U.S. isn't a neutral mediator between Israelis and Palestinians

wavelength In all the time we've been posting to one another, I can take pride that I never, ever tried to deceive you As you well know, in most instances I included a link so you could check for yourself I always thought the Conspiracy theorist were nuts, Kevin prove it

I went to that link too and it looked like a load of old rubbish...

Are just a bunch of screwballs Do you really think that if there any possibility of 9/11 having been other than what it was, that the survivors and families of those that died on 9/11, would have kept silent? Hardly likely If the theorists had any evidence to present, they would have flaunted it for the world to see, the didn't because they don't have any I went to that link, as far as I can determine it's all hogwash

to enhance your very limited knowledge Johnboy SCUDS & TUNNELS 4/26/10 if you`ve ever seen an "Special Olympics Event", most of the participants are perpetually laughing "Syria sends Hizballah Scuds in disassembled batches DEBKAfile Exclusive Report April 23, 2010, 11:54 PM (GMT+02:00)Tags: Hizballah Scuds Syria Scud ground missilesSyria has smuggled three consignments of disassembled Scud A ground missile components across the border to the Lebanese Hizballah, debkafile disclose from Middle East intelligence and military sources Friday, April 23. They do not add up to a complete set of parts for an operational Scud missile. However, another five shipments, awaiting handover at Syrian border bases will provide the missing elements for complete weapons. Israel`s defense minister Ehud Barak disclosed Friday night that Syria had transferred "Scud missile parts" to Lebanon, refusing to elaborate. Here`s a few links, enjoy, they know a heck of lot more than you pretend to know http://www.debka.com/article/8738/ http://www.shalom-shalom-jerusalem.org/hezbollahroots.htmlhttp://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Libya/Missile/index.html

Try this site, dear: 911truth.org Flawed? Oh, no. FLAT OUT LIES!!!

I've heard many conspiracy theories and wondered if Kevin knew another one! I read about "dancing Israelis" but was not convinced by the report that it was genuine. As you say, we know who masterminded and carried out 9-11. Did you notice Potobac still can't find his Questions??!

As are all the 9/11 conspirqcy theorists Planes were hi-jacked by ARABS, they've all been identified Of course there are those loose cannons out there that claim that G.W. Bush was behind it or they heard about "Dancing Iraeli's" witnessing the planes hitting the Towers from some point in New Jersey Mind you, everybody heard it from somebody else, nobody witnessed it in person While Kevin's waiting for the 9/11 investigations to be opened, they might open his skull, to see if there's any brains inside

The ship Liberty was named after the type of ship it was Your name calling is worthy of you, that's your lack of style Re-open 9/11, you'll really prove once and for all that you're a true nutcase Bellevue awaits, check into the rubber room reserved in your name

R.A U.S. Army Combat Engineers, I finished service with my brains intact, sorry same can't be said for you

"I want the 9-11 investigations reopened!" Have you reason to believe the original investigation was flawed?

"Money may make the world go around,but it is unseemly and VULGAR" Israel is free to refuse America's vulgar money at any time. But it doesn't and won't...

He was talking about the "USS Liberty", and not liberty ships. But nice try, Zionist cretin. You should look in the dictionary under the term "idiot". It will have a picture of YOU. And it's funny you should mention false-flag operations, something the Mossad is famous for. I want the 9-11 investigations reopened!

There are "bad guys" all over the place, look in any direction from Israel.

Their interest is not the "shared vision" of the world and the ME as Israel has with the US. They are not democrats or republicans and have virtually no idea of a modern democracy. After 15 or 20 years of development and progress, the circumstances might be different?

What are you smoking Bar el? The US is waging a world war against radical Islam and it's strongest ally the provider of top intel unobtainable by any other player, the only secure base and buffer in the heart of the enemy's territory, the only long time strategic asset in the region is ISRAEL and you write all that crap.....grow up, get a brain and stop smoking....

Palestinians must get the same armaments and aid before the US can be a truly neutral mediator.

Who invited the US to get involved in these negotiations? Nobody Ho Chi Minh. The US was an univited guest to crashed the the party. Some people have no delicacy in their manners it seems.And the US shows lack of it in great quantity.No political savoir fair,acting like COUNTRY BUMPKINS.Methinks they should learn how the ancient Chinese would have behaved under the circumstances.Money may make the world go around,but it is unseemly and VULGAR.

Of course you had to try twice, what I said the first time around didn't penetrate I mentioned nothing about the El Quseir, just discussed Liberty Ships, how many built and what remained at the end of WW2, which were available to anyone with the money to buy one Of course, in your expertise, you never heard of ships sailing under false colors, it's as old as ships that have sailed the seas It's no wonder you retired, you had lost your sense of reason and evaluation Any military under threat would attack, look at what happened at Mei Lai, or the casualties to your own troops by "Friendly Fire"

Mr. Silver, You would be wise not to presume upon American attitudes. They are many and varied and many would not be too predisposed to see eye to eye with you. For most in my community, the sanctity of the Jewish claim is above question and we would be more than willing to fight to defend it

The US most likely feels confident it can "deliver" the Pals to a settlement because the PA's strings are pulled in Cairo and Riyadh and D.C. However, delivering Israel is another matter. 2 decades of having a settler-run foreign policy may have played well domestically, but it has left Israel in a ridiculously untenable position regionally and internationally. Obama's team is honestly trying to make Israelis see it. The first step to getting out of a hole is to stop digging. If you secretly oppose a 2-state solution, then by all means, attack Obama. But if you want it, you have to do your part to advance it and stop the incitement. If it turns out there's no PA partner, so be it. But its absurd for Israel to keeping building while blaming the other side.

I think it high time that Mr.Obama be made to finally understand that Jerusalem is a Jewish city and is not and never has been on the table for any negotions with any foreign power or state including the Palestinains. It must be recognised that Jerusalem is the capitol of Israel and the American government must move its Embasy there in recognition of that fact. Refusal to do so only encourages Arab stubborness in its refusal to recognise the legitimacy of the Jewish state. America cannot be called a true ally of Israel so long as it refuses to recognise Jerusalem as the Capitol of Israel.

Ross, there are about 18,000 Jews and a similar number of Druze in the Golan. The Druze are loyal to Syria and mostly refused Israeli citizenship, so for them a return to Syria is no problem. The 18,000 Jews will need to be evacuated. This is about twice as many as those evacuated from Gaza, but much fewer than the number of settlers that will have to leave the West Bank under any arrangement (estimated as 60-80,000). So no big deal, in relative terms. Talking about "evil regimes" is Bush talk, leading to immense disasters, as Bush got himself into. Dictatorships cause many people to die. This does not make the Syrian regime particularly evil. Now, considering that in Hama Papa Asad was fighting fundamentalist Sunis, and that Bush caused the death of probably a million plus, I don't know who is more evil but I know who is dumber.

You're enthusiasm is misguided. You speak as a Jihadist. Israel has higher authority and is in that land solely because of it. The U.S. Gov't is not-contrary to public opinion-this world's highest authority, but instead will some day answer to it regarding Israel.

The US has never been neutral when it comes to the Palestinian Problem, and It will never be as long as we are dealing with an Israeli Occupied Congress. Who on earth dares to be less than a full supporter of Israel in the Congress ? The very few who dared like Paul Findley are only a memory and an example for every member of the Congress. If the Congress is a blind supporter of Israel, it doesnot make a difference whether its democratic or republican dominated, then the President ,whether Obama or any one else, can do very little to pressure Israel especially when mid term elections for congress is very close. The U.S. can not be a serious and unbiased broker in the Middle East process and it will not be for a while.

Ross, there are about 18,000 Jews and a similar number of Druze in the Golan. The Druze are loyal to Syria and mostly refused Israeli citizenship, so for them a return to Syria is no problem. The 18,000 Jews will need to be evacuated. This is about twice as many as those evacuated from Gaza, but much fewer than the number of settlers that will have to leave the West Bank under any arrangement (estimated as 60-80,000). So no big deal, in relative terms. Talking about "evil regimes" is Bush talk, leading to immense disasters, as Bush got himself into. Dictatorships cause many people to die. This does not make the Syrian regime particularly evil. Now, considering that in Hama Papa Asad was fighting fundamentalist Sunis, and that Bush caused the death of probably a million plus, I don't know who is more evil but I know who is dumber.

"... the buffer that israel provides would be gone...." Ha HA - what buffer ? Don't flatter yourself -The Shia and Sunni hardly need the sliver Israel as a buffer to have a go at thmselves :) If anything. Israel the "buffer" is the one thing that unites them David

"Now America is helping Israel try to prevent Muslim-Arab occupation and hegemony over its territory" You have it backwards, utagawa. "Muslim-Arab occupation"?? Aren't you confusing this with the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian West Bank?? "hegemony over its territory" Israel has hegemony over Palestinian territory, or didn't you know that?

Good thing YOU didn't stick around long enough to retire - LOL! So Ben, how did the Liberty stack up to the 'El Quseir' - the Egyptian supply boat Israel CLAIMS it thought it was attacking - on a clear sunny day? Do you know? Let me help: USS Liberty-Lngh-455 ft/Displacement-10,680 tons El Quseir-Lngh-275 ft/Displacement-2,750 tons. Kind of hard to mistake one for the other - especially after a couple of flyover's to indentify it before the attack began. And by the way, what's all the jibberish about anyone could buy one, and a flag, and speak English? HA HA HA! What military in its right mind would attack a so-called ally's ship based on those presumptions before going to great lengths to verify? Talk about wild stabs in the dark!

Tony, I don't know if you're a real Dane or a Muslim masquerading as a Dane, but I just want to say this to you: Denmark was very happy to get America's help in getting rid of the Nazi occupiers, and it was also blessed to have America protect Denmark against Soviet occupation. Now America is helping Israel try to prevent Muslim-Arab occupation and hegemony over its territory. Don't you think it's a little selfish of you to have been helped by the U.S., but to try to deny that help to others? "It is about time that America has stood up to Israel. Israel has used its military might to do whatever it wants. Israel settlements within Palestinian territory are clearly illegal. Americans are getting sick of backing an ally who acts so arrogantly. Lets see how tough Israel is without America?s support."

Israeli society is a very sick society that gets joy and pleasure out of coming to "pray" over other people?s homes accompanied by armed police. Yes, Israel. The World is beginning to really understand what you are about and don?t like it one little bit. This has to stop. It?s madness. It is not anti-Semitic or self-hating to question such sick behavior.

It is about time that America has stood up to Israel. Israel has used its military might to do whatever it wants. Israel settlements within Palestinian territory are clearly illegal. Americans are getting sick of backing an ally who acts so arrogantly. Lets see how tough Israel is without America?s support.

Obama should aggressively pursue to explain the whole USA, on TV, the dirty business of AIPAC, Wall-Street, anti-Medicare block, war-lobby, gun-lobby and everything. So that at least once, people of America hear these from a US president.

trying to solve the Arabs/Israeli conflict. Israelis are taking everything that they could put their hands on, even though the Palestinians are not giving anything due to the fact that their hands are tied up. What Bibi does not want to see is that SOONER than later, the country will be ISRAPAL.

you stated "that is the correct role of the military chief. he informs his civilian superiors on what he thinks can be accomplished, but not on what should be accomplished." 1. wouldn't that mean that instead of being an 'advisor' with a mind and rational (from experience) and an opinion...etc. he is simply a tool with a function and nothing else. Isn't that how a dictatorship functions? They simply act according to what they're ordered to do and not question anything or give their opinion on anything? 2. If many civilians ask their leaders for answers, explanations, and what they think could/couldn't happen in a given circumstance...etc.. isn't that part of the democratic system? You seem to suggest that basically both the military leaders and the people should shut up and not ask questions and just blindly follow whatever their leaders say. Very much the same as the dictatorships you keep condemning and the opposite of the democracy you keep praising. Please explain

"President must go to Congress for approval to use the military for any and all conflict resolutions, no matter where they are." So what happened in Cambodia and what happens if America decides to use proxy forces like the Contras to do their killing?

Look here chum,if my addendum had been published you would have gotten the gist of what I was trying to point out. i.e The US,plus a great many countries attacked confiscated land through wars,FACT,right? So,in my addendum I pointed out this fact pertaining Israel being bashed for acquiring land through wars faught by blood,sweat and TEARS.And what does the world say?They blame Israel for defending itself. I am no a liberal I assure you.More of a rightist through and through. I had precisely mentioned Mexico for the same reason.i.e The US lost to Mexico. In a post to Stephen Conner,seeing James had already gone and I took it upon myself to explain it to S.Connor.The rest you know. Now I hope Haaretz publishes this to set the record straight,okay?

Why would anyone volunteer for such a thankless task if they didn't have an interest in seeing things solved? There's no real argument here. As things stand at the moment there's only one party that is out of line. It has to be made to toe it, is all. A state run by zealots is a failed one.

The Palestinians from down under can argue rant and rave and continue to post rubbish ,yet the simple facts remain ,May 1948 ,two states ,side by side ,living in peace and prosperity,it,s the same old translating skills with these stupid Palestinians?

Now you say that the American are not a neutral party. Why did not you say the same during Buss Administration? Buss was the least neutral party that exists, and he was the best up to the Israel eyes. Finally the Americans, that you also adore because all the power that you describe-- set a limit, you can not stand by. There are very few neutral things in the life, and in politics cero. ana

The US invited itself.

The "conditions" that the arabs are putting forth amount to the eventual destruction of the Jewish state called Israel and its replacement by an arab majority. That is not acceptable to the Jewish state. Even if the arabs all got together and said in English that they do recognize Israel as a Jewish state, who would beleive them? Whats the point of negotiating? The moslem world is a strategically impregnable morass. Oother nly a massive incurable disease can stop them now. There are no good alternatives. You cnnot walk away from confronting them because they will come after you. I wonder if a terrorist aqttack that killed , say 50, 000 europeans would change any opinions in Eurabia

"Muslims cannot accept that anyone but Muslims rule in a land that was once part of Islam." Jews cannot accept that anyone but Jews rule in a land that was once part of Judaism. Someone has to get a hold of reality. Actually, although Muslims once ruled in the Iberian peninsula Sicily and Malta, and the Muslim Ottomans possessed Greece, the Balkan countries, parts of Hungary and Roumania, Armenia, etc., no Muslims are trying to get back any of the aforesaid territories. But after almost 2 millennia, Jews have decided that since the kingdoms of ancient Israel and Judaea were once in that part of the world, Palestine must belong to Jews.

"As an Israeli, you should know better than anyone that the Palestinians have had opportunity after opportunity to have a country." The Palestinians always had a country, the area ruled by the Ottomans until their expulsion in 1917, then the British declared it a Mandate, but it was still their country, they had been living there as the natives for centuries. Why should the Palestinians have allowed a group of immigrants from Europe and America take a part of it to make a Jewish state? Duh.

So 22 Arab nations and 57 Islamic nations against Israel is unfairly balanced in Israel's favor? I wonder why that is. "If USSR still existed, there would have been soma ballst to counter this unfair disequlibrium."

You're living in your own little fantasy world There were more than 2000 Liberty type ships constructed, of which some 800 were fully useable at the end of WW2, they were sold for commercial use Anyone could have bought one, bought a flag and displayed it on the deck or mast Although the radio room communicated in American English, that's no novelty, many foreigners, inclduing Netanyahu speak perfect American English The U.S. isn't about to fulfill your wish to engage the IDF in warfare 1) She doesn't have the troops to spare 2) The U.S. is involved in more wars than she's able to handle, Iraq & Afghnistan to be specific 3) "Locked & Loaded", I think YOUR safety is off If you're so all fired enthused, RE-UP

for America's problems with the Arabs. The Americans would never think of blaming themselves for their oil-greedy energy grubbing machinations in the Arab world.

Zvi Bar'el and Nehemia Shtrasler have both written excellent editorials. I hope Bibi heeds your advice, for the sake of Israel's long-term security. I personally see Jerusalem as a Jewish city, but whether a united Israeli Jerusalem is worth continual war is ultimately for Israelis to determine. The West Bank settlements are illegal and the people living in them are causing the State of Israel trouble and expense. They clearly are NOT worth it, and even some in the IDF are starting to think so.

"Israel IS the most REAL country on earth!" If so, what are you doing in Canada?

.... a war of annihilation against Mexico in 1847, I wonder if your expertise in the subject includes what happened in 1836 at the Alamo? Or do you consider two survivors to be not "annihilation"?

As does the preponderance of evidence; including the total lack of feasibility in Israel's account of the incident.

Strange isn`t it then, that Israel has gotten ever larger while the Palestinian territories are slowly being wiped off the map.:::""" No it is not strange!!! Palestine was/still is a name for a R E G I O N not a nation or a country therefore, the map youre talking about is Egypt or Jordan where those folks stranded belong

How do you know he has not done so,with some intermediaries? If he has not pursued it perhaps it was because of Israel's objections? Be that as it may Logios,the population up north in the Golan there is a great number of Druze who would not countenance living under the Syrian regime I assure you.Their life is very comfortable calm and beneficial being under the Israeli jurisdinction rather than under a harsh the Syrian harsh regime with all it implies. There are of course the Jews too who live up there in great numbers.They too would not appreciate being under Syria's thumb heaven forfend. It would never be acceptable at all. Unless of course you want a huge uprising to incur. Bear in mind the total population exceeds nearly over 50.000+ souls who now live in relative peace where before they had to endure the constant rockets lobed off as it does now in Sderot,Ashkelon,the Negev. Additionally, where are you going to relocate those at present residing there? Methinks you are way above yourself.Sorry in your enthusiasm to bring the dismal scenario into fruition would be deadly.I hope to heaven it never comes to pass. Syria/Assad ARE EVIL not to be contemplated under any circumstances Remember papa Hafez who murdered 20.000 + of his people at Hama without blinking an eye. There it is.

When I read your cut and paste, I had a hard time getting through it. I cried and cried. Especially the parts about the annihilation. It disgusted me even more than a tie-died liberal like you. Then I remembered the Alamo. You are really a jerko, Stephen.Ja

"Fatah is better than Hamas, but it is also weaker. Most people will gravitate toward strength over weakness even if it is more brutal in desperate time."AWJ You have unwittingly identified the reason Israel beats upon Hamas. Israel cannot survive without a bad guy. Fatah was the non partner in Peace just two years ago. Now it is Hamas. It,s getting tougher though for the Zionist war/propaganda machine to keep coming up with non partners in peace. Was always going to fail. People are not blind , much as zionists would like to think they are. As to your faux concern for Palestinians --give me a break. You could care less. Oh the planes are flying again. Stockholm awaits you.

The US should step down from the thankless task of mediating this mess and let someone neutral take over. Perhaps Japan would be willing to take this on?

And it about the USA versus Mexico. Lost to Mexico we Stolen Birthright: The U.S. Conquest and Exploitation of the Mexican People The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Mexico ultimately lost the war because of the ruthless application of superior firepower against both military and civilian targets by U.S. Army and Navy forces. It began as a war of attrition that American field commanders were willing to escalate into a war of annihilation. Hostilities officially ceased in late October of 1847, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, formally ended the conflict. The U.S. War on Mexico secured Texas as part of the southern empire of slavery and took another 1,370,154 square kilometers (529,017 square miles) of land, nearly half of the original territory of Mexico, as spoils of war. Including the land of the Spanish cession and the annexation of Texas, by 1848 the U.S. had expropriated a total of 2,567,111 square kilometers (almost one million square miles) of land from its southern neighbors. The fertile coastal plains of Texas and California and the bountiful high plains of the Edwards and Colorado plateaus and the Llano Estacado, vast areas that have produced enormous wealth in minerals, oil, beef, cotton, corn, sugar, and other agricultural commodities. Gone were the fecund Central Valley in California, Gila River Valley in Arizona the Mesilla Valley in New Mexico, and Rio Grande Valley in Texas, cornucopias that would come to feed so much of the U.S. population. Stolen from the Mexican people were the treasures of the Sierra Nevada, the lower Rocky Mountains, and the upper portions of Sonora and Chihuahua that have produced copious amounts gold, silver, copper, and other minerals. Expropriated were the important rivers and abundant forests of the American Southwest. Annexed to the U.S. were the key seaports of California and Texas -- San Francisco, San Pedro, San Diego, Port Isabel, Corpus Christi, and Galveston -- all destined to become thriving centers of commerce and industry. Denied to Mexico were the important trade centers of Sonoma, Santa Clara, San Juan Bautista, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, San Fernando, Los Angeles, La Mesa, San Gabriel, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, El Paso, San Antonio, and Laredo -- the Spanish names protest the theft.

The Palestinian plight is regrettable even for someone who is pro-Israel.The problem is that most Palestinians have not had the opportunity to participate freely and productively in their own societies. Fatah is better than Hamas, but it is also weaker. Most people will gravitate toward strength over weakness even if it is more brutal in desperate time.

the facts are impossible to dispute....jews are a semitic tribe speak hebrew, practice judaism and have a longer history in m.east than arabs ...and obviously israel is a m.eastern name. so where should it be...obviously the m.east. white europeans speaking euro languages in nth,sth and central america, auz, nz.....hello, who are the settler invaders ? but then u r not interested in facts.

..The strategic threat started on Sept 11th; and then intensified when the USA sent troops into Iraq. Bush's W.House didn't talk about it. Obama's W.House is telling it the way it is. CJK: Civilians control the military in USA; if the Pres says stand next to me, the officer accepts his order. Dino's description of the photo opp is so appropriate.

Without American Pressure on Israel, little will move in the direction of peace. The Obama administration should learn the lesson of the Papa Bush administration and apply some serious pressure on the Netanyahu government. The Likud government at the time, headed by Shamir, was hard line. Secretary of State Jim Baker announced in 1990 that when Israel is interested in peace, she should call the White House telephone number (and publicly gave out the number). In 1991, Israel was facing a flood of Aliya from the former Soviet Union. She asked the US for loan guarantees to absorb the immigrants. Bush refused. When AIPAC tried to get Congress to approve the loan guarantee anyhow, Papa Bush came out and complained publicly about the armies of lobbyists employed. AIPAC realized this would anatagonize the American people and gave up the battle. In addition, Bush started voting for some "unpleasant" Security Council resolutions. Israelis are no dummies, and realized the disaster that Shamir was taking them into. In the 1992 election, they replaced Shamir with Rabin. Obama should do the same with Netanyahu. Get rid of the disaster by discrediting him and his policies in the eyes of Israelis. Example: Allowing the Security Council to condemn Israel for building in Jerusalem will be an unmistakable signal.

Of course there is no mistake in trying to solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem. This would take care of a good chunk of Middle East problems. But the Obama mistake is that he did not start by pushing Israel into peace with Syria, that is, pushing Israel to give up the Golan. Peace with Syria can be settled within six months since all the issues have been discussed and the solutions are known. Even Netanyahu, during his first PM term, agreed to give back the Golan in return for peace. And the older Assad agreed to peace on this basis. (Barak became fearful, but Clinton did not pressure him.) Likud, and the other Greater Israel idealists, know that the Golan is not part of historical Eretz Israel (where the 12 tribes dwelled), so pressure can persuade them. Peace between Israel and Syria will choke off weapons to Hizballah (and even Hamas), and reduce Iran's standing in the region. It will also weaken the Palestinians, making them more amenable to compromise. After that relatively easy step, the US should have turned to peace with the Palestinians. But Obama was inexperienced, and has a weak Foreign Policy team. Obama also believes in his power of persuasion and may not understand illogical people. But I think he learned much by now, and can still correct his path.

Israel had some positive strategic value to the US during the Cold War with the Soviets. At the time, the dictatorships in the region were pro-Soviet, Israel was pro-West, Israeli victory over the Arabs meant victory of Western weapons over Soviet weapons, and this general framework was used to evaluate the "worth" of countries. We have a completely different geo-political background today. Sovietism has been discredited, and Egypt turned Westward soon after 1973, even before the collapse of the USSR. The US can now look at specific interests in the area, mostly assuring oil supply and diminishing Arab hatred towards it. Is Israel of any help in these matters? Quite the opposite. The Palestinian problem is used as means of recruiting volunteers for al-Qaida. And when Iraq took over Kuwait in 1990 and war ensued, the US had to PAY Israel not to get involved and not to respond to missiles by Saddam that were meant to confuse Arabs and their loyalties. Quite simply, Israel only means strategic trouble for the US. If there is "value" to Israel it is in its shared democratic and humane tradition with the US. If Israel refuses to engage in peace efforts, one wonders how long (I mean "short") it will take for the US to completely remove itself as Israel's "best friend" and Defender in Chief.

What happened under Oslo wasn't Arafat's salami, it was Sharon's pastrami... Far from shaving off pieces of Israel, Oslo gave Israel a free ticket to carry out plans designed specifically to prevent peace and eliminate any chance of the creation of a viable Palestinian state. That this was done behind the facade of peace negotiations for a two-state-solution just goes to show why it's impossible to believe the GOI has - or has ever had - any real interest in peace. "We'll make a pastrami sandwich out of them. We'll insert a strip of Jewish settlements in between the Palestinians, and then another strip of Jewish settlements right across the West Bank, so that in twenty-five years' time, neither the United Nations nor the United States, nobody, will be able to tear it apart."

most fair and diligent participation in the UN HRC. They show such a balanced outlook when it comes to the Isreli issue. Why aren't you? As for the rest, what is your stake in the aid to Israel from the US?

what saddens me is they aren't seeing how used they are by the rest of the Muslim states.

President must go to Congress for approval to use the military for any and all conflict resolutions, no matter where they are. Congress has already passed a non-binding resolution in support of Israel. Obama knows where the Congress stands on this issue. It will not happen.

Mr. USMC, The sinking of the USS Liberty was a tragic accident. The very implication that an ally as close as Israel to the US would deliberately target a US asset in a manner that would necessarily result in US casualties is PREPOSTEROUS. If they had wanted to accomplish what they are rumored (in the least reputable circles) to accomplish, there are so many more sophisticated means. If nothing else, Israel has a world wide reputation for expertise in "sophisticated means." Peace. Stephen

Congress won't let that happen. We don't live under a dictator.

"Washington has since taught the world that when it draws its map of interests, it is willing to use its military to obtain them." This debate will be moot next time something akin to the sinking of the USS Liberty by the IDF takes place. It will happen but this time the truth will be revealed and the US response will be massive. Israel might be just a bit more open to "reason" when the IAF has been destroyed on the ground and brigades of U.S. Marines on American amphib assault carriers are "locked and loaded" just off Israel's coastline.

Ms. Kohn, I have read so many articles that talk about the threat of "an imposed peace plan" but no quote from Obama about imposing a peace plan. However, there are multiple quotations wherein Obama has said that a peace plan cannot be impose on the region and that an imposed peace would fail. The imposed peace plan is a myth that you hear more acutely because it strikes your ears in a sensitive area. You should read more carefully. Obama is a politician. If he were to impose a solution on the middle east and it proved disastrous he would be ridiculed. No politician would risk that. Do you really think that Israel would negotiate without the 5 preconditions I cited earlier? Peace. Stephen

Dear, Dear James, I don't think your example is very apropos. Mexicans do not object to our "occupation" of the American West. They certainly wouldn't want it to go away. They are coming because they want to work and they want their children to be US citizens. Some of them are caught and deported but they are rarely shot and the US hasn't sent its armed forces into Mexico in over 150 years. I bet our relationship with Mexico would change drastically if we started building settlements under US sovereignty in Chiuaua. The comparison between Israel/Palestinians and US/Mexicans has very little in common. Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't you try again. Maybe you can think of a better one next time. Peace. Stephen

Where did you get the impression, from the title, "Obama is not demanding anything of Israel" that the US was demanding something of Israel? Try reading the title again. As for Mexico. We are not in negotiations with Mexico nor are we proposing any. In fact, Mexico and the US are very close allies as are we with almost all of our close neighbors. That wouldn't be a bad security blueprint for Israel. Peace. Stephen

It is Israel that holds the trump card. Obama would never dare indulge in your theatricals by assembling the ones you stupidly mentioned. You are so besotted seeing Israel bashed you descend to the ridiculous. By the way Israel has for its trump card: A HANDFUL OF ACES.

PM Netanyahu is doing a good job under the considering the pressure put upon him by outsiders particularely Obama/USA. We do say:too many cooks spoil the broth? So,the US is just doing that. That Netanyahu should have the strength as you say.I pray that he will,with all the slings and arrows he has to endure.Not only from the US,but also by our Israeli Media.

Not only its borders,but also the FENCES too to the Mexicans who are trying to cross over. Hablas espanyol is APT. Funny one law for Israel,but not to the USA? Incidently the Mexicans are crossing surrepticiously and transferring DRUGS and maore. The US guards are having a busy time daily. To some I say:Sheeesh!

"WHEN do you FIRST plan vacating Australia and give it back to the Aboriginal Natives?" Ah I see, If I vacate Australia, then you will agree to Israel withdrawing to it's actual sovereign boundaries (14th may 1948) What a good idea. Can you guarantee this will happen? I'm glad your so keen to have things put right. BTW how did you know I am a 300 year old Brit? "WHEN will you tell the US to do the same?" When will you tell Canada... "Israel IS the most REAL country on earth!" Oh how wonderful... What a pity it has been in breach of International Law for 62 years.

"242 does not mention even once the need to set up an additional state in the region" Because it is a resolution about achieving peace between states which were already established.. "242 implies, and rightly so, that if the Arab Israeli conflict is to come to an end the warring states - in the June 1967 Six-Day War should re-poses "territories" captured by Israel. That means Gaza should revert back to Egypt and much of the West Bank back to Jordan." Gaza is not a part of Egyptian sovereign integrity, nor is the West Bank a part of Jordan's sovereign integrity. Palestinian territories are "territories occupied" in the 'recent' and prior wars. "Demanding to set up an additional state in the region is nothing but an attempt to eventually annihilate Israel" Strange isn't it then, that Israel has gotten ever larger while the Palestinian territories are slowly being wiped off the map.

Total copout. There is no such thing as group rights in the sense you use it. As a human being a Jew has the same rights as any other human being. As a Jew he has no rights at all. Jews should be treated like every other human being - no better, no worse.

We don't need to open our borders because we have never expelled any group, and those who are here have the same rights as any other American. If there were a group we had expelled because of their religion (unthinkable under our constitution), they would of course have the right of return.

**The law is neutral, Obama is demanding Israel adhere to the law for once in 62 years. Get over it.** ----- cj WHEN do you FIRST plan vacating Australia and give it back to the Aboriginal Natives? WHEN will you tell the US to do the same? Once the US and Australia vacate the stolen lands, please call me @ 444-44-terry and we will talk! Israel IS the most REAL country on earth!

US is the only superpower and this superpower sides with Israel, so it is obvious that it cannot act as a fair mediator but it can at least act as an unfair mediator, a mediator neverthless. If USSR still existed, there would have been soma ballst to counter this unfair disequlibrium. The only positive development is that novadays a little bit greater US public realise that Israeli hawks such as Bibi are the obstacle for peace and this situation is bad for US security and strategic interests. It is still a taboo to criticize Israel but soon it will no longer be a taboo to criticize Likud and Bibi at least. And this is a very, very positive development.

he has to have a lot of patience for dealing with ignorant israelis who have internalised the flawed logic of too many outsiders. I pray that he has the strength to do what he knows needs to be done. we are lucky to have him.

please read all previous posts before commenting. dino's suggestion would clearly politicise the army. the army is not supposed to make political declarations at the side of the president. it is not done in a democracy. some people in israel are upset theat the army chief will not give his opinion on whether iran should be attacked. however, that is the correct role of the military chief. he informs his civilian superiors on what he thinks can be accomplished, but not on what should be accomplished.

Many who did not see Arafat's intentions as being peaceful, and believed his salami story (recorded in a mosque in South Africa), where he spoke of slicing pieces away from Israel one at a time, could clearly see that at the end of Oslo and the salami process, Israel would be left with no diplomatic achievements and would clash with its most important friend. We clearly stated what would happen. The same wit the Gazan and Lebanese pullouts. On the major issues the promises of the Left have evaporated. This makes me angry as that even with all the bad calls made by the Left, they still do not understand that the ultimate intentions of the Arabs is not for mutual bliss and harmony with the Jews. Which leaves the question whether the Israeli Left has abandoned its Jewish roots. It would seem that religious affiliation, heritage and history does not seem part of any Left wing cause and not only in Israel.

Top US military leades state their opinions in the US all the time; by testifying in congress; on interview news shows; and unfortunately by leaks to the media. Having top Pentagon officials state their honest opinions and analyses is not politicizing the military. And frankly their honest opinion these days regarding Israel would not make you happy.

That is a reasonable question, and can be answered many ways. Shimon Cleopas would have a much different take on it than Swiss Dino, e.g. To me, speaking in general terms, it is the positive contributions to the evolution of mankind that make a difference, from scientific advances to successful organization of society. One claimant is a producer in both respects. The other is mired in self-defeating patterns of conflict, which lead to poverty and chaos. One is a creative force that has earned and deserves its destiny. The other is by contrast, a burden.

By forcing an unworkable peace, nothing is achieved. All it will do is embolden Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran about what they can get away with. They are not the friends of the Moderate Arab States, and these states rely on Israel as a "buffer" against these radical regimes. It will also weaken the US position against Iran. If fighting begins between Israel and a Palestinian States for whatever reason, who will the US side with? After "forcing" a peace, they can not be an honest broker. The entire exercise plays into Iranian hands the way it is being pursued. It does have one benefit for Israel. If Iran achieves Nuclear weapons, being "surrounded" by Palestine could be a protection against a nuclear attack? On the other hand, maybe Iran just does not give a damn about them?

Usa gives Israel: -3 billion dollar, annual funding ! -... unconditional vetos at the UN ! -Assured military assistance. -Full political support. -PR campaigns in the American Mass Media etc. All that while jeopardizing own home land security . What does it get in return? Arrogant criticism like that expressed by you...

just as you demand from Israel to agree to pal "right of return" Peace be With you .Hablas Espanol ? You'll need it.

netanyahu has proposed unconditional direct negotiations. olmert and abbas had direct unconditional negotiations. netanyahu has agreed to a ten months freeze in the west bank. there was no such freeze previously. your claim that obama is not forcing us participation on israel is patently false. indeed, it is the contrary that is true. obama is threatening an imposed peace plan.

obama can say wahtever he wants. he is a politician. he is answerable to the voters, or so i hope. what he cannot and should not do is follow your foolish advice and politicise the military.

If Israel does not want to negotiate according to Obama's program, then they are perfectly free to decline any US participation. No one is forcing it on them. However, if they want US assistance it always comes with strings. If the US is the referee then the US gets to set the rules. However, US backing of the negotiations lends them a legitimacy that they don't have without the US. That legitimacy is fragile and would be of no value to Israel if US appears too partial to one side or the other and the loss of legitimacy would be even more damaging to US's reputation. I wouldn't be willing to risk my reputation for some one who didn't respect its value. Peace. Stephen

the areas of the west bank are not annexed to israel. the army fulfils the both military and civilian functions. the us military has fulfiled the same functions on very many occasions all over the world. such functions would be unthinkable within israel or within us territory.

Obama hasn't made any demands other than to say if the parties desire our participation then they have to behave appropriately. Israel cannot continue to say that 1) There will be no divided Jerusalem 2) There will be no right of return 3) Any future Palestinian must be demilitarized 4) Palestinian water claims must be subject to Israeli approval 5)Several of the Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria must remain part of Israel under any future border agreement BUT (VERY LARGE "BUT") Palestinians must come to the negotiating without any preconditions. Either there are preconditions at the table or there are not. It has to be the same for both sides. Peace. Stephen

So what was good for them before and during the Iraq war, should also be good for president Obama, shouldn't it...??? By the way, he doesn't have to say that Israel is a strategical threat to the United States, it's by far good enough, if he says that the unsolved Israeli-Arab conflict poses a tremendous threat to the strategical interests of the United States....

... unfortunately in Israel the army is becoming more and more a political tool... particularly in the settlements...

you do not seem to realise that in a democracy the military is neutral. any attempt by obama to politicise the us military would make the us look like a dictatorship. furthermore, the claim that israel is a strategic threat to the us is a lie. such a lie would be eventually exposed by those who know better. claims such as these are very dangerous for us prestige.

If Muslims cannot accept that anyone but Muslims rule in a land that was once part of Islam, many Jews cannot accept that a land once ruled by Jews (Palestine) be ruled by anyone but Jews. How is one any more questionable than the other?

... TAKES whatever it wants or whatever it thinks it needs... that's the chasm of difference between the two sides... ... if the USA steps in, it's because of our intransigence, not that of the poor Pals...

If things get really tough, and the right-wing Zionist lobby overseas continues with its attacks against the U.S. administration, Obama should go out to the Rose Garden, with 2-3 mayor U.S. generals by his side, and make it clear to the American people, why it is in the urgent interest of the United States, to have the Israeli-Arab conflict solved once and for all. If he does so, the Foxmans, Dershowitzs, Kochs, Schumers and Lauders can kick and scream all day long, they will no longer be heard by a majority of the American people. Not even the Republicans can then afford to come out against their own military.... I'm sure sooner or later Obama will play that trump-card, when the time comes, where he has to make his case to the American people...

"The Americans now see that when put to the test, this aid is not enough to help them implement their policy." The Americans have spent a mind-boggling amount of money making Israel economically and militarily strong. A massive aid program to Israel that is astonishingly bigger than any aid that the USA supplies to anyone else. An the PURPOSE of that aid was to ensure that Israel is SO strong that it can have the courage to do the hard yards that are necessary to making peace with the region. Q: And what did the USA get for that investment? A: Nothing. Absolutely nothin' It may as well not have bothered, because that assistance has not shifted the Israelis from their intransigent position. So if that aid money has not worked then what, exactly, is the point of continuing it? Keep this up, Israel, and you will find out...

United Nations Security Council Resolution 242. 242 does not mention even once the need to set up an additional state in the region. 242 does not mention at all concepts such as "Palestine", "Palestinians" or a "Palestinian state". 242 implies, and rightly so, that if the Arab Israeli conflict is to come to an end the warring states - in the June 1967 Six-Day War should re-poses "territories" captured by Israel. That means Gaza should revert back to Egypt and much of the West Bank back to Jordan. Demanding to set up an additional state in the region is nothing but an attempt to eventually annihilate Israel, if not by a full scale war than in stages. Note, between 1948 and 1967 the entire territory of the West Bank, eastern Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip was "cleansed" of all its Jewish inhabitants and it was ruled by the Arabs, yet no "Palestinian" state was set up there, but the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was indeed set up, in 1964, three full years before Israel captured the territories in question. What part of "Palestine" was the PLO to "liberate"...??

He repeatedly questions Israel's desire for peace and its government's ability of obtaining it in the press, yet he doesn't say a word about powerless Abbas who doesn't have the power to send a postcard no less approve a peace agreement, and of course, isn't even willing to sit down with Israel and negotiate. He's realized he's best letting the world's biggest superpower negotiate for him, and knows as long as he sits down and refuses, the Obama Administration will continue to pressure the Israelis.

up South Korean naval vessels to dictate to Israel surrender terms according to Barel . No matter how you grovel and cringe ,Barel ,if you succeed ,your fate won't be better than the rest of Israel .

annexed, illegally settled. The law is neutral, Obama is demanding Israel adhere to the law for once in 62 years. Get over it.

1.Jesus Christ said: no slave can serve two masters. 2.Washington should resolve the ME Crisis NOT for the sake of Israel, NOT for the sake of the Palestinians and NOT for its own interests but for the sake of mankind penultimate destination. 3.In other words, Washington should resolve the ME Crisis for the sake of The One True God. 4.For Washington to serve God?s Interest, Washington should first catch the Devil. 5.If Washington can NOT catch both The Devil and The One True God, then admit it and then find the small insignificant boy that can catch BOTH FISH using the Musak Meal of Five Loaves.

america's stature on the global stage depends on its military and economic might. america's military might is undoubtedly dominant and will remain so for the foreseeable future. america's economic might is on shakier grounds, but as of yet, not catastrophic. america's reputation in the world will depend largely on its ability to stop iran's nuclear weapons program; and its ability to keep pakistan's nuclear weapons under lock and key. popularity might be important for obama, but such is not attainable in the muslim world where democracy and human rights are unimportant. although israel is a much hated country in the region, it is iran that is feared. obama's obsession with israel is unwise and counterproductive. although peace with the palestinians is highly desirable, it is maily so for the two peoples. raising the israel-palestinian conflict to a strategic threat, only emboldens the extremists: iran-syria-hezbollah-hamas and al qaeda.

The danger to Americas stature in the world lies at the feet of its President Obama. Instead of acting like the person in charge of the mightiest nation in the world, he grovels at the feet of nation after nation. He feels that he knows what is best for the State of Israel, even better than those elected by the people of Israel to rule their nation. Time after time either he or those serving in his stead seek to demean those elected officials of Israel and place the State in weakened positions. The Middle-East is not the area where he should practice the community organizing that led to his presidency.

the idea of designating israel as a strategic threat is quite stunning. it is but the repetition of arab propaganda peddled by the arabists in the administration. israel in no way has any involvement in the numerous conflicts that the u.s. is involved in: afghanistan, pakistan, iraq, yemen, somalia. iraq invaded kuwait on its own. al qaeda has attempted to topple arab regimes for decades. iran is a direct strategic threat since iran, without nuclear weapons, has been killing americans for the past thirty years. al qaeda is a direct strategic threat since it has directly attacked the u.s. and continues to attempt to attack it. as jim jones has stated, his nightmare is the possibility that islamic terrorists will acquire nuclear weapons. israel is a strategic asset to the us and its western allies. were there no israel, the entire region would be taken over by sunni and shia islamists. the buffer that israel provides would be gone.

like former U.S presidents who always swayed to israels favor.name one who never gave in to israel carter goes back and forth

I got news for the author, not everyone in America thinks Israel should do what Obama wants. Not everyone in the world believes Israel should concede anything. Many believe that conceding East Jerusalem and lifting restrictions on Palestinians will accomplish what it always historically accomplishes - more Arab violence. It will simply embolden the Palestinians and Arab nations who are violently opposed to Israel's existence and encourage them to further their stated goal of eliminating Israel. They will spread more lies, hoaxes, and violence around the world because they will see that if they simply continue to bully everyone they can get what they want. Don't give up Bibi! Obama is only in office for another 3 years! Dave K from Philly

There's nothing neutral about US mediation when it continues with this charade of a peace process. It's the US and its veto that ensures the continuation of the Israeli occupation and settlements, so why try to fool the rest of the world to the contrary.

Zevi you leftist never get it do you? you know who this guy is? put your pen down " Schumer Says He's On Mission From God (To Help Israel) TPMCafé (blog) Here is Schumer explaining that he defends Israel because Hashem (Orthodox for God) tells him to. You know, my name .... comes from the word shomer, ...

The obvious question emerging from Bar'el's article is why isn't Obama forcing this settlement on the parties. The answer is that Obama is in trouble with a lot of Americans for being so forceful. Obama does believe that successfully midwifing a viable Fayad Palestinian State will help him to bring the troops home without which he will not win the 2012 election. But if he is too forceful and Israel balks whilst maintaining its own self-control, fuel will be provided to what is an already highly motivated opposition to Obama. Zvi Barel underestimates Israel's potential resourcefulness because of so much admittedly schmendrik behavior. Will the American public accept Obama pressuring Israel because they think Israel is being impossible like Zvi believes? There is still a lot of resourcefulness amidst the stupidity, Zvi. The U.S. is not a neutral mediator for good reason.

Excellent! Thank you!!!

I'm sorry, but who's foolish? As an Israeli, you should know better than anyone that the Palestinians have had opportunity after opportunity to have a country. To think that all it's Israel's fault -- that's foolish

jews lived in palestine for millions of years but so did the palestinians. we can't denie the roots of the jews in palestine sane thing with palestinians. for the record no one kiked them from their land so why after so many years they wannt it back. if you say it's their rights i would agree. but take your rights not other's.for example i live in the US. why the americans don't give back the land that they killed get it and if you support isreal because they are "right" start with youslef and give your house to its real owners.

For almost fifty years the United States has been the unquestioning and abject supplicant of Israel. For over 40 year is has never failed to put the interests of Israel before those of the United States. Ever since the Six Day War the United States has been the willing knave and slave of Israel. This seemed to make sense when the US had lost it's diplomatic position in the mid-east after it defended Israel in 1973, What is clear that is now, so many decades later, is that Israel will do NOTHING to help the United States, Netanyahu has made the relationship between America and Israel ABSOLUTELY CLEAR. It is one-way. American must do everything Israel demands, and America may ask nothing in return. Israel will do nothing that America needs. America might ONLY do what Israel demands. Understood. What does America 'owe' Israel? Absolutely NOTHING. For NOTHING is what Israel believes it owes America. Time to end the relationship. Our nations have NOTHING in common.

The suggestion here is that since the US drew the line in regards to lran, it has to follow that its military is going to be involved. The timing is the only question. As far as the Pals are concerned; do you think they have the phone number to call when they need an american squeeze on lsrael? On second thought maybe the opposite is needed, that is, a number for President Obama to call the Pals asking what is the next item that he should demand from lsrael.

Muslims cannot accept that anyone but Muslims rule in a land that was once part of Islam. There are millions of Muslims that are "westernized and enlightened" and don't even do the 5 prayers a day. But there are HUNDREDS of millions of Muslims that are under the spell of the Imams and the Koran and content to let that be the end of thought. Anything that Obama hopes, thinks, or does will not make a dent in peace with Israel. The only solution is to re-write the Koran, or destroy Israel. One is a rock. The other is a hard place.

[AER] AREA OF EMPIRE RESPONSIBILITY [PART FIVE] LINKAGE [2] TWO: That Linkage [1] One [Israeli-American Empire], has made the Israeli-American Empire vs. [PA] Palestinian Authority Conflict, fomenting anti-Empire sentiment, due to a perception of shared interests favouritism of the Israeli-American Empire, part of the over-all problem and not part of the Empire War of Economic Stimulus solution, making not just difficult to advance the interests of the Empire; (1) The Nabucco gas pipeline: which is to be laid through the territories of the Former Soviet Republic of (Georgia), into, Azerbaijan into the strategic Northwest Iranian territory or Shi-ite Persian Iran were currently (4) four- million Kurds are concentrated in Iran, waiting to declare a Kurdish state, and with Russian peacekeepers in place to protect the new formed Kurdish state from Georgian or Iranian aggression, onto Turkey and the Tabriz refinery, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria to connect Europe.

[AER] AREA OF EMPIRE RESPONSIBILITY [PART FOUR] * LINKAGE [1] ONE: [Unshakable Special Relationship] where Israel is more than just a strong and special ally, with deep running bonds, but the controlling senior member of the Israeli-American Empire and Israel has a vested interest in a strong pillar and cornerstone in place the [AIPAC/AZC] the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee/American Zionist Council] controlling the American Media Messiah Imperial President and Court ensuring its total commitment to Israel's security and Israel's future, incommensurate with Israeli real regional [Islamic Crescent Sphere of Influence/ [AER] Area of EMPIRE Responsibility], interests, the Linkage between the [2] Two is more in the area of what it is the Israeli-American Empire, the strength, power and deterrence, are equally shared, one draws off the need of the other. HERCULE TRIATHLON SAVINIEN

Over 75% of Americans oppose Obama attempts to destroy the Jewish State; Israel is in the top of 5 of most favored countries amongst Americans; Palestinians are amongst bottom 5 together with Iran, N Korea, Sudan, and Libya; Obama will be gone in 2 1/2 years;

Bravo, not because I agree with the conclusion, but because this is among the first correct analyses of the issues seen from an American point of view that I have read in Haaretz: the US cannot allow the likes of Netanyahu who presides over a country of minor overall significance, like Israel, to put a major dent in its foreign policy. All of the things of such importance to Israelis and Palestinians such as Jerusalem's holiness are of no interest to the US. It is our interest regarding Iran and many other matters to have a stable Middle East. That's it - all of it. We (at last) will not let either side derail this important strategic goal.

THE CONFLICT IS NOT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND 'the pals/syria'.From 1956 till the break up of the S.U.,THE CONFLICT WAS BETWEEN THE USA AND RUSSIA.ISRAEL WAS FIGHTING FOR ITS SURVIVAL AND THE arabs FOR THE INTERESTS OF THE S.U.NOW,THE CONFLICT IS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND iran.ISRAEL IS STILL FIGHTHING TO SURVIVE and the 'pals,hamas,hizballah and syria' ARE FIGHTING FOR iran.IN THE PAST,THE STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS WERE THE MEDITERRANEAN,THE SUEZ AND OIL.NOWADAYS,THE STRATEGIC IMPLICATION IS STILL OIL,BUT MORE IMPORTANT,IS THE islamic TAKEOVER OF THE WEST,INCLUDING THE USA,BRAZIL AND THE REST OF LATIN AMERICA,THAT ARE ALL "INFECTED" AND EXTREMELY VULNERABLE.FOR EUROPE YOU ALREADY CAN SAY KADISH...

Obama will do whatever Israel wants.