Netanyahu's make-or-break speech to Congress

[oberliner]

Four days after publicly spurning President Obama's vision for ending the Israeli-Arab conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from supporters and critics alike to present an alternative plan for peace as he addresses a joint session of US Congress.

In the shadow of regional change, Mr. Netanyahu has been attacked for taking a passive, reactive stance that favors his own political survival over meaningful progress with the Palestinians. Now, with Palestinians gaining momentum on a United Nations vote to establish a Palestinian state without Israel's approval, his country faces a growing threat of isolation and attacks on its legitimacy.

Many see Netanyahu's speech today as an opportunity to take the diplomatic initiative, tapping into an Israeli legacy of risk-taking, initiative, and creativity that stretches from the country's founding fathers to today's technology entrepreneurs. That spirit – summed up in Zionist leader Theodore Herzl's phrase, "If you will it, it is no dream" – has been seen in everything from preemptive military attacks to a unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0524/Netanyahu-s-make-or-break-speech-to-Congress

[AndyTiedye]

1. Nuttyyahoo Has No Plan for Peace

He is all about smiting the Philistines. That is all he's got.

[Pirate Smile]

2. President Obama is going to try to help and protect Israel IN SPITE of Bibi.

Not exactly the type of PM Israel truly needs at this time. Sad.

[oberliner]

4. It's a shame really that Livni was not able to form a government

Her party did win the most seats, after all.

I think if she were PM, something really positive could happen here.

[Pirate Smile]

3. Josh Marshall lays out the truth: "Time to Face Reality"

Time to Face Reality

Josh Marshall | May 24, 2011, 10:10AM

Prime Minister Netanyahu doesn't want a two state solution. Period. End of story. Whether this is a principle of deeply held belief (probably) or just a desire not to see his coalition government fall (certainly) doesn't really matter. His clear aim is to perpetuate the status quo indefinitely -- something that is simply not compatible with Israel's security, America's security or the Palestinians need for a state.

This is hardly surprising for anyone who has followed the issue closely. But any remaining ambiguity is destructive in itself. His attack against a sitting American president for proposing the 1967 borders (which are actually the 1949 borders) with land swaps as the basis of negotiations is the final tell.

His policy is perpetual occupation. Time to accept that reality and draw the appropriate implications.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/05/time_to_face_reality.php?ref=fpblg

[makhno]

5. He's tearing it up, Israel doesn't need U.S. aid!

Courtesy of C-SPAN

Like watching a CPSU Conference.

[makhno]

6. Iran, Iran, nuclear armed Iran ... militant Islam! Terra!

Come on, Benny, there's only so many times those idiots are going to jump up to their feet.

[tishaLA]

7. I doubt it's anything akin to make or break

There are too many members of Congress, including good progressives, who are, if not Likudniks, very hesitant to offer anything more than the most mild critique of Israel. And especially of its settlement expansion program.

[makhno]

8. Indeed

As evidenced by the unrec stream on this tiny thread.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[makhno]

10. Get up, stand up

Man, talk about the tail wagging the dog there.

[annabanana]

11. America the craven chicken. . . . n/t