Israeli snub puts US in a quandary

By BARBARA FERGUSON | ARAB NEWS

WASHINGTON: The US Vice President Joe Biden is attempting to salvage Middle East peace talks after the Palestinians announced they were pulling out of a new round of indirect negotiations.

It follows Israel’s decision to build 1,600 new homes for Jews in Arab East Jerusalem.

The US vice president said an agreement was “profoundly” in Israel’s interests and appealed to the Israeli government to make a serious attempt to reach peace with the Palestinians.

On Monday, the White House won agreement from the two sides to begin the indirect talks, with the Palestinians insisting there would be no direct talks unless Israel halted all settlement expansion.

But only hours after Biden met Israeli leaders, Israel announced approval for the illegal new apartments in Ramat Shlomo, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish settlement in Arab East Jerusalem.

Israel’s announcement is widely seen as a slap in the face to its all-important US ally. It stirred significant anger among US officials and widespread skepticism about whether the Obama administration would have the courage or backing to take Israel to task as the US re-launches stalled peace negotiations. Left-wing Jewish groups in the US also condemned the plan.

The future of those talks was called into question late Wednesday when the Arab League recommended withdrawing support for them. “This is a global message of American weakness and Israeli arrogance,” said Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi.

Political observers here say it now appears President Barack Obama has the choice of absorbing the blow or engaging in a politically unpalatable battle with the Israeli leadership, which past US presidents have largely avoided.

They noted that Obama might be too invested in key domestic problems, the Iran nuclear issue and two wars to walk into that political minefield.

US special envoy for the Middle East George Mitchell is expected to visit the region next week. Talks are expected to focus on all of the so-called core issues: borders, water, refugees, illegal settlements and Jerusalem.

Condemnation against Israel has poured in from around the world, with many world leaders strongly condemning the Israeli decision, calling them illegal and ill timed.

“This is a bad decision at the wrong time. It will give strength to those who argue that Israel is not serious about peace,” British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon condemned the Israeli plan as incompatible with international law.

Palestinian Envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour described the announcement as “provocative,” and urged the Security Council to urgently address the “illegal” policy.

Obama had come into office demanding a full settlement freeze, including in East Jerusalem, with his administration later accepting a temporary, limited freeze that did not include East Jerusalem. Palestinians had attacked the new stance.

Comments

ABDUR AL-RAHIM ASSADIQ

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Israel is doing the same thing it has done with the previous White House Administrations. George Bush and father allowed Israel free will and gave the great support even if their actions were illegal. If the Obama Administration wants to somewhat get a hold on terrorists activity and thought, It must first step up to the plate wih Israel and demand a cease of all illegal activities. Until this is done, there will always be someone claiming Jihad and smearing the name of Islam. Realistically, with the great odds that face the Palenstinian people, who can blame them?

DARWIN

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US is just pretending in solving the Palestinian problem, they are just talk, talk and talking but no action, Whenever US official visit middle east, they will go first to Israel telling just listen whatever I say "its not true", then they will go to Palestinian side and condeming Israel action, telling that US is not happy with israel doing to expanding their settlements, Why they are not telling the Israel Gov't, they will they are shouting on Palestinian? I dont trust US government.

MOHAMMED YAQUB.

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USA should stop "bandar bant" policy in the Middle East. No one is going to believe on USA policies over Middle East process. They are just providing time and energy to israel covering its crimes. Mr. USA better you realise now your own people are anguishe over your policies. They are attacking on your government. You are not giving full coverage of what is going on in USA right now. Better you stay away from Middle East , take care of your own people who are getting out of control. Your role in Middle east is no more required and no one want you to come to enterfere, it is you who is making Palastine to invite you. On the contrary your presence is damaging middle east process. Arab Countries are now aware how to deal with israel.

NISHTHAR IDROOS

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Welcome to the exciting world of International puppetry. The control box is in Tel Aviv and the immaculately clad puppets in Washington. The trappings, the execution and the clean up takes place in the famous killing fields and the strings are pulled subsequently. The puppets then are galvanized to action to endorse the most inhuman and brutal injustice. The global media then amplifies the wanton injustice to the world; CNN, FOX, and BBC do an excellent job in the pursuit to elevate each other’s ratings. How ironic ratings depend on injustice and similar human misery? Oh Muslims patiently persevere, Allah’s help is near.
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