News Flash: Obama Meets with Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority Leader, Tries to Pay Off Hamas (In Practice, Not Intention)

Next time, my place.

Barry Rubin
The Rubin Report
09 June '10

According to the first media report by Hisham Bourar of al-Hurra television, President Barack Obama has announced an additional $400 million in aid for housing, school construction and business development in Gaza and West Bank. Calling the status quo in Gaza unsustainable, Obama said he was talking with Europeans, Egypt, Israel, and the PA on how to have a better approach that takes into account the security concerns of Israel and the needs of people in Gaza.

He did not add anything regarding an investigation but said everyone should know the facts and make sure something like this didn’t happen again. Thus, he left the door open to either an Israeli or an international investigation.

Abbas called for lifting the blockade completely.

Analysis:

Obama’s statements on the Gaza flotilla issue have been careful. He didn't support Israel but he also has not openly supported an international investigation or a drastic change in the embargo. His line so far implies a serious Israeli investigation would be acceptable. He also has called for small changes in the embargo (acceptable to Israel) while hinting there might be big changes (not acceptable)

I would call Obama's line "carefully neutralist with a tiny tilt toward Israel" so far. It is very bad because he is carefully avoiding supporting an ally against a radical Islamist regime in order not to offend the demands of Turkey or Arab states and populations but it is not hostile to Israel and avoids bashing that country.

Aside from the lack of courage or leadership, however, Obama shows no strategic sense. He should make clear that the United States does not want an Iranian client, a revolutionary jihadists Taliban-like regime on the Mediterranean Sea. It should be the goal of U.S. policy to avoid this. Instead he deals with this as a “humanitarian” issue and makes no effort to get across what should be the main point.

He may honestly believe that pumping money into specific projects in Gaza like houses, schools, and businesses is not a subsidy for Hamas. But of course that is what it will be. Anyone should be able to understand this:

(Read full article)

If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.
.