Obama’s visit to Israel: an uphill journey
sabato 9 marzo 2013 English 0 commenti
Il Giornale, March 9th, 2013Hopefully, during the upcoming meeting between Obama and Netanyahu, that back cat that always walks between them as they attempt to talk will take a break. Fine, Obama on his second mandate eventually set out for that famous stroll in Jerusalem he never wished so far, having preferred Cairo instead. It is hardly predictable though whether he will carry either unpopular diktats or else good will towards the only ally who ensures the US to firmly stand on the Middle East ground and not on the quicksand of the Arab revolutions.
The bases are not excellent, as Obama appointed Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary despite the Jewry’s aversion; he allowed his wife Michelle, along with Secretary of State Kerry, to select a young Egyptian, Samira Ibrahim, as a recipient of the International Women of Courage Award; Ms. Ibrahim is the Egyptian woman who beside decrying the violence inflicted to women in Tahrir Square, also tweeted words of praise for Hitler, and commenting Burkas attack she tweeted “Today is a very sweet day with a lot of very sweet news.” Moreover, many in Israel are annoyed by Obama’s refusal to take the floor at the Knesset, although according to sources the intent is only to avoid dangerous polemics should KMs voice their protests over Pollard’s case.
Neither Netanyahu nor Obama are actually going to play with fire, which is the issue of settlements for the first: Bibi even blocked some ongoing projects; by the same token, Obama will take due care of not offending Israeli sensitivities on a delicate matter, so to prevent Israel from undertaking one-sided plans on Iran. Hence the game Obama and Bibi will play: Israel’s openings which according to Obama’s plan would result in a negotiation, against the US commitment against a nuclear Iran and more engagement in monitoring the new risks of Syrian quagmire and Hezbollah danger from Lebanon. It is a risky ante, especially counting Palestinian chickens, which for years have shown their refusal to negotiations, before they are hatched.