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Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Rosner's Domain: "Clearly, Obama's strategy is not working"Posted by SHMUEL ROSNER
Comments: 113      Follow Rosner's Domain on Twitter! / Join me on Facebook! Prof. Eitan Gilboa, one of the experts at The Israel Factor panel (and a Bar Ilan University Professor and much more), published "a preliminary assessment" on Obama and Israel (in the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs). You can read a couple of paragraphs here. While we never disclose the specific marks that each member of the Israel Factor panel give on every issue, this article will give you an idea about this member's attitudes and rankings: President Obama present strategy in the Middle East was designed to open a new page in American relations with the Arab and the Muslim world. The US image in the Arab countries has never been positive, with recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq contributing to still more negative feelings. The new strategy included a more "evenhanded" approach to Israel and a determined effort to resolve the Arab–Israeli conflict which Washington views as a prerequisite to improving the US standing in the Arab world and to contain Iran. President Obama felt that American-Israeli relations during the Bush administration were too close and sought to distance himself from Jerusalem. Obviously, the president believes that he has restored much-needed balance between diverse American interests in the Middle East. However, from the Israeli perspective, it seems that the "special relationship" between the two countries has been damaged and Washington has taken steps that could compromise Israel's vital security needs. Clearly, President Obama's strategy for the Middle East is not working. A confrontation with Israel of the kind that has developed at the beginning of his term serves neither American interests nor the cause of peace. He needs to better One nugget for ranking-fans: The Politico did some ranking of Obama's foreign policies this past weekend. Obama's grades: Israeli-Palestinian peace: C+ Tightening screws on Iran: B+ Not much better that our Israel Factor grades. Here's a reminder:
1 | Terry - Eilat, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
What the hell does, ''the cause of peace'' mean? This is the language of George Orwell. We aren't advancing anything like peace, this is a ''war process'' - setting the stage for further conflict. In the real world, ''peace'' is what you get from beating the crap out of your adversaries, of bending them to your will, of achieving YOUR goals, not theirs. And, of maintaining sufficient strength & will to continue doing so. Then, you have peace. This is the only conflict in the world where the losers set the terms, where the aggressors are rewarded.
2 | Terry - Eilat, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Of what interest is a strategy in which the goal is wrong? Why would we want to advance such a strategy? Obama wants to be ''popular'' in the Arab world - if this isn't an example of misunderstanding reality, I don't know what is. Just like Israel, America is hated in the Arab world for EXISTING. It isn't about policies, it isn't about gestures, of respect, it's about IDEOLOGY. It's about the Islamic war, called Jihad, against non-believers, a fundamental belief of Islam for 1400 years. This inherent hostility is built-in to every aspect of Muslim opinion.
3 | Terry - Eilat, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Obama is not being ''even-handed'' - he is throwing us under the bus. We are a sacrifice for the sake of appeasing an enemy that cannot be appeased. We are in the same situation as pre-WWII Czechoslovakia being thrown to the wolves by Neville Chamberlain clones. ''Peace in our time'' said Mr Chamberlain on the eve of the world's most destructive & lethal war. And just like the 1930's, today's situation is about an IDEOLOGY - and indeed, the two ideologies are very similar. If we don't act, the result will be much the same, this time with nuclear weapons.
4 | Terry - Eilat, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
The Palestinian issue is only a side-show for the main event, at best, a distraction. And the main event is our elimination, to be followed no doubt by further attacks on the other ''un-believers'' - not just the West, but China, India, & Russia. Obama & most politicians are clueless & even if they have some apprehensions, don't have a clue on what to do - nor do they have the backbone to do it. The prevailing ideology is appeasement, a crippling political correctness that stifles debate & obfuscates reality.
5 | Tom, US, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Clearly Obama's strategy IS working. Iran is abiding by their agreement as a signatory of the NPT. So now, when is Israel going to also abide by international law and cease war crimes as well as crimes against humanity in the stolen land ? When is Israel going to also sign the NPT and no longer be a rougue state with one of the worst human rights records on planet earth ? Holding the world record for UN sanctions and violations of international law.
6 | Terry - Eilat, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
#5 Tom. Obama's strategy is working about as well as your brain. I normally don't reply to posts such as yours, I mean, really, who talks to parrots & expects an intelligent reply? But I will say that you are making a fool of yourself like a child who seeks to annoy to get attention. So my suggestion to you is to grow up or go out & play with the other kids & leave serious discussion to the grown-ups.
7 | Tom, US, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Good, because if kids leave serious discussion to the grownups then we won't be hearing from you again. Personal attacks and insults are the only option left for people like you Terry who have nothing factual to add to a discussion so by all means child, depart.
8 | Sally - U.S.A., Sunday Sep 27, 2009
My grade for Obama is an F-.
"An expert is a fellow who doesn't want to learn anything more because then he wouldn't be an expert." (Harry Truman) Iran just revealed another enrichment factory which the US knew about for a year & says will enrich nuclear weapon grade material; nevertherless, Obama specifically took Iran off the UN security council meeting agenda. Second, seems to me that if the Arabs are so hot to trot to have a state & peace, it seems to me they would have accepted past offers & now at least meet with Israel & not villainizer her. But what do I know, I'm not an expert.
9 | Daran, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Terry, your dredful fear of islam, has you flailing crazy acusations, You might consider the western democratic model as so weak (and communist china it seems) that it could be defeated. I reject that notion outright. Obama admin has the support of every western democracy in the world on the mid east questions. (bar Israel according to you). Its interesting that regard "today's situation is about an IDEOLOGY " do you regard zionism an ideology which is part of the problem? if not why not? I regard the type of zionism protrayed by people like B Marzel and D Weiss as repugnant and barrier.
10 | David--USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Israel, most of the American people love you,too bad our prez is just a narcasist,I believe your airforce is the best in the world and can eliminate the Iran threat. I think talk time is over and to strike and strike hard NOW before it is too late.
11 | David--USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Obama is losing popularity here in America,and he clearly will not engage Iran until they launch a Nuke,maybe,who knows. it is a shame,America is a variable compass every 4 years,keep in mind he is 1/2 muslim,1/2 athiest. and a false christian. we love you Israel and pray that with the power of God you will prevail and crush those who wish to destroy you.may God bless Israel!
12 | andy, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
why do you reply to #5 at all.He cannot have an intelligent debate as you just need to look at their koran to see why.
13 | Mladen Andrijasevic, Be'er Sheva, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Terry is absolutely right. What is a peace process from the Muslim perspective? Peace in the context of jihad from the Muslim perspective would mean total submission by everyone to Muslim rule. The Muslim definition of peace is not our definition of peace. So we must have a peace defined in a way which would fit both sides. Does it exist? Yes. In Muslim theology Muslims are permitted not to wage jihad if the infidel side is perceived as too strong, and ten years of Hudna or cease fire is permitted, after which the conditions for jihad are reevaluated
14 | Mladen Andrijasevic, Be'er Sheva, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
The best we can therefore hope for, until all these concept are rendered obsolete by Muslims themselves, is a perpetual state of back to back 10 year long Hudnas.
15 | Mladen Andrijasevic, Be'er Sheva, Israel, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
In contrast to Obama, Netanyahu's Churchillian UN speech will go down in history as one of the most important given in front of the UN General Assembly. Since Obama abdicated his responsibilities, it is now clear that Netanyahu has become the true leader of the free world
16 | David Merritt Island Florida, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
God has show us he is in control just look at the military parade in iran the collision of the awacs plane and where it landed, please don't worry it's sin, God has a plan just read the WORD OF GOD (aka) manufactures manual or Bible and you'll see who comes out victorious. And as far as our leader President Obama just look how Nebuchadnezzar was used and humbled before the the true living God. Those of us that can see are accountable to not judge others.This is just part of the plan sit back and watch history unfold. Give your life to the Son of Man and he will set you free. David
17 | Dan, USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
I think David is right, none of the western nations will have the spine to do anything to stop Iran. Israel is on its own and had better do something soon, or it might be in for a very unpleasant surprise.
18 | Chris, Dallas, Texas USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
We have three leaders, two of countries, one of ideas, who know what they want.
Bibi: Eliminate the Iran threat, or we, the Jews, will.
Mahmoud: Zionism is evil and belongs in Germany, and all Iranians, even my internal enemies, want nukes.
Zbig: If Israel flies over Iraqi airspace in order to hit Iran, the US military must shoot down Isaeli jets.
Obama, aka Moe: OOOH, Wise guy.
Gordon Brown, aka Larry: Quit pickin' on me, guys.
Mr. Sarkozy, aka Curly: Yuk. Yuk. Yuk. Soitonly.
Mr. Medvedev, aka Russia: We play all sides to ourselves.
China: Veto is good.
19 | Mike Feldman Canada, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
I don't know if Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders can make it clearer. Daily they state that if Iran does not give up their uraniam enrichment program, the Israelis with intercede. I don't think even the Israelis can predict the success of the strike, but I do know that Israel will not simply let the clock run out while Iran develops nuclear weapons. Those who deny the possiblilty of success on this site, may discourage some of their fellow bloggers, but the government of Israel is not taking their opinions into account. If you are a supporter of Iran you should be careful what you wish for.
20 | Daran, UK, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Again the ideologues, far from the risk of Iranian missiles, advocate Israel strike Iran, when will they provide an honest assessment of the results such a strike would deliver. Israeli capabilities would no doubt be able to set back the nuke program. They would not be able to take out the missiles and the military response from Iran and its proxies. Those who worry about Israeli jets crossing Iraqi airspace are right to worry, given Iranian aircraft are likely to be airborne and US pilots will be in danger. Israeli jets will be bogeys too without codes, the codes require allies.
21 | American, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Obama approach is the only way to move ahead. I see America as working closer with England and France on Iran. These countries I trust. They will look at the best options and not be dictated by high emotions.
22 | Sara Gary, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
It's a crazy world we live in today... with a seemingly Muslim as President of the USA...Leaders of the most radical nation holding the world as 'hostages of Oil'... also conjuring up Plans whereby the Jewish nation will without a doubt be wiped off the face of the earth.... and an Iranian President who openly boasts of aspiring to be a Nuclear Power and doing the job if no-one else can. Yes it is those crazy lazy days of Chamberlain once again when as Terry @ No. 3 says "being thrown to the wolves" is acceptable but not Czechoslovakia this time but the Jewish people ever again!
23 | Steve, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
David, #16, respectfully, your "determinist" world-view is very dangerous. Those of us that "can see" ARE obligated to make moral judgments, especially when involves judging others, such as evil leaders like Mr. Obama. We are commanded to make righteous judgments. I'm not religious. Your view is not the view presented by our ancient prophets. We have responsibilities on this earth, the foremost of which is to fight evil. We don't simply give our lives over to a 'son of man' and sit back and watch history unfold. We are active 'partners' with our Creator. This is the divine plan.
24 | David USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Of course Obama is not "even-handed". How can one be even-handed when one is in a "special relationship" with one party ?? Only when Obama creates an equal relationship with both parties - which requires objectivity - can the so-called "peace process" get anywhere.
25 | John R, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Obama is listening to members of congress, public opinion and advisors. He is also looking at Israeli behavior under International Law. What he sees is that a year ago the Palestinians stood at 15% public approval ratings. Today, there are online polls showing them in the low 40's while Israel is slipping. There is significantly more of a balanced approach in congress and a dramatic shift in American Jewish opinion as it relates to settlements and a two state solution. If Israel thinks it's business as usual and the US Congress will protect them, they should rethink their diplomacy.
26 | John R, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Obama is listening to members of congress, public opinion and advisors. He is also looking at Israeli behavior under International Law. What he sees is that a year ago the Palestinians stood at 15% public approval ratings. Today, there are online polls showing them in the low 40's while Israel is slipping. There is significantly more of a balanced approach in congress and a dramatic shift in American Jewish opinion as it relates to settlements and a two state solution. If Israel thinks it's business as usual and the US Congress will protect them, they should rethink their diplomacy.
27 | Ekene, Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Terry why resort to insults and personal attacks on Tom? Why not answer the questions he raised? When will Israel sign NPT? When will Israel vacate Palestinian land? How many nuke warheads does Israel have in her arsenal? Why evict ,grab, and occupy the homes of defenseless Palestinians? Untill these are resolved, Israel will know NOT PAX. Terry speak I charge you
28 | Duncan Lennox ,Canada, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Apply the same sanctions to Israel that Iran receives. After all it is israel that refuse IAEC inspection & to sign the NPT. It is Israel (read Bomb in The Basement) that lied to the world for decades & 3 POTUS`s. It is Israel that built a dummy control room to hide their plutonium extraction plant for the 1 US inspection that took place. It is Israel that has attacked its neighbours (Leb`n 2x,Egypt once & Pal`n many times. (Iran`s attacks= nil). It is Israel that armed a nuclear bomb when the last war with Egypt wasn`t going well. It is Israel that practices ethnic cleansing of Pal`n.
29 | Terry Markovits USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
The Judaic-Christian and Islamic gods are the cause and effect of individual power trips.
These individual gods always claim to be stronger than the other.
The word god is nothing more than the expression and product of human weakness !
As long as these childish superstitions exsist we will always have wars throughout history.
If their god is their power than why do they all want to have nukes ?
Religion will soon destroy itself through lack of true wisdom.....
30 | Teresa, USA, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Prof. Gilboa has hit the nail on the head. Obama is wanting Arab countries to like the USA. But what is creepier is the feeling I get that Obama wants them to like him personally, also.
We saw the writing on the wall the other day when he threw Israel under the bus and now he wants to divide Jerusalem.
At the risk of sounding nuts, I think we have elected the anti-christ to office of the President, or at least his forerunner. Uuuuuuuggggghhhh.
31 | Sheri Alabama, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Shooting down Israeli planes is an absolutely insane idea. It would bring the wrath of Almighty God down on this country for sure. The Israelis are God's chosen people and He will not let them be destroyed.
32 | Ekene, Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Hi Moderator,
Why is my post not posted? May I know some cause lest I will be laughed?
33 | Ekene, Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday Sep 27, 2009
Hi Moderator,
Why is my post not posted? May I know some cause lest I will be laughed at?
34 | jess m fontana ca, Monday Sep 28, 2009
im for israel and whatever israel does for keeping itself safe, i would trust Obama about as far as i could throw him,his words fall short on the truth. i dont care if it turns our economy upside down here in america. i will walk wherever i need to go, to have this threat smashed into pieces is worth whatever cost that needs to be paid.
action will soon be the only option - so my thoughts are with israel and her people.
im just a christian but im tired of the country of my lord getting threats everday to be wiped off the earth.go with god israel
35 | Dr. Dan 2000, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Obama strategy is as deceptive as Arab dissimulation. He knew the Saudis would make no concession unless he lowered the boom on the US-Saudi relationship.. He wasn't ready to do that so he acted tough on Israel to see if the Arab league would give anything. They didn;t. Israel on the other hand pulled back over a hundred West Bank checkpoints and allowed the US to continue training a Palestinian Army. Israel refused on ethnic cleansing of Jews for Judea and Samaria. So now Obama gets to see a little more of the reality for himself. Arab League never accepted the 1947 partition.
36 | Dr. Dan, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Finally reality sets in. Partition is a bad idea. It is 60 year too late for a two state solution. The Palestinian leaders cannot give up anything or face assassination, Israelis gave up too much in giving up Sinai. There is no public support for giving up more land. Settlers should have a right to stay exactly where they are in Judea and Samaria. Only the Saudi monarchy has the power to buy a semiautonomous West Bank Palestinian state - and to force compliance. with the sacrifices Palestinian radicals mustmake in not overthrowing and destroying Israel.
37 | Dr. Dan, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Finally reality sets in. Partition is a bad idea. It is 60 year too late for a two state solution. The Palestinian leaders cannot give up anything or face assassination, Israelis gave up too much in giving up Sinai. There is no public support for giving up more land. Settlers should have a right to stay exactly where they are in Judea and Samaria. Only the Saudi monarchy has the power to buy a semiautonomous West Bank Palestinian state - and to force compliance. with the sacrifices Palestinian radicals mustmake in not overthrowing and destroying Israel.
38 | Dan, USA, Monday Sep 28, 2009
After a number of failed attempts, the Arabs finally realized that running the Jews into the sea is not going to happen soon, so they decided to try a little terrorism. Considering how much fun they've been having, it seems very unlikely that they are going to stop, or that the islamofascist in the white house will do anything to ruin the party.
39 | Hailu, Monday Sep 28, 2009
I am sorry saying this... the sign of peace seems loosing a ground. It is better Israel pulls out all Jews who are living in Iran.
With the will of GOD, I wish we all live in peace in planet Earth.
40 | jonah Viet-Nam, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Wrong ! Mr.Rosner. (0)BAALma's strategy for the destruction of America & Western Civilization is
working smoothly. In today's news,Pigpen is inviting the Magogians to come and exploit uranium in Venezuela.For nukes,what else? If things run their unchecked course,bet on DC soon atomized by a bomb from there or Cuba.It's (0)BAALma's plan in reserve for America long before the traitorous daemoncrat con-men put him in p0wer.Remember Nevil Shute's 50's novel"On The Beach" and the movie made from it ?
41 | Chris USA, Monday Sep 28, 2009
The reality is grim indeed. Israel is existentially being threatened by a global shift of opinion that is incrementally depicting it as a right wing terrorist state. Unless the tide is changed Israel will soon require a hero with the wisdom of Solomon, the heart of David, and the power of Elijah just to survive. I've always believed that we should pray as if everything depends on the Lord and act as if everything depends on us. Perhaps Obama needs a guide to light the way in the darkness?
42 | WhoreableeClint, Monday Sep 28, 2009
You have medvedev saying all the right things but just like Obama is just another puppet. Iran and Israel are no more than pawns on "grand chessboard", the games afoot.
ZBigs opening move of using soft-power to do the job in Iran and China was so laughable that I am sure even Garry Kasparov can take delight. The question is, will Russia back sanctions, and thereby put the screws to China.
43 | Colin Beck, Surrey, B.C., Canada, Monday Sep 28, 2009
OBAMA DRIVES A BUS BY DAY AND CAPTURES OTHER PEOPLES' GARBAGE TRUCKS BY NIGHT. Butt the ayatollahs of Iran have locked up their garbage trucks at night, and placed their army of the 10.000 immotals around them. ''Give me liberty or give me a whiff of fresh air.'' signed, the Toady of Tehran. The difference between George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, F.D.R. and Obama is that under the first three presidents about 2 million precious white brothers in uniform died because of work place accidents while under President Obama only about 2 thousand have perished. Either cabbage baloney or it's U - 2
44 | Jonah in Jamaica, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Israel cannot hope that Obama will ever use military force on Iran. At the October 1 meeting Iran should be given a one month ultimatum to open all of their nuclear facilities for inspection and dismemberment within 30 days.Failure to do so should result by October 15 with sanctions/blockade. Failure to fully comply by December 1 should result in military action - by US,Britain and Israel. The problem is, of course, is that Obama is not up to the task. Neither is the rest of the world. They are content to say, after Israel gets nuked, "too bad, sorry, never again, we must avoid future mishaps"
45 | Sonny USA, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Not only is BHO helping to destroy Israel, but he is also trying to destroy freedom in the US. His ideas are not to be debated but made law, by the way the hell with the constitution. I for one am one of those Americans who buy guns and ammo, who feels that I will need them before BHO is done. The liberal call me a racist because I disagree with the first black President of the US. So you see itÂ’s not only Israel that is feeling the heat but anyone who has a different opinion that BHO. Personally I think the BHO suffers from multiple personality disorders and should be removed form office.
46 | Sonny USA, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Not only is BHO helping to destroy Israel, but he is also trying to destroy freedom in the US. His ideas are not to be debated but made law, by the way the hell with the constitution. I for one am one of those Americans who buy guns and ammo, who feels that I will need them before BHO is done. The liberal call me a racist because I disagree with the first black President of the US. So you see itÂ’s not only Israel that is feeling the heat but anyone who has a different opinion that BHO. Personally I think the BHO suffers from multiple personality disorders and should be removed form office.
47 | nada redd, Monday Sep 28, 2009
obama's strategy is working perfectly. he has strengthened americas enemies, weakened her allies, taken hold of banks and auto sectors, destroyed the dollar, weakened the military, and is proceeding to socialize and destroy health care.
48 | Sharona Jerusalem Israel, Monday Sep 28, 2009
#5 Tom
Your utter ignorance is astonishing. Israel has an excellent human rights record, the most moral army in the world, complete civil rights for women including Muslim women living here, a vibrant free press, a true democracy, & in the forefront of medical, agricultural, high tech, research, Just in the last day or so a new secret weapons grade facility in Iran has been revealed, They have missiles that can reach the Persian Gulf and US troops in the region. Israel stole NO land. Palis are the usurpers and belong in Jordan. Obamination is a total failure and plummeting in the polls.
49 | Chris M China, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Why do Jew haters come on a Jewish site and suggest that Israel give up land no country has ruled since the Ottomans but don't every mention Russia's occupation, China's occupation or Spain's occupation?
Obama has always sided with Muslims and their 1400 years of occupation, barbary and dishonesty. They have never kept a treaty. They merely make demands and wait, for the other side to make concessions. Obama is about giving them their demands, he has a history with raising money for them and supporting them. Why would any moral person support people who follow the Koran, a book of shame.
50 | jerri i ,USA, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Some info: Every member of the US State Department and Israels Ruling group should be required to read "The legacy of Islamic Antisemitism"by Andrew G. Bostom.They will then learn that Mohammad called the Jews his greatest enemy and declared that his god turned the Jews into pigs and monkeys.Therefore to the Moslem Jihadist killing Jews is not murder.The teachings of the Koran do not allow the Arabs or Iranians to make peace with a JEWISH state.So Obama's efforts are in vain.It also appears the Israelis don't understand this.But maybe Bibi does and his effort is to force the world to see this.
51 | Shel Zahav, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Is Zer-Obama's strategies working in any area, foreign or domestic? Seems like he can't do a thing and is out of touch with his constituents.
52 | Claudia, Tampa, FL USA, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Trouble is that BHO is a myth, fabricated by the liberals only for electable qualities. This guy never had an original thought in his life and has no experience in anything except campaigning, socialism and racism. He is in permanent campaign mode as evidenced by his inability to make a decision on troop numbers in Afghanistan while he flies off to help Chicago secure the future Olympics! Moron!
53 | Debbie Florida, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Obama doesn't understand the importance of Israel because he has never heard it. So many people told me during the election that Obama was a Christian, but I knew better and Christians knew better. You shall know them by their fruits, the Bible tells us. And we have never seen good in Obama and, in fact, have glimpsed evil that we could not imagine would be in our country. We have to continue to bring this darkness to light. We must pray for the peace of Israel, as God has command and stand up for what is right--and realize we have a Muslim president, not an American.
54 | Bill Collins, Spokane, Monday Sep 28, 2009
Do any of you believe that if the U.S. were threatened we'd just sit by and talk until we got attacked? Why yes we would! In fact, Obama would still want to talk even after we got nuked!! But then congress would be upset if he didn't give them a moment to talk too!!! And as for Livni, she is telling you that Bibi is going in the wrong direction and that the Jews of today aren't those of 1939. Sounds great, but she is definitely living in denial, because her words mesh straight up with those who thought the holocaust would never happen and that Hitler would just go away. Talk, talk talk!!!
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