Our Golda Meir? A stateswoman and leader?

Olmert-Rice

In today's print edition Aluf Benn and I report on the relations between Prime Minister Olmert and State Secretary Rice: Upon her return to the region last week, Rice was met by Olmert's lack of interest again. "His willingness to promote the negotiations has cooled down," one of her advisers noted. At their meeting, Olmert rejected her offer to engage in negotiations on a permanent peace agreement with the Palestinians, which were designed to present them with "a political horizon." He answered that they had to first release IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who was abducted by Hamas on June 25. Rice contented herself with minor and technical "achievements" such as the appointment of Security Coordinator Lieutenant General Keith Dayton to reorganize the forces loyal to Abbas.

Olmert is making use of the differences in opinions among administration members regarding the diplomatic process' chances of survival and viability. Rice and her Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, have concocted an initiative aimed at strengthening Abbas and coaxing the Palestinians into combating terror. They sought to demonstrate to moderate forces that they stand to gain from combating terror by holding negotiations over the nature of a future Palestinian state.

Read the full story here.

Pelosi-Golda

In one of the most memorable dinners I had when I was just beginning my introduction to North American Jewry more than a decade ago, I was struck by the first question my gracious host decided to ask me: So - what do you think about Golda?

I was rather young and inexperienced back then, and didn't quite know what to say. The only thing I could come up with was: Well, I don't think about her often.

Today, I was reminded of this moment of embarrassment, as I heard the speech made by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Israeli Knesset. It was a fine speech but revealed, yet again, a common cultural misunderstanding by Americans in regard to former Prime Minister Golda Meir. Americans still adore this unique and courageous woman, Israelis remember her mostly for her failure in the 1973 war. No Israeli leader in his right mind would bring up Golda as an example of excellence and distinction, but I heard many Americans do it. Thus, this statement by Pelosi must have seemed strange to her listeners: "I stand with you tonight, conscious of all that you and I owe to the hopes and dreams of generations of Israeli and American women. I think especially of Golda Meir, the stateswoman, leader, mother, and grandmother whose legacy we both share."

Obama-Factor

Have you noticed that The Israel Factor was updated?

In my analysis to the seventh survey I wrote this: The new survey, expectedly, carries a mixed message on Obama. It was conducted after the speech and the panelists all read it and some of the news reports covering it.

A glass-half-full analysis would emphasize the fact the Obama's marks are higher now (5.12 compared to 3.87 in survey 6), that he is no longer considered as the last, or second-to-last candidate in the eyes of the panel - as he was so far. Obama came ahead of Chuck Hagel (which he did in the past in some of the surveys), but also ahead of Mike Huckabee and almost tied with Clark and Dodd. The speech itself and the things Obama had to say about the Palestinians, Syria and Iran were received favorably.


But there's also a glass-half-empty argument to be made here. Obama is still considered a candidate that's not as friendly and supportive as those leading the pack. The panelists, in written responses, explained that they are still bothered by his "lack of international experience," "ideological tendencies and constituency," and "emphasis on international organizations." One of the panelists expressed doubt as to his true feelings and said, "We don't know and have no way to know to what extent he really means what he says." The panel agrees - it was skeptical when we asked if the speech reflects Obama's actual views. However, some stated that, "The mere fact that he made the effort is encouraging and telling."

More about the new Factor survey in the coming days.