Such is the Peace Process: Obama as a Salesman (Ramzy Baroud)

[Tace]

Ramzy Baroud -- World News Trust

Oct. 28, 2010 -- It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that the resumption of peace talks between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority have thus far yielded nothing of value, at least not as far as settling the decades-long struggle.

For one, the media has paid the talks little attention, aside from the ceremonial coverage of the first round of talks in Washington Sept. 2. It barely noticed the following round in the Middle East nearly two weeks later. What did capture the media’s attention was U.S. President Barack Obama’s attempt to minimize the damage he invited upon himself for merely pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a partial moratorium on settlement building (about 11 months ago), and then to extend the settlement freeze.

The President of the United States has, expectedly, failed to persuade Israeli leaders to uphold such a basic prerequisite to ensuring a smooth sailing peace process. Its resumption signaled the return of American diplomacy to the Middle East. Its current problems and expected failure, unlike previous rounds of talks, could very much usher the end of American political adventurism in the region. If a president like Obama -- who once enjoyed such a massive national and international mandate -- could weaken before a rightwing Israeli prime minister, then why should others even try?

To save face -- and postpone failure -- Obama has reportedly promised Israel broad security and diplomatic guarantees. All he has asked for in return is the mere extension of the settlement moratorium of 60 days -- enough to push his party through the November elections.

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http://worldnewstrust.com/such-is-the-peace-process-obama-as-a-salesman-ramzy-baroud.html

[Knight Hawk]

1. Yes

I wrote on this blog a number of times that Netanyahu would beat Obama at chess.Unfortunately Obama's national and international mandate was a mile wide and an inch deep.When you sit down and play chess with the likes of Netanyahu and Liberman you have to have EARNED their respect.Obama simply did not have the "street creds " to deal with these hard ,world wise men.