Bunker Busted

I didn't think Obama had the stones to do it, but after Israel politely told Obama to go eat a ham and bacon sandwich on a Saturday, he actually hit Israel right where it hurts:  military aid.

In 2008, the United States approved an Israeli request for bunker-busters capable of destroying underground facilities, including Iranian nuclear weapons sites. Officials said delivery of the weapons was held up by the administration of President Barack Obama.

Since taking office, Obama has refused to approve any major Israeli requests for U.S. weapons platforms or advanced systems. Officials said this included proposed Israeli procurement of AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, refueling systems, advanced munitions and data on a stealth variant of the F-15E.

"All signs indicate that this will continue in 2010," a congressional source familiar with the Israeli military requests said. "This is really an embargo, but nobody talks about it publicly."

Under the plan, the U.S. military was to have stored 195 BLU-110 and 192 BLU-117 munitions in unspecified air force bases in Israel. The U.S. military uses four Israeli bases for the storage of about $400 million worth of pre-positioned equipment meant for use by either Washington or Jerusalem in any regional war.

In January 2010, the administration agreed to an Israeli request to double the amount of U.S. military stockpiles to $800 million. Officials said the bunker-busters as well as Patriot missile interceptors were included in the agreement.

The decision to divert the BLU munitions was taken amid the crisis between Israel and the United States over planned construction of Jewish homes in Jerusalem. The administration, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has warned that Washington could reduce military aid to Israel because of its construction policy. 

No shiny  bunker busters to hit Iran with for you, Israel.  Maybe now somebody over there in Tel Aviv will remember who is in charge of this little partnership.  Hint: it's not Israel, not matter what the Israelis think

In all seriousness, it's good for Obama to send the message.  The Netanyahu was frankly completely ignoring Obama's requests to stop with the settlements in East Jerusalem, and it was getting embarrassing.  Good to see Obama stand up for himself.

Honestly, what's going to happen to him domestically?  The Republicans already think he's a Marxist socialist tyrant Muslim anyway.  What is the GOP going to do, refuse to support his agenda in any way?  Block his executive branch and judicial branch nominees?  Berate him in fiery speeches on the floor of Congress?  Target him personally in 2010 campaign ads?  Play the race card?  They're doing all that now.

Where do they go from here, seriously?  Throwing eggs at the Oval Office windows?  Pin a "Kick Me" sign on Bo, the First Dog?  Throw water balloons at Michelle Obama?

Obama's looking pretty damn good right now, and frankly, the GOP has bigger issues to worry about.