Minister, Obama has also created a deep sense of distrust of him and his policies among the very Israelis he will need to approve of any peace deal he may attempt to either propose or impose. At the same time his hostile attitude towards Israel has emboldened the already deeply rejectionist and intransigent Palestinians to even greater heights of rejection and intransigence. Perhaps this is his game plan, but I’ve tried my best to understand how this could be and what possible benefits accrue to Israelis, Palestinians, or even Obama by this course of action but I just can’t see it. Of course I am probably not as intelligent or informed as Obama and his advisors Axelrod, Emmanuel, and Powers and thus cannot fathom the depths of their cunning and cleverness, or maybe they really do believe the Arab narrative of the evil Israeli monster and it’s ongoing victimization of the Palestinians, or as is most likely they just don’t have the slightest clue that pressuring Israel to make concessions to advance the peace process has been tried before and failed miserably.

    Reply
  • zsa zsa 04/05/2010 at 15:58

    Great article. I’ve been waiting for Israel to take on this point of view and I hope their leaders do too.

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  • Torn Jewish Democrat 04/05/2010 at 20:42

    Pesah Sameah to all. Can I dare to suggest than rather than competing in condemnation of Obama administration and all the evil “Left” (or “Red and Green” as Caroline has called them in one of her recent blogs – The Red and Green march) political forces, we will try to objectively look at the situation in US -Israel relationship and form historical retrospective?
    Hundreds of critical words and lines were written for the past 2-3 weeks following the “Jerusalem crisis” and less than worm reception that Netaniyahu has received at the White house 2 weeks ago. Some of us squarely blame Obama’s administration for applying inadequate pressure on Netanyahu government . Some conservative sources (including Caroline) accused Obama with an intent to topple Netanyahu coalition government (which is indeed based on coalition with very right wing parties like Shas or Torah Party or my former compatriot Lieberman’s Israel Beyteinu that strongly object and Jerusalem partitions and pretty much any concessions with Palestinians) – which is absolutely baseless.
    I do agree with absolute inadequacy of reaction of Obama administration to untimely announcement about future constructions in Ramat Shlomo (my good friend who lived in Jerusalem for 10+ years tells me that Haredi folks who live in that area could not care less about political costs of their requests for more subsidized apartments for their explosively growing families). I am very happy to get the news from AIPAC: http://www.aipac.org/Publications/SourceMaterialsCongressionalAction/MOC_Statements_Reaffirming_Relationship_03.26.10.pdf that shows true bi-partisan support (a very rare case these days) in the House of Reps for supporting Israel as our ally and not making disagreements with it too public (which only emboldens the anti-Israel coalition) but solve problems internally as allies should be. That seems to be the style of communication with other allies as well, true.
    But I also wanted to send a couple of links to our J Weekley paper (www.jweekly.com) that reprinted articles that put current “conflict” into a historical retrospective. The first one is by famous Dr. Gerald Steinberg, PS professor form Bar Ilan anniversary: http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/57612/obama-is-not-the-first-president-to-try-to-force-israels-hand/
    It basically traces tensions between USA and Israel back to Ben Gurion days when Israel started working on its nuclear program and how these conflicts were resolved – sometimes easily, sometimes by resignation. And it shows that Democratic presidents were not only ones who have shown displeasure with Israeli policies – Bush Sr. certainly did, and very loudly. And that did not alter a nature of core US – Israel relationships in a perspective at all.
    Second one is an opinion of fmr Israel Ambassador to US in 200-2004 (first Bush term:) Alon Pinkas: http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/57613/crisis-point-for-u.s.-israel-relations-obama-is-a-friend-of-israel-who-has-/
    where he argues that from a practical (that is real actions, not words – whether praise or criticism) – Obama administration is as or nearly solidly pro-Israel as Bush Jr’ was. I found both articles pretty objective and balanced – no “anti-Semite and jihad sympathizer” accusations commonly found in conservative blogs and no “it’s time for a daylight between US and Israel, already!!” that come from liberal Jewish bloggers like David Remnick in New Yorker and Joe Klein in Time Magazine. My point is that labeling your opponents as “pro or anti” may work in black-and -white world which only exists when you deal with your direct enemies (Iran, Syria etc)
    Obama will be a President for another 2.5 years and rather than dismissing his Administration efforts all together, we should try to look at them from a different, less partisan angle.

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  • cares1996 04/07/2010 at 12:50

    Caroline,once again alot of info in article,first i`m glad to see my old friend terry,eilat is okay,tell him BiBi`s up to the job,I again for last time inform all of you about Bush,he`s a good guy,slam him ,slam me.the darn oil people is the wild card they`ve played for decades and which side were the liberal`s on Caroline,so kindly knock off the unjustified slander against our mutual friend pres. BUSH.LET IT GO we all have to deal with the situation at hand,I currently still have faith in Sec. Gates,he`s an honorable man and we need him,he also is a mutual friend,he`s got a tough job and due to the fact the current admin. has such disdain for Israel Mr. Gates will have to say some things to stay in his job,don`t take it personally,I trust the guy,if it changes i`ll say so,it hasn`t.Alright,sorry if I sound harsh I`m tired of the blame game,and in general getting significantly less rest than normal cut by about 40%,please try to understand,also sorta out of job,not helping either,i`ll be back

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  • Anonymous 04/07/2010 at 17:32

    Ms. Glick,
    This is a topic suggestion for a future essay.
    I would like to know your take on the thought leaders of America’s no-longer-so pro-Israel Jewish community. I’m thinking of leaders like Alan Dershowitz, who did his level best to convince Jewish American voters to support Obama on the grounds that Obama was the best candidate for Israel! I’m talking about the thought leaders who turned a blind eye to Obama’s 24 year membership at Rev. Wright’s fiery church of hate, and who to this day see Obama as guy who really wants cordial relations with Israel but who is being forced by others more powerful than he, in a gigantic surprise, to heap scorn on the Jewish state due to Israel’s perenially self-destructive policies.
    What can be done to discredit and unseat those mentally deadened, failed thought leaders, and to elicit a rational Jewish reaction to the alarm lights now swirling on their intellectual and ethical dashboards?

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  • Will48 04/08/2010 at 9:29

    To a Torn Jewish Democrat –
    Lieberman has actully come up with a plan to divide the country. But it is a realistic plan, inasmuch as it proposes the division between the real entities – Jews and Arabs – and not the ficticious ones of Israelis and “Palestinians” (the second more so by many degrees). And so the land was to be divided according to who lives where – Jewish populated areas and Arab populated areas apart.
    At least that was what he promoted before the last elections.
    So it is a far cry for your image of his supposed total rejectionism of any “concessions”.
    Then, Shas. It is a dead center party, if not to the left. The Oslo accords were made possible only by Shas’s collaboration with the Rabin government after all.
    You then baselessly state that the accusations of Obasama trying to topple Netanyahu are “baseless”. Well, you just saying that, because that is what you want to believe. Everything points to absolute credulity of said accusations.
    Obama being as much pro-Israel as Bush is exactly the point. Both promote(d) policies detrimental to Israel’s security and well-being, Obasama is just more blunt about it.
    In truth, Washington is ruled by an unelected elite of top security/State apparatchiks, and all your media discussions are a smokescreen. Mearsheimer & Walt is its current ideology. Baker/Hamilton report of 2007 is the current policy, and it acknowledges that “reasonable regional aspiration of Iran must be accommodated”.
    That means, “ditch Israel”. End of story.

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  • George Ford 04/08/2010 at 18:10

    Would you comment on Diana West’s and Andy McCarthy’s contention that Petreaus is taking a dangerous stand, and the import of his comments can’t be dismissed as being twisted by others?
    http://www.dianawest.net/Home/tabid/36/EntryId/1349/Andrew-C-McCarthy-Petraeuss-Israel-Problem.aspx

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  • US citizen 04/09/2010 at 10:19

    Amen, sister. Your ally is greater than the rest of the world combined. Covert operations and support of the Kurds appears the only plausible option in the face of what, thanks to the current US administration, has become global institutional anti-semitism. Though the money worshipers hate you there are studied humans in every tribe and nation that are with you in spirit if not in deed yet.

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