US committed to peace in Israel-permanent advisors stationed there, no more shuttle diplomacy

[babylonsister]

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-2086-NY-Foreign-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d6-Campaign-in-Israel-against-Obama-the-antisemite

Campaign in Israel against Obama the 'antisemite'
June 6, 5:33 PM



U.S. President Barack Obama hugs World War II D-Day veteran Clyde Combs of Houston, Texas, as he arrives at the Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-mer in France, on Saturday, June 6, 2009 to take part in a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Sean Kilpatrick)


They didn't even wait for the speech in Cairo. According to a report in Courrier International, on June 3rd, over 130 people gathered in front of the American Consulate in Jerusalem to protest against President Obama's Middle East tour. Protesters carried banners that defended the extension of settlements into Palestinian territory. Extreme right wing activist Itamar Ben Gvir stated that 'we have apparently reached a yellow line that the most antisemitic of American presidents has crossed; we will launch a campaign against Barack Hussein Obama. He is bad for the people and the State of Israel and his policies will lead us to disaster'. Sounds a lot like Dick Cheney, doesn't it?

snip//

Not only is President Obama committed to peace, but to underscore that he's not kidding, next week will begin what is seen as an American PERMANENT PRESENCE in Israel. Four deputies assigned to Middle East special envoy George Mitchell will be permanently stationed so as to be in constant contact with all parties concerned at all times. No more shuttle diplomacy and photo ops. This is business, and it's serious. The four deputies along with their duties were delineated in an article which appeared in the Israel Policy Forum:

The first, David Hale, from the State Department, will reside regularly in Jerusalem. The second, Mara Rudman, served as chief of staff of the National Security Council under Clinton and was extremely active in the New America Foundation which concerns itself a great deal with providing aid for the Palestinians. She will be stationed in Washington and coordinate the administration's activity with the representative in Jerusalem.

The third is a former military man, Fred Hoff, an expert on Syrian affairs. He has a clear world vision, which states that the US administration must reach a deal with Syria before withdrawing from Iraq. The fourth figure is the region's military advisor, US Security Coordinator Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton, who is building the Palestinian Authority's military forces. Just recently he and the defense minister agreed to continue to expand the forces operating in the West Bank.

So, call Obama and the rest of the world antisemitic, - clearly it is no longer impressing anyone. The people who really care about Israel's survival are going to do something about it. And perhaps some of the Israelis will learn how to stop the hate.

[zulchzulu]

1. The Likudists have to realize we know what they are doing...

... and it's time for them to step aside and let peace come to the area. The Ol' "Call 'Em An Antisemite" schtick doesn't work anymore.

[JerseygirlCT]

2. Just shows there are whack jobs all over the world

I cannot believe these people represent anything but fringes.

And as you say, Israel's survival depends on the success of a peace process. The plan these people would follow leads to continued terror - at the least.

[grantcart]

3. Its an unfortunate title because the article goes beyond the biased Israeli reaction

4 full time deputies to Mitchell residing in the region is serious business, more significant than the minority Israeli reaction that the title refers to.

[babylonsister]

5. It was unfortunate so I changed it.

This is significant, and that petty title didn't tell the whole story. Thanks!

[grantcart]

7. I agree with the title change.

I wonder what Bebe is thinking as he is getting boxed in by a real professional.

[4lbs]

4. He showed just how Anti-Israel and Anti-Jewish he is by attending a memorial

at a WWII concentration camp with two survivors and railing against Holocaust deniers in his speeches.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Thanks for changing that title

everyone should read the polling in the article. 130 jerks are not hard to find anywhere.

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. I agree with the title change as well. The hardliners should be marginalized...

not sensationalized. I am all for continuing our relationship with Israel, but not to the exclusion of everyone else. I'm sure AIPAC will make a lot of noise in the weeks ahead, but I hope the entire administration, and Israelis who really want peace, are galvanized around this singular mission.

p.s.: Recommended.