Obama: 'Part of being a good friend is being honest' | Jerusalem Post »
Posted By gamahuche 5 months, 1 week ago in NewsAlthough the US needed to maintain its "strong support" for Israel, Washington also had to be "honest" with Israel regarding the direction in which the region is heading, even if this includes resorting to tough love, Obama said Monday, three days before a highly-anticipated address to the Arab world in Egypt.
"I don't think we have to change strong support for Israel," Obama said in an interview with NPR. "We do have to retain a constant belief in the possibilities of negotiations that will lead to peace, and that's going to require, from my view, a two-state solution."
The president reiterated his view that striving for a two-state solution would also require imposing a total freeze on Israeli construction over the green line, including putting a halt to expansion attributed to natural growth. He also voiced understanding for Israeli apprehensions, saying Palestinians would have to fight terror and end "the incitement that understandably makes Israelis so concerned."
However, Obama said, "Part of being a good friend is being honest, and I think there have been times where we are not as honest as we should be about the fact that the current direction, the current trajectory in the region is profoundly negative, not only for Israeli interests but also US interests. And that's part of a new dialogue that I'd like to see encouraged in the region.
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gamahuche
"I would rather be a square peg than fit in a pigeon hole" -
an essay which won me the "Lamb Essay Prize" at the Religious ...
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gamahuche5 months, 1 week ago
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Good luck to Obama! He'll need it. At the very least the message will be delivered that Israel cannot take US support for granted. The Jerusalem Post is probably the only major Israeli media outlet that would publish this story in this style.
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kobzikov5 months, 1 week ago
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I doubt that Israel will change policy, or that Obama will withdraw US support or even threaten to do so when Israel refuses to freeze settlements.
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Though how I wish Obama wasn't a friend of Israel, but a truly true friend of Israel,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcGm-gxmxHw-
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Thinker225 months, 1 week ago
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> I doubt that Israel will change policy...
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You may recall how in 1978 the then Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin changed the policy when Egyptian President Sadat made a peace offer. You may recall how Israel removed ALL settlements and returned every square inch of land to Egypt in accordance with the peace agreement the two countries signed. You may recall that this peace agreement holds for 30 years already.
On the other hand, you may ignore the facts that do not fit your beliefs. It's up to you.
Still, I'd like you to answer the two simple YES or NO questions below:
If tomorrow Israel will remove ALL settlements, ALL military bases, ALL checkposts and will withdraw to the 1949 cease fire lines - WILL THERE BE PEACE (YES/NO)?
If tomorrow the Palestinian leadership will announce their willingness to recognize Israel, stop violence and negotiate a peace agreement - WILL THERE BE PEACE (YES/NO)? -
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most_reasonable5 months, 1 week ago
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The tears of waiting on line was the result of suicide bombers murdering women and children upon gaining access. Plenty of celebrating, handing out candies and general happiness upon announcements of the murders. Much of the jobs that were lost due to the forced closing (again celebrating).
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Spadecaller5 months, 1 week ago
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I agree with Obama's position on this matter. I believe that Israelis and Palestinians need to get rid of their current leaders and opt for leaders who are less entrenched in their bitterness. The current leadership on both sides will not trust each other and will not find common ground; so it is really up to the people to install leadership that will reflect the will of the majority. The majority of people on both sides of this want peace.
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buckncindykill5 months, 1 week ago
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hyperbola5 months, 1 week ago
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How much do the zionists want peace Spade? Enough to give up thievery and ethnic cleansing and return land and property to the real owners? Enough to allow the seven million christians and moslems ethnic cleansed by zionists to return? Or do you just want to keep the loot?
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Sderot - A town built on the ashes of an ethnically cleansed and defaced Palestinian village
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about Sderot, a town that has become the centrepiece of Israeli propaganda. Israeli spokesmen, and Israel’s stooges in the media and among politicians in Britain, the European Union and the United States, repeat ad nauseum the mantra about Palestinian home-made rockets "raining down" on Sderot, although only 1 in 500 causes a fatality. It is a mantra that has been used to justify the countless thousands of Israeli bombs, missiles, grenades and tank shells that are blasted into Gaza's tight-packed humanity. Bu what do we know about Sderot? Below is an insight into the town's history.
Israeli land thieves built Sderot on the ashes of an ethnically cleansed and defaced Palestinian village called Najd.
Sderot was settled by Jews in 1951. In All That Remains, Walid Khalidi says that Sderot, along with the settlement of Or ha-Ner, founded in 1957, were established on the village lands of Najd, which means "elevated plain" in Arabic.
According to Umkhalil, Najd's Palestinian villagers, approximately 620 in 1945, were expelled on 13 May 1948, before Israel was declared a state and before any Arab armies entered Palestine. UN Resolution 194 and also the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13, Section 2, stipulate that the villagers of Najd have a right to return home to their personal property and to their native village.
Najd is 14 kilometres from Gaza. Palestinian Arabs own 12,669 dunums in Najd, although Israel refuses to honour their rights to their personal property, and refuses them their inalienable right to return home. In 1945 Jews owned 495 dunums of land in Najd and public lands consisted of 412 dunums.
In short, Sderot is an illegally occupied territory stolen from Palestinians.
Israeli Goebbels: Stop lying to the world about needing to defend what is not rightfully yours. You're worse than bank robbers saying they have a right to defend their loot!
http://205.188.101.197/story/2009/01/29/sderot-a-t...
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Mikunited5 months, 1 week ago
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The USA needs to re-build bridges with the Muslim World.It also needs to at least try to be seen as an unbiased mediator,in the region.I hope this leads to a secure Israel and a new Palestine being born,with equal help from the USA.
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No President can ignore his home voters,these days that doesn't mean just endless help to Israel and none to the Palestinians.The days of just needing the Jewish vote. has past. He needs the Jewish vote and the votes of Muslims and their sympathizers.
As a true friend of Jews and Muslims,he has to help Israel by helping them feel secure.He needs to be a friend of Palestinians and help gain them a state.This is a tough deal to manage.
I feel the the US President and the Israeli president are going to have tough times ahead.Netanyahu seems to gave taken a dislike to Obama.I do feel that Obama will be fair,though he is a left of center leader and Netanyahu a right of center leader.I wish him all the luck in the World.If he can help this most intractable of situations, then he will be remembered as a great president.-
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hyperbola5 months, 1 week ago
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Frankly Obama and the many israel-first, ultra-zionists in his administration are trying to cement in the final exploitation of millions of christians and moslems by zionist racists. They are unlikely to make any commitment that will bring peace to the area.
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Time to return to the principles of american democracy: equal rights for all independent of race or religion - here is an israeli jew, and IDF veteran, who has the right idea.
Why Israel Has No "Right To Exist" As A Jewish State
By Oren Ben-Dor
... A Jewish state is a state which exists more for the sake of whoever is considered Jewish according to various ethnic, tribal, religious, criteria, than for the sake of those who do not pass this test. What precisely are the criteria of the test for Jewishness is not important and at any rate the feeble consensus around them is constantly reinvented in Israel. Instigating violence provides them with the impetus for doing that....
... In our world, a world that resisted Apartheid South Africa so impressively, recognition of the right of the Jewish state to exist is a litmus test for moderation and pragmatism. The demand is that Palestinians recognise Israel's entitlement to constitutionally entrench a system of racist basic laws and policies, differential immigration criteria for Jews and non-Jews, differential ownership and settlements rights, differential capital investments, differential investment in education, formal rules and informal conventions that differentiate the potential stakes of political participation, lame-duck academic freedom and debate....
...The Jewish state could only come into being in May 1948 by ethnically cleansing most of the indigenous population--750000 of them. The judaisation of the state could only be effectively implemented by constantly internally displacing the population of many villages within the Israel state.
...The Right of Return of Palestinians means that Israel acknowledges and apologises for what it did in 1948. It does mean that Palestinian memory of the 1948 catastrophe, the Nakbah, is publicly revived in the Geography and collective memory of the polity. It does mean that Palestinians descendants would be allowed to come back to their villages. If this is not possible because there is a Jewish settlement there, they should be given the choice to found an alternative settlement nearby. This may mean some painful compulsory state purchase of agricultural lands that should be handed back to those who return. In cases when this is impossible they ought to be allowed the choice to settle in another place in the larger area or if not possible in another area in Palestine. Compensation would be the last resort and would always be offered as a choice. This kind of moral claim of return would encompass all Palestine including Tel Aviv.
At no time, however, it would be on the cards to throw Israeli Jews from their land.
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Justice4All5 months, 1 week ago
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Taking a neutral position will just make you an enemy of both sides. Look at Jimmy Carter, he negioated peace between Israel and Egypt and continues working for peace today. But you can be friends with one side only if you are 100% on their side. Anything else and they hate you.
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If you want an independent view of the situition over there you can read Carter's book, "Peace not Apartheid". It's from the perspective of a neutral American Christian, not just a Muslim or Zionist perspective.-
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Thinker225 months, 1 week ago
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> ...read Carter's book, "Peace not Apartheid". It's from the perspective of a neutral American Christian, not just a Muslim or Zionist perspective.
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Referring to Israel (where ALL citizens have the very same rights guaranteed by the state laws) as an 'apartheid' is not a "neutral position" by any stretch of imagination, Justice. Try something else. -
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PsychoHosebeastComment removed: Spammer, Abusive2 Replies
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reallypsst5 months, 1 week ago
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Yes a sad message of distress and despair,but who can bring peace to the middle east,there is hatred on both sides.The reality is old resentments and radical ideologies that have plagued these people.There also is an outside faction of inciters who flame the fire of war.If only both sides can come to terms without religion of indifference but just the common sense of live and let live !
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beavith15 months, 1 week ago
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hmmm! a refreshing acknowledgement of reality.
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the thing is, i'm not sure the israelis get where we're coming from. i'm not sure the palestinians can negotiate in good faith.
long story short: i don't know if it'll make a difference. points, though, for trying a different tack. -
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judah-hertzComment removed: Hard Banned
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spudszz5 months, 1 week ago
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This is dangerously naive, at best. Iran approaches this from a religious ideology - that the Koran says Israel must be destroyed - period. At times, Ahmadinejad has also said the United States must be destroyed. They will not negotiate - nor can they be trusted. I also agree - Obama must suck at being a good friend
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jordan115 months, 1 week ago
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Iran approaches this from a religious ideology >>>>
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And Israel does as well. Zionists believe they are the chosen, and that 'god' gave them the land they build settlements on. Some US fundamentalist churches believe the same, & encourage those settlements be built so Israel takes back the 'holy land', and then Jesus returns. Yanno, no one could make this stuff up, it's so dang crazy.
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taxguy5275 months, 1 week ago
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MEMO TO OBAMA: SPARE US THE LECTURE ON 'HONESTY'. INSTEAD, WHY DON'T YOU YOURSELF STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FINALLY BE HONEST ABOUT: 1)BRIBES YOU SOLICITED & RECEIVED IN ILLINOIS, 2) YOUR CONNECTIONS WITH A. REZKO AND OTHER FELONS, 3) LARGE AMOUNTS OF CIRCUMSTANCIAL EVIDENCE REGARDING WHAT APPEARS TO BE SUBSTANTIAL ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN DONATIONS USED BY YOU TO CONTROL THE PRIMARY AND TO 'BUY' THE GENERAL ELECTION.
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wddllc5 months, 1 week ago
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Mr. Obama and you in the media, are bound and determined to show America as a weak spineless country. Are you so anti American, that you'll stop at nothing to shame this great nation. You veil attacks on the military and personal lives ( Joe the plumber for one), of those who disagree with your liberal agenda is staggering. They, the Muslim extremists-Islamic terrorists-with the evil they have done toward Americans, Christians, anybody not of thier faith, for the past 4000 years, and you the media and our community organizer, want to sit down and negotiate with the likes of them. Are you people out smoking something other than cigars?!! They cut off innocent peoples heads on TV with a butcher knife and laugh about it then and praise Allah!. There are no courts! They kill for the delight of their religious Imans and their perverted religion beliefs. And you want to show them we are ready to talk to them? What the hell are you thinking!!? This is not a game, its serious nuclear war business, and to "make them feel better about us!" Are you or have you gone mad? Wake up and smell the new GM coffee! Or someday when all the crap hits the fan, (And I pray it doesn’t), there‘ll be blast so big, half of New York will vaporize! And them you'll relize it's not a game anymore, but for real. Get off the vacation mode campaigning time Mr.Obama, get on to real life presidential time. RMyers AZ
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wddllc5 months, 1 week ago
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Mr. Obama and you in the media, are bound and determined to show America as a weak spineless country. Are you so anti American, that you'll stop at nothing to shame this great nation. You veil attacks on the military and personal lives ( Joe the plumber for one), of those who disagree with your liberal agenda is staggering. They, the Muslim extremists-Islamic terrorists-with the evil they have done toward Americans, Christians, anybody not of thier faith, for the past 4000 years, and you the media and our community organizer, want to sit down and negotiate with the likes of them. Are you people out smoking something other than cigars?!! They cut off innocent peoples heads on TV with a butcher knife and laugh about it then and praise Allah!. There are no courts! They kill for the delight of their religious Imans and their perverted religion beliefs. And you want to show them we are ready to talk to them? What the hell are you thinking!!? This is not a game, its serious nuclear war business, and to "make them feel better about us!" Are you or have you gone mad? Wake up and smell the new GM coffee! Or someday when all the crap hits the fan, (And I pray it doesn’t), there‘ll be blast so big, half of New York will vaporize! And them you'll relize it's not a game anymore, but for real. Get off the vacation mode campaigning time Mr.Obama, get on to real life presidential time. RMyers AZ
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SandmonsterComment removed: Hard Banned
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MILITA5 months, 1 week ago
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I agree that a good friend is honest and does
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not tell you what you want to hear. The president
by a twist of Fate is in a unique position to
engage the Muslims in a dialogue with The United
States, which would be a new beginning -- " the
beginning of a wonderful friendship (Casablanca)"
No apology for the quote from the movie.
Phyllis Kunz -
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superbiker2004Comment removed: Hard Banned
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CHAM5 months, 1 week ago
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Excellent Post Gama. Honest Government Security Officials would tell you that when it comes to rating subversive threats a look at the list will find Israel in the top five of threats to the United States as assessed by our own Government. And still we continue to kiss their derriere.
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rrobin61285 months, 1 week ago
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I love all of your comments about what should be done. Obama says they need to be honest with each other, thats out problem, we don't understand these people as a society. They lie in their negotiations, it is expected. Until we understand this, we will never get anywhere. If you ever travel and do business over there you would understand this.
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Obama has his own problems as he tells everyone to tighten their belts and then flies to NY for a play and to Las VEgas to campaign for Reid. But everyone else needs to tighten their belts? Right! -
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Icantwait5 months, 1 week ago
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My Fellow Americans: Lately I have posted some comments but to my dismay I have discovered just exactly how dumb the Liberals, Moderates, and Radicals really are in understanding what someone with a brain actually writes. Almost never have their comments been related to what the actual content of the statement has been. So, I am going to write my views on this article so these individuals that have probably, just begun to read. can understand.
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Obama is going to the Middle East to really talk with our enemies.
Obama is going to the Middle East to humor our friends.
Obama has decided to make this a non transparent conversation.
Obama wants these conversations to be behind closed doors.
Are you still with me? Are you able to keep up?
Obama will be making deals behind these closed doors.
Obama will not be making deals that will help American.
Obama will be once again be selling us down the river.
Still with me?
Obama will first be apologizing as usual for Americas Greatness.
Ohhh! I know that sentence might have been to long.
Obama will probably be giving them more of our tax money.
Obama will be paying with our cash for our forgiveness.
Obama will be having his wife pose for a photo opt.
Obama will be having Michelle do all the talking.
Obama will once again make up stories to the Press.
Obama will be telling the press that we are on the verge of Peace with the Middle East.
I know the sentence is too long again.
Finally, the Middle Eastern Leaders will be laughing at his weakness.
More rockets will eventually be blasted off.
More bombers will be blowing up more peaceful people.
More of our Freedoms will be dispensed of.
More people will again idolize Obama.
Well slow people did you get all that?
The Real American-
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Justice4All5 months, 1 week ago
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Just because something is beyond your comprehension does not make it dumb.
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Have you ever played that game where you pick out the one thing that does not belong with the others?
Well your last line "The Real American" is the one thing that does not belong with the others. No real American would say any of the things in your post.
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