Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Update on my Opinion Piece on Obama Peace Overtures to Israel and Arab World

Since I wrote my piece titled "Obama Strategy on the Israeli-Palestinian Front: How can this work?" I read an update on the issue written by my old friend Douglas Bloomfield (we don't always agree) who used to be a lobbyist for a pro-Israel organiztion. He is also a journalist. In his article, he points to the fact that "Bibi (affectionate nickname for) "Netanyahu is in a precarious situation vis a vis Obama and his own supporters and the general public in Israel. His suporters want settlements to stay as is or expand; however, most Israelis are hopeful about Obama's desire for peace and want Israel to work with Obama and many Jewish American pro Israeli folks over here would like Bibi to do the same. This means Bibi Netanyahu's can't afford to alienate Obama or he might be recalled. So now I see the hook Obama has with him. Meanwhile Bloomfield says the Arab world can just wait and watch what happens between the interested parties without making any big commitments one way or the other. The ball seems to be in Israel's court. If Israel doesn't come up with a major concession or offer than Israel will look as though it really doesn't want peace or help from its best ally.

SRaphael, Long Beach, Ca.

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