More on President Obama’s Al-Arabiya Interview
EmailYesterday evening in the Map Room, President Obama sat for his first formal TV interview, with Al-Arabiya’s Hisham Melhem.
Some excerpts:
On his advice to George Mitchell, the special envoy to the Middle East who just left the U.S. for the region last night: "What I told him is start by listening, because all too often the United States starts by dictating — in the past on some of these issues — and we don’t always know all the factors that are involved. So let’s listen. He’s going to be speaking to all the major parties involved. And he will then report back to me. From there we will formulate a specific response. 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."
On the U.S.-Israel relationship: "Israel is a strong ally of the United States. They will not stop being a strong ally of the United States. And I will continue to believe that Israel’s security is paramount. But I also believe that there are Israelis who recognize that it is important to achieve peace. They will be willing to make sacrifices if the time is appropriate and if there is serious partnership on the other side."
On the possibility of Palestinian state: "I think it is possible for us to see a Palestinian state — I’m not going to put a time frame on it — that is contiguous, that allows freedom of movement for its people, that allows for trade with other countries, that allows the creation of businesses and commerce so that people have a better life. And, look, I think anybody who has studied the region recognizes that the situation for the ordinary Palestinian in many cases has not improved. And the bottom line in all these talks and all these conversations is, is a child in the Palestinian Territories going to be better off? Do they have a future for themselves? And is the child in Israel going to feel confident about his or her safety and security? And if we can keep our focus on making their lives better and look forward, and not simply think about all the conflicts and tragedies of the past, then I think that we have an opportunity to make real progress."
On the rhetoric about him by Ayman al-Zawahiri and Osama bin Laden: "They seem nervous…I think that when you look at the rhetoric that they’ve been using against me before I even took office…what that tells me is that their ideas are bankrupt. There’s no actions that they’ve taken that say a child in the Muslim world is getting a better education because of them, or has better health care because of them. In my inauguration speech, I spoke about: You will be judged on what you’ve built, not what you’ve destroyed. And what they’ve been doing is destroying things.
"And over time, I think the Muslim world has recognized that that path is leading no place, except more death and destruction. Now, my job is to communicate the fact that the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world, that the language we use has to be a language of respect. I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries…the largest one, Indonesia. And so what I want to communicate is the fact that in all my travels throughout the Muslim world, what I’ve come to understand is that regardless of your faith — and America is a country of Muslims, Jews, Christians, non-believers — regardless of your faith, people all have certain common hopes and common dreams.
"And my job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. But if you look at the track record, as you say, America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there’s no reason why we can’t restore that. And that I think is going to be an important task."
On the language President Bush used — "war on terror," Islamic fascism — and how he frames it in a different way, specifically against one group called al Qaeda and their collaborators: "The language we use matters. And what we need to understand is, is that there are extremist organizations — whether Muslim or any other faith in the past — that will use faith as a justification for violence. We cannot paint with a broad brush a faith as a consequence of the violence that is done in that faith’s name. And so you will I think see our administration be very clear in distinguishing between organizations like al Qaeda — that espouse violence, espouse terror and act on it — and people who may disagree with my administration and certain actions, or may have a particular viewpoint in terms of how their countries should develop. We can have legitimate disagreements but still be respectful. I cannot respect terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians and we will hunt them down. But to the broader Muslim world what we are going to be offering is a hand of friendship."
-jpt
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How can one who has hope for the world not be enthused about this new approach? I think the answer to that question is that if one believes that only might is right and only force will prevail, then President Obama’s words will sound unrealistic. But to them I would ask, do you honestly believe that the ways of the past have been more productive? Let’s give hope a chance.
Posted by: Richard Cole | January 27, 2009, 9:31 am 9:31 am
It’s too bad the right wing will not see how courageous and brilliant this new foreign policy is, but “there are none so blind as those who will not see.” I see the promise of peace. Thank you, President Obama! There are about 1 billion Muslims. How many are terrorists? We must talk to those Muslims who want peace. President Obama clearly states that he cannot, nor should he, respect terrorists. Some ask why would he speak to the Muslim world? I ask why wouldn’t he? The Middle East is the hot spot. This is the MOST important area in foreign affairs. If we can make process, terrorists groups will find it harder and harder to recruit. This had to be done for our safety and the safety of all people who desire peace.
Posted by: readandlearn | January 27, 2009, 9:53 am 9:53 am
Let the conservative speculation on why Obama chose an Arab network for his first interview begin…
Posted by: matt | January 27, 2009, 9:54 am 9:54 am
“How can one who has hope for the world not be enthused about this new approach?”
Showing weakness will never impress the terrorist. Giving in to the demands of terrorist will only lead to more demands. And, believing that terrorist are going to lower their weapons because we speak soothing words is naive. Jimmy Carter tried this approach and quickly learned that terrorist are not interested in getting along, they want to inflict as much pain on us as they can.
Under Obama, the terrorist are going to attack us again. When they do I and others will be here to place blame where it belongs, squarely on Mr. Obama’s shoulders.
Posted by: James | January 27, 2009, 9:55 am 9:55 am
“I cannot respect terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians and we will hunt them down. But to the broader Muslim world what we are going to be offering is a hand of friendship.”
For some reason the republican extremists have a problem with this…
?
Posted by: Winston Smith | January 27, 2009, 9:57 am 9:57 am
Obamas words sound OK except for the US always dictates part, which is an outright lie. Let’s see what happens after he is sucked in and used by the Palestinians.
Here is something interesting: “There’s no actions that they’ve taken that say a child in the Muslim world is getting a better education because of them, or has better health care because of them.”
There are no actions that Democrats have taken that have given more energy, lower prices, a better economy, more and less expensive health care, etc…etc…etc…In fact, Dems and the CRA and ACORN caused our current financial meltdown. Dems policies just don’t do anything but raise taxes and create govt entitlement programs.
Posted by: Ricardo maxwell | January 27, 2009, 10:01 am 10:01 am
It takes much more courage to use diplomacy then might! The arrogance of those who feel you should condemn an entire people over the actions of a few has made the world a much less safe place. The world welcomed the election of President Obama because they knew that he would bring a more balanced and diplomatic approach to Middle East issues. Cowboy diplomacy failed badly!!
Posted by: Dee | January 27, 2009, 10:07 am 10:07 am
Obama and the newsmedia..Blame it all on America..we are bad people..
DON”T SPEAK FOR ME BARRACK HUSSIEN OBAMA!!! I do not share your views or the leftist blame it on America media.. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!!!
Arrest Barney Frank and Chris Dodd Before they took over in 2006, the stock market was 14000, people had jobs, 4.2% unemployment, then they took over the banking committee and the Democrat gravey train of Fannie Mae and Freddie MAc.. adn destroyed our ecomney.. I DEMAND an investigation
Posted by: Obama/Biden, hug a terrorist today | January 27, 2009, 10:09 am 10:09 am
There can be no fault found in Obama’s strategy here. Eight (and more) years of ignoring the problems of the world has done nothing. George Mitchell is a fantastic pragmatic negotiator and I really look forward to seeing some progress in the Middle East. Let’s all hope and pray that Netanyahu does not get into power in Israel, because he will throw the process back another 30 years.
Posted by: Kevin | January 27, 2009, 10:25 am 10:25 am
obaba and the muslim world……hummmmm
ACORN and 4BILLION from stimlus…hummm
Posted by: Mildred | January 27, 2009, 10:26 am 10:26 am
Someone needs to tell barry that history already has a neville chamberlain and we don’t need a second!
When will these liberal idiots ever learn that our enemies actually do want to kill us? Our enemies don’t care if liberals offer flowers and hugs.
At the end of the day, our very existence in a free world threatens their neanderthal way of life and they have shown that they will kill us to preserve it.
WAKE UP AMERICA.
Posted by: dave | January 27, 2009, 10:31 am 10:31 am
Unfortunately, for you, whether you agree or disagree with President
(quote)
BARRACK HUSSIEN OBAMA!!!
The fact that he *is* the president means his policies are now yours…and he has every right to speak for you. Else he wouldn’t be “presiding”.
So calm down, get down off your cowboy-politics high-horse, and let a thinking president fix the mess.
At least we’ll never have to misunderestimate Mr Obama.
Posted by: gerpierro | January 27, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am
I don’t think it’s a good idea for our President to be talking with these folks via an interview or anything else until he has a command of what the real issues are. Usin ‘Political Correctness’ with someone who is willing to cut off someones head is just a bad idea. This has nothing to do with ‘hope’ or a different approach, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter tried the same things. History shows it doesn’t work.
Posted by: jim toledo | January 27, 2009, 10:42 am 10:42 am
Talk about leaving stale, bankrupt policies, languages, and attitudes behind! Mr. O is the Man of the Moment. At 63 years of age and brutally realistic, I am old enough to know the score and no Kool-aid drinker. And I know the real deal when I see it. This combination of smarts, confidence, nuance–all wrapped in a totally controlled ego–comes about once in a lifetime. He makes the Limbaughs and Hannity’s of the world seem like simian screechers.
Posted by: El Gato del Valrico, FL | January 27, 2009, 10:47 am 10:47 am
Seven years ago George Bush stood in his stocking feet in deference to the Islamic religion and proclaimed that is was a religion of peace. There wasn’t an incendiary reaction then. Maybe that’s because he’s a white guy and has a pedestrian name.
But unlike Obama, his intentions weren’t diplomatic. It was a public relations move designed to offset the increasing bellicose rhetoric his administration was expressing towards the Middle East.
I can’t help but notice the hypocrisy and selective memory of those who are slamming Obama for his outreach to the Muslims. Given that they comprise close to a third of the world’s population, we really don’t have much choice but to get along.
Posted by: kathy | January 27, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
“There’s no actions that they’ve taken that say a child in the Muslim world is getting a better education because of them, or has better health care because of them.”
I think this is begging the question if these are things that are highly valued. It plays well with Obama’s Western base but are Middle Eastern Muslims eager to have their children infected with more Western values? I think they would have been happier if he said he was embargoing MTV….
The problem with this interview is that while being conciliatory is ok, there is no strength in it.
Look at his response on Iran getting nuclear weapons. Not only is it not clear in English, and probably worse when translated, he never says that Iran should be prevented:
“Q Will the United States ever live with a nuclear Iran? And if not, how far are you going in the direction of preventing it?
THE PRESIDENT: You know, I said during the campaign that it is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of U.S. power, including diplomacy, in our relationship with Iran.
Now, the Iranian people are a great people, and Persian civilization is a great civilization. Iran has acted in ways that’s not conducive to peace and prosperity in the region: their threats against Israel; their pursuit of a nuclear weapon which could potentially set off an arms race in the region that would make everybody less safe; their support of terrorist organizations in the past — none of these things have (sic) been helpful.
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.
“
Posted by: BertieW | January 27, 2009, 11:05 am 11:05 am
How many of you who have posted here today have actually watched the entire interview?
By the context of the post, I bet zero.
Classy.
Posted by: Paige | January 27, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am
Obama just said Palestine will be contiguous.
Posted by: MayBee | January 27, 2009, 11:26 am 11:26 am
I didn’t vote for Obama, but I think this new approach deserves a chance. I also think it’s important to remember that all attempts to bring peace to the middle east – including the efforts of Carter, Clinton and others – have not made a single dent in bringing peace between Israel and the Arab world.
Posted by: Purple Crayon | January 27, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
Iran has acted in ways that’s not conducive to peace and prosperity in the region: their threats against Israel; their pursuit of a nuclear weapon which could potentially set off an arms race in the region that would make everybody less safe; their support of terrorist organizations in the past – none of these things have been helpful,” Obama said.
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Berite -This is from the CBS transcript. Obama’s message is clear without being bellicose, which is a departure from his predecessor. Actually, his address to the Muslim world is without all the trappings of false humility, unlike George Bush’s outreach 7 years ago. It’s also not a double message to the world, where warmongering rhetoric is offset by religious capitulation to the Moslems.
Posted by: kathy | January 27, 2009, 11:45 am 11:45 am
I cant seem to find where Mr Obama gives examples of how we “dictate” to others. Ahhh, but facts never got in the way before.
Posted by: MitchInNC | January 27, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Obama does not speak for the 58 million Americans who voted against him and his weird personality cult…someday we will get a real President again…
Posted by: josh | January 27, 2009, 11:59 am 11:59 am
josh, well said. but oh how he is gonna screw things up. lets see him stop the iranians from getting nukes.
Posted by: MitchInNC | January 27, 2009, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
Thank you President Obama for Being a great leader so far its about time we spoke to our Enemies DIPLOMACY That has been lacking for 8 years President Obama keep up the good work!!
Posted by: Angie | January 27, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
“The things that please are those that are asked for again and again.” (Horace)
Posted by: Rodrigo | January 27, 2009, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
As he did during his inaugural address when he said, “your people will judge you by what you build not by what you destroy,” Obama is speaking over the heads of the leadership directly to the Muslim people. He already enjoys great support from the people of the middle east, so he is enlisting the people to influence their governments to work for peace. As in our country, politicians are always influenced by their constituents. This is yet another example of Obama’s philosophy of change from the ground up. Already we have seen the people of Afghanistan becoming more involved in counter-terrorism efforts. If Obama can inspire the people of the middle eastern nations to work towards peace then we will see a sea change in foreign relations.
Brilliant move!
Posted by: Tane | January 27, 2009, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm
I love that barry is continuing the long-standing liberal tradition of blaming America first.
It appears that he obviously shares the views of his racist, anti-American pastor.
Big shocker there.
Posted by: dave | January 27, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
Why didn’t someone think of this before??? We just needed to tell the Arabs that we aren’t their enemies and everything will be okay!! I know that Osama Bin Laden is sitting in his cave with tears in his eyes, thinking that, if only he had known that Americans were his friends he never would have done any of that bad stuff.
Posted by: Ricky | January 27, 2009, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
I feel sorry for those with the pessimistic views of the old way of thinking. I’m referring to those that are blinded by liberal this and conservative that. Why even get out of bed in the morning if you can’t accept hope? In your mind nothing will work unless you agree to it.
I respect your freedom of speech but not one of you can offer constructive criticism without and an offending innuendo.
Forget the past. Embrace a new reality. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Choose hope and optimism. It shouldn’t matter where it comes from. Perhaps blind faith is not familiar to you unless it is fed to you through propaganda by flag-waving bible thumpers who profit from your misery.
Posted by: JV | January 27, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
President Obama said many times while he was campaigning: “It is insane to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.” Yet the conditions he has stated for peace in the Mid-East are the same as they were under Bush: Hamas must renounce violence; Hamas must recognise Israel’s right to exist, Hamas must cease firing missiles into Israel. Israel? Well they are not required to abandon the illegal settlements they have made, they are not required to cease making new illegal settlements. They are not required to do much at all. Is President Obama insane?
Posted by: rhbate | January 27, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Ricky said:
“Why didn’t someone think of this before??? We just needed to tell the Arabs that we aren’t their enemies and everything will be okay!! I know that Osama Bin Laden is sitting in his cave with tears in his eyes, thinking that, if only he had known that Americans were his friends he never would have done any of that bad stuff.”
Right on Ricky!
Posted by: liberalsaresocialists | January 27, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
That’s right Ricky! You tell them that libbies are the new commies and we gonna get ya! Yee-haw. I seen them terrorist creeping around.
Posted by: imanidiot | January 27, 2009, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
While I admire Obama for wanting America to be a friend of the Muslim world (I actually thought many Muslim nations were already our allies, though – of course not all Muslims are extremists), I think it’s foolish not to realize that most Muslims will not take Obama seriously.
Obama had a Muslim father and step-father, yet he turned his back on his Muslim heritage in favor of Christianity – I think that’s frowned upon by most extremists (I think it’s actually punishable by death to the ultra-extremists). I think it’s worth noting that Obama might not be viewed in a positive light to all who are listening to his message.
Posted by: Lollygagging | January 27, 2009, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
There is an obvious under current of hate and mistrust for our new president coming from what appears to be the right. I wonder is it about idealology or race. If this president that the world has seemed to embrace, brokers a peace agreement born out of his concern to all humanity meets with success; what then will be the response your comments reak of sour grapes and at the moment im more concerned about you than alqeuda!
Posted by: buffalo | January 27, 2009, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
Whats the Meta message to the Iranians?
-They want to build nuclear weapons
-They are building nuclear weapons
What does Iran perceive as consequences of this policy based on Obama’s answer to the question?
Obama was asked (probably submitted in advance) “how far are you going in the direction of preventing it”
His response is “…none of these things have been helpful.”
So what is Iran supposed to think- are there any real consequences to developing a nuclear weapon?
What is Israel supposed to think? Is American going to be an effective deterrent to an Iranian bomb?
Netanyahu will be PM of Israel in a couple of weeks. He is not going to take action if he feels it is necessary. I think we have moved much closer to an Israeli air strike and $4/gal gas prices with Obama attitude.
Posted by: BertieW | January 27, 2009, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
Most of you haven’t watched the interview. Oh, I forgot, you’ll not looking for solutions….you’re content being part of the problems. I say good communication never hurt anyone, and no better start than with you enemies.
Our Prez=SMART MAN
Posted by: sara wilson | January 27, 2009, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
4 billion for ACORN is a stimulus to the economy?
Liberals, you have been had. Or paid off. One or the other.
Good luck with the Muslims, Mr. Obama. I am moving out of the country. You are a total disgrace
Posted by: usa | January 27, 2009, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
BO was elected by the efforts of the liberal media and the lemming masses who get their news from MSNBC.
Let’s see if I can get this straight.
BO didn’t know bill ayers, didn’t know rev racist was a lunactic and never knew Michell didn’t like America.
It all makes sense, I will sleep so much better now.
Posted by: liberalsaresocialists | January 27, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
Whats the Meta message to the Iranians?
**********************************************
I have no ideal what the question means. It sounds like scientology terminology being thrown around.
Posted by: kathy | January 27, 2009, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
“My job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives,” – President Obama in Al-Arabiya Interview.
Really? That’s the job we elected him to do? While I appreciate Obama’s diplomatic efforts and his attempt to reach out to our enemies, I don’t think it’s his job to convince Americans that Muslims are just like us – don’t we know that already? I find it a tad disturbing that Obama feels it’s his job to communicate to us what Muslims are really like.
Posted by: MIssing Link | January 27, 2009, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm
“people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives”
What an evil agenda . ..
Posted by: pefros | January 27, 2009, 4:57 pm 4:57 pm
ally? That’s the job we elected him to do? While I appreciate Obama’s diplomatic efforts and his attempt to reach out to our enemies, I don’t think it’s his job to convince Americans that Muslims are just like us
******************************************************
Muslims are the fastest growing segment of the world population numbered at 3 billion. I would hope that about a third of the world’s population isn’t our enemy. There’s nothing in his speech that indicated that he was trying to convince Muslims are like are just like Americans and visa versa.
From what I see with the postings, I don’t know if the complaints come mostly from ideological differences, or if they are race based.
Posted by: kathy | January 27, 2009, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
Most of what I read which is directed against Obama around here isn’t really debatable, because it’s mired in defensiveness and anger. I think it’s a combination of his detractors feeling frightened of a different ideology from what they became accustomed to over the last eight years, and of course, race. It does get disheartening to read the racism, anger and fear in so many of the postings. Not only disheartening, but scary.
Posted by: kathy | January 27, 2009, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
Complaints? It’s not a complaint but a comment that I don’t think the president’s job, as he stated it, is to “communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives …” . It’s not his job because we already know that. We know that there are similarities between Americans and Muslim nations(but if it makes you feel better, I said the same thing a few years back when George Bush made a similar statement also aimed at the Muslim nations).
I don’t think that it’s debatable that Obama was trying to point out the similarities between the American culture and the cultures of the Muslim nations – the similarity is that we all love our children, we all make mistakes and we all want to see a better world.
“And my job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. But if you look at the track record, as you say, America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there’s no reason why we can’t restore that.”
That whole quote is designed specifically to point out that there are similarities.
Posted by: MIssing Link | January 27, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
MIssingLink posts “…I don’t think it’s his job to convince Americans that Muslims are just like us – don’t we know that already? I find it a tad disturbing that Obama feels it’s his job to communicate to us what Muslims are really like.”
ML — some Americans ARE Muslims. So they ARE US!
A Muslim is one who practices the religion of Islam.
An American is a citizen of the USA.
Many people in this country think things like “all Muslims are terrorists/our enemy/ etc. etc”
President Obama is trying to open a discussion that brings a greater understanding to ALL Americans.
Posted by: serena | January 27, 2009, 6:43 pm 6:43 pm
” I don’t think it’s his job to convince Americans that Muslims are just like us – don’t we know that already?”
Missing Link – I was referring to the question above in your posting. Obama clearly wasn’t trying to convince Americans that “Muslims are just like us.”
Judging from the responses, I seriously doubt if many of the people posting here acknowledge
that the “Muslim world is filled with extrardinary people who simply want to live their lives.” Unlike you, I think it does need to be enforced with the American people that they do share similarities with Muslims, especially with the events of recent history. To do so, isn’t suggesting we’re the same
Your response and earlier post was civil, but I’ve dealt with some which weren’t today, so excuse me.
Posted by: kathy | January 27, 2009, 6:51 pm 6:51 pm
President OBAMA,
It’s very unique to start talking to ARAB brothers and sisters-at least this is the way we use to call them.
Very important to punish the trouble makers and impose penalty for wrongdoing. Handle them rough.
When it comes to politics- religion should not detract your ability to judge properly. Do not follow them who under the cover of religion musk their own ambitions. Will to succeed desired goal might take them to different road of destruction of inocent.
Very happy to hear your start, keep going by following the strait with gradual joining two large bodies of the governments.
Posted by: Nazareth Stamboulian | January 27, 2009, 7:36 pm 7:36 pm
nazareth….Interesting prospective; however, not entirely truthful…example, when President Bush, and his father President Bush Sr., had a close relationship with Saudi Arabia it was labeld treasonous and crooked by the left, however Obama has a relationship with your so called Arab brothers and sisters it is labeld unique..Please look up the meaning of “parallax view.”
Posted by: Parallax View | January 27, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
To Parallax View: The left didn’t label the Bushes Saudi relationships as treasonous. It was at the time simply labeled VERY profitable.
Posted by: beenthere | January 28, 2009, 12:49 am 12:49 am
“Very profitable,” left translation: Crooked…far far from unique that was accorded Obama..If we are too survive our current crisis, economically and internationally, terrorism, we better start looking at things in a logical, neutral and independent way and vote based upon that criteria rather than “your party against my party.”
Posted by: Parallax View | January 28, 2009, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
Lets forget about Israel for awhile. Lets forget about Hamas. About the Palestinians. Lets forget about them. You know why?, because its useless. Very fine interview, some of Obama’s words sound very realistic. But didn’t we all failed to come with permenant lasting peace, which the main purpose is to create a state for the Palestinians?. Didn’t Secretary Rice was in the area for at least a year, on and off to come out with any solutions?. Does the muslim world care about the Palestinians?, No. The fact is we are waisting our time to come out with any solution. The Israelis, and the Palestinians are good enough to fight each others, they good enough to deal with each others, and talk to each others.
Posted by: Joe Fattal | January 28, 2009, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
Did President Obama miss the reports that the extreme Muslims hate us just because we exist? Did he miss the part where they want us dead because for the most part, we are not Muslim – or for those who are they don’t necessarily follow the Taliban-style of Islam?
Posted by: ellsbells930 | January 28, 2009, 6:45 pm 6:45 pm
Palestine – George Mitchell Crunches on Middle East Lunches
Your story omits two very significant comments made by President Obama during the Al-Arabiya interview
Firstly the President considers that any new state created between Israel,Egypt and Jordan would have to be part of an overall resolution of other problems involving Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Pakistan – all of which he said are interrelated.
Secondly President Obama negated the idea that the Saudi Peace Plan proposed in 2002 – and offered to Israel on a “take it or leave it “ basis – is acceptable in its present format and that there are other ideas across the region of how peace might be pursued.
In the light of these remarks and whilst George Mitchell’s patience and skill is brought into play:
1. The existing Jewish and Arab residents of the West Bank will continue to copulate and populate. Any call for a “freeze” on natural increases in their respective populations – and the provision of housing and infrastructure to cope with such natural increases – is meaningless.
2. The creation of a 22nd Arab State between Egypt, Israel and Jordan will never eventuate unless the Arabs drop their demands for sovereignty over all of the West Bank and Gaza and for the right of millions of Arabs to be allowed to emigrate to Israel.
3. Other paths to peace will need to be pursued. Clearly trilateral negotiations between Jordan, Israel and Egypt to divide sovereignty of the West Bank and Gaza between their respective States is one such idea that should be vigorously pursued by Mr Mitchell. It alone seems to offer the best chance of improving the lives of the West Bank’s Arab residents by offering them citizenship in an Arab State without requiring them to move from their present homes whilst allowing them once more to return to the Arab fold finally freed from Israel’s occupation or control – the position they last enjoyed between 1948-1967.
George Mitchell will be having lots more appointments, ongoing disappointments – and very many more lunches – in the region.
Posted by: david singer | January 30, 2009, 11:38 pm 11:38 pm
An Iranian government spokesman recently said Obama’s statement on Al Arabiya Wednesday concerning a willingness to talk to Iran “means Western ideology has become passive, that capitalist thought and the system of domination have failed.”
Diplomacy rocks!! Hahaha.
Posted by: Justin | January 31, 2009, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm