Why does NY Times fault Obama on Mideast, but not Israel?

One is never surprised at the chicanery of US Jewry to demand that US force Iran to forgo its Nuclear energy plan even for pesceful use.Same time Israel with its massive Nuclear aramada gets off the hook.Shameless Tony Balir(UK PM) went as far as to say Israel needs those BOMBS to defend itself as it is "Surrounded by enemies"! It was a disgusting display of moral turpitude on his part.It did not occur to him that Iran has not attacked any of her Neighbours nor is Occupying other nation's territories.It is Israel alone which in 21st Century is practicing land grab and Racism of the worst type since the day of Nazi Germany!

Those of who are not beguiled by the fantasized US Media know how they kow tow Israeli extremism. Long before the 9/11 happened the mighty New York Times editiorially praised Israeli brutal occupation as "the most benign in human history". Mr.Obama is finding it to his consternation how the mighty Israeli US Lobbies literally control US Foreign Policies. This has been a routine Zionist tactics to deflect any close scrutiny of Israeli control over US Congress and yes the President. The tragedy of 9/11 has come handy for the hard cored Christians(Evangelicals)to divert all the American and indeed much of the Wstern world's anger towards Islam and Arab/Islamic Nations. The enthusiasm with which Secy Hilary Clinton greeted Netayanhu's so called Freeze on more Arab land grab via building Jewish sttlements confirms all the Middle East Watchers how much Israel takes any move at Peace in the area seriously. The Clintons much like GWB are loyal backers of Israel no matter what it does!

There is no such thing as the NYT. There is Maureen Dowd and there is Charles Krauthammer - and everything in between. Just like with Haaretz and every other credible newspaper/TV-Station/radio-broadcaster. Well, maybe exept FOX....

...a beautiful friendship... I will even forget Chavez! That's the easy part.

and a country whose constitution and bill of rights guarantees the rights and freedoms of ALL its citizens "equally". is israel a democracy? yes it is, but that's where the comparison to the united states ENDS. apartheid south africa was a democracy, too. is israel's democracy comparable to that democracy? not quite. but let's not forget, it was about this time last year that there was serious debate over banning arabs[palestinians] from running for the knesset. because of things like this, and the propensity for israeli governments to sporadically dissolve and reshuffle for new elections, along with policies that lack continuity from one government to the next, makes calling israel a "stable democracy" questionable at best. when compared to its neighbors, israel is indeed a shining star, but it dims considerably next to the u.s. and other western nations. but bottom line, comparisons are completely moot. israel's luster, or its lack, is completely dependent upon itself and its OWN policies, moral values, integrity, sense of justice, human rights, empathy, and recognition of equality; regardless of the same in ANY other country.

it's not just the republicans obama has to worry about, there's plenty of democrats who'll hold no bars to fight him on any tough stance he might take with israel...and unfortunately, right now he can't afford losing democratic support to blackmail over middle-east policy. that's the problem with this country allowing ANY foreign lobby to operate in washington. even if the name DOES start with "american", it's STILL a foreign lobby. but it's politics as usual in washington, and it's more likely THAT, than any lack of resolve on obama's part. he's just not able to operate in the straight forward and even keeled manner that middle-east policy requires for there ever to be an equitable resolution to its conflict. that's probably an awakening for him on a matter that "should" be a simple matter of a president's pursuit of american policy in the middle-east.

There was no need to elaborate S. It should be clear that in my own humble opinion, Obama is really not up to much and probably will not improve by any measure, hence my comment. A decent man at heart, highly intelligent no doubt and surely better than the 'chimp'. He wants to govern by consensus. He can't. Condoleeza Rice was essentially correct when she predicted that Obama's foreign policy would likely be a continuation of the Bush policy in all matters of substance. He has merely added diplomatic niceties to the tried and failed methodology of Bush. In his defense one can only point to the utter bankruptcy of his opponents. All that remains for Americas accelerating slide toward mediocrity to develop into a slide toward irrelevance, is the election to President of the Stepford hockey mom. Sarah! Sarah!

it's not just the republicans obama has to worry about, there's plenty of democrats who'll hold no bars to fight him on any tough stance he might take with israel...and unfortunately, right now he can't afford losing democratic support to blackmail over middle-east policy. that's the problem with this country allowing ANY foreign lobby to operate in washington. even if the name DOES start with "american", it's STILL a foreign lobby. but it's politics as usual in washington, and it's more likely THAT, than any lack of resolve on obama's part. he's just not able to operate in the straight forward and even keeled manner that middle-east policy requires for there ever to be an equitable resolution to its conflict. that's probably an awakening for him on a matter that "should" be a simple matter of a president's pursuit of american policy in the middle-east.

The Obama administration has a very mistaken appraisal of the required Middle East problem solving priorities.It is thinking to,at the same time,further isolate Iran & to regain Arab world favor by pressing Israel to make peace with the Palestinians at the costof concessions without any reliable security garantees.But the US fails to recognize that in fact,peace is impossible in current circumstances.No peace can last with deeply divided Palestinians whose extremist factions are heavily supported by Iran which has a important interest in bloking peace. As long as there is hope among Palestinians that Iran with the bomb &/or missiles or Al Kaeda or Hamas will wipe out Israel from the map,there always will be at one faction to sabotage peace by violent means. There is no Palestinian charismatic leader able to lead a majority of the people because they all reached their position of power by brutal force &/or corruption to subjugate rivals of other factions.Their only concen:survival/greed

hand tied behind its back and continuation of this is just a wast of time and efforts.

and a country whose constitution and bill of rights guarantees the rights and freedoms of ALL its citizens "equally". is israel a democracy? yes it is, but that's where the comparison to the united states ENDS. apartheid south africa was a democracy, too. is israel's democracy comparable to that democracy? not quite. but let's not forget, it was about this time last year that there was serious debate over banning arabs[palestinians] from running for the knesset. because of things like this, and the propensity for israeli governments to sporadically dissolve and reshuffle for new elections, along with policies that lack continuity from one government to the next, makes calling israel a "stable democracy" questionable at best. when compared to its neighbors, israel is indeed a shining star, but it dims considerably next to the u.s. and other western nations. but bottom line, comparisons are completely moot. israel's luster, or its lack, is completely dependent upon itself and its OWN policies, moral values, integrity, sense of justice, human rights, empathy, and recognition of equality; regardless of the same in ANY other country.

There was no need to elaborate S. It should be clear that in my own humble opinion, Obama is really not up to much and probably will not improve by any measure, hence my comment. A decent man at heart, highly intelligent no doubt and surely better than the 'chimp'. He wants to govern by consensus. He can't. Condoleeza Rice was essentially correct when she predicted that Obama's foreign policy would likely be a continuation of the Bush policy in all matters of substance. He has merely added diplomatic niceties to the tried and failed methodology of Bush. In his defense one can only point to the utter bankruptcy of his opponents. All that remains for Americas accelerating slide toward mediocrity to develop into a slide toward irrelevance, is the election to President of the Stepford hockey mom. Sarah! Sarah!

Seems like the whole world is more obsessed with blaming Israel for everything. If the entire Diaspora wants to dump it all in Israel's lap when there are so many other things they could preoccupy themselves with, then it's obvious where the blame really belongs. The whole world could just stay out of the conflict between Israel and its enemies and their situation would be so much better. On the other hand, well, read Zechariah 12:3.

many years ago, and you'll never let anyone fix it, because it's not to your advantage, is it now, so here's proof that israel runs america, america has lost all control of it's country to israel, one day, you will find americans creating another holocaust, watch and learn.

They're desperate for attention, will post most anything to avoid going into the impending bankcruptcy that's hanging over their heads

"obama needs to make one vital change" and that change is to first...get a grip on himself and loose his marxist leanings...two get a brain that functions with common sense....three get some "smart" advisors who are not groveling in the dirt with the rest of the progressive fools that roam the white house...and fourth get out of the kitchen before you burn the whole U.S.down. I know this is four vital changes and I could go on and on but this man is the most dangerous person to walk the halls of the white house since Carter. As for obama and Israel it is clear what his intentions are for Israel...afterall he kneeled at the foot of the vile rev.wright and broke bread with the despicable ayres. With company and friends like this he should be shoveling manure in the nearest compost plant not heading the greatest country in the world (next to Israel).

At one time, the New York Times would not assign a Jewish reporter to cover Israel to assure there was not even the hint of appearance that its reporting would be biased. Things changed when the new publisher took over, was it perhaps 15 years ago? Regular readers noticed the change in attitude toward Israel. No doubt that explains the editorial.

Since Abbas is the one who refuses to negotiate with Netanyahu without a total freeze and Hamas refuses to accept a permanent two-state solution, why are only Obama and Netanyahu held accountable for the failure to make progress? The emperor has no clothes. And the weather is getting colder.

Is the world and all of Haaretz' readers blind? I see people blaming Obama - I see even more people blaming Israel I have yet to see anyone in the western mainstream - let alone the Arab world, blame the Palestinians for the lack of peace! As Obama presses for peace, as Netanyahu releases prisoners, halts most construction and says out loud "two state solution" Abu Mazen adh the supposed "moderates" refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist, continue to incite against Israel and only make more and more outrageous demands to even "begin" negotiations. I think the world needs to wake up and realize who the real pressure needs to be put on - not Obama and not Netanyahu... I'll give you a clue... they all speak Arabic

which nyt do you read doris ? it must be different from one i read ? your friends doris ! which are they the ones that riot every month for exercise ?

If "israel"( not the peaceful and peace seeking Jews- may God always bless you all) think you are fooling anyone with this facade of "democaracy," the jokes on you. You may have congress and the white house in your pocket, but the people know and are awake and vigilent! Towards all off your transgressions we do not support- your hate, injustice, deception, and folly. The time has come for israel to reform it's self and america needs the same.

Today we see what happens when you elect someone who was better suited to be a motivational speaker than a leader. Obama is bringing disaster to his nation and would bring disaster to Israel if Israelis weren't as resolved as they are in resisting his pressures. Gee, he can't seem to DEMAND ANYTHING FROM THE PA or HAMAS!!!!

The Obama administration was the WORST CHOICE the Americans could have made in an age of Islamic Terror. Seeking to impose a Left Wing agenda on the American people has done NOTHING but created an American population that is more fractious and divided than it was before his election. And no wonder--Obama arrogantly thought his word was God. But the Truth is THIS--he has NO fixed agenda on anything and blows like a weather vane in the wind, always having to backtrack and reset more limited goals when his "Demands" hit a brick wall. GOOD FOR YOU, Israel! Resist American pressure, which will only result in more terror upon your people. Meanwhile, Obama does strengthened Iran which defies EVERYONE as it races to nuclear weapons which will be used on you know who!!!

blood on passover , and poisoned wells , and....and ,,,,,.

If I am correct, Obama has decided to "win the war in Afghanistan by sending 30,000 troops there in addition to the what the US has there already. If he is lucky, he will get troops out of Iraq, and perhaps do something about the bases the Americans all over the world. Maybe he can get Haliburton and KBR back to to States, and remove the Blackbirds from "active duty" wherever they may be posts. Ah! did I forget National Health for every American citizen, a treaty that will protect the environment, dismantling Guantanamo and finally taking the prisoners to trial, . . . So he thinks he can tell Israel what to do?!

Really there was no need to elaborate S. It should be clear that in my own humble opinion, Obama is really not up to much and probably will not improve by any measure, hence my comment. A decent man at heart, highly intelligent no doubt and surely better than the 'chimp'. He wants to govern by consensus. He can't. Condoleeza Rice was essentially correct when she predicted that Obama's foreign policy would likely be a continuation of the Bush policy in all matters of substance. He has merely added diplomatic niceties to the tried and failed methodology of Bush. In his defense one can only point to the utter bankruptcy of his opponents. All that remains for Americas accelerating slide toward mediocrity to develop into a slide toward irrelevance, is the election to President of the Stepford hockey mom. Sarah! Sarah!

I would have to agree the the obama administration is indeed a terrible government! For starters it ran on a platform of change with him(nwobama) saying special interest would not have sway in his white house, yet at the same time he was selling his soul to special interest groups such as AIPAC and those representing wall street. This is what he gets for trying to appease Jewish fanatics and selling out main street!

what no other President has, becoming a failure within the first year of his Presidency Unemployment is UP Healthcare instead of the economy is the main focus of all his efforts And that's only two of his long list of failures It has taken him three months to make a decision about Afghanistan, just imagine if it was World War 2, we would still be in the states instead of Europe Abama isn't progress, he's retrogression

It take more than just vote people in vote can be bought! that does not make it a democratic state take more than vote!

Palestine had a democratic election saw by europe Israel made sure to devasted the victory because they didnt like who won! democracy? interfering with people will?

If Israel freezes construction to any degree at all, as precondition for negotiation, what does Israel get in return as precondition? The terrorists will not stop attacking; at best they will reduce but not stop terror attacks. What possible outcome could Israel get from negotiations? It will never be accepted by the Islamists who dominate Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian politics. The fundamental problem is not settlements or a Palestinian state. It is the Islamist goal of world domination. Appeasement will not sate the Islamists; it will only embolden them. If Israel ceased to exist tomorrow, the fundamental problem of Islamism would not change.

running around telling the Arabs that he is on their side. Obama has steadfastly made support for Israel's security a priority, and he has said so in all his announcements about the subject. He has correctly told the Arabs/Muslims that he respects them and intends to treat them fairly. That Israel cannot accept, because Israel wants the only chosen child sitting on the US laps asking for, and receiving, all the goodies. The fact is the American people have awaken and realized they need to defend their national interests before Israel squanders them for its own benefits.

The issue of Obama's failure to stand up to Bibi. If Obama cannot force the little Israel to toe the line, does anyone think he can run rough shots over Iran?!!! I don't think so. At the end of the day, it will be Israel that will inflict the most sever damages to the US interests in the world. But when the American people wake up and realize this, it will be hell to pay for Israel and its supporters here in the US.

If the USA has such a terrible government, maybe the USA should'nt offer the nice 20+ billion in foriegn and economic aid, It would be Irresponsible for Israel to accept such an offer from a " Terrible Government", Or is it just that we're a terrible government when it comes to settlement building and an end to occupation, but oh so nice when it comes to money.

Israel is a stable democracy because the public are free to vote whoever they want in government. You cannot say the same thing about Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan (really Palestine), Emirates, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq is an unstable democracy, Libya, etc. i.e. all the moslem countries. Also there are moslem members in the Israeli parliament. Are there any jewish members of parliament in these moslem countries? So have some respect for a democratic country. You live in one

It was never a condition for beginning negotiations. a settlement freeze must be the out come of negotiations not a pre condition.

Settlements, walls, check-points, religious apartheid, it will all end. Hate is not a solution for anyone. It will not be Obama, but elections will result in loss of public support in democratic countries. Loss of economic, political and military support is the future if Israel does not change.

for showing Israel that it could do anything without risk of negative responses by the US. It is obvious to the most casual observer that Israel will do nothing to further peace or to maintain Obama's credibility. Israel is an enemy of Obama and American ME initiatives; it should be treated as such. When we drop out of sight, the rest of the world will know what to do. Let them do it without restraint by people who think this is 1967.

so what? Taken seriously only by upper-crust salon liberals, the New York Times is a diminished brand going belly up. Martha's Vineyard and Hamptons summering progressive elitist patrons of transgressive tony high arts aren't the largest demographic in the United States by a long shot.

to say with word that Israel is a democratic state does not make it one! show me what make Israel a democratic state. Occupation lad grabbibg illegal settlement not follow U.N resolution,terror destroy the livewood of the palestinian people and I dont see any jew arrested for that, and if they do arrested them they are back with in hoursto do it again. Palestinian? life in jail! 10,000 plus palestinian in Israel jail.Talking about shalit not been see by red cross? what about a democratic israel that do the same!! Many palestinian dont know where their children are for years!!

Lynn Obama is the best thing happen to USA and Israel! the buffon is israel thinking that the world will keep bend and kiss their A-s-s with their illegal settlement, with their illegal land grabbing Time to treat them as adult not is spoil brat they are showing to the world that are becoming! Illegal settlement need to stop! The settler new was illigal land not for them to build!

which would entail listening to his ME advisors and his Secretary of State and his people who do have some foreign policy experience. As long as he has Emmanuel and Axelrod yammering in his ear, don't expect much from Obama.

Can't stand it when we're not to blame? It HAS to be OUR fault. It's ALWAYS our fault. We are a special people. All others point fingers to place blame. We can't rest unless someone is pointing a finger at us.

--Mr. Emmanuel is a far more astute chess player than he is generally being given credit for these days?

this would happen. He should never have been elected in the first place. Not one day of governing experience. Zero foreign policy experience. It shows. He's given Axelrod and Emmanuel too much power.

The obvious question is why he chose not to use them. After the Cairo speech there was an expectation that Obama was determined to take on the hard-right Israeli Gov't and he took the dramatic first step of demanding a total settlement freeze. Instead of using his powerful weapons - threatening a reduction of financial and military aid and withholding the UNSC veto - he haggled with Netanyahoo and received humiliation at every turn. The key question - after the health care and Afghanistan issues are resolved, will Obama become more forceful or will we have more of the same?

I appreciate the role The New York Times plays in our daily lives and most of its reporting is excellent. But it should definitely re- ceive a failing grade for not calling a spade a spade in this con- flict. It's morally reprehensive in my book to be on the side of the out- laws in Israel or indeed attempt to excuse or dismiss their crimes and their transgressions against the Palestinian people. Its writers and reporters should at least rely on the law of the land which is the fourteen justices who spoke with one voice in 2004 at the International Court of Justice inThe Hague and said Israel must withdraw its troops and dismantle and void all its structures in the Palestinian territories. There is no changing this ruling and everything is hearsay against the justices' ruling. This should be the legal authority the New York Times staffs should use to summons in the unruly in Israel.... Dutch

Maybe you did not know that 80% of the Jews in this country voted for Obama. As you might remember, he ran on the promise to keep Israel safe. I think most of these jews still support him for that promise and hope he keeps it.

$$$$ aid and arms to Israel! Blaming the Palestinians for their plight is standard pap too! But Appeasing Israel for the last 60 years has been quite alright with the Times,they were pure propagandists for the Iraq invasion to boot! The powerful Israel lobby and the fundamental Christian legislatures are some of the biggest problems and have handcuffed Obama from the start! Naming Aipacs Hillary as foreign minister who threw away the keys, was probably his first and worst decision in making any fair peace possible!......PEACE EVER?

This is why you hate Obama, because he know the play very well.

to finish, blame britain and its empire for causing problems all over the world. all they needed to do was create Israel and Palestine, but no they created Jordan which is really Palestine. So do have some respect for a democracy especially since you live in one.

I didn't take much away from this article. Our President has a credibility problem in the Middle East, largely because a country that can't stand behind their friends clearly can't be trusted by our enemies either, rendering peace initiatives much less effective. But this is not really news anymore. What's done is done. Time to move on.

Flora you live in a democracy so have some respect for another democracy. Israel is the only democratic country in the entire region so don't say stupid things 'it is becoming a monster' Talk some sense. If you want to criticise a country blame Britain and its empire for causing problems all over the world including the M

You are 100% correct. Obama must act as the President of the United States and start applying sanctions.

He has been running round trying to appease the muslims and arabs telling them basically America is on your side not Israels. Whatever you want from Israel I promise to get it for you. Now he is finding that its alot easier to make promises like this than it is to deliver. From early on Bibi committed not to build any new settlements and any ones that he expands will be built on existing land ( build up not out ). This freeze is an extension of that. He has never made any commitments on Jerusalem certainly not expanding naighborhoods like Gilo which are not settlements. Abbas has been led to believe that his wish was Obamas command so he is playing tough. Under Clinton or Bush he would have never said I will not even agree to talk to Bibi unless a freeze includes Jerusalem. So instead of a freeze that didn't include Jerusalem & talks we have a situation where because Jerusalem isn't included Abbas won't even talk. He needs reminding he is the one who wants the state not Israel.

And the NY Times has noted that he has been totally submissive to Netanyahu. Obama talks a good line, but he never fights for anything.

It has become popular to bash Obama. Everyone is doing it. Even I.

The W.H was spreading the word (see previous article in Newsweek that Emmanuel knows the Israeli mentality, understands the nuances of Hebrew and that he willnot allow Netanyahu to get away with his usual shticks. In fact Emmanuel was influenced by his ultra right wing Israeli father whose sympathies lie with the Likud and as such his advise would be tainted. There is no escaping the fact that Obama started his attempt to shore up his standing in the Middle East with all his rhetorical guns blazing but the bullets were made of words. He staked a clear cut position from which he seems to retreat. What is required is not a shotgun but a sniper's gun with few well aimed anti financial and political bullets that will do the job.The NYT puts the blame on him because that's where the buck stops. Blaming Israel is a waste of time because the ball is now in Obama's court.

and the buffoons he listens to.

I keep hoping it will change but I am getting utterly disgusted with it. My friends have since abandoned it and have opened their own websites. I imagine others feel the same way as they get millions of hits monthly.....Dutch

he should stop listening to Axelrod and Emmanuel. If he doesn't Repubs will take back Congress and he will be the lame duck. Clinton had the same problem in his first year. Look how well that worked out for him. Obama is makig a fool of himself, big time.

"Obama needs to make one vital change - get some balls." (Roo) That's all Roo? No details, nothing? How do you see him going about it? Go to the supermarket and get them? What to do with his own?.....

"His domestic policy is beholden to Wall St, his foreign policy hostage to Israel." Roo Roo, I agree and people I know are already disgusted. He better change things around if he wishes to survive.....Dutch

I believe that Obama's policies in the Middle East have not been helpful to achieving peace. He put more onus on Israel than the Palestinians. Why not compel both sides to talk without preconditions? What Obama has done is to make talks less likely than more likely. Since he has entrenched positions on both sides. Then Hillary Clinton praises Israel for concessions regarding settlements. Which is back tracking on earlier positions regarding settlement freezes. Then she backtracks again saying the concessions don't go far enough. It's like when I ask someone to check the right blinker on my car and the say, "It's OK, no it's not, it's OK, no it's not...."

The president I vote for need to stop saying Israel security is the outmost and USA will never change to protect Israel!This make Israel the monster that are becoming, why change when nothing will change in usa policy toward israel??Time to let Israel handle is own craziness what will happen to them let them worry about! Time to stop given billion of dollar and weapon!! this will make the regime in power think twice before speaking trash about USA goverment!! and MY PRESIDENT!I am fed up! with Israel

Obama thought that by being tough with Israel he would advance the solution. He had no clue of Palestinian mentality. They imagined that having their man in White House they can raise their demands and get everything they want. Because of Obama's failed foreign policy, the peace agreement now is the least propably than it ever was. As usual, when Palestinians are blefing thinking they can get more, they will get nothing.

The new York times is a dead newspaper no one realy cares anymore for it's news or it's opinion

The new York times is a dead newspaper no one realy cares anymore for it's news or it's opinion

Misleading N.Y. Times article. Is it criticising Barak Hussain Obama for not being tougher towards Israel, or is Barak Obama being kind to Israel ? And Rahm Emmanuel, did he imagine all he had to do was to advise Obama to declare settlements freeze , without even talking to the Israelis before the anouncement ? Rahm Emmanuel seems as naive as Obama. Diplomacy means first discussing in private the declarations that can be made Democratically otherwise they sound and are received as Dictatorial orders, and that cannot be accepted by Democracies.

Get some balls. Bush Snrs will do nicely. He ditched all his cards months ago when he said quite categorically that Israel's aid package was sacrosanct for the next 10 years.His domestic policy is beholden to Wall St, his foreign policy hostage to Israel.