That Sinking Feeling – Obama in Israel

Obama in Israel
21 March, 2013 – Mostly Water – by Stephen Lendman

His visit bodes ill, not good. He left late Tuesday night. On March 20, he arrived around noon Israeli time.

Secretary of State John Kerry came earlier. Scores of officials, aides and security personnel accompanied him and Obama.

Around 15,000 Israeli police provide security. So do US secret service and its Israeli counterpart.

Trips like this reflect more show than substance. They cost of millions of dollars. Taxpayers cover the expense. They gain nothing from doing so.

Obama’s entire visit is scripted. His entourage is extensive. His motorcade includes 60 vehicles. Ambulances, fire-fighting trucks and various security vehicles are involved. Contingency plans are readied just in case.

When Obama travels by car, all streets along his route are closed and sealed. Normal life is disrupted.

During his brief Ramallah visit, PA security will protect him. Ahead of his arrival, Palestinians rallied against him. He’s no friend of Palestine.

He’s persona non grata. Signs said so. Others called him an “AIPAC Poodle.” One in Arabic and English said “Obama: Return your Nobel Peace Prize.”

His first address began saying “it’s good to be in Israel again. We stand together because we share a common story, patriots determined to be free people in our lives.”

“We stand together because peace must come to the Holy Land. Even as we are clear eyed about the difficulties, we will never lose sight of the vision of an Israel at peace with its neighbors.”

No two nations spurn peace more than America and Israel. They prioritize war. They’re partners in crime. They menace humanity. Obama’s words ring hollow.

They entirely ignored Palestine. He said nothing about land for peace, Palestinian self-determination, East Jerusalem as their legitimate capital, the right of return, militarized occupation, stolen land, dispossessions, bulldozed homes, illegal settlements, or thousands of Palestinian political prisoners unjustly in gulag hell.

Netanyahu thanked him for coming and “for standing by Israel at this time of historic change.” What exactly, he didn’t explain.

Shimon Peres greeted Obama. We “welcome you with open arms,” he said.

“Thank you Mr. Mr. President. Thank you America. Thank you for what you are. Thank you for what you do.”

“Israeli spirit is inspired by American exceptionalism. A world without America would be a darker world. Obama is a historic friend of Israel.”

“The greatest danger is a nuclear Iran. We trust your policy. You have made it clear that your intention is not to contain but to prevent.”

A previous article said Obama and Netanyahu will discuss three issues: Iran, Syria and Palestine. Expectations are low. Expect more show than substance. Most trips turn out that way. …more