19-03-2009, 03:15 PM
David Guyatt Wrote:I don't know the usual formalities in these situations, but would a Chief of Staff usually expect to meet the top dogs?
I also noted that he did meet Obama's NSC adviser which must be considered an important meeting surely? So I'm yet to be convinced that there is a sea change in Washington on this issue...
Quote:Ashkenazi also met during his trip with General James Jones, national security adviser to President Barack Obama, to discuss other Middle East issues.
I don't see it as a major sea change just yet but its a significant rearrangement of the previous relationship. America has decided its not going to war, or support a war, until negotiations have taken place. America can't afford it anyway.
For the head of the IDF being unable to meet his US counterpart is a massive snub, imo. Israeli brass have always been treated like royalty when visiting the US.
America still supports Israel, militarily and financially, but they won't be dragged into another costly war for Israel's benefit. That's it.