For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers...... To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

Kurtzer and Ross are disciples of James "f--- the Jews" Baker. K&R as well as other anti-Semites including Brizenski are in BHO's ear. Not long ago was one Samantha Power who believes that the Jewish lobby is under the bed of every member of Congress. Then to top it off BHO desires another arab state to be carved out of the remaining 23% of the Jewish Homeland as designated by international law. A state that is contiguous for the terrorist state and therefore dis-contiguous for the residual victim state. Khalidi, Mitchell, Berger, Scowcroft are all up for the moment of smelling your blood shed by those that come to kill you. Those trained, armed and shielded by US. Ones that your government allows to be trained. The terrorists have acknowledged they couldn't have been as effective without the training the Dayton Pasha who arms and trains the snipers that HAVE killed you. The Mapai remanants Olmert, Ramon, Netanyahu, Livini, Barak, et al, can't wait to ask US to break me off a piece of that. Claim your land. Do not just claim you have a right to defend yourself. Without expelling the threat, you have defended nothing.

Will you people please get some sense?..."Next, the posters above think Obama would be any less of a friend to Israel after all Israel has done and continues to do for America. ....." what on earth has Israel done for America? Continues to do for America? try it the other way around. $3Bn per year to a country that spies on us, and we're to be grateful? Sabotages our diplomatic efforts, and we're to be grateful? Israelis should count their lucky stars that Americans can't tell the difference between Israelis and Arabs. The US is Israel's ally, not the other way around. Israeli interests and the AIPAC bund are an albatross around the US policy makers' necks.......this incessant nonsence has got to stop. Spare me with the strategic cooperation rubbish, the self-congratulatory gloating. Israelis have made their bed, they must sleep in it, and I shouldn't have to pay for it.

Obama is a bright man, he will try to forge peaceful relations with everyone. and I certainly hope so. I personally am glad he mentioned muslims before jews like he did. Muslims need to be the USAs friend. actually we all need to be friends on this planet, and the USA, does NOT want to be 'enemies' with muslims just because the 'jews' are. thats your issue. not ours...and that philosophy just brought us trouble and pain. Who he didnt mention was buddhists. and I dont see them whining... stop being so self centered for once and grow up. its a new day...

It is true that Jews in America have had a lot of influence, but that won't be forever and has nothing to do with Obama. Jews are dying of old age and assimilating away at a very quick rate, so in another generation or so, there will be so few, that they no longer will have any influence at all.

Should of thought again, and voted McCain Gona miss ya USA

He is the Divine Negro, the Blessed One, the Big Black Blessing, the bringer of the first and the latter rains, President of America, King of Indonesia, Emperor of the Luo and other tribes of Kenya. He is greater than even Olmert, Livni, Barak and Peres all put together - wow, now THAT is greatness.

will our "friends" please stop trying to get us killed. thank you.

Never had Israeli leaders discussed Gaza operation with Obama before the inauguration, why? because they were 0% certain of his friendship. That "never discussion" is what Israel fears most.

Before he even won the Democrat nomination and since he has talked about inviting Ahmadinijad to the White House for unconditional talks. Last week he said he wanted Syria to be part of negotiations. At the same time of course Assad says he sees no reason to end smuggling until he gets the Golan and whilst the arabs were all pledging money to rebuild Gaza Assad and Ahmadinijad pledged money and weapons to Hamas to rebuild the damage done to them by Israel. Of course though in President Hussains book these men are going to be our partners for peace. First thing Obama did was make a speech reaching out to the islamic world. I didn't hear hiim say anything about Israel. The only time I have heard Obama say anything about being tough on terror was during the election campaign he promised to catch Bin Laden... for 7 years now US & NATO troops have been in Afghanistan trying to find Bin Laden without success but now Obama is here then Bin ladens days are numbered. I have more respect for the President Hussain who was executed in Iraq at least he didn't pretend to be a friend to Israel one day but the friend of our enemies the next. Saddam at least you knew what you were getting and he never pretended to be Israels friend. Obama is about as trustworthy as Hamas.

I've read too many comments like yours in recent months not to respond. So let me set you straight. What has Israel done in all of these years but fend for it's survival? What are any of the acts of "treachery" which you cite but measures to extend and defend Israel's existence? I will not stand here and tell you that Israel is "useful" for the United States in an imperialistic sense, and if that is your definition of "ally," then perhaps it is indeed not much of one. Our existence in a little stretch of land the size of the smallest American states does not accrue substantially to American self-interest. We do not have reserves of oil, we do not conquer lands--- despite the nefarious claims of our many detractors--- for imperial gain, we do not set our sights on achieving reign over as much territory as our might would enable us to. We have used military force for simple aims--- to perpetuate our existence and to solidify our fulfillment of the quest to be a viable, sustainable homeland for the Jewish people. We have given more than any other nation in modern or ancient history simply for the sake of "peace"-- given when military considerations did not require it, and even when they required otherwise. Successions of leaders have, in blind folly, accepted the notion that territories acquired by and for us through victory in battle are not ours to keep--- a veiled suggestion that we are alien to our territorial neighborhood, and fundamentally lack the legitimacy which our neighbors possess to exist and exercise sovereignty within it. Are we an "ally?" Has Israel ever set its sights on anything of yours? Has it ever attacked or questioned the sovereignty and security of the United States, desisted, refrained, or declined from coming to America's aid when asked or needed, belittled America's values, rejected the principles of America's founding, allied itself with even one of America's enemies, colluded with even one of America's adversaries, admonished America for its actions in matters not pertaining to its own security, voted or even abstained from a vote against the United States in any public forum? And is the United States an ally of Israel? Has it always been? Did it supply Israel with a single weapon when its very survival was at stake in 1948? Was it even legal for an American to send Israel a working rifle at the time? And who exactly won the wars in 1956, 1967, or 1973? Was a single American solider called to serve in any of those wars? What happened to Israel's relations with the Soviet Union when the United States extended recognition? And in that vein, which country was the chief supplier of Israel's Arab enemies over the decades? I think the question you really meant to ask is, "are we expendable?" It is not lost upon any Israeli or Jew or American that no country can equal America in its commitment to Israel--- that no other country has invested as much in Israel's future and existence. That doesn't preclude anyone invested in Israel's security for fighting for it.

Israel is quick to look to the US instead of hashem. They followed Bush above Hashem who told Israel to make no agreement (covenant) with the Palestinians. Will they also religiously follow the next american idol to hell or return to following Hashem ?

at home start their usual violence and the Oil Sheikhs start squeezing. Israel has to learn to stand alone and use both our brains and our brawn to defeat those who want to destroy us. We must also ask if there is any reason to remain in the UN! Taiwan or the Republic of China, which was a founder member of the UN until the "members" gave the Peoples' Republic of China the seat and still regard that country as the sole representative of the Chinese People, seem to do very well without it! The UN is nothing more than a waste of time and money and has never in its history stopped a conflict or war from happening. Further, its "Peacekeeping" forces have time and time again raped, pillaged and assisted in the killing of those they are supposed to protect. A good example is UNRWA's Mr. John Ging in Gaza who has allegedly allowed Hamas to use the now infamous school as a military installation to further their and his hatred of Israel and the Jewish People!

supported operation Cast Lead, instead of sounding like a UN stooge. There is a reason Israel pulled out of Gaza on Tuesday. Had Obama supported Israel's fight against Terror that would have not happend. Its time for Jews to take off the rose colored glasses, this guy is another Carter...and we know where that has ended up.

Maybe that's why the source won't put his name to it? Obie "identifies emotionally" as much or more so with anti-semites and Israel's enemies as he does with Israel or her people - eg jerry wright, rashid khalidi, mcpeak, sammy power, etc, etc.

Notwithstanding the standard Bee Ess from political figures, does not Zero's friendship, his love for Israel have a teensy tiny bit of proof towards showing that friendship and love other than being friends with terrorists, racists, anti-semites and maybe at least one, ONE act showing such?

I agree with others--Obama has done nothing to demonstrate his "true friendship" with Israel thus far. Israel has to stop counting on America's fickle support and stand up for what it believes. No one but Israel is going to fight for the Israelis.

Many American people know the UN is nothing but a bunch of wasteful loons. Our government keeps shoving it down our throats. Our founders would be rolling in their graves if they knew that everything they died for was in vain. We are no longer a free nation. Heck ..a post like this in a US comment wouldn't even be posted. Israel has to worry about Israel, no one else, but Israel.

his angel of Death if he dares NOT support Israel in all his actions. Is there any hope that Obama will overcome his fear and stop all weapons to Israel? stop all moneys to Israel? force Israel to STOP the occupation? Will Obama be the one to help bring justice and freedom to Palestinians? Is there ANY hope for CHANGE in US policy in Palestine?

Oh goodee goodee, yet another category of relationship between the United states and israel. This one is labelled "strategic intimate partner". I don't know how this one compares to the "Special relationship" we've had for over 5o years or the "unbreakable bond" that Nancy Pelosi found somewhere, but it must be at least as good or better, or they wouldn't have accepted it. Right?

::David – thank you for going to the effort and for taking the time to respond. I have included counter points to your rebuttal, piece by piece. …I've read too many comments like yours in recent months not to respond. So let me set you straight. What has Israel done in all of these years but fend for it's survival? _________ It’s needlessly invaded neighboring countries on more than a few occasions, with some of those invasions no where near the threshold for survival – (Beirut '82 anyone?) Hezbollah is not, nor has it ever been an existential threat to Israel, for one example. It [Hezbollah] presents more of an existential threat to Lebanese sovereignty and stability that it ever could to that of Israel.::____ …What are any of the acts of "treachery" which you cite but measures to extend and defend Israel's existence?____ _________ I never used the word treachery – I was thinking [spying] of the Jonathan Pollard affair. Yes, Mr Pollard is an American, but for a spying ring or scheme to matriculate, there must be a willing corresponding party. A recipient was found, on numerous occasions in the Israeli Embassy in Washington.::___ …I will not stand here and tell you that Israel is "useful" for the United States in an imperialistic sense, and if that is your definition of "ally," then perhaps it is indeed not much of one. _ _________ A. That’s not my definition of ally; the description given would be termed a colony, and Israel is an independent democracy, and no one’s colony; B. I wouldn’t think, nor could most make the case that the US is an ‘imperialist’ power in the classic sense. …Our existence in a little stretch of land the size of the smallest American states does not accrue substantially to American self-interest. _________ Precisely, but it goes to the gist of the argument. Indeed, the continual perpetuation of Israeli interests by Americans by and through their government isn't actually serving American intersts, nor in the long run, serving (what I view to be, the long-run interests) of anyone, let alone Israel. On this side of the Atlantic, Israel is presented by it’s unflinching, blind-sided and illiberal supporters as “The US’s only friend in the Middle East; our strategic ally”…. ad nauseum, without reason or reasonableness.The persistence and tenacity of Israel and the Israeli people is of course, not determined by the country’s area or size – relative to any measure, Israel is one of the more secure states in the region, from within and without. (What country would be foolish enough to attack)

cont'd …Are we an "ally?" Has Israel ever set its sights on anything of yours? ________ _________ The military hardware and continued financial assistance of the US Government. Israeli delegations appear yearly for more assistance, loan guarantees, etc. . . A joke here is that Washington is Israeli-occupied territory::_______ … Has it ever attacked or questioned the sovereignty and security of the United States, desisted, refrained, or declined from coming to America's aid when asked or needed,________ _________ Actually, a US navy vessel, the USS Liberty in 1967 was attacked by Israeli planes and subs. . . Can’t really remember the US asking Israel for aid or assistance]::_______ …belittled America's values, rejected the principles of America's founding, __________:: _________ [on what basis, or on what standing?]i.e., why would it? The US doesn’t question Israel’s existence; Israel’s enemies do.::__________ …allied itself with even one of America's enemies, ________Doubtful as if it would be in Israel’s interests – see your comments below- no one has more to gain with the US-Israel relationship than Israel itself. . . … colluded with even one of America's adversaries,… _________ absolutely – where US military technology, supposed to be used in accordance to US law for defensive purposes and licensed for Israeli use and or production, was sold to China. (and I don’t mean the Republic on Taiwan…) not cool.... …admonished America for its actions in matters not pertaining to its own security, voted or even abstained from a vote against the United States in any public forum? And is the United States an ally of Israel? _________ See the former Defence Department official Lawrence Franklin, who pled guilty to passing military intelligence to Israel via AIPAC …Has it always been? Did it supply Israel with a single weapon when its very survival was at stake in 1948? _________ It wasn’t it’s survival that was at stake, it was it’s birth as a nation-state, the birth of few countries is peaceful …Was it even legal for an American to send Israel a working rifle at the time? _________ Not that I recall, but we made up for it and quick!

finally: …And who exactly won the wars in 1956, 1967, or 1973? _________Post-1967 no one “won” exactly, in the truest sense of the word. Everybody lost something - be it land, moral high-ground, or something else.....Whatever was ‘lost’ by the Arab states was either returned (The Sinai) or is in discussion to be or expected to be returned at some point in the future (West Bank and Gaza Strip), or is otherwise viewed as occupied (The Golan, East Jerusalem). Moreover, Israel hasn’t had a good night’s sleep since, and for the lack of better terminology, (again / still) isn’t viewed as indigenous to the ‘territorial neighborhood’. …Was a single American solider called to serve in any of those wars? __________ No, of course not, but plenty of Americans do volunteer without hindrance for the IDF. (There hasn’t been a draft in which American have been called upon since the Viet-Nam Conflict). We sent, and continue to send obscene amounts of devastating, high-end weaponry and of course, the means with which to buy more. …What happened to Israel's relations with the Soviet Union when the United States extended recognition? And in that vein, which country was the chief supplier of Israel's Arab enemies over the decades? I think the question you really meant to ask is, "are we expendable?" It is not lost upon any Israeli or Jew or American that no country can equal America in its commitment to Israel --- that no other country has invested as much in Israel's future and existence. That doesn't preclude anyone invested in Israel's security for fighting for it. _________ Of course it doesn’t. That wasn’t my point in the above argument. The relationship between the US and Israel, is however, a lop-sided one, wherein the US, often putting other important international relationships on the back burner so to speak – backs, supplies, and or coddles Israeli interests or advances perceived Israeli interests without hesitation, even when those interests counter the long-run view of America’s interests; or the continual abstention of an honest assessment of it’s relationship with Israel which at the end of the day, often doesn’t further (and likely harms) American opportunities, or at a minimum, the international standing of the US.