“Official: US Will Stand With Israel,” says ABC news.
I am greatly relieved to hear this. I wish the response had been faster and much, much stronger, but at least BO didn’t outright condemn Israel for defending its borders.
[update]
As I reread the article, I realize: this is an unidentified “official” speaking, not a formal announcement of Obama’s policy. And it’s very vague, simply a refusal to condemn, not a statement of support. Very weak; downright cowardly, even. A refusal to take stand, rather than picking sides.
America should lead, Mr. President. You should lead. Toning down the UN Security Council resolution is far from leading.
[/update]
Whenever The He does something even remotely correct, I have to wonder: was this His own opinion, His natural leadership?
Or did certain “advisers” from, say, the military and intelligence agencies show up unannounced in the Oval Office, shut the door behind them with a Marine or two standing guard outside, and explain exactly what would happen if The He followed His natural impulse to betray the country He pretends to lead?
Not, mind, just in terms of unintended consequences, but in terms of what would happen to Him, personally.
Related:
Ace of Spades is on the ball:
The downside is the underlying assumption that the problem with the ‘peace process’ is Israel. That some how if only Israel feels secure then everything will be rainbows and skittles in the Mideast.
…
The use of Turks as the shock troops was also inspired. While that country has become more and more Islamist over the years, it still had at least relatively cordial relations with Israel.
And James Lewis at Pajamas Media has an excellent analysis of the message Israel is trying to send:
Why did they decide to stop the flotilla with commandos? There are more imaginative ways to do that.
I think the decision was deliberate, and it was not aimed at the blockade-running convoy. It was a signal to Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, Iran, and most of all the United States — because we are in the midst of the most dangerous war confrontation in decades. This was also a signal for the Obama administration, which just stabbed Israel in the back at another UN phony “peace” conference.
Everything being done by Israel and its enemies today has a double purpose: It is what it is, and it’s also a strategic signal. This time the cabinet and PM decided to show their very sharp claws. It meant: This time we are willing to preempt you with gunfire. Take heed, because we are not interested in PR.
[Bold mine]
Read the whole thing; Lewis provides many interesting links.
And I hope he’s right, that Israel at long last is getting serious about its national sovereignty.
I hope Obama learns the lesson.
[...] back I credited the administration for its (rather half-heartedly) support of Israel in the wake of the Hamas [...]