BooMan games out the world response, especially from Turkey, who is now on the brink of turning this into a much, much bigger problem by withdrawing its ambassador from Israel and vowing to send another aid flotilla.
If Turkey is promising to send new supplies with naval escort, then we're headed for an epic showdown between two of Americas closest allies. I don't think Obama is getting too much rest and relaxation this Memorial Day.Israel is now forcing us to choose between them and the Islamic world. Obama's decision will shape our country for a generation.
Meanwhile, the Arab League will meet tomorrow and put immense pressure on Egypt to lift their portion of the Gazan blockade. I can't imagine that Egypt will refuse. In fact, I think Israel has jeopardized their peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan.
All this, and for what? To keep construction materials from the Gazan people? Israel is not behaving in anything resembling a rational manner. They just lost the only friends they had not named America. And who can help them now but Big Daddy? The problem is that Big Daddy has more to consider than Israeli's deluded interests. We have to worry about our own image and international relationships.
No pressure, Mr. President.
I think there may be more expletives in the message, Zandar.
ReplyDeleteand the whole Turkey member of NATO thing will make this implacably interesting
I think Bibi made Obama's choice for him. Congress will not allow any condemnation of Israel, they have already proven that just two months ago.
ReplyDeleteIf Obama sides with Turkey here, his presidency ends. He will be tarred an anti-Semite and be asked to resign or impeached.
If he sides with Israel, America's international credibility ends. The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the situation in Pakistan will become magnitudes worse.
Obama will not make that first choice.
Well, for once, you and I agree on something.
ReplyDeleteObama will not side with the Muslims over Israel. No U.S. leader could and keep his job. Nor should he be allowed to.
It is amusing that Obama wants in all the facts first, like this was some legitimate aid convoy and not gun-running for Hamas.
Well ever since Obama said the "police acted stupidly" he's been more cautious about rushing to judgments and putting his foot in his mouth. Good call.
ReplyDelete