Originally posted on April 12th, 2010.
I fear that this latest rift in Israeli-US relations isn’t jump another bump in the road. I really think that President Obama just doesn’t seem to get it.
To be fair, Mr. Obama has achieved some remarkable things. Despite their imperfection, economic stimulus and a comprehensive health care act managed to get through Congress. In my opinion, he has most certainly changed the political landscape of the United States for the time being.
But when it comes to the Middle East, I just don’t see his logic at work. My position is that Islamic fundamentalism is the greatest and most imminent threat to world stability. His position is that a few new apartments in Ramat Shlomo stand in the way of “peace”.
Barack Obama has essentially timed the peace process of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the US electoral calendar. He wants an historic deal in place before the end of his first term, propelling him to reelection in 2012.
Since the Oslo Accords of 1993, Israel has shown repeatedly that it is committed to peace and is prepared to give up land as long as their security is ensured. This means an end to terrorism. Unfortunately, history has been a disincentive for the Jewish state.
Through the Oslo Accords, Israel transferred 42% of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the newly formed Palestinian Authority. It was met by increased terrorism. Further attempts to acquiesce to Palestinian demands resulted in the outbreak of the second intifada.
Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 resulted in the rise of Hezbollah’s military influence in the south and an increase of its political power in Beirut. The former’s decision to leave the Gaza Strip in 2005 allowed Hamas to take over and increase rocket fire.
Now, Israel’s security is still at risk. Iran is developing a nuclear program and has made an incitement to genocide. Hamas and Hezbollah, organizations funded by Iran’s theocratic regime, soon may have the range to reach Ben Gurion Airport, downtown Tel Aviv, and Israel’s nuclear centre outside Dimona with their rockets.
Despite all of this, Barack Obama believes that it is in America’s interest to “solve” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict right here and right now. His position is that Israeli settlement expansion is strengthening America’s enemies. My view is that America’s enemies are being strengthened by his incompetence.
Instead of proving to Al-Qaeda and Iran that he is a credible opponent, Barack Obama is simply alienating his only true ally in the region. That ally’s name is Israel, and it shares the values that we hold so close to our hearts: democracy, life, freedom, and security.
Israeli-US relations have always been a bumpy road, as the world’s superpower has always had a vested interest in the Middle East. Yet that bumpy road shouldn’t stand in the way of uniting against those who wish to destroy us.
A speech in Cairo won’t end Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism. A disarmament deal with Russia won’t be an incentive for a country run by the Ayatollahs to halt its nuclear program. Removing the words “jihad” and “terror” from the vocabulary book won’t put an end to this radical ideology.
It’s time that President Obama realize that being pragmatic and realistic is more important than being ideological and politically correct. Our way of life is at stake.
