The less Obama does on this visit, the better

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

http://972mag.com/the-less-obama-does-on-this-visit-the-better/67751/

Given the likely options, I’m glad Obama is coming here tomorrow to do nothing rather than to try to revive the peace process. Today, reviving the peace process, Obama-style, would mean coercing Mahmoud Abbas to enter negotiations with Netanyahu in return for nothing, or next to nothing, such as a token prisoner release, some musical chairs with a few checkpoints and a vague statement of good intentions. And for that, Netanyahu would get what he very much wants: “peace negotiations” with no end, which would provide diplomatic cover for his terribly right-wing, settlement-crazy new government. At the same time, Abbas would be constrained from taking any more “unilateral actions” like going to the U.N., or to The Hague, or seeking any advantage outside the framework of negotiations opposite Bibi Netanyahu and under the auspices of the United States, otherwise known as Israel’s lawyer.

[holdencaufield]

1. Progressives Against Peace ...

... interesting concept you seem to be endorsing there.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

2. Since you don't read articles much perhaps you missed this.

Obama tried to revive the peace process once before, at the start of his presidency, when he demanded that Israel impose a total settlement freeze and agree to a Palestinian state on the pre-Six Day War borders with land swaps. Now that would have been something, had he stuck to his guns. But he “learned his lesson,” which is that the domestic political price for taking on the occupation is much, much higher than what he’s willing to pay, so the only real pressure Obama’s been willing to apply since then is on the Palestinian side, notably at the U.N.

[holdencaufield]

3. "I’m glad Obama is coming here ... to do nothing rather than to try to revive the peace process"

That is YOUR stated opinion -- you don't want a peace process.

Interesting opinion for an alleged progressive.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

4. Has the POTUS stated that he is going to Israel to revive the peace process?

This appears more like a state visit and pretty much just that.


It also appears that you really don't read, but are knee-jerk reactions and assumptions all that you are capable of?

BTW: Don't tell me or others what my stated opinion is.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/14/world/middleeast/obamas-israel-itinerary-includes-some-standard-stops-but-not-others.html?_r=0

No mention of peace process here.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4343916,00.html

It's mentioned here a little, right before mentioning the spy Pollard.
Reviving the peace on this trip? Doubtful.

Which item do you want to bet gets more play? You know, the poor spy Pollard or the peace process?

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/19/us-israel-palestinians-obama-idUSBRE92H0IZ20130319
Sounds pretty whitewashed here as well; almost to the point of ignoring the issue altogether.

Obama's visit includes a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and a separate West Bank excursion to Bethlehem - both by helicopter, skipping over Israeli bulldozers, security barriers and military deployment in the territory.
---
Obama's first port of call after landing in Tel Aviv will be a nearby Iron Dome battery.

[holdencaufield]

5. Such a shame that you don't support peace.

I don't think encouraging "armed struggle" will work out well for anyone concerned.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

6. Run, old hare. If I was an old hare i'd run too.

[azurnoir]

7. and what kind of piece do you support ?

60% 75% 95% ?

[holdencaufield]

8. Oh -- I see what you did there.

How imaginative

[oberliner]

9. Larry Derfner really nails it

What a sage and wise analyst he is.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

10. I'll let him know you're a fan.

[oberliner]

11. Do you ever post comments on 972mag?

He is usually pretty apt to respond.