Obama says won't delay on Mideast issue

US president-elect says Gaza conflict only underscores his determination to become involved in region early, expresses his concern over Iran's support of Hizbullah
Reuters

Barack Obama will begin the search for Middle East peace immediately on becoming president and the Gaza conflict only underscored his determination to become involved early, the US president-elect said in remarks broadcast on Sunday.

During his presidential campaign, Obama said both President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton waited too long to work vigorously to broker a peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

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On the ABC News show "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Obama said it would be important to begin the effort early.

"The reason it's so important for the United States to be engaged and involved immediately, not waiting until the end of their term, is because working through the politics of this requires a third party that everybody has confidence (in), wants to see a fair and just outcome," he said.

Obama, who takes over from President George W. Bush on January 20, has refused to make any lengthy comments on the violence in Gaza, where more than 800 Palestinians have been killed in the 16-day Israeli offensive to suppress rocket fire against its citizens by the militant group Hamas. Thirteen Israelis have been killed.

Obama said the deaths of civilians on both the Palestinian and Israeli side were "heartbreaking."

"And obviously what that does is it makes me much more determined to try to break a deadlock that has gone on for decades now," he said.

New approach on Iran

Obama went on to say he would take a new approach toward Iran that would both emphasize respect for its people and spell out expectations for its leaders.

"Iran is going to be one of our biggest challenges," Obama said.

He added he was concerned about the Islamic republic's support of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hizbullah and about Iran's nuclear enrichment, which he said could trigger a Middle East arms race.

In a shift from President George W. Bush's policies, Obama has said he would seek much broader engagement with Iran.

"We are going to have to take a new approach. And I've outlined my belief that engagement is the place to start," he said.