News  Magazine
Obama and the Middle East
Yitzhak Benhorin
Published: 24.01.11, 11:58
Comment Comment
Print comment Print comment
Back to article
36 Talkbacks for this article
1. DonĀ“t blame Obama
Progressive Populist ,   Stockholm, Sweden   (01.24.11)
Blame the israeli and palestinian leaders, who loves just to haggle in the shouk and torture us with endless procrastinations.
2. Sincere
PAL   (01.24.11)
The Israelis are sincere, how do I know firearms control and the West Bank.
3. It was a train wreck from the beginning
Israel Israeli ,   Tel Aviv   (01.24.11)
Obama failed in the Middle East because he is a racist. Following the teachings of his mentor Reverend Wright, Obama believed that the Jews were the cause of all of US problems, and their elimination would bring peace and harmony. Blinded by his racism, Obama sacrificed American interests. Obama ignored the fact that the Arab world hates the US not because of Israel or the invented "injustices" to the fake refugees, but because of America's support for the corrupt dictators who steal all the wealth for themselves. Obama ignored the fact that Iran has a centuries old conflict with the Arab world, a decades long conflict with American imperialism (see Operation Ajax) and no conflict with Israel. Refusing to see the truth, Obama attacked and humiliated Israel and let the Iranians strengthen their hold in Gaza, Sinai, Lebanon and increase their alliance with Turkey and Syria As the American dictators in Egypt and Saudi Arabia near their deaths, thanks to Obama Iran is positioned to seriously damage the US and there is nothing Obama, or the poor sucker who will replace him, can do.
4. Excellent and rational article
john ,   cardiff   (01.24.11)
"US' ability to convince the Palestinians to take part in direct negotiations and coerced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into showing his cards." Netanyahu has not shown his cards until this day. It appears he has no cards or plan to show the world. This may be the reason many countries are recognising Palestinian states within 1967 borders.
5. President Assad mistake
Albert Soued ,   Sao Paulo,Brazil   (01.24.11)
Iran is very dangerous to president Assad,in short time he will be toppeled and Syria will became a satelite of Iran.the ambition of the Iranian leader has no end.The real goal is to dominate the Arab world and the Shia will revange Ali and the death of Hassan and Hussein.I am sure that Israel know what the middle east is going to get true in short time ,for that reason America resume relation with Assad eaven that politicaly he is playing a double game.
6. How can you "lose a grip" you never had in the first place?
Brian Cohen ,   Judean Peoples Front   (01.24.11)
Duh?
7. OBAMA is and will be a LOOSER in all Matters !.
Orao. ,   Srbia.   (01.24.11)
The American president thought peace between Israel and the Arab world, but especially between Israel and Palestinians, would help him get close to the Muslim world and dissolve its animosity towards the US. He truly believed that promoting peace would also help him when dealing with Iran. Comment - The culture and Religion in the Arab World, compared to that of the Obama-US can never by Peace - - help him/US get close to the Muslim world and dissolve its animosity towards the US -. The Policy regarding Iran is a Failure. The US threaths North-Korea with Military strikes and War, where the US has nothing to gain. And tries by Diplomacy and Peace and Open DOOr to deal with Iran. This will bring The Arabs and even Israel to Abandon the US, and chose EU as partner instead. Obama and the US will Loose the whole of the Middle East wher Her real Strategic iNteressts lies. The Us policy should have been Reverced, War and Military Strikes against Iran, and a leaving East Asia in Peace instead. Further - The situation on the Iranian front has caused Washington to feel euphoric. The pressure has dropped. Comment - The Iranians are on the Military Offensive Instead Further - US officials now predict, just like outgoing Mossad Chief Meir Dagan, that the Iranian nuclear threat will not resurface until 2015. Many believe this threat is now no longer on the short list of US priorities. Comment - That will give Iranss everal more years to Conventionally arm Itself. Further - However this issue should still be concerning, not because of what we do know but because of what we do not know. Comment - Exactly why the US will Loose the Middle East thus - http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4017939,00.html Talkback 12 - 14 - 15. Orao.
8. hussein obama,is way over his head
chaim.s ,   brooklyn ny   (01.24.11)
this guy who was nothing but a chicago street organizer,has no business being the president of the U.S,this job is way over his head,hope and pray that the citizens of this great country wake up,and come 2012 they will vomit out this abomination
9. @7
Sheik Rattle & Roll ,   USA   (01.24.11)
You are so narrow minded. Just because the Iranians sends some third world gunboats a few hundred kilometers from there shores is nothing. The US Military is on the move every day. We have fleets in every ocean of the world and for the most part each fleet has more fire power and enough destructive power to destroy man-kind a few times over. I would bet any amount of money right now there is a nuclear US sub off the coast or very near Iran that can make the Iranian as extinct as the dinosaur in less than 15 minutes. So take your little finger off the panic button and just wait you will see Iran cut down to size within a year or so.
10. obama'grip --weakness excused
moron ,   galut   (01.24.11)
again by israeli press which credits 'intentions' not results..who can believe BHO.s intentions? no he favors a weak america and is hostile to israel as are many on left;but why his weakness is excused by many in israel is crazy!
11. US policy has failed because premises are faulty
Raymond in DC ,   Washington, USA   (01.24.11)
Look around the Middle East and one sees US influence in decline, the grand vision of a region at peace in shambles. Obama's famous "outreach" to the Muslim world is an epic failure, because apologizing and sucking up are signs of weakness, not strength. It's no surprise, therefore, that so-called "allies" like even Jordan and Saudi Arabia are trying to cut a deal with Iran, as they fear Iran more than they think they can rely on the US. In Lebanon, likewise, we see even the Druze aligning with Hizbullah, the country's "strong horse". None fear or respect the US. It was never about restoring Muslim honor, or "resetting" the US relationship. Nor was it about the "fierce moral urgency" of creating a Palestinian state. Until the US leadership understands the role that getting and keeping power plays in the region, as well as its tribal and religious (i.e. Islamic) aspects, it will never make headway.
12. Kind of like the so-called "Palestinians"
Gee ,   Zikron Yaakov   (01.24.11)
Can't lose something you never had.
13. #8. chaim: You hit the nail!
Thomas ,   Dixieland USA   (01.24.11)
People tend to use turgid, verbose sentences to describe simple things. This Obama guy spent all his adult life in the Chicago streets, surrounded by radical Afro-Americans. (PC wording!) He has no understanding of foreign cultures: he's parroting what rich Marxist, anti-Israeli Jewish plutocrats whispering into his ear. He is an American Mugabe with more money and power...that's all.
14. @ 3
Sheik Rattle & Roll ,   USA   (01.24.11)
Your stupid. Why do you blame Obama? Why do you call him a racist? It is amazing that an Israeli from Tel Aviv calls an American president a racist (something I won't touch{smile}). Why because he is looking out for American interest. If Israel wants to fight Iran and Lebanon and Syria load up your 150lb 18 year old conscripts and go fight but don't expect America to help and fork over tens of billions of its treasure that it doesn't have to help you fight or keep you armed when your supplies run low. We can't afford a war and if we do have to fight it should be about a threat to our borders not Israel's. Israels claims it has the best army, the best brains the best meatballs etc. MAN-UP and take care of your selves because nobody else is going to do it for you and stop blaming others especially the one country that gives you more support than all others combined. Bibi is a fool and BIBI is a weak man for letting his arch enemy Iran and Hezbollah arm every day to destroy Israel and he does nothing. Fight BIBI protect your people. Bibi is weak, lame and a coward because he won't fight Iran Syria Lebanon and Gaza. Now how does that feel.
15. doubletalk or just fuzzy thinking?
tom ,   toronto, canada   (01.24.11)
"The economic pressure is beginning to take its toll on Iran, even if it has yet to "convince" the Iranian regime to abandon its dream of nuclear capabilities." the supposed purpose of the sanctions was to stop iran's uranium enrichment programme. they have failed to do so. like most of barak obama's eloquent but improbable policies, "engagement" and "sanctions" have only take the world further down the road toward nuclear weapons in the hands of iran's mullahcracy and their islamist terrorist buddies. a shortage of gasoline might be unbearable for the hummer-driving bros in chicago or detroit, but it's not really so terrible for the regime in tehran. they may be out of gas, but the white house is out of ideas.
16. #1 We blame "useful fools" like yourself!
(01.24.11)
You call yourself a "Progressive Populist"? What an arrogant and pompous useful idiot! When will you realize that your sorry ass has, and will be in the Islamic crosshairs regardless of what happens in the Middle East! You are hated in your own country (assuming you're not a Muslim yourself). Your own immigrants torture you, not us. And of course, you torture everybody with your stupidity and oblivious ignorance about what really happens here. At least don't interfere with our internal affairs. Try saving yourself at home instead.
17. Nr 1.
Orao. ,   Srbia.   (01.24.11)
Don`t blame Obama Blame the israeli and palestinian leaders, who loves just to haggle in the shouk and torture us with endless procrastinations. Progressive Populist , Stockholm, Sweden (01.24.11) Comment - Progressive Populism is in Sweden equivalent with what is called - " STOCKHOLMSSYNDROMET " !. it is a Progessive Developement of a position from one Right Innocent point, to the Opposite. -Usefull Idiocy- is an other Name for it. Orao.Srbia.
18. Obama has earned his Nobel Peace Prize a thousand times over
Rivkah   (01.24.11)
In 2010, by not dividing Jerusalem or forcing that to be done, Obama delayed worldwide nuclear war. It is in the ELS Torah codes: world wide atomic war in 2010 (5770 on Jewish calendar year system). Can Obama delay worldwide atomic war in 2011 and 2012? If he prevents the division of Jerusalem, he can keep peace in the world. Scriptures say if there is peace in Jerusalem, there will be peace in the world. Jerusalem in its entirety must be given to the Jews. A list of cities in the world that will be nuked if worldwide atomic war is not prevented is at www.warningusa.org/freeware/nukings/nukings.txt . It is called "Nuking of the Nations." President Obama will be re-elected if he continues to prevent world wide nuclear war. He will have YHWH's favor if he does not divide Jerusalem or allowed it to be divided.
19. 9 Sheik Rattle & Roll, USA: Sadly, Russia has given
Rivkah   (01.24.11)
missiles to Iran that can be launched from ships that fly below radar like cruise missiles and can destroy an aircraft carrrier with one strike if nuclear tipped. The US Navy must go supernatural in its protections which means insisting on no buying on ships or working except as necessary from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, as well as at shore bases. Secondly, food served to US sailors must be Moses diet clean foods not unclean foods like pork, bacon, ham, shrimp, catfish, oysters, shellfish, etc. Hezekiayah Haas' book "On Health and Holiness" explains why that is important and the risks associated with eating unclean foods. Isaiah chapter 14 says YHWH will walk His people through the fires and the floods, but chapters 65 and 66 says YHWH will not protect swine eaters and those who eat unclean foods. The pig's blood must be taken out of vaccines as well as the thiomerosol mercury preservative that is neurotoxic and the squalene that is carcinogenic. If Angela Merkel could do that for her troops, insisting on special bataches of vaccines for her troops, President Obama can do the same for US armed forces and US citizens, too.
20. #1--to the Swedish meatball !!
Don Rosenberg ,   Palatine USA   (01.24.11)
Israel has tried everything for peace with the arab occupiers as you should know. Your country is cowardly in letting the muslim vermin terrorize the Jews of Malmo. You meatballs should be ashamed of yourselves. Until the arabs stop their threats to destroy Israel, Israel or any moral country should stop talking to these idiots, period !!!!!!!!!
21. As if the Pentagon doesn't know what it's doing
Ezra ,   US-Israel   (01.24.11)
It's NOT Obama who's calling the shots over there. The pentagon surely is deeply Involved in all of the goIngs-On over there. Iran has been in a steady course of isolation and Syria, Lebanon and Turkey are about to get their wake up calls. Iraqi withdrawal and afghan positioning has been in the works to continue to process of crushing radical elements throughout the ME and invite the "seeds" for democracy. Iran will fall and fall hard. Tunisia was a dress rehearsal and is having an impact already. The ME needs to come out of the dark ages and the US is spearheading the process as is readily evident by their manipulations of the terrorist factions into believing they are gaining strength and popularity. Muslims want prosperity like ever human being: not repression and the Lopping off of hands and feet. It is our nature to plot our own course with some sense of autonomy without too much negative influence from repressive forces. Let the Muslims pray to their G-d with their heart and soul but not according to force or fear of death. That is where a true relationship with G-d is built, not by the barrel of hezbollah, Hamas or Basiji guns. Iran and Syria will fall cometely as will fanatical Islam. It simply can't survive in this world otherwise...miracles or not
22. As if the Pentagon doesn't know what it's doing
Ezra ,   US-Israel   (01.24.11)
It's NOT Obama who's calling the shots over there. The pentagon surely is deeply Involved in all of the goIngs-On over there. Iran has been in a steady course of isolation and Syria, Lebanon and Turkey are about to get their wake up calls. Iraqi withdrawal and afghan positioning has been in the works to continue to process of crushing radical elements throughout the ME and invite the "seeds" for democracy. Iran will fall and fall hard. Tunisia was a dress rehearsal and is having an impact already. The ME needs to come out of the dark ages and the US is spearheading the process as is readily evident by their manipulations of the terrorist factions into believing they are gaining strength and popularity. Muslims want prosperity like ever human being: not repression and the Lopping off of hands and feet. It is our nature to plot our own course with some sense of autonomy without too much negative influence from repressive forces. Let the Muslims pray to their G-d with their heart and soul but not according to force or fear of death. That is where a true relationship with G-d is built, not by the barrel of hezbollah, Hamas or Basiji guns. Iran and Syria will fall cometely as will fanatical Islam. It simply can't survive in this world otherwise...miracles or not
23. Now for a sneak-peak at the sequel...
manicdrummer ,   Madison, WI, USA   (01.24.11)
The Obama Administration shall have the dubious honor of enacting an ambitious piece of legislation that will attempt to wash the US's hands of all guilt concerning Israel. OPEC shall bless the US with free-flowing cheap crude oil in exchange for 1) ending all military aid to Israel, 2) banning all donations to Israelis charities and total divestment from Israeli companies, including boycotting all Israeli products and services and joint business ventures with Israeli companies and 3) North American Jews will be barred from leaving North America, thus depriving Israel of a desperately needed pool of IDF recruits. Yep, the ink is already dry on this deal and it will all happen in the latter half of this year, just like a few other things that lowly American citizens will be unprepared for. Everything will happen so fast there won't be time to react. So if any of my fellow Jews in North America want to make aliyah, do it now while the gettin's still good. Don't wait for Ezekiel 39:28, do it now!
24. Article minimizes Israeli responsability
Li ,   USA   (01.24.11)
The U.S. can do very little in the region without Israeli cooperation, and Israel has not cooperated. Israel has driven Turkey away from the west. Israel has very adeptly and deliberately sabotaged negotiations with the Palestinians. etc. etc.
25. Who wants Israel in Obama's grip?
Chaim ,   Israel   (01.24.11)
Unless you hate Israel, why would you want Israel to be in the grip of the most hostile U.S. President in our history? Israel's goal, regarding Obama, must be to break away from his grip completely. Polls consistently show a large majority of Americans are pro-Israel. We need to start working with our American friends to dilute and contain the damage of the horrendous Obama presidency. Once we reject the monstrous Two State Final Solution, we will free our countless millions of American friends to support us in this supreme act of sanity.
26. #14
Madeleine ,   Israel   (01.24.11)
"We can't afford a war and if we do have to fight it should be about a threat to our borders not Israel's." America has never had its borders threatened and doesn't know the meaning of having its borders threatened. You're too busy fighting wars that really are none of your business and that you haven't a hope in hell of winning. Iraq and Afghanistan are a mess, American soldiers are dying - and for what? Certainly not to make America a safer or better place. As for Obama looking out for American interests, from all the many talkbacks I've read on a variety of subjects since Obama came to power, it seems that many, if not most, of your fellow countrymen have nothing but contempt and disdain for him.
27. None
None ,   None   (01.24.11)
When you disarmed yourselves your can expect Iran to withdraw from it's assumed nuclear weapon program otherwise good luck with confronting Iran!!
28. #3 Obama's successor will be very lucky.
Chaim ,   Israel   (01.24.11)
#3. The best way to look good is to follow a terrible performer. By all rational criteria, Obama is one of the worst presidents in U.S. history. So his successor will be very lucky. Obama has set the bar so low, the most mediocre president will look great. Maintain an unemployment rate of 8%, very high by U.S. standards, and they'll look like an economic wizard. Obama's average unemployment rate is about 9.6%. Refuse to circle the world doing pathetic apology tours and begging America's enemies to forgive America and they'll look like a great American patriot. And on and on.
29. Arab regims smell the American government weakness...
Ariel   (01.24.11)
and as wolves will attack any USA allies. Turkey was the first muslim (non-arab) state to understand this and that is why they realligned with Iran. Don't fool yourselves; Pakistan, Syria and Iran are fuelling attacks on USA troops in Afganistan and Irak and this is only to be stopped after Obama loses the next election. We will have to expect american electorate wisdom in another two years. I believe most americans understand the seize of the disaster this government represents to USA interests arround the world-Chine. Korea, Afganistan, Irak, and so on....
30. manicdrummer #23, you're right!
Heather Czerniak ,   Mississauga, Canada   (01.24.11)
This is the buzz that's been going around for the past couple of months in Europe and Canada. I don't know if the word has got out in the United States yet, though. My husband and I just moved up here from the US and now we're preparing to move to Israel. Canada and the United States seem to be growing more and more hostile to Jews and liberals and conservatives in both countries seem to concur on the issue of severing all ties with Israel for the sake of paying less at the gas pump. Get thee to Israel, make haste!
Next talkbacks
Back to article