Obama’s Warnings Behind the Smiles

Ali Rizk

The US is not leaving the region despite its pivot to Asia. The Obama administration, contrary to the Netanyahu government, doesn't view Iran, but rather "Israel" and its behavior, in particular when it comes to the occupied territories, as most pressing issue.
This was the main message sent by the US administration during the regional visit of Barak Obama to the occupied territories and Jordan, despite Obama's extremely pro-"Israeli" line. (the stop in Jordan also showed that the Palestinian issue held prominence to other matters including that of Iran). There was a clear effort during this visit to show that Netanyahu and Obama were the best of buddies, with Obama referring repeatedly to Netanyahu by the nickname of "Bibi". We also saw that Obama tour included stops at the Holocaust memorial and the grave of Theodore Herzel, the founder of modern Zionism. In short Obama took every pro-"Israeli" step which HE DID NOT TAKE during his first term. He went out of his way to show the "moral attachment to "Israel"" and to express support for the historical roots of the so called "state of "Israel"". All these steps had been requested by the pro-"Israeli" club who had criticized the US president for not going ahead with them.

But the highlight of Obama's tour was not his press appearance with Netanyahu nor his visits to some "Israeli" sites. The highlight of his visit was the speech to University students in Jerusalem. And while in this speech he also adopted the "Israeli" line to the maximum not just regarding the moral bonds and support but also regarding issues like blacklisting Hizbullah, this turned out to be an introduction for some real, "get down to business" ,straightforward talk.

(This talk would not have been possible if Obama hadn't laid down his unprecedented pro-"Israeli" rhetoric before). The US president made some remarks which repeated those made by his former secretary of state Hilary Clinton a few years back to the AIPAC conference in Washington regarding "Israeli" policies. Just as Clinton warned back then that "Israel" could not sustain the policies of the status quo, Obama also delivered the same message although the crowd this time was in Jerusalem and not Washington saying that:

"the only way for "Israel" to endure and thrive as a Jewish and democratic state is through the realization of an independent and viable Palestine. Given the frustration in the international community, "Israel" must reverse an undertow of isolationism. And given the march of technology, the only way to truly protect the "Israeli" people is through the absence of war- because no wall is high enough, and no Iron Dome is strong enough, to stop every enemy from inflicting harm".

And while Clinton's warnings to "Israel" came in 2010; before the winds of change swept the region and toppled dictators like Husni Mubarak who was considered an ally of "Israel", Obama's warnings come as Arab leaders who were considered preferable to "Israel" have fallen and there is a new realization that Arab public opinion must be taken into account. Obama, who is no stranger to the Muslim world, realizes the sentiments of the Arab and Muslim masses towards the Palestinian issue, and hence that a solution to this issue is more important and pressing than ever before. He explained this explicitly in other important phrase:

"this is precisely the time to respond to the wave of revolution with a resolve of peace. As more governments respond to popular will, the days when "Israel" could seek peace with a handful of autocratic leaders are over. Peace must be made among people's, not just governments. No one step can change overnight what lies in the hearts and minds of millions. But progress with the Palestinians is a powerful way to begin, while sidelining extremists who thrive on conflict and division".

What happened as Obama ended his visit to the occupied territories also shows how "Israeli" behavior and policies (changing this behavior and these policies) was the main purpose of the visit. As Obama boarded Air force he expressed his delight at a phone call conversation which took place between Netanyahu and Turkish prime minister Rejab Tayyeb Erdogan whereby the two agreed to restore diplomatic ties. It was the first such contact between the two since the Gaza flotilla incident that led to the deterioration and suspension of ties.

Improving relations with Turkey has been a demand which US officials have long been making, and some American officials have even expressed frustration at "Israel" for not putting relations with Ankara back on the right track.

So Obama chose "Israel" as his first overseas trip because he wants to preserve US interests in the region and preserving these interests requires "Israel" to change the status quo. He also wants to make sure these interests are intact in order to be to able focus more energy on Asia and the rising power of China. And what he clearly does NOT want to do is start a war with Iran- despite the wishes of his "Israeli" host.

Source: moqawama.org