Transparency myth: meeting with Jewish leaders left off WH schedule

July 13, 2009

Why?

Are there transparency police? I know Politico noticed it early on but I don’t know if they’ve kept it up. Something tells me no. Politifact with the Obameter? Ha-ha. They’re as much in the bag as factcheck.

Anyway – saw this on the transcript. Still pandering to the arabs by hiding his meeting with Jewish Leaders?

TRANSCRIPT: WH Press Briefing 7-13-09

GIBBS: Let me do Lynn one more question, and then we’ll go.

LYNN: Robert, this is on the meeting at 3:00 p.m. with the American Jewish leaders. This is the first time that Obama has met with this group of presidents of major organizations. And some, but not all — there’s a division there about the President’s urging Israel to end settlements.

So my question is, what is the message he’s trying to — what is he trying to accomplish in that? Does he want to just — does he feel he needs to explain more? By chance, if this subject matter is so sensitive, could there be a transcript of what happens made available to us? And –

MR. GIBBS: I could — go ahead, I’m sorry.

LYNN: And this meeting, for some reason, was left off the White House schedule. It was just added on later in the day, though the people were invited last week. Is there a reason for that?

MR. GIBBS: Not that I’m aware of. Obviously, I think the President will use this opportunity to have a discussion with major Jewish leaders about the progress that he believes we’re making toward comprehensive Middle East peace. And what he has asked each side in this process, the hard decisions that he’s asked each to evaluate as we seek to make more of that progress.

Obviously, this is a very influential group, and I think he looks forward to discussing with them how these efforts are ongoing, the progress that he sees that has been and what he thinks has to be addressed in order to see more progress. We won’t have a transcript, but we’ll certainly give you a readout.

And I know you know both Rosy and Alan Solow’s cell phone number. So I will check repeatedly your blog in order to find out as close to an official transcript as one might need.

Lynn Sweet?

Madame Secretary Clinton’s comments to Israeli PM Ehud Olmert

March 3, 2009

Jerusalem

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Note the first thing he says is how much experience Madame Secretary has - something he could not say about barry.

Transcript/video

OLMERT: Good evening. I welcome the Secretary of State of the United States of America to (inaudible) on her first visit to Israel in her new position. The Secretary of State has an excellent familiarity with the state of Israel and the entire Middle East, one which goes back many years. And I’m certain that she will know how to utilize all the experience and knowledge she acquired through the years, and as a leading senator in order to represent the United States’ interest and those of the entire free world, and to advance stability and quiet in the region, (inaudible) the goal we all share.

The friendship between the United States and Israel is close and long-lived. Throughout my entire tenure, our two countries nurtured and strengthened (inaudible) friendship. I’m certain that President Obama and the Secretary of State will work in cooperation with any Israeli Government and will remain committed to the well-being and the security of Israel as a Jewish state.

I expect that our discussion will undoubtedly deal with the bilateral relations between our countries as well as regional issues. The Secretary of State has arrived here at the prime minister’s residence after a day of discussions with the president of the state of Israel and with my colleagues, and I am certain that she heard about our concerns and hopes from all of them.

I will share our increasing concern about the Iranian threat with her. The position of Israel, as I’ve already outlined, is that Israel cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran. And I heard President Obama and the Secretary of State that they resolutely object to a nuclear Iran. We will discuss ways in which we can ensure this.

With regard to our hopes, I will share with the Secretary of State the position my government has taken to advance peace between us and the Palestinians, and together we will discuss ways to advance peace in the region as part of the two-states solution. This is the only solution. There is no doubt, and it reflects absolutely Israel’s supreme strategic interest, as well as the interest of the Palestinian people.

I will update the Secretary of State with regard to the peace negotiations we conducted with Syria through the Turkish mediation, and together we will discuss ways in which we can extricate as many countries in the region from extremism in order to weaken the strengths and influence of those countries which support terror and of terrorist organizations in the region.

I will certainly update her with regard to the situation in southern Israel and about our intention to continue defending ourselves from any terrorist organization on the part – or aggression on the part of Hamas and other terrorist organizations which, unfortunately, (inaudible) in the Gaza Strip. In fact, they continue almost on a daily basis to shoot against innocent Israelis living in the southern part of Israel. And this is, of course, something which is totally unacceptable and intolerable to us and to everyone who lives in the state of Israel.

Madame Secretary of State, I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with you in your new position. Your courage, your commitment, your international experience, and the brave friendship you have demonstrated for the state of Israel throughout the years will certainly find expression in your new role and assist in your success.
I am totally convinced that you will continue to advance and strengthen the relations between Israel with the greatest friend we have in the whole world, the United States of America. Welcome.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Prime Minister, and it is indeed a personal delight for me to be here this evening. I thank you for the generous offer of hospitality. As you’ve pointed out when I came in, I have been to this home before, and it always reminds me of the many years of friendship and people whose lives have intersected with mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to return as my country’s Secretary of State on behalf of President Obama, and to have the opportunity you just briefly outlined to discuss the range of issues that are of concern to Israel and the United States.

I’ve had a wonderful day. As the prime minister pointed out, it started with an old friend, Shimon Peres, then I was honored to go to Yad Vashem to see some of the new parts of the museum and memorial, and to pay tribute there to the 6 million lives lost in the Holocaust, and to lay a wreath and pay respect to the eternal flame.
The United States and Israel face a number of serious challenges, and it was important for me to be here and to be with my delegation, including our Middle East Envoy Senator Mitchell – who has been here before and will be back numerous times in the future – to engage in in-depth discussions with Israel’s leaders on these matters of grave mutual concern.

But I also enjoyed the opportunity to have a discussion with a group of women entrepreneurs, just a short while ago at the hotel, who are being featured in a little video made for a contest that the United States State Department is running seeking interesting projects around the world. There were so many hundreds of them submitted. This project from Israel discusses a supportive community that helps women become entrepreneurs, particularly immigrant women, women from the former Soviet Union, women from Ethiopia and elsewhere.

As we discuss the critical issues of our time, it’s also important to remember why we do this. It is to provide the people, who both the prime minister and I are privileged to represent, with a chance to fulfill their own dreams, to live lives in safety and security, and to be given the opportunity to fulfill their own God-given potential.

When we sometimes discuss these serious matters of terrorism and extremism, of the threat posed by Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon, we can’t disconnect it from what we are attempting to do – to make sure that the people of Israel have a chance to live and flourish in a safe and secure environment, and as the prime minister said, to seek a way that they can live next to their Palestinian neighbors in a safe and secure environment.

I am very grateful, once again, to be here in Israel and pledging not only my personal commitment, but that of my country, to the fundamental and unshakable bond that joins us to Israel’s security and to our enduring bonds of friendship.

Thank you so much, Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER OLMERT: Thank you

Madame Secretary Clinton’s comments to Mahmoud Abbas

March 4, 2009

Ramallah, West Bank

Remarks With Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

[emphasis added]

Clinton highlights:

• Palestinian Authority the only legitimate government of Palestinian people
• Two-state solution - which Abbas also wants
• Only way to achieve is through negotiation
• We are determined to move forward
• Get over what Bush did/did not do
• She will be personally involved
• Commitment in her heart, not portfolio
• Of course mentions women and children
• Met with Palestinians - talked about Women’s History Month
• What would she say to young woman:
• There is never any reason to give up hope
• Believes will have constructive talks with Netanyahu
• Destruction of Palestinian homes will be addressed
• Concerned about getting aid through border crossings

She watches him while he speaks. He doesn’t always. Watch that last 3 minutes if nothing else. See his disgusted face and dismissive head tilt toward Madame Secretary around 22:45. Then she makes him wait while she takes off her ear buds and gets him to laugh.

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (In Arabic.) Don’t have a copy.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, President Abbas. It is a pleasure and an honor to be back here and to have the opportunity to meet with you, a leader of courage and dedication to the Palestinian people. I am very proud to stand beside President Abbas to deliver a message from my country and our President.

The United States supports the Palestinian Authority as the only legitimate government of the Palestinian people. As a partner on the road to a comprehensive peace, which includes a two-state solution, our support comes with more than words. As I pledged in Sharm el-Sheikh, we will work with President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad, and the government of the Palestinian Authority to address critical humanitarian, budgetary, security, and infrastructure needs, both in Gaza and in the West Bank.

As I said in Sharm el-Sheikh, a child growing up in Gaza without shelter, healthcare or an education, has the same right to go to school, see a doctor, and live with a roof over her head as a child growing up in any country. That a mother and a father here in the West Bank, struggling to fulfill their dreams for their children, have the same right as parents anywhere else to have a good job, a decent home, and the tools to achieve greater prosperity.

The United States aims to foster conditions in which a Palestinian state can be fully realized, a state that can provide these opportunities, a state that is a responsible partner, is at peace with Israel and its Arab neighbors, and is accountable to its people. That is the state that this government is attempting to build.

I met with Prime Minister Fayyad this morning and I expressed to him the appreciation we had for his presentation at Sharm el-Sheikh, which outlined the specific needs of the people in Gaza.
I also believe that it is imperative we continue to do the reform work that the president is leading in order to bolster the credibility of the government and to serve the needs of the people.

I’m very grateful that President Abbas has remained firm in his commitment to move forward on a comprehensive peace and a two-state solution. President Abbas is offering the Palestinian people the chance, finally, to fulfill the aspirations to be free, independent, prosperous, and peaceful, flourishing in a state of your own. And the only way to achieve that goal is through negotiations. All who believe in this comprehensive peace, we urge you to work with the Palestinian Authority and with us, because we are determined to move forward.

Time is of the essence. We cannot afford more delays or regrets about what might have been had different decisions been made in the past. The Obama Administration will be vigorously engaged in efforts to forge a lasting peace between Israel, the Palestinians, and all of the Arab neighbors. I will remain personally engaged. As I said in Sharm el-Sheikh, this is a commitment that I carry in my heart, not just in my portfolio as Secretary of State.

Senator George Mitchell is the President’s and my Special Envoy. As you know, he has been here already. He is here today. And he will return soon. We all know and respect that in the end, it is up to the parties themselves to make peace. We offer you our support, not just today, but for all the tomorrows to come until the goal is realized. We believe that you have begun to establish the base on which the comprehensive peace can be built. And we will encourage and support you as you continue to advance the cause of the Palestinian people.

Earlier today, I met with some young Palestinians, young men and women who are furthering their education, and I was very impressed. We talked about women, because it’s Women’s History Month, and then I answered questions. And they asked about what I admired when I was growing up and what their dreams were, and then I was interviewed by two young Palestinian broadcasters. They asked me what I would say to a young woman living in a village outside of Ramallah who might be losing hope, who might believe that there is no future.

What I would say to her is what I have said and will say to young people everywhere. There is never reason to give up hope. There are many obstacles and challenges that lie in the way of realizing dreams, whether it’s individual dreams or the dreams of a people. But persevering, rethinking, regrouping, being committed will eventually result in the goal that we are seeking together.

Perhaps even more than the wonderful meeting that I had with President Abbas and the prior meeting with Prime Minister Fayyad, my meeting with those young Palestinians, Mr. President, made it very clear what is at stake and how important it is that we complete the journey we have begun. Thank you very much.

QUESTION: (In Arabic.)

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (In Arabic.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: The president is right. The United States, through President Obama, is committed to a comprehensive peace, including a two-state solution. I have said that publicly. I have said that privately. There is no difference in any message that I am delivering in public or in private.

As the president also said, the Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu is forming his government. As soon as that government is formed, Senator Mitchell will return to begin meeting with that government. We are not waiting. We are moving forward. We believe that there will be very constructive talks with the new Netanyahu government.

MR. WOOD: The next question is Glenn Kessler from The Washington Post.

QUESTION: Yes. Madame Secretary, Israel last week approved the demolition of 88 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and, as you arrived, another 55 homes were slated for demolition, the largest number in one area since 1967. Will you, as James Baker did in 1991, urge a halt to such unilateral actions?

And President Abbas, what do you think of these demolitions, and has the U.S. been too silent on this issue?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Glenn, clearly, this kind of activity is unhelpful and not in keeping with the obligations entered into under the roadmap. It is an issue that we intend to raise with the government of Israel and the Government at the municipal level in Jerusalem, because it is clearly a matter of deep concern to those who are directly affected.

But the ramifications go far beyond the individuals and the families that have received the notices you referenced. Yes, this will be taken up with the Israeli government.

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (In Arabic.)

QUESTION: (In Arabic.)

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (In Arabic.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: We will certainly be raising that issue. We will be looking for a way to put it on the table, along with all the other issues that need to be discussed and resolved.

At this time, I think we should wait until we have a new Israeli government. That will be soon, and then we will look at whether tools are available.

MR. WOOD: The last question (inaudible).

QUESTION: Thank you. Madame Secretary, the newspaper Al Haaretz reported today that you told Defense Minister Barak that Israel needed to do more to open border crossings, and that you told Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu that his plan to offer economic peace to the Palestinians would not work without a political track. Can you confirm now that you – now that your meetings are over, that you made those points to the Israelis?

And for President Abbas, do you have concerns with the U.S. sending envoys to Syria and also, focused on Iran, that the Palestinian track will not receive the attention it deserves going forward? Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Let me say that I have not said anything differently in private that I’ve said in public. We have obviously expressed concerns about the border crossings. We want humanitarian aid to get into Gaza in sufficient amounts to be able to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. That’s been a public and a private message that I have carried with me in numerous different settings.

On each of these matters, we are expressing the view of the United States Government in a way that we hope proves helpful. Obviously we are trying to express constructive ideas that we think will, on the one hand, alleviate the immediate crisis in Gaza, and on the other, give us an opportunity to set the table for a constructive and eventually successful resolution of the issues between the Israelis and the Palestinians and reach the goal of two states living in peace and security side by side.

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (In Arabic.)

Why doesn’t anyone care Hamas is bombing Israel again?

March 1, 2009

Hamas is pounding Israel with rockets again and no one is saying a word. Hamas is putting innocent Palestinians at risk again and no one is saying anything. Hamas is the one inciting and breaking whatever “truce” there was. But the second Israel tries to defend itself - CNN will be plastered with footage of bloody women and children. This is why the Arab world is a monolith and will continue to be so.

Where does Hamas - who is completely surrounded and without access to air or sea - get 110 more rockets?

From CNN:

Over the weekend Palestinians fired nine rockets into southern Israel. One of them slammed into an empty school in the city of Ashkelon, causing extensive damage. Since the end of the military operation in Gaza, over 110 rockets have been fired into Israel, a spokeswoman for Israel’s military said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said, in his weekly Cabinet meeting, that if the rockets don’t stop, the retaliation will be:

“painful, sharp, strong and uncompromising response”.

The Israeli response will — in no way — be what the terrorist organizations expect. The state of Israel has a wide range of options that will be utilized in order to bring complete quiet to the south.

Tomorrow, there is an international donors conference held in coordination with the Palestinian Authority in Cairo, Egypt to help rebuild the Gaza Strip - estimated $2B in damages. Saudi Arabia has pledged to donate $1B. One wonders how much will go (has been going) directly to Hamas. Why aren’t they speaking up right now?

Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister who is now an international envoy for the Middle East, met with business leaders and representatives of nongovernmental organizations, as well as the top U.N. humanitarian official in Gaza and the Palestinian Water Authority on his way to the conference.

BLAIR: I wanted to come to hear for myself, first hand, from people in Gaza whose lives have been so badly impacted by the recent conflict.

Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton will be in attendance - though it is not being billed as an official State visit.

REUTERS: Egypt’s foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit:

We expect lots of commitments from everybody, lots of commitments for reconstruction.

And what if Egypt had not been allowing money and munitions to be smuggled into Hamas? Is anyone going to root out the tunnels and blow them up? Why not hand out money, clothing, medicine and cold hard cash to the people willing to expose where Hamas is hiding and who is helping them?

A senior State Department official in reference to Clinton and Gheit:

They agreed on the shared commitment to bring about a comprehensive peace and the need to have a successful Cairo conference.

State Department statement:

(The United States) hopes that conditions on the ground will allow the United States and other members of the international community to provide substantial levels of assistance to the people of Gaza.

Nothing will stop until Hamas is prosecuted for their crimes. The Arab World knew what was going to happen when Hamas was “voted” into power and they have done nothing to stop them or help the innocent people of Gaza.

Reality of foreign policy

January 30, 2009

I ran across an interesting article by SIR CHRISTOPHER MEYER (Ambassador to Washington, 1997-2003) about nationalism and ethnic tribalism in today's world. Ethnic tribalism is a good term - especially in regards to the tribes of savages in the Arab world. How it must be faced head on and not with kumbaya barryism.

That is the brilliance of Madame Secretary Clinton - she has no such illusions, is well-educated in the history of warring factions, particularly as regards India/Pakistan/Afghanistan and Israel, and she is reality-based, result-oriented and experience-driven. In other words - her foreign policy experience is more than the "having tea with ambassadors" that the mindless chanters fell for. Add to that her awareness that women will be the ones to bring peace and prosperity to their oppressed lands not the human detonators and hate-filled evildoers.

And contrary to her homeland - in which she was First Lady of Arkansas for 10 years, First Lady of the United States for 8 years, Senator from New York for 8 years, presidential candidate and now Secretary of State - she is well-beloved and respected around the world - as is her husband. It's insane to read that sentence and realize that barry supporters actually said out loud that barry had more political experience. And she is presently more well known and more respected than barry around the world and only time will tell if that changes.

If the American press continues to treat her so inhumanely while she is trying to repair our standing in the world by implementing "barry's" policy, it will show once and for all they are out to destroy her as a woman - a useless cause. Is there a tougher woman, let alone politician, out there? It will prove they have no regard for barry's "judgment". And it will prove their castration anxiety is more important than their futures, their children's futures, our nation's future since it rests on her success.

Does anyone still believe barry has any idea or enough knowledge or experience to actually dictate foreign policy? He picked Biden just to get elected and look what has already happened. It seems he 's just another crazy old uncle who says things barry doesn't agree with. How fortunate it was that wardrobegate was more fascinating than his prediction of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President barry can't even get a stimulus package passed when he has an unheard of approval rating. Perhaps had he spent a little more time in the senate instead of campaigning, or refrained from trashing a true American hero by throwing around "POW Card" and accusations of racism, or actually reached across the aisle instead of proposing it, or had enough respect not to personally attack our former president - a Republican - he might have generated a little more good will. An experienced proven politician would have known that.

Madame Secretary entered the race fully-footed in reality, having visited at least 50 more countries and 2 continents more than barry. But the cult of personality chose an untested politician, a man with no past, a man who did not have the economy in his top three issues as of April 1st 2008,a man who has never made a stand on anything - to be president and commander in chief during an unprecedented time of crisis.

What has he done other than give mini-speeches and answer softly lobs?

He just admitted the reality of the presidency having descended on him. It dawned on him when he went to get his daily press adulation and realized they actually have some idea of how to do their job.And who was it who knew the realities of the presidency going in having lived side by side with it for eight years? Historians are going to wonder what was in the nation's water supply.

Anyway. Here's an excerpt from MEYER's article in the UK Times (highlight added):

Globalisation and interdependence were supposed to have swept aside these ancient feuds and rivalries. Theories of the postmodern state now abound. Tony Blair preached how national interest would be trumped by the spread of "global values". This is self-evident rubbish. For here is the paradox of the modern world. Money, people, culture, business and electronic information cross porous frontiers in ever-increasing volume. But as national boundaries dissolve in cyberspace, so everywhere the sense of nationhood and national interest strengthens.

...It is useless to say that nationalism and ethnic tribalism have no place in the international relations of the 21st century. If anything the spread of Western-style democracy has amplified their appeal and resonance. The supreme fallacy in foreign policy is to take the world as we would wish it to be and not as it actually is.

barry golfed while Gaza burned

January 16, 2009

TIME has a You Tube collection of Bush being Bush. In the group is the infamous golf swing and the caption below.

courtesy of Leo120

Made famous by Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, this scene from 2002 of Bush following up a screed against "terrorist killers" with a golf swing spelled disaster for his reputation. Really, Mr. President? Suicide bombings in Israel and you're showing off your form."

It seems they have forgotten our President-elect playing golf while Gaza burned, issuing not a single statement under the guise of "one president only" - even as he spoke out and was managing the economy.

Shhh...there's only one president at a time...when it comes to making a stand.

(Reuters)

It's time to drop the blinders and get real. Focus on what barry should be and hasn't been doing instead of what Bush has or has not done.

Sen Clinton's stance on Hamas

January 14, 2009

Well Senator Clinton did her usual. She was massively prepared - even without notes and she displayed an encyclopedic knowledge of the world. They couldn't break her. She has to be the smartest politician on the planet. Her comment on Israel.

CLINTON: On Israel you cannot negotiate with Hamas until it renounces violence, recognizes Israel, and agrees to abide by past agreements. That for me is an absolute. That is the United States government's position and the President elects position.

I'm putting together barama matthews comments. They are diametrically opposed to everything he spouted during the primaries. Don't they ever listen to themselves and what do they actually believe? I wish I knew how to splice videos. I would go back and clip his comments together before and after.

Senator Clinton's stance on Hamas

January 14, 2009

Well Senator Clinton did her usual. She was massively prepared - even without notes - and she displayed an encyclopedic knowledge of the world. They couldn't break her. She has to be the smartest politician on the planet. Her comment on Israel.

CLINTON: On Israel you cannot negotiate with Hamas until it renounces violence, recognizes Israel, and agrees to abide by past agreements. That for me is an absolute. That is the United States government's position and the President elects position.

I'm putting together barama matthews comments. They are diametrically opposed to everything he spouted during the primaries. Don't they ever listen to themselves and what do they actually believe? I wish I knew how to splice videos. I would go back and clip his comments together before and after.

Egyptians and Jordanians:

[Personal view not associated with this site.]

January 4, 2008

Where are you and what are you doing?

Those are your neighbors.

Your land and people are just as vulnerable and yet you stay silent and expect others to calm what is happening and has been happening in your own backyard.

You are just as complicit by doing nothing.

How can you possibly condemn the West?

How many Hamas terrorists have come from within your borders?

How many are seeking refuge right this minute?

How many sick, hungry and injured women and children seeking care and refuge have you allowed through your borders?

How much aid have you sent in?

What has the Arab League done?

How dare you condemn the West when you sit on your hands and do nothing.

Your inaction has allowed this to escalate.

Take responsibility for what you have not done and are still not doing.

You cannot hide anymore.

Your cowardice has been exposed to the entire world.

How long will you allow it to continue?

When is the Arab world going to speak out against Hamas?

[Personal views not connected to this site]

January 4, 2009

Why is there no outrage until Israel defends itself?

Why do we only see women and children when they can be used as propaganda to incite more hate?

Where were the protests against Hamas when they fired indiscriminately without retaliation?

Who in the Arab world has done anything to stop them?

How many other countries have vowed to annihilate Israel?

How many secretly hope someone else will?

Who voted Hamas into power?

Why are they anyone else's fault but the people who brought them to power?

What have Gazans done themselves to root out Hamas?

Who has allowed Hamas to build tunnels and amass weaponry?

What has been done to prevent them from using innocent civilians as a shield to provoke more violence?

How are Westerners to feel when they hear Hamas vow to torture and kill Israelis and hear nothing but silence from the rest of the Arab world?

How can you demand the UN do something when you have done nothing to stop the hate yourselves?

When did the Arab League meet to try to reach a resolution?

And what is Hamas doing now?

Inciting with their words of unvarnished hate.

Words that have not been condemned.

How are these words to be taken?

ISMAIL RADWAN

You entered like rats. Your entry to Gaza won't be easy. Gaza will be a graveyard for you, God willing.

Gaza will not be paved with flowers for you. It will be paved with fire and hell.

A text message sent by Hamas' military wing, Izzedine al-Qassam, said "the Zionists started approaching the trap which our fighters prepared for them." Hamas said it also broadcast a Hebrew message on Israeli military radio frequencies promising to kill and kidnap the Israeli soldiers.

Be prepared for a unique surprise, you will be either killed or kidnapped and will suffer mental illness from the horrors we will show you.

Where was the outrage when these evil words were spit?

Where is your concern for the innocents he will allow to be injured and killed because of them?

One condones by saying nothing and doing nothing.

The whole world is watching and in the meantime thousands of people are suffering and more to come.

One week there is jubilance and honor bestowed on a man who attacked President Bush because of his involvement in Iraq and the next week there is outrage for his non-involvement in Gaza.

You can't have it both ways.

One must clean the rats out of one's own house before one complains about the filth in another's.

President Bush's radio address

January 2, 2009

President Bush's radio address:[emphasis added]

Over the past week, I have been monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely with the members of my national security team. Secretary Rice is actively engaged in diplomacy. And I've been in contact with leaders throughout the region -- including the King of Saudi Arabia, the King of Jordan, the President of Egypt, the President and Prime Minister of the Palestinian Territories, and the Prime Minister of Israel.

This recent outburst of violence was instigated by Hamas -- a Palestinian terrorist group supported by Iran and Syria that calls for Israel's destruction. Eighteen months ago, Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in a coup, and since then has imported thousands of guns and rockets and mortars. Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, but Hamas routinely violated that ceasefire by launching rockets into Israel. On December 19th, Hamas announced an end to the ceasefire and soon unleashed a barrage of rockets and mortars that deliberately targeted innocent Israelis -- an act of terror that is opposed by the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people, President Abbas.

In response to these attacks on their people, the leaders of Israel have launched military operations on Hamas positions in Gaza. As a part of their strategy, Hamas terrorists often hide within the civilian population, which puts innocent Palestinians at risk. [utter cowards] Regrettably, Palestinian civilians have been killed in recent days.

The United States is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation facing the Palestinian people. Since Hamas's violent takeover in the summer of 2007, living conditions have worsened for Palestinians in Gaza. By spending its resources on rocket launchers instead of roads and schools, Hamas has demonstrated that it has no intention of serving the Palestinian people. America has helped by providing tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid, and this week we contributed an additional $85 million through the United Nations. We have consistently called on all in the region to ensure that assistance reaches those in need. And as I told President Mubarak, America appreciates the role Egypt has played in facilitating the delivery of relief supplies in recent days.

In addition to reducing humanitarian suffering, all nations must work toward a lasting end to the violence in the Holy Land, and a return to the path of peace. The United States is leading diplomatic efforts to achieve a meaningful ceasefire that is fully respected. Another one-way ceasefire that leads to rocket attacks on Israel is not acceptable. And promises from Hamas will not suffice -- there must be monitoring mechanisms in place to help ensure that smuggling of weapons to terrorist groups in Gaza comes to an end. I urge all parties to pressure Hamas to turn away from terror, and to support legitimate Palestinian leaders working for peace.

In the days ahead, the United States will stay closely engaged with our partners in the region, in Europe, and in the international community. My Administration will continue to keep the President-elect and his team informed. And America's objectives in the Middle East will remain clear: We seek security and peace for our allies, the free people of Israel. For the Palestinian people, we seek a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state that serves its citizens and respects its neighbors. For all in the region, we seek an end to terror. And we seek an enduring peace based on justice, dignity, and human rights for every person in every nation of the Middle East.

Cheney: Israel didn't seek clearance or approval

January 4, 2008

AP's BEN FELLER

VP DICK CHENEY:

[Israel] didn't seek clearance or approval from us, certainly.

They have said, now, for a period of months — they told me on my last trip over there — that they didn't want to have to act, where Gaza was concerned. They had gotten out of there three years ago. But if the rocketing didn't stop, they felt they had no choice but to take action. And if they did, they would be very aggressive, in terms of trying to take down Hamas. And that's exactly what's happened.

HARRY REID:

I think what the Israelis are doing is very important. I think this terrorist organization, Hamas, has got to be put away. They've got to come to their senses.

MITCH MCCONNELL:

Hamas is a terrorist organization. Imagine in this country (the U.S.) if somebody from a neighboring country were lobbing shells at our population. We'd do exactly the same thing. I think the Israelis are doing the only thing they can possibly do to defend their population.

While the Arab world sits...silent

January 4, 2009

[Personal view not associated with this site.]

CNN: UN Security Council - no agreement

Libyan Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi:

Unfortunately, the delegation of the United States has a clear position that is against any product or outcome from this meeting.

And the daughter of Moammar Gadhafi awarding the shoe thrower a medal of courage?

Who can take you seriously?

Blaming the US isn't going to work this time.

The US has her own troubles and is tired of your senseless violence.

It is time the Arab world to police its own savages.

If Hamas wasn't allowed to exist then Palestinians would not be being attacked.

Why the sudden urgency now that Israel - a recognized nation - not a terrorist regime - is defending her citizens?

Is the entire Arab World afraid of Iran?

Where were the meetings of the Arab League when Hamas disregarded the cease fire and began their unprovoked bombing of Israeli civilians?

Where was the concern for the innocent Palestinians then?

The entire world now knows you are not interested in the plight of the suffering Palestinians.

Where is the call to Hamas to stop hiding like emasculated filthy vermin in the midst of innocent women and children?

Why do they stockpile food and medical supplies so the citizens have none?

Why have you been allowing it?

Why do we only see women and children on Arab TV when they can be used as propaganda to promote hate and more violence?

Why do we see groups of able-bodied men standing by and doing nothing to help the victims?

Why do non-Arab nations have to try to resolve something Arab nations have allowed to continue and even encouraged?

By doing nothing and allowing the violence to continue, the entire Arab world is guilty.

You cannot hide it anymore.

Anti-Semitic propaganda can't hide it anymore.

Hate for Western infidels cannot hide it anymore.

It is loud and clear.

As is the European Union's complacency and lack of involvement.

Only now are they stepping in when it is clear the US refuses to give in to terror.

How much money has France given toward humanitarian rescue of the innocent Palestinians?

How many Arab and European countries have opened their borders to the suffering Palestinians?

Egypt - is it easier to get arms in or allow refugees out?

Who in the Arab world has true courage?

Courage that does not involve human detonation?

Why type of mother allows her child to be used as an explosive device?

What type of mother willingly lies down with a man who seeks only to breed more hate?

What type of mother brings life into existence only to see her own flesh and blood willingly destroy another mother's flesh and blood?

How is that an honorable death? An honorable life?

How is that anything other than delusional madness?

Is there nothing sacred in the Arab world?

For if every human life is not sacred - even your enemy's - then none are.

Not even your own.

Arab women stand up for yourselves and stop the violence.

Now.

You hold the power of peace within your hands and your wombs.

The West sees your plight but you have to want to change.

You must stand up for yourselves and the human lives you willingly create.

Stop mutilating your daughters' genitals.

Have the courage to stand up and say no more.

It is not a custom unless you choose to perpetuate it.

It is an unnecessary act of savagery.

It is a crime against all women.

And it is an act against God who created your child as she should be.

Which Arab country is going to lead the way?

You have been exposed - every single one of you.

The whole world is watching you stand by and do nothing but scream more hate and promise years of retribution.

What is a moderate Arab nation when you do nothing to intervene before the violence escalates?

You are cowards.

You do not seek peace.

You thrive on violence, using Islam as a shield.

No true religion uses a Holy Book and Holy teachings to promote death and destruction.

None of you truly care about the Palestinian people other than as pawns to incite and justify violence.

How else to interpret your inaction?

How long before you give fleeing Hamas members refuge, money, weaponry and a ride to Iraq or Afghanistan or New York to displace their hate on Americans?

It will no longer work.

Your apathy and tacit approval has been exposed.

Your desire to incite hate and your now patently obvious reluctance to broker peace has been exposed.

Who among you would not be doing what Hamas is doing if you could get away with it?

How many of you are funding Hamas? Feeding them? Outfitting them with arms and intelligence?

Fighting alongside them? Allowing them to train in your lands?

Hamas is surrounded on all sides. They are not capable of violence without external assistance.

The Arab world is and has been helping them.

That cannot be masked with 24 hour news coverage of bloody victims.

What civilized nation shows such images simply to promote hate?

To ensure innocent children grow up hating like their parents just to keep the conflict breeding?

How many of your camera crews help the injured women and children they so callously film?

Have you no souls?

How much dignity does a woman or young girl have in the Arab world if her hair covering and clothing are ripped open while she lies suffering just to film her injury?

How is the world to respect you when you don't respect the dignity of your own women and children even in their naked moments of suffering?

Is there nothing sacred in the Arab world?

Where was your concern for the innocent Palestinians when weapons, men and money were smuggled in to Hamas?

How can you look at the world with an honest face and expect us to believe you knew nothing and contributed nothing to aid in their fight?

You are guilty.

All of you.

It can no longer be hidden.

Your laying blame on non-Arab countries will no longer work.

You have been exposed as nations who do not seek peace.

Therefore, you are nations who sanction war.

Nothing will change that.

Not even God or Allah as a justification for a "Holy War".

Have you no shame at your impotence?

Root out the pestilence within your own garden before you complain about your neighbor's infestation.

You have allowed Hamas to remain in power.

They are there because they serve your purpose: the complete destruction of Israel.

Just like Hezbollah, al Qaeda and other radical Islamic extremists who thrive unsanctioned within your borders.

It is your fault and your fault alone this is happening.

You allow terrorism to incubate and thrive, you suffer the consequences.

But it is the Palestinians suffering because of your laziness and cowardice.

You allow Iran to dictate the violence in your own backyards.

You are just as impotent as the Palestinians.

The West's sympathy is for the innocent victims - not the Arab World who sits by silent.

For that there is no disdain greater, no more wicked a sin.

The West now knows exactly who you are and what you are truly interested in.

You are not interested in the suffering of the Palestinians.

You are not interested in promoting peace.

You are not interested in affording your women and children basic human rights.

You are interested in the annihilation of Israel and her women and children.

You are interested in the destruction of democracy and equality under the law.

You are interested in promoting terrorism and indiscriminate death and destruction.

And for that you will aways be viewed as hate-filled nations and Islam - the allegedly justification you hide behind - will always be viewed as a religion of hate.

Do you want to change this perception?

Do something.

Do something that involves goodness - not hate.

Until then you will be viewed as despicable nations who do not value the sanctity of human life.

barry: Israeli-Palestinian conflict

January 4, 2009

Shh...there's only one president at a time...

(REUTERS)

2- 25-08 OBAMA statement

Barack Obama's longstanding support for Israel's security is rooted in his belief that no civilians should have to live with the threat of terrorism. In Gaza, Hamas continues to fire rockets indiscriminately at Israeli civilians every day, and that's why it is long past time that Hamas renounces terrorism, recognizes Israel's right to exist, and abides by past agreements.

3-2-08 OBAMA on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas suspended peace negotiations with Israel in reaction to an Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The violence in Gaza is the result of Hamas' decision to launch rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and Israel has a right to defend itself. I remain very concerned about the fate of civilians and urge Israel to do all it can to avoid civilian deaths and to keep its focus on Hamas, which bears responsibility for these events.

6-4-08 AIPAC

Our alliance is based on shared interests and shared values. Those who threaten Israel threaten us. Israel has always faced these threats on the front lines. And I will bring to the White House an unshakeable commitment to Israel's security.

That starts with ensuring Israel's qualitative military advantage. I will ensure that Israel can defend itself from any threat — from Gaza to Tehran. Defense cooperation between the United States and Israel is a model of success, and must be deepened.

...We should export military equipment to our ally Israel under the same guidelines as NATO. And I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself in the United Nations and around the world.

Across the political spectrum, Israelis understand that real security can only come through lasting peace. And that is why we — as friends of Israel — must resolve to do all we can to help Israel and its neighbors to achieve it. Because a secure, lasting peace is in Israel's national interest. It is in America's national interest. And it is in the interest of the Palestinian people and the Arab world. As president, I will work to help Israel achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state of Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security.

...The long road to peace requires Palestinian partners committed to making the journey. We must isolate Hamas unless and until they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist, and abide by past agreements. There is no room at the negotiating table for terrorist organizations. That is why I opposed holding elections in 2006 with Hamas on the ballot. The Israelis and the Palestinian Authority warned us at the time against holding these elections. But this administration pressed ahead, and the result is a Gaza controlled by Hamas, with rockets raining down on Israel.

...I will strongly urge Arab governments to take steps to normalize relations with Israel, and to fulfill their responsibility to pressure extremists and provide real support for President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad. Egypt must cut off the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Israel can also advance the cause of peace by taking appropriate steps — consistent with its security — to ease the freedom of movement for Palestinians, improve economic conditions in the West Bank, and to refrain from building new settlements — as it agreed to with the Bush administration at Annapolis.

Israel's security is sacrosanct. It is non-negotiable. The Palestinians need a state that is contiguous and cohesive, and that allows them to prosper — but any agreement with the Palestinian people must preserve Israel's identity as a Jewish state, with secure, recognized and defensible borders. Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.

...But Israel is strong enough to achieve peace, if it has partners who are committed to the goal. Most Israelis and Palestinians want peace, and we must strengthen their hand. The United States must be a strong and consistent partner in this process — not to force concessions, but to help committed partners avoid stalemate and the kind of vacuums that are filled by violence.

The threats to Israel start close to home, but they don't end there. Syria continues its support for terror and meddling in Lebanon. And Syria has taken dangerous steps in pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, which is why Israeli action was justified to end that threat.

...I also believe that the United States has a responsibility to support Israel's efforts to renew peace talks with the Syrians. We must never force Israel to the negotiating table, but neither should we ever block negotiations when Israel's leaders decide that they may serve Israeli interests.

.....Finally, let there be no doubt: I will always keep the threat of military action on the table to defend our security and our ally Israel. Sometimes there are no alternatives to confrontation. But that only makes diplomacy more important. If we must use military force, we are more likely to succeed, and will have far greater support at home and abroad, if we have exhausted our diplomatic efforts.

7-23-08 Sderot, Israel

Now let me just close by saying that I bring to Sderot, an unshakeable commitment to Israel's security. The state of Israel faces determined enemies who seek its destruction. But it also has a friend and ally in the United States that will always stand by the people of Israel. That's why I'm proud to be here today and that's why I will work from the moment that I return to America, to tell the story of Sderot and to make sure that the good people who live here are enjoying a future of peace and security and hope.

I continued to say that Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel. And I have said that before and I will say it again. And I also have said that it is important that we don't simply slice the city in half. But I've also said that that's a final status issue. That's an issue that has to be dealt with with the parties involved, the Palestinians and the Israelis. And it's not the job of the United States to dictate the form in which that will take, but rather to support the efforts that are being made right now to resolve these very difficult issues that have a long history.

What is also true is I believe it is strongly in the interests of Israel's security to arrive at a lasting peace with the Palestinian people.

Asked by the New York Times whether Israel should negotiate with Hamas in Gaza:

I don't think any country would find it acceptable to have missiles raining down on the heads of their citizens.

The first job of any nation state is to protect its citizens. And so I can assure you that if -- I don't even care if I was a politician.

If somebody was sending rockets into my house where my two daughters sleep at night, I'm going to do everything in my power to stop that.

And I would expect Israelis to do the same thing.

In terms of negotiations with Hamas, it is very hard to negotiate with a group that is not representative of a nation state, does not recognize your right to exist, has consistently used terror as a weapon, and is deeply influenced by other countries. I think that Hamas leadership will have to make a decision at some point as to whether it is a serious political party seeking to represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people. And, as a consequence, willing to recognize Israel's right to exist and renounce violence as a tool to achieve its aims. Or whether it wants to continue to operate as a terrorist organization. Until that point, it's hard for Israel, I think, to negotiate with a country that -- or with a group that doesn't recognize Israel's right to exist.

HAMAS Official:

[Obama's] remarks today give cover for the occupation's nonstop crimes against our people.

12-27-08 BROOKE ANDERSON, Chief National Security spokeswoman:

President-elect Obama is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza, but there is one president at a time.

OBAMA transition aide:

[Obama and Condolezza Rice] discussed the situations in Gaza and in South Asia. The president-elect appreciated the call and the information from Secretary Rice. He will continue to closely monitor these and other global events. The call lasted approximately eight minutes and was initiated by the president-elect.

Ehud Olmert & Ismail Radwan statements

January 5, 2009

CNN
Israeli Prime Minister EHUD OLMERT:

[The Israeli army's objectives were to] strike at the military infrastructure that Hamas has established and to take control of the areas from which most of the missiles have been fired at Israeli territory.

Hamas has fired 220 rockets into southern Israel in the past week from the areas of Gaza that Israeli troops have now entered.

In a responsible and determined country. It cannot be that the home front will be subject to attack and a daring, strong and well-trained military does not defend it.

We did not reach this conclusion lightly. For many months, we gave the calm a chance in the hope of avoiding a wide-ranging military operation. Our hopes were dashed.

This operation was unavoidable.

[Israel would not] allow a humanitarian crisis to be created in the Gaza Strip. We will help supply food and medicines like any enlightened and moral country must do.

The unenlightened: Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan with Fawzi Barhoum (Gaza Hamas) blinking in Morse Code next to him. His hands are so pale he must truly be living in a cave. Listen to their concern for the innocent civilians they are cowardly hiding amongst and watch the glee when he talks of killing.

To the Israeli Army: Your incursion in Gaza will not be a picnic. And we promise you that Gaza will be your cemetery. God willing.

You have no choice but to end this aggression and end the siege without any condition. You will not live in peace until our Palestinian people live in peace.

We will not abandon the battlefield, and we will stay on the thorny course, and we will fight until the last breath.