For Netanyahu, as for the Republicans who dominate Congress, it's an astute move: Netanyahu gets to strut his stuff before a contested election back home and the Republicans get to lay claim to a politically-correct position vis-a-vis the Jewish voters who may turn out for the 2016 presidential election.
As for the American people ... when was the last time that the leader of those opposing or subjugated by Israel was invited to make a similar speech? Friction between Israel and the Palestinians has been going on so long that comedian Woody Allen has made fun of it. The deaths -- always about 3-1 in favor of a vastly-better-armed Israel -- are far from comical and the U.S. claims to take the Middle East seriously.
How can it be serious if only one side is taken seriously? Is political posturing worth American lives? I guess so, as long as it's not their kids' lives.
My doctor is an old friend whom i knew from before he went to med school, and jewish. We banter back and forth about related events, and his conclusion is that "they deserve one another", they being israel and palestine.
ReplyDeleteThat we take sides speaks to a strong israeli lobby supported by a christian fundamentalist voting block who are informed by fox led preachers and an old testament association with israel. But as long as we tip the scales in favor of one side against the other, no serious effort with be made toward peace. Israel seeks a subjection of palestinians that seek equality and retribution.
If we disarmed both sides they might sit down and talk. But while both sides are being armed, both sides will seek to win. Oh well.