Obama vows he will have 'plenty’ to say on Mideast after swearing-in

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/gaza/2009/January/gaza_January110.xml§ion=gaza

(AFP)

6 January 2009

WASHINGTON - US president-elect Barack Obama Tuesday vowed to speak out about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict once he takes office, but insisted until then only President George W. Bush can speak for the US.

“After January 20 I am going to have plenty to say about the issue,” Obama told reporters, fending off criticism that he has failed to forcefully address the Israeli military onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

Obama said he was sticking by his campaign pledge that “at the beginning of our administration, we are going to engage effectively and consistently in trying to resolve the conflict that existed in the Middle East.

“I think it is not only right for the people in that region, most importantly, it is right for the national security of the American people and the stability that is so important to this country.

“So on January 20, you will be hearing directly from me,” he vowed.

[mmonk]

1. It's going to be interesting.

[monmouth]

2. I don't think you can ask for more than that....n/t

[truedelphi]

3. Will Gaza be left after ten days of fighting?

Israel bombed Lebanon back to the stone age.