Just kidding about the post title, but Obama did an interview with the popular, international media outlet Al-Arabiya for an interview recently. Al-Arabiya is owned by some rich sheikhs from Saudi Arabia and a few other Gulf states, and has been strongly opposed to terrorism in the past. I respect what Obama is trying to do: utilizing public diplomacy to squash some rumors regarding America that continue to persist in the Middle East. For example, many citizens in moderate countries, like Jordan, believe that 9/11 was not caused by terrorists. Obama walked the tightrope on the Israeli/Palestinian issue, which the interviewer hit him up with first. From the transcript:
Ultimately, we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what's best for them. They're going to have to make some decisions. But I do believe that the moment is ripe for both sides to realize that the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people. And that instead, it's time to return to the negotiating table.Probably a smart move, as there's no greater polarizing issue in the Middle East than Israel, and we'd be best to keep our distance to some extent. I don't understand our nation's preoccupation with sustaining Israel through aid and completely unwavering support. Is it in our constitution somewhere? If they're such great allies, how come they don't contribute any military forces to Iraq or Afghanistan? I have nothing against Israel, but I don't see why America needs to bend over backwards to support them even at our own diplomatic peril.
Although, his comments about Iran were a bit strange and come near the end:
But I do think that it is important for us to be willing to talk to Iran, to express very clearly where our differences are, but where there are potential avenues for progress. And we will over the next several months be laying out our general framework and approach. And as I said during my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us.Since Al-Arabiya is from the Gulf, I doubt they have much sympathy for Iran. Also, it doesn't look like Iran is going to want to talk to us in the first place. We'll see how that works out. Maybe Ahmadinejad will unleash some creepy hour-long rant about how there are no Persian homosexuals like he did at Columbia.
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5 comments:
I've never understood the Presidential Israeli Infatuation, either. Seriously, wtf have they done for us? Ever? Sank one of our ship back in one of their many wars. That's all I can find...
Before any of you old Floridians try to attack me, f you.
I suspect that the reason America is so infatuated with Israel has to do with several things - similar views on democracy and human rights, possibly the fact that we had a hand in forming their country, and the big reason: large Christian religious groups think that Jerusalem will play an important part in the return of Christ so they want to be able to go there safely. Personally, I don't buy into the last reason, but I do know where and why some Christians feel this way.
I don't think it's "America" that is infatuated with Israel - it's Congress. I saw a poll a while ago, more than half the nation really doesn't care about Israel's challenges with Gaza for instance, whereas nearly the entire Congress was foaming at the mouth to declare Israel's right to demolish Gaza into building blocks.
Still very strange. Congressional knee-jerk reactions I guess. That or some really good blackmail material...
Never underestimate the power of special interest groups is all I can say.
Wow, anon -- that was a pretty good deflect.
As for the pix, I never knew Obama was made of cloth. Surely this is some clever slam, as flour bags were made of muslin, think pancakes, think Aunt Jemima... well, perhaps I'm giving them too much credit.
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