Is the 'Obama effect' turning the world against Israel?

"That Utopian Palestinian state will never come to fruition by trying to destroy us. Work with us, not against us, and the ME will indeed become a better place." (Dutchy) Do you hear, Palestinians? Work with us, help us build more and more bigger and bigger settlements. Only then, believe me, I promise you, when all the Land is under our undisputed rule, the Utopian Palestinian state you are dreaming of, will come to fruition. Believe me. "We have not yet freed ourselves from the mindset of an occupier facing the occupied, unable as we are to relate to the Palestinians as an independent entity with its own national considerations. Our decision makers must be constantly reminded that Abbas is no quisling nor collaborator." Major General (ret.) Shlomo Gazit, first chief of Israeli operations in the territories (1967-1974), former head of Military Intelligence (1974-1979). Has served twice as President of the Ben Gurion U in Beersheva. www.geocities.com/keller_adam/gazit.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shlomo_Gazit Now, tell me Dutchy Dummy, is this Gazit one of "the many hateful armchair observers and anti-Israel know-it-alls" you mentioned in your #104 ?

I can't answer in this space. So, just a few words Obama has accepted the Keynesian approach to a crisis. That's fine in theoretical, normal economic times. But in our case the bubbles were created by criminal greed combined with general ignorance, at the highest level. A mess that no one understood. Obviously, correcting this mess is not understood either. The path Obama took, is WRONG. He tries way too many things at the same time. Not just deal with the depression, but also with environment, health, and so many other ideals. And the (printed) money thrown out, mindlessly, destroys the dollar. You can't print your way to prosperity!

Israel your actions are so loud we cant hear your words!!!!

An outstanding summary and analysis. Judging by the ludicrous reactions from the many hateful armchair observers and anti-Israel know-it-alls on this Talkback spectacle, Marcus must have hit the nail on the head. While the world ignores the real mayhem, murders and massacres, it spends most of its time and energy on our little anthill, this tiny spot on the globe. We cough, and there is Breaking News on all TV networks. We hit back, and the world stops working, sleeping and breathing, as if it cares. Because "the World" doesn't care an iota. Proof: the odd 25 hotbeds in the world, where millions are raped and slaughtered in reality (!) without end, without UN resolutions, without bigoted Goldstone reports, without Breaking News. Stop the lying and spinning about Israel, and that perpetual incitement to wipe us out. That Utopian Palestinian state will never come to fruition by trying to destroy us. Work with us, not against us, and the Middle East will indeed become a better place.

I can't answer in this space. So, just a few words Obama has accepted the Keynesian approach to a crisis. That's fine in theoretical, normal economic times. But in our case the bubbles were created by criminal greed combined with general ignorance, at the highest level. A mess that no one understood. Obviously, correcting this mess is not understood either. The path Obama took, is WRONG. He tries way too many things at the same time. Not just deal with the depression, but also with environment, health, and so many other ideals. And the (printed) money thrown out, mindlessly, destroys the dollar. You can't print your way to prosperity!

Israel better not forget the bitter lesson thought to us by Charles de Gaulle. When asked why France is dumping it friend Israel in return for favors from the Arab and Muslim countries his reply was that countries have no friends only interests. What was true for France in the sixties is true for the US under Obama. Israel must be ready to go it alone if necessary rather than to give in to pressure that is against Israel interest as an independent secure Jewish state, in secure borders including the Golan, and with united Jerusalem as its eternal capital. Anything less you might as well kiss Israel good bye.

End Occupation of ALL 1967 Occupied Territories only is the solution. Don't hesitate and play politics while Israel is the only Looser. That is my utmost advice to YOU Israelis. PERIOD.J-Post, Be couragous and show reality.

Dear Chris. Why are so passionate as if You making living from Israel? Israel left Gaza & left behind some infrastructure. Hamas began sending rockets into Israel. Why? Israel is not in Gaza , Hamas in power... What is the reason to bombard? Sign agreement, take obligation of security & with PA & Israel reach permanent solution which includes PA sovereignity over part of Mid.Sea What they did was kind of surprise : they started kind of war. 8000 missles it is war; actually, they declared war if intent to destroy a foreign state matters business. I do not know how much time would it take for US to respond if Iran does the same to US, no US civilian death included Or any other country. Take a wild guess. Your argument that Israel has no right to exist at all would certainly clarify everything. I do not know whether or not You make spiritual living from Israel but I would agree with You in sympathy to Gazans semistarving while by themself destroying infrastructure left to them.

polls show more greater than 50% find Obama not doing a good job international, and greater than 50% pro Israel

Palestinians in Gaza. You really should to find out the life the citizens are forced to to live, weather they want to or not. Certainly you will find some way to spin it around and blame Israel but if you do you will need to say that of all Muslim countries.

No one person or country is turning the world against Israel. It is Israel and its actions that are turning the world against Israel. The American people and the world turned against the US occupation of Veitnam and the occupation of Iraq. The Russian occupation of Afghanistan that turned the world against Russia. The Israeli occupation its colonialism of Palestine that is getting the world to revolt. There is no occupation the modern history that aims to ethnically cleansing the occupied land of its natives except Israeli occupation of Palestine. Israel is its worst enemy and is slowly self destructing..

Israel should give vocal support to Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan and push for American reparations to Iraq for the hundreds of thousands they killed there. This will give Israel a new lease with Obama. More than that Israel should favor thousands of Muslim Africans who are pouring into Israel from Egypt and resettle them in the West Bank. These Muslim migrants will be welcomed with open arms by West Bank Arabs.

Sorry to report, but the international disapprobation began with the very flawed policies of GW Bush; anti-Semitism and anti-Israeli sentiment peaked as his policies enflamed the Middle East and radical Islam. What Colin Powell has called the "Terrorism-Industrial Complex" designed to keep money flowing to an anti-terror establishment also bears a great deal of the blame. As I recall, it was Dick Cheney who urged the Gaza invasion, assuring Israel that Obama was a lightweight who couldn't win the presidency. You are seeing the fruits of Bush/Cheney, not of Obama.

How quickly we have forgotten that Israel must have been pressured like crazy to end the Cast Lead operation because Obama did not want this operation going on during his Presidential inaugural. Seems to me he owes the IDF.... BIG TIME.

Right now Israel as usual is on a constant alert of war. Israel is surrounded by countries that basically wish she were gone. WHY ? Because the rightful ownwers of the country are the Hebrew/ Jewish people. If Mexico was assaulting the country to take back Texas or Californai your army would have smashed the crap out of Mexico. The difference in the scenario is that you Americans fought Mexico to take California and Texas from Spain via Mexico. It was never yours to claim but what the heck..... You are the USA The Hebrew / Jewish people ARE the indeginous population of Israel. They are protecting what is theirs in the first place.

Well, what I see is, among others: - Israelis travelling around the world, being nice with other people, building up relationships and friendships, helping other people, e. g. in Africa (helping to fight against water shortage), in Asia (helping in view of disasters, tsunamis, earthquakes). - Israelis being restrained for years in view of terror attacks and rocket attacks on civilian Israelis. - Israelis having an open society, talking to strangers, helping strangers, meeting with strangers, inviting strangers. You should go to Israel and have a look!

There is no morally justifiable defense for what Israel is doing to it's subjugated population. Israel cannot spin it's way out of this one. The world is seeing Nut'n'yahoo's blackmail related to the Goldstone report for what it is.

"Golda Meir did not recognize that there are two peoples on the Land" (Vladimir) How true. Golda Meir did not, nor all the prime ministers who came after her, up to Yitzhak Rabin's second term, 1992-1995. You just put your finger, inadvertently perhaps, on the primary reason for our being today plagued by an Islamist enclave armed with homemade rockets, we are unable to live with, nor defeat. We who, in Golda's time, knew how to crush three Arab armies in six days. Way to go, leaders of Israel.

"The problem is that there is no Palestinian leader today who can speak in the name of a Palestinian state." (Marcus) Right. In fact the only correct statement in your article. Here too, the answer is simple: The real problem is that our leaders have done, and are still doing, their utmost so that there would never be any Palestinian leader able to effectively challenge their foolish settlement enterprise on a land outside Israel's sovereignty, amidst a foreign population. And that, from the day they started to act as if this stateless population would forever consent to be our silent and obedient subjects, -- up to the unilateral disengagement of summer 2005, that you much approved, didn't you? "Sharon must stick to his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip entirely by the end of 2005." Your words, in "Reports of his demise are premature", Haaretz, June 01, 2004. Ben Gurion would turn over in his grave were he to find what his heirs have done of our stunning victory of June '67.

There are signs that Obama is doing exactly the opposite of what he intended. Instead of promoting Peace he is distancing it. Instead of showing the world about the 'unbreakable bond' between the U.S. and Israel he is telling the world it is not much of a bond at all. It is to be hoped that he will wake up soon.

Is the Israeli leaders' policy turning the world against Israel? Yes!!!

Israel keeps repeating that Palestinian Intifadas are terror. Can Israel have the decency to face that facts? What do you expect from people who you teal their land, demolish their homes, ...etc. Ehud Barak some years ago said that if he is a Palestinian, he will do what they are doing. Israel has to face the fact, it weill never have peace and prosperity at the expense of the Palestinians. One secular state with equal rights for all is the only way forward. Otherwise, Israel will self destruct.

"But he is slowly, and surely, destroying the dollar. Hopefully not the US with it..." S. I have never been more saddened at the lack of acumen in the political classes when it comes to the economy as I have since Obama was elected. Regardless of whether you supported Obama or not(I guess I can safely assume that you didn't!) it seems to me that those with POLITICAL axes to grind are making all kinds of erroneous claims in areas like economics based on myth or plain mischief. HE will not destroy the dollar. The dollar will weaken as it has been in a long term decline for the last 24 years. America has been in relative decline for much of that period. It simply went largely uncommented on. Though not by any means completely uncommented on. Measured against the main basket of currencies the dollar plummeted under Reagan and having reached an intermediate high under Clinton, it topped out months after Bush Jnr took over in the W.H. Pleeeease check this chart. I believe a picture will paint a thousand words in this case. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2DePAZe2gA/R660Qg2g1CI/AAAAAAAAAiw/6T3c6Bgxspg/s1600-h/LTDX.png The dollar was actually substantially lower than it is today in March of 2008! In any case, the dollar will continue its long term decline as long as Americans continue to import for consumption and as long as corporations are permitted and encouraged to hollow out American industry by rapacious off-shoring of production. Whilst simultaneously domiciling in tax havens so as to avoid any burdensome contributions to their homeland. In any case Obama, despite his conservative approach to finance (Wall St has been in charge for some time now, even before Obama. Look back to Reagan, Clinton and Bush)the dollar actually needs to fall somewhat in order to choke off those pesky imports and stimulate a smidgen of domestic industry in the hope that markets elsewhere might once again buy some American goods. Apologies for the lengthy post, (you could have skipped it and just read the chart!). I actually voted for Nader ( no kidding) and would have supported Kucinich so I am not defending Obama. Just stating that he is one in a long line of false messiahs. Including Clinton and Reagan. I would just restate, best not confuse the falling dollar with Obama policies. Reality says otherwise. See chart.

"The world cannot stand Israel's success, could not destroy it in war ... " (Edifice) Poor poor little tiny Israel, - the only democratic country on earth to be still, after 42 years have passed, disputing its land to a foreign and stateless people - now having to confront the hostility of the entire world. Haven't we been warned, 29 years ago? "Not only will the effort to annex the territories not provide security; it will weaken the capacity to protect ourselves from our neighbors' hostility and THE OPPOSITION OF THE NATIONS." From an Open Letter to then-PM Begin, 1980, by Jacob Talmon (1916-1980), Prof of Modern History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and 1957 Israel Prize for Social Sciences. www.fmep.org/analysis/analysis/a-prophetic-message-from-the-past In 1980, our leaders didn't heed Talmon's warning, and obtusely kept denying the existence of a Palestinian people. Hamas was still an obscure little charity organisation, whose name no one had heard yet. Not until the first Palestinian uprising, seven years later.

It is NOT Obama turning the world against Israel. It is the world doing with Obama whatever they want. Obama's standing in the US polls is continuously going down; by now its already lower than Hillary's! Never mind politics, where he is good for nothing - he's only talking; other people do the work for him... the thinking too... Hillary for one...Mitchell...etc. But he is slowly, and surely, destroying the dollar. Hopefully not the US with it...

"Netanyahu ... need to do everything possible to implement his plan for two states for two peoples. That is the only way for him to be recognized as Israel's leader." What a silly statement! Golda Meir did not recognize that there are "two people" on the Land of Israel and did not implement "plan for two states for two peoples". However, she was widely respected and recognized as Israel's leader.

...you nailed it. Although that is not unusual.

Is there any explanation for Israel dropping this chemical weapon?

1. Before cast Lead Hamas was launching rockets day in day out into civilian towns killing Israeli children such as Dorit Benisian and Yuval Abebeh but you, your Turkish leaders ? who claim to be very sensitive about children being killed ? were all silent. Maybe your silence at that time makes you responsible a little bit of the dead in Gaza because if Turkey had used its influence over Hamas to stop rockets, cast Lead could be avoided. 2. Both Turkey and Israel geographically are in the ME but looking at the research and development, cultural connections Israel is a European civilization. Turkey was on its way to become one under Ataturk?s path but AKP changed its course towards middle ages. 3. Turkish foreign policy has lost its course as Hurriyet?s Cuneyt Ulsever has been writing. It has severed its relationships with Azerbaijan and it will never be able to keep its promises to Armenia upsetting USA and EU very soon. 4. Yes Israel needs Turkey and as many friends as it can however Turkey needs Israel as much. I know it I lobbied for Turkish causes in NY.

JP: "Cast lead not a squeeky clean war?" Gideon Levy had the correct analogy: you could call Operation Cast Lead "a war" in the same way that you can arrange a fight between Mike Tyson and a five-year-old and call it "a boxing match".

I have never read such a brilliant and well written article in Haaretz. Bravo, Mr. Marcus!

"Push the Jews into the sea" was the battle cry of your people. Who are you to now call "thief" at those who would not and will not be pushed? Answer: no one.

So what? None of them are. Why are people so frustrated, indignant even, by Israel's refusal to be judged guilty under Marquis of Queensbury Rules by the very same people who wink and laugh at the Rules as a matter of course? When people can't even acknowledge that Hamas fights from within, and dresses like, its civilian population for the very purpose of precitipating civilian causalties (both war crimes), why are they surprised when Israel won't accept their "judgment"?

John boy, was there a UN investigation and sanctions against Hamas during the 6 year period while rockets were pounding Israel? Where was the UN., Amenesty Internationl, and the rest of the bleeding hearts? The only thing I do regret, is that not enough of the enemy was destroyed.

At the "creation" of the state of Israel, Israel had no friends, so what has changed? Anti-semitism has always followed the Jews. Perhaps we should sell the state of Israel to the highest bidder. Thank goodness, Israel does what ever she has to do, knowing full well, that no one will support her in any case!

This huge swath of land was given to Emir Abdullah after he was evicted from Saudi Arabia. Brits were to weak to oppose Abdullah and his Beduin . You ripped off the pals ,Jordan, 80% Of the territory of the British Mandate could have been the national home of the pals. They constitute 70% ofpopulation of the Kingdom anyhow but have less representatives in your Parlament than the "Israeli" pals have in Knesset.

I suppose it can't be Israel making Israel look bad.

No, the world and it's representatives are in love with jews and their homeland ISRAEL. Now, if you believe that, then hyenas are vegetarians. Right?

The Obama effect ? How so ? Who spsit into whose face ? - "Bibi" into Obama's or the ithr way around. As far as everyoone knows, it was "Bibi" who threw his beloved settlements into Obama's face. David

The final nail in the coffin for many people was Operation Cast Lead, where we saw the most powerful military in the Middle East unleashed against a half starved civilian population consisting mostly of children who had nowhere to run.

You asked "How is it that no Goldstone panels were set up to examine the destruction Hamas sowed in Gaza or the murderous attacks that the terrorist organizations perpetrated on women and children in the heart of Israel?" You may as well have asked how is it that no Goldstone panels were set up to examine the destruction al-Qaeda sowed in New York, in Madrid, London and so on. Answering your question is quite simple: Because Israel is still seen as a civilized UN state member, committed to international law, and not as a religious fanatical terrorist organisation. Is that, Mr. Marcus, beyond your mental capacities to grasp?

but I am afraid very few will buy into it. The govt of Israel has clealry shown that it is more interested in land than peace. The twist is this: the Israelis have convinced themselves (and only themselves) that the brutal occupation is for "self defense". Otherwise they could not live with themselves and the truth of what they are doing would simply be unberabale. Try that for distorted views and the neeed for psychoanalysis.

Why are israelis worried? they will violation this UN Resolution like the other 70

Maybe, but this is no reason for the U.S. to support occupation and settlement policies that are 1)against U.S strategic interests in reaching a fair settlement so as to weaken support for Islamic extremists;and 2)are morally repugnant to most people in the world. Obama's opposition to settlements is part of a long history of U.S. statements and actions of regimes of both parties going back at least to 1976. As demonstrated by today's article about increasing settlement construction, Israel continues to buck our wishes re settlements. If Bradley Burston is correct that Bibi is not willing to give up area "C" then he is unwilling to meet even the minimum demand for a contiguous state that was voiced by that great friend of Israel, George W. Bush.(By the way, I disagree that Barak offered 97% of the West Bank to Arafat. This was under discussion at Taba, but Barak pulled the plug on Taba when he realized he lost to Sharon.) So the world's anger stems from Israel's acts, not from Obama's.

If you want to know what "effect" is turning the world against Israeli POLICY, look no further than the "Settler Effect" and the "Occupation Effect". Because while these were not the original cause of the conflict, they have since 1967 GROWN TO BECOME the issues that are sinking Israel in global public opinion.

Dropping phosphorous and dime bombs on unarmed civilians was the last straw for decent Christians.

"Over the past year, Israel has found itself having to fight for its honor and reputation". Well Mr. Marcus, if you do not want to be called a slut, do not work in a brothel.

have you no shame distoting and misleading the children of isreal . first you stole a country and instead of being nice and make peace you sawed death and destruction thru out your history . iam a seular arab i watch the insanty of your power and feel sorry for you because i dont think its the way to group the children of isreal in a country of there own

"The more we help Abbas, the more he bad mouths us"!! This statement is stunning in its assumptions. Marcus apparently feels that Abbas is a puppet of Israel and should do its bidding against the big, bad hamas. Typical divide and rule olicy. Israel has done nothing for Abbas but help undermine him and his authority. Has netanyah and his gang agreed to freeze anything? Have any of the 23 illegal outposts in Palestinian territory come down over the past 2 yrs? Has the Israel government shown the least amount of respect for President Obama or has it had its propagandists out there undermining him, setting up rumours and insinuations. Israel is an occupier, a stealer of land, whose intransigence is a core impediment to arriving at a solution to this conflict. It has chosen land and occupation of another people over the risks of making peace. The world is coming to understand that. All Israel has left, it seems, is to argue that there are worse actors on the stage anmd leave Israel alone.

The Obama effect if one wants to call it that, is the effect of polarization.Since he gave a speech in Cairo,only polarization abroad and home.The Americans "left"and"right"goes for each other throats.The "right"calls Obama a lier,and a racist(undeserved in my opinion). The"left"calls the "right"Neanderthals",and now there is a war between FOX and Obama.It is the same with Israel political scene. The Obama effect,turned the world against Israel turned Americans against Americans,and did't stop the Muslims from turning against the USA!

One constant Israeli refrain is the alleged double standard applied unfairly by the international community when comparing Hamas' actions and those of Israel. According to the Israeli mythmakers Hamas' rocket attacks are ignored by the world. This is simply not true. Everyone from the UN to Jimmy Carter has consistently and rightly condemned these attacks. Hamas is loved by no one and Israel does itself no good by asking to be fairly compared to them, especially when comparing a handful of casualties from these attacks over the years to thousands of dead Palestinians.

It is the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands which is turning the world against Israel. The final nail in the coffin for many people was Operation Cast Lead, where we saw the most powerful military in the Middle East unleashed against a half starved civilian population consisting mostly of children who had nowhere to run. Until Israel understands that, then Israel will become a pariah state, where the world's politicians will not be able to afford to be seen to support Israel. Hence what you are seeing today.

Israel is a Middle Eastern country with a 5 million population. You may have nukes but you can not use them so who cares? You do have a rich diaspora but the US financial system is in ruins, so who cares? You killed many children and women without mercy in Gaza and the world cares. Can you imagine for a moment that the cancellation is an indirect message from Obama to Israel through Turkey? This decision was given in Washington. Recognize this. Recognize also that Turkey is getting into strategic partnerships with Syria and Iraq as well as the Central Asian Turkic Republics. This relationship between Israel and Turkey has to be balanced justly. Israel needs Turkey badly, not the other way around.

it is the obama that take the face of Isrealis mask, it is whom he knows how devil are isrealis , how crue, how rude, how heartless, and how they act alike an rhines with no feeling.it is time the global hate isrealis goverment

Haaretz deserves credit for this article - one of the best I've seen on this site - and one of the most surprising for this liberal paper.

YES!!!

A very well written article. When Israels enemies are emboldend (via Obama's speeches) then war will result. Historically, when the enemies felt strong, they attacked. Israel needs to completely and utterly destroy her enemies in the next go round. You can only win by winning. So many Israel haters posting... wow feels like 1939 all over again... only this time the Jews can defend themselves!

unrestrained violence, paranoia and contempt for the rest of the world... if you can't see it already, nothing i can say will enlighten you

All these anti Israel posts attack Israel without ever attempting to focus on the other offenders. It got me thinking that it really is true that there has always been a double standard when Israel is in question? But why? Because subconsciously Israel is perceived as better than all the other countries by all the others and should therefore be held to a stricter set of ideals. Thanks to all the Israel-bashers for elevating Israel above all else. Don't worry be happy :)

Against Israel. Jews have always been the political fall guy for the world's ills. We have survived and will continue to survive but Obama has a short history as president.

Unrestrained violence? Specify! And while specifying don't forget to write about the unrestrained violence about the Palestinians, e. g. about Hamas throwing Fatah-men from the roof-tops....

I agree with you that you have to speak facts when you want to have an honest debate, however, what you mention is biased, among others because: 1. Also the USA violate human rights, e. g. in Irak, but there's no UN-report about them. 2. As Y. Marcus said: Palestinians kill Palestinians (Hamas kills Fatah leaders and Fatah kills Hamas leaders), and yet you mention only Israel. 3. Palestinians were asked to recognize Israel as Jewish State for going back to the negotiation table. Palestinians rejected. And yet you do not mention it.

.....has turned the world against Israel. Apart from the tremendous backlash due to operation "Cast Lead" (I still remember that terrible female spokesperson for the IDF, who came across like a human "ice block"....), most governements and citizens around the world didn't take it very well, that the Israeli people elected an extremist anti-peace governement into office, while having a super- dove with Mahmoud Abbas on the other side. Obama had nothing to do with that, he is simply confirming now people in their own views by jumping on the general public opinion train....

To blame Obama is only going to hurt Israel. Obama is much more popular then all of Israel's current and past leaders combined. Do not blame Obama because Israel will lose. Israel has already lost the public opinion in world that is if they care anymore. Seems the leaders in Israel do not care much about Israel being isolated and becoming the most hated country.

Spotting dishonesty in this essay is like noticing each potato in the potato bin. The piece largely consists of falsehoods, distortions, canards, etc. Indeed, it's a sort of compendium of dishonesty. I should go back and read it again. It'd be more interesting to see if it contains any accurate statements. After all, it might. It's possible.

This article is full of flaw and false allegations when infact the aparthied policies of Israel is to blame for Israel's woes. Israel is being isolated and has become the most hated country on earth only because of its continued atrocities human rights violations. Let's not hide the fact the war crimes committed by Israel in the name of protecting citizens. Enough is enough Israle must face war crimes in Gaza or else the world will fail to protect the innocent.

This would be hilarious, if it were not such blatant ill-conceived chutspa...

It's absurd. If he has any limitation, it's solely that it's become a tad obvious that he is Israel's puppet.

Time to stop constantly blaming the 'other', we are responsible for our own reputation and Bibi's foot-dragging coupled with Lieberman's bull-in-a-china-shop diplomatic style are what is turning the world against Israel.

'Anyone who expected Obama to put Israel at the top of his priorities made a mistake.' Oh you're one of Obama's priorities alright -- but not quite in the way you seem to assume. The whole 'everyone's against us' schtick is eerily familiar too. It's was believed -- and believed quite sincerely -- by various nations who shall remain nameless who subsequently went off the deep end, morally speaking. Everyone IS against you -- but for good reason. Read the Goldstone Report. Just read it.

yes

... it was so comfy with that last Bush around... ... Marcus would have wished the likes of him onto the USA forever...

'If Erdogan's intention is to weaken the supreme authority of the Turkish army and its ability to defend democracy in that country...' What can you say about a writer who seriously equates 'the supreme authority of the army' with 'democracy'? Of course, the statement becomes more explicable if one realizes that by 'democracy,' the author means nothing of the kind, but secularism and alliance with the West. Ataturk, for example, would be a 'democrat.' Mossadegh would not. Etc. I suppose Yoel Marcus should really explain that he is writing in code. Once this is understood, his meaning becomes clearer -- if not especially palatable.

Blame Obama, blame Goldstone, blame King Abdullah and Hosni Mubarak, blame Turkey... Perhaps it's time to stop and think why our policies are turning our friends against us as well as our enemies.

the election of barack obama has encouraged extremists of all stripes in the world. the u.s. is seen as weak and hesitant. obama's apology tours and pro-muslim stands have been a disaster for western democracies. his mid-east policies have frozen the peace process since he came to office. his policies on afghanistan and iran are unknown and not articulated. obama is neither feared, nor respected.

When given the choice, Israel chose illegal Jewish settlements over peace. The World has reacted accordingly.

Obama has kowtowed to Israeli pressure. He's allowed himself to be manipulated. The world is rightly turning against his weakness and refusal to face up to Israel's heinous behaviour. Decades of it.

The world has given its opinion of the doctrine that we have the right to come into a land and throw out the inhabitants because our ancestors lived here in the case of Serbia, but Israel continues to push that doctrine. Of course it is losing favor with the world.

Its about the time the world begins to actually open their eyes to the atrocities that Israel has committed. It's always poor Israel ... give me a break call a spade a spade. Its all a facade and one day it will crumble.

Israel's government and political establishment are turning the world against Israel. Don't blame anybody else, when the culprit is your own government, their voters and supporters.

The Jews, and now Israel since its inception, have been the wipping boys of the world from time immomorial. If israel were a poor unsuccesful country like most Arab contries, the world would not care, or obliterate it if it could not defend itself. The world cannot stand Israel's success, could not destroy it in war, so is now trying to do so on the diplomatic front.

If Ottoman Turkey killed Armenians and Hitler massacared Jews, this does not mean that Israel can kill Palestinians children with illegal phosphorus bombs and does not negate the fact that it did. There is no honor in any of the actions of the IDF both past and present. It is a ruthless mindless killing machine and needs to be ashamed of itself, an army of Orcs (as per Tolkein). The international community is finally waking up.

When I walk around with a dirty face, I cannot expect everyone else to clean it for me and then blame them for my dirty face. Forget about others and their dirty faces. Of course others have dirty faces too. So what. Clean your own and stop moaning.

"Netanyahu took a giant step forward when he proposed two states for two peoples." That "proposal" came out of gritted teeth, and there is not a single person on Earth who believes that Netanyahu meant it when he said it. "Go to Washington, Bibi was advised time and again. He went and he came back; he went and came back and offered them what he had proposed during his speech at Bar-Ilan University. " OK, so Marcus is pretending that Bibi meant what he said. Marcus is, of course, attempting to convince us of something that he knows to be untrue. Netanyahu's one and only concern is to ensure that settlement expansion continues. Q: Why? A: Because if it is then he couldn't care less wether (or not) his "proposal" is adopted by anyone, least of all by anyone in Israel. They remain what they have always been i.e. empty words uttered through clenched teeth.

Persians are no Arabs. Israel is loosing the moral high ground.

When the Republicans got through with the last government, they left this place in a shambles. Short of Obama, this country was ready for some kind of revolution which would have elected a President that would have been an isolationist, gotten us into a war with either the Chinese or the Russians, and tossed Israel to the wolves. Obama appointed people who were highly specialized in their fields to help solve this nation's problems. You have problems. I think you better find some Chinese Jews to solve them.

"The Obama Effect?" I'll echo what others have already commented: It's the ACTIONS of Israel that are having an effect. Don't you see or can't you acknowledge that it's your own ACTIONS that influence people's feelings, opinions, etc. The Gaza Blockade is what led me to become a vocal Israeli critic. The anti-Obama statements from your current leaders has added to this negative feeling. Not cooperating with Middle East peace proposals that have been "mouthed," for decades another complaint and pushing for war with Iran the final straw. Perhaps this is how your nation will continue to go. I sure just wish you would get out of our lives.

The are so right , it is the first time ever that Israel and the Jews are singled out as the cause of all evil. Tell lies long enough and most ignorant people and educated anti semites will believe anthing.

Remember? Remember GAZA? Obama has kow-towed to Israel. The blunt truth is that israel is turning the world against Obama - with Obama's co-operation. What price peace?

Israel's illegal settlements Israel's nuclear weapons Israel's weapons sales to China Dont blame Obama, the whole world has woken up to the apartheid policies of Israel. The world is also getting tired of Israel hiding behind cries of antisemitism when its policies are criticized.

There is no Obama effect. Israel has destroyed its own world image. The internet has gotten information out quickly demonstrating the vicious side of the Israeli occupation. Freedom of information will ultimately destroy any abusive regime.

It's not the Obama effect turning the world against Israel, it's the Israel effect... unrestrained violence, paranoia and contempt for the rest of the world.

Obama is not the one in blatant violation of UN resolutions,Israel is! Obama is not the one that sets out to circumvent the Int. Law Courts by killing off the Palestinian leaders then pretending there is no Palestinian leader to negotiate with, That's Israel! It's certainly not Obama's deplorable actions that compromises the Goldstone report, Its Israel savagery! Obama asked for a cease on settlements building to get the Arabs back to the negotiating table yet Israel refuse his wishes. Hope POTUS likewise ignores Israel when deplored to use the ONE US veto preventing the UN from implementing the wishes of the Int. Community.

Ignore your truth....Ignore your obligations....deny your part in your demise and cast the well worn sympathy vote....Sorry, the World is not buying...step up to the plate and regain your honour by discarding the settlements and the occupation.

I think some Israelis should look in their mirrors and ask the question - Mirror, mirror on the wall, why is Israel the pariah state of them all?

Barak never offered Arafat 97% of the territories. How is it that this fallacy survives? Why does the truth hurt so much?

Talk about victimization complex. This writer practically forces it down your throat.

you are confused by the fact that Obama came to office shortly after Operation Cast Lead. You need look no further than your own back yard. The world has been left shocked and disgusted by Israel's behaviour in Gaza. This conflict is about the theft of Palestine and now everyone knows it and everybody is watching your blockade of Gaza and theft of East Jerusalem. Operation Cast Lead will be around to haunt you for the forseeable future unless you prosecute the criminals responsable.

It's all Obama's fault? That's a feeble excuse. The real reason is that Israel is turning the world against Israel. Obama has his own 'world' problems. Losing the war of public relations by dissembling and being caught on video, Israel's impugning its own 'honor and reputation'. Would to God that's what it was fighting for. Republican or not, like Syria, Egypt and the former Iraq, it doesn't take a 'theocracy' to recognize that Israel is is doing to the Palestinians what the RSHA did to the Jews of Europe. Turkey , even its army, has realized that the Israel division of Bushco Inc, or vice versa, is not good for moslems, and arabs in particular. This is a wake-up call to get on with the peaceful solution to the Palestinian problem the Israelis have been lip-serving since they took the West Bank off the King of Jordan. If not careful, Israel could alienate currently 'peaceful' Arab neighbours, again.

I am afraid that Israel has turned the world against Israel and as a result of the media coverage of Lebanon and Gaza even the American Public is beginning to doubt... take the best deal you can, it won't get any better.

President Obama has acted "sternly" toward Israel, as part of his strategy to reach out to the Muslim world. Dump your friends whenever it's expedient, appears to be his modus operandi. The pro-Israel constituency in the United States, both Christian and Jewish, is watching him carefully and if he overplays his hand he will lose his exalted status as a unifier. Turkey is moving inexorably toward an Islamist state. The secular urban population is outnumbered by the religious rural population, a historical trend that probably cannot be reversed without civil war. Although the military is secular, it is gradually being populated with Islamists. Without a violent overthrow of the civilian government, the military cannot resist the Islamization of the government. Turkey is a lost cause.

Yoel - one should be careful about all this spinning. Is it your intention to create something as nebulous and easy to mis-understand as something called the "Obama Effect"? Do you intend to play into the insane, war-hungry, peace-fearing right-wing paranoia with this idea? Shame on you.

This is a pretty shoddy article. It's all over the place! There is no real explanation of this so-called Obama effect and it only makes up a line or two of this meandering unfocused article. Thumbs down.

What you see from your rooftop, he sees from a high-precision satellite. ("Israel needs legitimnacy to wage war and peace"): www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1121263.html#