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Obama In Plain English
President Obama gave a 6000 word speech. I can give you the essence of it in only 6 words: Death to Israel! Death to America!
UPDATE: This piece, from an Australian paper, captures my attitude reasonably well, although it is still far too soft on Obama:
"Obama’s demands are most specific when they detail what Israel must surrender or offer - an end to West Bank settlement, better living conditions in Gaza (which it does not control), a Palestinian state, 'concrete steps' to improve life in the West Bank. Yes, there are also demands made of Hamas - which 'must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist' - but these are standard demands made of a terrorist organisation that has shown not the slightest interest in obeying, and which Obama offers not the slightest hint of enforcing.
"To sum up: Obama’s speech is designed to tell Muslims he understands and empathises. He wants them to trust him so they will hear him. But to get that trust he tells them they are actually victims of the West Obama represents, and of the Jews. Or so he will be understood. Of actual proposals to solve anything he has few. He’s offering not plans but himself. He is the Healer.
UPDATE: This piece, from an Australian paper, captures my attitude reasonably well, although it is still far too soft on Obama:
"Obama’s demands are most specific when they detail what Israel must surrender or offer - an end to West Bank settlement, better living conditions in Gaza (which it does not control), a Palestinian state, 'concrete steps' to improve life in the West Bank. Yes, there are also demands made of Hamas - which 'must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist' - but these are standard demands made of a terrorist organisation that has shown not the slightest interest in obeying, and which Obama offers not the slightest hint of enforcing.
"To sum up: Obama’s speech is designed to tell Muslims he understands and empathises. He wants them to trust him so they will hear him. But to get that trust he tells them they are actually victims of the West Obama represents, and of the Jews. Or so he will be understood. Of actual proposals to solve anything he has few. He’s offering not plans but himself. He is the Healer.
"Will this work? Will Muslims, having been told they are victims, resolve to take more responsibility for peace and good governance? Will the West, having had reaffirmed a sense of their own guilt, keep any remaining resolve to defend their own interests and rights?
"As you can tell, I’m deeply sceptical. I think Obama has given in, and, hoping to be liked, will earn only contempt."