For Obama, Israel Is The Problem Not The Solution

 

[06.08.2010]

 One Jerusalem

During the presidential campaign in the United States, we identified a think tank that gave great insights into the thinking of the Obama team. Their policy statements consistently reflected the thinking of Team Obama. Since the start of the Obama administration this group has been the best indicator of Obama policy. Clearly it is acting as a non-governmental advocate for Obama policy. Therefore it is noteworthy whenever they clarify policy on the Middle East.

Today, we received an update in the form of a newsletter from the Center for American Progress. It is the transcript of an interview with America's Consul General in Jerusalem. The question and answers are designed to leave the following strong impressions:The Palestinian Authority is doing an exemplary job, the United States is being a great help, Israel is more of a problem than an asset, and creating the infrastructure for Palestinian statehood is the Obama administration's top priority.

In the first two sentences of this interview, Abbas and Fayaad are depicted as strong and accomplished leaders.They are defended when they have failed and praised for things they have not done. For example, economic growth in the West Bank is attributed to them (even though they do not control the area) and Israel, the greatest economic influence in the area is given no credit. While the United States is described as giving "unwavering" support for the people of Gaza and for the Palestinian Authority.

On a few occasions, Israel is credited with lifting some restrictions on the Palestinians but there are more frequent references to the United States prodding Israel to do more. While this United States representative is emphatic to declare America's position on settlements is set (they are opposed) he refuses to criticize Palestinian boycotts of Israeli goods.

Even a casual reader would conclude that the good guys in the interview are the Palestinians followed by the United States. While the Israelis are the bad guys in this drama.

At One Jerusalem we have warned that the United States appears primed to recognize a Palestinian State with or without the consent of the State of Israel. This interview strengthens our belief that this is probably the case.