(Community Matters) I’m by no means unsympathetic to those advocating state recognition. I trust Pres Obama that for whatever reasons, this wouldn’t be in the Palestinian state’s nor the State of Israel’s best interest – most likely because of US Congressional backlash, which at this time could be veto proof. And, it probably signals the US’s weakening position as an ally to both sides. The failure of Bebe Netanyahus’s government to make any progress in negotiations or to curtail additional West Bank settlements is regrettable. As the eminently more powerful of the two parties, the negotiations are more Israel’s to drive.
Placing the US in the position of working against state recognition – which increases security threats against Americans everywhere in the world – is the sort of ask that taxes friendships. I fear my Israeli friends may have lost the advantage of negotiating with Palestinians from the peak of their power, influence and global friendships.
Community Matters 