Senator Obama put out this statement today on his just announced trips to Europe, Israel and Jordan:
“This trip will be an important opportunity for me to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with some of our closest friends and allies about the common challenges we face,” said Barack Obama. “Israel is a strong and close friend of the United States, and is confronting grave threats from Gaza to Tehran. Jordan has been a close partner in the peace process and a host of other issues of common concern. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are key anchors of the transatlantic alliance and have contributed to the mission in Afghanistan, and I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our partnership in the years to come. This will be an important opportunity to have an exchange of views with leaders in these countries about these and other issues that are critical to American national security — and global security — in the 21st century.”
I’m glad he’s going. But let’s hope that he focuses more on the problem of a DIVIDED Palestine rather than bringing up the issue of a “divided Jerusalem” again.
And just for the rhetoric spinners, it would be NICE that while talking about the importance of Israeli security and the threats faced by the lonely regional superpower (with wich I concur), he might also address the miserable living conditions of those in Gaza and the West Bank. Some empathy with both sides is more than appropriate — and is practiced every day by leading Israelis who are debating these regional problems in far broader and more inclusive terms than is happening in the United States.
— Steve Clemons
34 comments on “Obama to Head to Europe and the Middle East: Obama Should Address “Divided Palestine””