Rahmbo: DLC-PNAC/AIPAC shows his true colors.

[denem]

In a typically blunt interview, much not suitable for verbatim quotes, Rahm Emanuel gave a reporter for the Israeli Policy Forum a 'No ifs or Buts' account of US Policy:

* 'It doesn't matter to us who is Prime Minister';

* The 'Two State Solution' is non-negotiable;

* US approach to a 'nuclear' Iran is contingent on progress in negotiations with the Palestinians and an Israeli withdrawal from West Bank territory;

* A permanent status arrangement between Israel and the Palestinians, will happen in Obama's first term; and

* Obama will not meet Netanyahu during AIPAC Conference in May - 'Won't be in town'.

More: http://www.israelpolicyforum.org/blog/emanuel-says-obam....

Emanuel joins a well known cabal of knee jerk Israel critics in the Obama Administration, including Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John Kerry ;-)

[Drunken Irishman]

1. Knee jerk critics?

:eyes:

[denem]

3. Heh ;)

[annabanana]

5. Yeah, you know. Those loonies who think that Israel and the United States

are two different countries...

[Adelante]

2. Huh?

[denem]

6. Read the article- It's no joke.

[Adelante]

13. Not the article - I actually thought this might be the joke

Emanuel joins a well known cabal of knee jerk Israel critics in the Obama Administration, including Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John Kerry.

None of these people are kneejerk critics of Israel. I don't actually know Gates's positions but the rest are well-established as supportive of Israel. :shrug:

[denem]

16. Doh- Clinton/Biden/Kerry are passionately pro Isreal.

This is a Nixon goes to China operation.

[lamp_shade]

4. The first great decision Obama made... choosing Rahm.

[Clio the Leo]

7. It's a shame that his job title prevents him from doing more interviews.

The man is good TV.

There's nothing more delightful than a tiny man with GIANT balls.

.... and 9 fingers.

[denem]

11. Rahm Interview : Yeah I (bleep)(bleep) and what the (bleep)

Republican (bleep), (bleep) Teabaggers (bleep)(bleep)(bleep) etc.

[Clio the Leo]

23. Well, see, that's why God made HBO. :-) NT

[WhiteTara]

8. I'm glad Obama will not be around for

Netanyahoo. The AIPAC are leaches on the Democratic Party. It is not necessarily true the Israelis are our friends or that they are the downtrodden.

I'm actually pleasantly surprised that the new administration doesn't follow the path of the past. I think Jimmy Carter is to be thanked for some advice.

[polichick]

14. Ditto - on all counts!

[hileeopnyn8d]

9. Like I said the other day

This place is like Bizarro World. Sometimes all within the same post.

You imply he's in AIPAC's pocket, then accuse him of knee jerk criticism of Israel. Usually the charge is the opposite of the one you're making.

[denem]

12. The humor I thought was obvious.

[hileeopnyn8d]

15. I guess I'm slow.

:shrug:

Eh, it's Friday. I'm tired.

[Thrill]

10. So basically they want everything opposite of the Bush Administration? This is a bad thing?

All this sounds good to me

[jenmito]

20. I am pretty sure the OP thinks it's a GOOD thing and using sarcasm. n/t

[Thrill]

22. UGH. Why don't they use that smiley

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

17. Call me crazy, but I expect a little cooperation from an ally

that we give 2.5 billion a year to.

This report is very very good news. The Isreali wing-nuts need to learn that we are the patrons, not the other way around.

[polichick]

18. I hope we cancel the 2.5 billion and use it for people who are hurting here.

[cali]

19. not a chance of that but Walt wrote a very, very good article

explaining the measures that Obama can reasonably take to pressure Israel. Great article. It was posted in the I/P forum.

[Occam Bandage]

21. Where's the change?

Oh, right. Everywhere.

[dpbrown]

24. Sounds like the best US policy on Israel I've heard in several administrations

Not that I like much about the DLC overall, but this doesn't seem to be a place where they're failing, if this is their doing.

[denem]

25. My jaw dropped on using Iran as a bargaining card.

[Aloha Spirit]

26. And our policy on the National Missile Defense shield is contingent upon success in

dealing with Iran's nuclear situation

As long as the threat from Iran persists, we will go forward with a missile defense system that is cost-effective and proven. (Applause.) If the Iranian threat is eliminated, we will have a stronger basis for security, and the driving force for missile defense construction in Europe will be removed.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-By-President-Barack-Obama-In-Prague-As-Delivered/

Crazy complicated.

[Dr.Phool]

27. Was this from the Onion?

[denem]

28. The Israel Policy Forum might be considered The Onion

in some quarters :evilgrin:

[Canuckistanian]

29. Wait, what?

Rahm Emmanuel is making these statements??

Yoy, I read the article. the story is true, according to the Israel Policy Forum.

* On edit, I see that the IPF may not be the best source.

[tkmorris]

30. This is good stuff, really good stuff

I admit I did not expect this tone from the White House, and especially not from the lips of Rahm freakin' Emanuel. It's awfully nice to be wrong sometimes.

Here's to you Rahm/Barack. :toast:

[denem]

31. Sort of a reverse 'Nixon goes to China'.

[4dsc]

32. Looks like a good call by Obama here...