(Reuven is a long-time Israeli human rights activist.)
From the Desk of Reuven Kaminer March 22, 2013 Low Expectations Fully Justified During their first meeting in Jerusalem and then openly in the subsequent press conference, Obama extended complete and unreserved support for Israel's right to determine, on its own, the date for the attack on Iran. Simultaneously, Obama seemed to be voicing an independent line since the US has designated more time for negotiations. This even could be presented as a way of avoiding war "for a year." This so called "independent US line" is misleading and devoid of any real meaning. Obama's recent outburst of Zionist rhetoric in Jerusalem has irrevocably committed the US to involvement in any anti-Iranian adventure that the Israeli government will launch. The outline of the most probable deal is clear. Israel will go for a surgical strike that allows the Iranians, if they so chose, to desist from a major response. But any likely Iranian military response action against Israel will force the United States, on the basis of the enthusiastic and unqualified moral and political commitments by Obama, to enter the fray in military action on Israel's side. By forcefully undertaking unconditional obligations to protect Israel from feeling the brunt of any Iranian military response to an Israeli attack , Obama is a playing with fire. Simply said, Obama by promising to cover Israel's back, has given the Israeli warlords a carte blanch for war against Iran. If anyone in Washington hesitates about seeing the Israeli war as a joint US-Israel operation, the Israelis will present to Obama all the promissory notes that he signed on his pro-Israeli binge in the holy land. All those beautiful words of concern and affection for Israel's Jews (and not for the Palestinians) really count. Ramallah Is Not Jerusalem It is painful to see the Palestinian Authority perform such an ignominious role during the Obama visit. It is hard to understand how the PA could agree to such one-sided, biased arrangements which were lacking any semblance of equality between the two sides. Sure enough, Obama used the occasion to ridicule the vital Palestinian demand for a settlement freeze before negotiations as putting the cart before the horse. However, ongoing settlement during perpetual talk is a non-starter for the Palestinians. It is absolutely clear that the Palestinian public will not consider entering negotiations accompanied by ongoing settlement construction. Professional Confidence Game The media and many of our local doves are going gaga about the dovish section of the hour long speech by Obama to a well screened audience of Israeli students today in Jerusalem. Indeed, platitudes poured forth from the distinguished guest. This was enough for our local liberals to disregard the real context of the drive to war on Iran and the total symbiosis between security forces of the USA, Israel and Palestinian Authority. Much was said of mutual respect and mutual trust and the discovery that "they are just like us" was a real hit. But not a word was mentioned about the 1967 borders, of the need to share Jerusalem, or the problem of the Palestinian refugees, during the hour long hymn to the advantages of fairness, love and beauty. Thus, everyone in the local political arena was joyful. Obama hit the right buzz words for the right. The wonderful dream of peace was conjured up for the n'th time for the doves. But no practical steps were even discussed in this world of low expectations. Any and all opponents of the occupation must tell Obama the "we have been there and done that." Instead of action to curb Israeli annexation, Obama hung up a green light for new settlement activity. We must admit that there is some increase in the activity of the pro-peace faction in these days. The faction has submitted a new highly convincing argument. It goes like this. When we attack Iran it would be helpful if we could refer to a background of ongoing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. After the successful war on Iran, Israel will have plenty time for endless negotiations which will take place on the background of a newly reinforced Israeli regional ascendency. Nothing new here: Talk peace and make war. _______________________________________________ pen-l mailing list [email protected] https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/pen-l
