Opinion  Sever Plocker
Obama's revenge
Sever Plocker
Published: 08.01.13, 11:00
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35 Talkbacks for this article
1. Replace your columnists
homer jones ,   nyc usa   (01.08.13)
The idea that Obama would appoint someone to spite Bibi is looney.
2. With all due respect
Ferdinand ,   France & Israel   (01.08.13)
This column is not of Ynet-quality. Usually I like your columns, no matter if I agree or disagree with the content. In this case, the idea that Obama would name a defense secretary just to get back at Likud is absurd, and a prime case of hubris. Israel is one of the greatest nations in the world for what it has achieved, but still a very small nation. Burundi, Azerbaijan and Zambia are just some of the states that are larger than Israel, and nobody would seriously think a US president would "waste" an appointment just to irk any of them. While it is true that everything in the US is of immense importance to Israel, it may be time to realize that the opposite is not true.
3. Israel is not the center of the universe
Ann ,   Herzliyya, Israel   (01.08.13)
Obama is nominating Chuck Hagel for this position because he thinks he is best for the United States. Period. The very idea that what is best for Israel should factor in choosing American cabinet posts is ridiculous. Would Netanyahu select a minister based on the desires of any of Israel's allies?
4. As Always, Its all about Israel !!!!
Anton ,   Jerusalem   (01.08.13)
Obama thinks on a much larger scale than BIBI, he looks at the bigger picture, draws politics for the Globe, unlike BIB, whose only concern is spending more money on checkpoints, expanding illegal outposts, spending more on protecting illegal settelements and driving the country into the unknown demoghraphic no go!
5. #1-4
Igor ,   Germany   (01.08.13)
For some reason, one of the first things Obama did when he took office in 2009 was not to talk to Burundi or Azerbaijan, but to make a sharp turn in the US policy towards Israel, including forcing the settlement freeze, not accepting Bush-Sharon agreements and returning to the "1967 borders". I agree, appointing a US defense secretary to spite Netanyahu is looney, but Obama is perfectly capable of doing it. His speech to the Arab world, his resetting the relationship with Russia, his extended hand towards Iran... maybe he really thought they were in America's best interest. But do you believe it?
6. Two superpowers
Zechariah   (01.08.13)
The USA and Russia are 500 million people but yet they are the two military superpowers.The contribution of Jews even atheist Jews has been solid from the ideologies to the weaponry awful that it is.Would it be better if North Korea got there first .
7. #4 Anton, Jerusalem
Albrecht Klein ,   Germany   (01.08.13)
BHO thinks in a global scale? Interesting. Give us some examples.
8. I feel sorry for Chucky...
Daniel ,   JM   (01.08.13)
Obama's legacy looks a bit checkered right now. His middle eastern policy has proven a total and unmitigated disaster and if he does not want to be remembered as a president who set ME on fire, he needs a fall guy. Chuck is the ideal fit for one to be blamed when everything goes pear-shaped and heads south.
9. Obama's Revenge
MR ,   NJ,USA   (01.08.13)
"With all due respect" guys, if Israel is so unimportant to Obama why did he and his cronies, along with France and most of the rest of the Europeans spend most of his first term foreign policy time and energy (and propaganda, as in what was in the news in front of everyone) backing Israel into into tight corners and blaming her for all the problems of the middle east? Because people are not logical. He is not logical. His name is Arabic for "blessed" and was the name of the founding Shiite saint. Europe, with blood on its hands is not logical. And all the hidden agendas are starting to come home to roost. Don't worry about Hagel. Europe, America and the rest of the world will soon have much bigger real problems to worry about. Look outside. The day is blowing and much of the world is in drought. And it is about to get much worse.
10. Elect strong right-leaning parties!
Steve Klein   (01.08.13)
All the more reason for Israelis to to the polls and elect strong right-leaning parties like Bayit Yehudi and Oztma Leyisrael. Obama is playing hardball with Israel just as he is doing with the Republicans. There is no appeasing; there is no placating Obama. He means business and Israel is in his cross hairs.
11. Guy is just a Secretery of Defense. He is not policy maker.
leo ,   usa   (01.08.13)
12. Well,I hardly need write this ,because
exUK ,   Tel Aviv   (01.08.13)
the first 4 respondents have covered my thoughts absolutely. Whilst I obviously support Israel,it is about time that our polititians acted not as if we are the centre of the planet.All too often they tell us that they dont care about USA,UN or world opinion in general,and the next day they are criticizing the rest of the world because they dont agree with us. Enough of right wing hardliners,settler parties and Haredim.Let us vote for the ladies this time and get some talking going,something ladies are usually pretty good at!
13. Bibi and Hagel
jonathan ,   USA   (01.08.13)
I believe Hagal is nominated because President Obama knows he is best for the USA in what will be a difficult time for our armed forces. If you do believe it is partially getting even with Bibi maybe Israel should elect someone who has enough brains as to not mettle in american elections
14. Stupid columnist
Eli ,   Israel   (01.08.13)
Columist should be replaced.
15. Obama is a true left wing idiolog, that's the reason
Rafi ,   Caesarea Israel   (01.08.13)
Obama's choice in Hagal is completely consistant with his left wing anti-Israel arab placating policies. And the nomination is fully consistant with the fact that he has surrounded himself with anti-Semites throughout his political career. He will watch and allow Iran to acquire nukes, because he sees nothing wrong with that --- its that simple!
16. More to it than the election
Giora Me'ir ,   USA   (01.08.13)
Netanyahu's disrespect of Obama: not only expanding settlements, but making announcements to embarass the U.S., such as Biden's visit; "lecturing" Obama in front of the cameras after blowing his 1967 statement out of proportion; and showing him up in front of congress. What goes around, comes around.
17. Safety
john ,   toronto   (01.08.13)
US decisions have no place in Israeli politics. This threat to Jewish people is a figment of imagination who want a state of warfare in Israel.It is to make money from wars fought. There have been times when the Jews have been in danger , but why is this danger only for Jewish people .I am sure any man or woman should be worried about safety.
18. STOP WHINING - THE BAR IS CLOSED
Andrew ,   Miami,Fl   (01.08.13)
Yes - the magical elixir of US arms and money is about to be cut off - you sound like drunks who are screaming about your alchohol. Also - Israel better learn that the US is inpedendant - doesnt need israel doesnt need to give her $$$ all the time
19. Romney was a total joke
Tom ,   NYC   (01.08.13)
Netanyahu was a dope for following such an obvious clueless loser. Someone else should take over Likud.
20. Obama and the dark forces
Brod ,   USA   (01.08.13)
Obama the Islamist has always been cold to Israel since Day 1. The dark forces are not angels nor can they be changed into angels. Those who supported him are aligned with the dark forces who worship their Luciferian gods.
21. # 9 Perhaps because he didn't
Ferdinand ,   Israel & France   (01.08.13)
MR, you ask why the US and France spent most of their time focusing on Israel. There is a very simply answer to that: they did not. I can understand that you think that, if you read columns such as this one. For some reason, Israeli media is among the free world's most self-centred, few international news are reported in comparison to media in other countries. I'm definitely not saying Israel is unimportant to either the US or to France, but to suggest that either of those countries spend "most of their time" on Israel is disconnected from reality. This is an example of the hubris I already wrote about.
22. Not to worry, we will rid of Obama and his
Yossi ,   Kikar hamedina, TA   (01.08.13)
gang in less than 4 years. He will go down in history as one the most dumb presidents the US ever had.
23. In case you have forgotten, Hagel serves America not Israel
miki ,   tampa   (01.08.13)
24. #1 homer jones.to appoint Iran's
J.K. ,   Brooklyn USA   (01.08.13)
Ambasador to the the US as secretary of defence is insane,but obama is capable,out of spite,this hagel is a friend of Iran and Hezbolla,the terrorist group that hanged lieutenant coloner William Buckley in Beyrut in 85,the same organization that killed 300 Marines in Beyrut, if appointed this man will cause more damage to the US than Israel.
25. Where does American Jews loyalty stands
Seth ,   Oklahoma   (01.08.13)
Jews in this country needs to decide where their loyalty stands. Favoring Israeli interest over America’s is nothing less than being a 5th column
26. This article is overly dramatic and sensational
Noodles ,   Coney Island   (01.09.13)
Things aren't going to change very much at all.
27. #26. Noodles: U have no idea how wrong you R. Give it 6 mo.
b.e. ,   Whangarei, NZ   (01.09.13)
28. Israel must be completely self-
Reuven   (01.09.13)
sufficient in the development of weapons. And Israel must attack Iran's nukl program soon! Obama doesn't have Israel's back. He's, instead, throwing Israel under the bus.
29. #27 You could be right, and for the 1st time ever, I'm wrong
Noodles ,   Coney Island   (01.09.13)
30. idk..
pete ,   San Jose   (01.09.13)
I think Obama's worried he pressured Bibi to hard on Iran and now Bibi won't be able to act before it's beyond Israel's capabilitiesand he'll be forced to instead. This is one way to push Bibi into attacking earlier than he says he wants him to....
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