Obama rebuffs Israel

[Mark Stapleton]

I've been waiting for this day to come.

The recent visit to the US by IDF Chief Gabi Ashkenazi has been a disaster for Israel.

Paul Craig Roberts states the official reason for the visit was to warn America about the threat from Iran but it seems no-one wanted to hear. He failed to meet the President, VP, Defense Sectretary Robert Gates, National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair and the Chairman of the JCS Admiral Mike Mullen (who was apparently out of town). All Ashkenazi got was the meagre consolation prize of meeting with "designated" US envoy for the Persian Gulf--and longtime Israel firster--Denis Ross and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton:

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune..._03_16.asp



Funnily enough, Haaretz saw the visit differently:

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1071490.html



During Clinton's recent trip to Israel she recieved "written recommendations" on US policy toward Iran from Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, including a US commitment to limit its dialogue with Iran.

"The Israel Government and military have been alarmed by the rapid and dramatic reversal in US policy toward Iran" is a direct quote from the recommendations, according to a diplomatic source.

In any case, it looks like the US is not listening and now wants action from Israel on the Palestinian issue and the so-called peace process before any discussions about Iran. Of course, Israel doesn't want any peace with the Palestinians, unless its the master/servant kind of peace. Settlements in occupied territories continue and there is talk in Israel about expelling Israeli Arabs from Jerusalem. Transferral is the nicer term being used by Israeli politicians.

The Israeli people have just voted for hardliners to control their future and they seem to be using the Old Testament book of Isaiah as their guide. That's the Israeli education system at work.

The big question is will Israel go it alone? I don't know but they are certainly insane enough to try it.


p.s. The last four letters of the IDF Chief's surname are apt.

[Magda Hassan]

Wow. I can't really imagine the US not supporting Israel. They are still bankrolling them. Or still bankrolling the US arms industry I should say. Interesting. They usually get the red carpet treatment. Unless they want it totally off the books of course but this sure looks like a snub.

[David Guyatt]

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...

Ashkenazi also met during his trip with General James Jones, national security adviser to President Barack Obama, to discuss other Middle East issues.

[Mark Stapleton]

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...

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.

[David Guyatt]

Let's hope so Mark.