Obama's 'Hope'less Response to the War on Gaza

Bush gave up golf after America's invasion of Iraq.

"I don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf," he told Americans.

"I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."

In true form, Bush was caught lying when Keith Olberman found footage of the President playing golf two months after he had supposedly given it up.

Last week, as war broke out in Gaza, President-elect Obama was seen playing golf with friends near his multi-million dollar rented holiday home.

So much for change you can believe in.

Al Jazeera, the Arabic language news channel reaching millions of Arab homes, broadcast Barack's day on the course directly opposite footage of Palestinian children killed by Israel's attacks, encouraging the perception that Obama, like Bush, will be apathetic to Arab concerns and steadfast in his support for Israel.

The footage contrasts their English-language sister station's story that ran this March chronicling the effort made by Ibrahim, a young Palestinian in a tiny Internet cafe in Gaza city, to bring his friends together to rally support for Obama's campaign online. I wonder how Ibrahim feels today.

For a president-to-be whose path to 1600 Pennsylvania was paved by his seemingly sincere criticisms of President Bush's delayed pursuit of a more peaceful Middle East and endless arguments that "we cannot afford four more years" of failed Bush policies, it is discouraging to see his politically expedient reaction to this devastating, direful war.

Since being elected President Obama has spoken at length about the economy and the terror attacks in Mumbai last month, but has insisted on refraining from interfering with President Bush's handling of the current crisis. Amid a series of stutters, Obama defended his position when pressed by Chuck Todd at a press conference, clarifying the importance of maintaining one foreign policy at a time.

Obama told another group of reporters that he was deeply concerned about the conflict taking place, the loss of civilian life in Gaza and Israel, and that he was monitoring the situation on a day to day basis.

Perhaps his willingness to monitor the situation may come in handy as Israel refuses to allow international monitors and investigators into Gaza despite demands by a UN spokesman for Israel to be held accountable for strikes today that killed almost 43 Palestinians inside a UN school in northern Gaza.

The attacks on the school, preceded by Israeli planes dropping leaflets urging Palestinians in the area to leave their homes, was justified by claims that Hamas militants were shooting at Israeli tanks from nearby the school. But even so, Israel's attempt to portray Hamas as directly responsible for these sort of attacks and deny any accountability on their part is absurd.

For arguments-sake, Hamas may carry some indirect responsibility, but that cannot mean Israel is unaccountable for those deaths as they have been suggesting repeatedly to the media.

Unlike in 1948 and 1967, during the two largest waves of Palestinians fleeing their homes, in this war, Palestinians have nowhere to flee to, forced to face their fate in damaged homes or UN facilities, both vulnerable to attack. They are imprisoned in a small strip of land, without any electricity, hardly any food, and nowhere safe to turn.

Israel's defense is consistent with what they used when they bombed a UN compound in Qana killing 28 civilians (about half being children) during the 2006 summer war in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

Ban Ki Moon called the attacks "unacceptable" and yet they are being accepted, tolerated and unchallenged by both America's outgoing and incoming administrations. If Israel is able to avoid complying with UN resolutions there is little reason to believe that they will comply with UN demands for an investigation into the attacks.

As Israel continues to bombard Gaza, frightening ramifications are unraveling as American allies and enemies are responding to the crisis in terms that are only damaging America's ruined reputation in the region, escalating hatred towards America among Muslims and Arabs, and emboldening extremists with plans to fight America till the death.

According to Reuters, Venezuela has expelled Israel's ambassador in protest of the War on Gaza. While many countries have formally protested Israel's offensive, Venezuela is the first to expel the Israeli ambassador in a move that highlights the mounting opposition America is facing as its enemies across the world appear to be strengthening their relationships and solidarity against the US.

"How far will this barbarism go?" Chavez asked on Venezuelan television. "The president of Israel should be taken before an international court together with the president of the United States, if the world had any conscience."

President Chavez's bold suggestion comes as he has been pursuing closer ties with Iran and Syria (seen as two of America and Israel's biggest enemies), as evident by recent reports that Iran is using Venezuelan airplanes to fly computers and engine components to Syria for use in missiles development.

Even Denmark, an American ally, has responded to the violence forcefully. Denmark's foreign ministry has summoned the Israeli ambassador to explain the bombing of three mobile clinics that were treating people unable to receive help in local hospitals overwhelmed by the number of victims. The organization's secretary general went so far as to call Israel's attacks a "breach of the Geneva Convention."

In an online message, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's deputy leader, expectantly declared Israel's war on Gaza "part of a western crusade against Islam," a declaration that is sure to invigorate anti-American sentiment in the region.

But British Prime Minister Gordon Brown encapsulated this ominous ordeal most coherently, speaking after Israel's attacks on the UN schools. "This is a humanitarian crisis. This is the darkest moment yet for the Middle East and it affects the whole of the world." he said.

This war is without doubt a nightmare for Obama. Like many of us, I'm sure he wishes he could go to sleep, wake up and have it all be over. But he will inevitably have to work to clean up the latest mess in the Middle East. For that reason, he should use his platform and composed nature to calm the tensions by indicating some shift in his approach. Because the Bush administration has continued to grant Israel time and freedom from consequence as it enters deeper into Gaza, it is imperative that Obama take a different approach, for symbolic and strategic reasons.

Millions of us have waited for a long time, nibbling at our nails, polishing our campaign buttons, and searching YouTube for that latest celebratory Obama music video. But President Obama's ability to rebrand, remold, and reposition America's misguided path has just been delayed indefinitely.

Advertising his presidency like it were a summer blockbuster, Obama told the American public that he would "have plenty to say about the issue" after his highly anticipated and historic inauguration.

Today, Obama reassured us that he is not backing away from promises made during the campaign, saying, "Starting at the beginning of our administration we are going to engage effectively and consistently in trying to resolve the conflicts that exist in the Middle East."

But Obama's tepid response and unfortunate choice of syntax portrays him to be the starry-eyed novice many of his critics (Hillary Clinton once his staunchest) accused him of being during the primaries.

To "engage effectively" in trying to resolve the "conflicts" that exist in the Middle East he may want to start by addressing "specifically" the "one conflict" thats tremors are shaking up the Middle East.

I understand the game he is playing and the difficulty added by the timing of this war, but disagree with the implication that it is acceptable for him to take the easy way out. By playing the political game to avoid angering Arabs abroad and appeasing domestic pro-Israeli support, he is only continuing his use of ambiguous statements to keep one foot on both sides of the conflict in hopes of avoiding a political fallout.

But the election is over, and although he is not yet technically President, in the minds and hearts of millions of Americans he is.

As Obama said in his first speech after since winning the election, "Some of the choices we make will be difficult." speaking about bringing America out of its battered international reputation and economy.

"But America is a strong and resilient country and I know we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and politics and work together as one nation. That's what I intend to do."

Today, Americans may be concerned with the economy and other seemingly more pressing crises, but the growing divide between the Arab street and their leaders will make today's problems larger tomorrow.

The lack of leadership in the Arab world and its inability to stop Israel's bombardment on Gaza have made it easier for Obama to pursue a passive and convenient political approach to the issue -- but he will regret it.

Since 9/11 the Bush Administration has focused only on maintaining ties and support among Arab leaders like Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II, largely ignoring the Arab populations in these countries and strengthening Islamists in the process.

Indignation is running rampant on the Arab street. Even those who believe Hamas prompted Israel's invasion, are flabbergasted by Arab leaders' silence. Egypt's President made the mistake of blaming Hamas for ending the cease-fire just one day after being photographed smiling and shaking hands with Israel's foreign minister on her visit to Egypt.

Egypt, which has twice pioneered large efforts to reclaim Israel for the Palestinians, has let down millions of Arabs who always looked to it to lead the fight against Israel. As anger and resentment builds in the streets and in Arab parliaments, opposition groups, such as Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, which held the country's largest demonstrations this week since the 2004 anniversary of America's invasion of Iraq, are positioned to gain power.

Despite arresting 50 members of the Muslim Brotherhood, which ran independent candidates and won a fifth of the seats in Egypt's parliamentary elections in 2005, support has grown for the Brotherhood and their cause.

In Jordan, tens of thousands have marched in the streets and some members of parliament burned the Israeli flag in the parliament itself, calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled.

Following America's fraudulently justified invasion of Iraq and use of torture, as well as their other failed policies in the Middle East, Arabs across the region have come to distrust America and their own leaders. Instead of capitalizing on the opportunity for change (as his campaign so vehemently professed it would do), Obama has reinforced their sentiments and is likely losing the enthusiasm many in the Middle East (and in America for that matter) might have once held for his prospective presidency.

It is time for a change in the narrow approach among American leadership in dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the only Muslim elected to the US congress bravely told Al Jazeera yesterday why this war demands a shift in American policy and an effort among U.S. politicians to better understand the Middle East in order to pursue strategic interests that will benefit America in the long run instead of continuing longheld positions that only threaten regional and American security. Let us hope that Obama pursues Ellison's thoughtful, insightful approach and not Dubya's. WATCH: Keith Ellison on AJE

Comments

[Okay]

How amazing it is to see Barack Obama's popularity soar through the clouds. To hear the cheers of his supporters as he was deemed to be possibly the greatest president ever. Then to see that rise quickly stall after election and start taking a burning nose dive in accordance to the gravitational forces of reality....ALL before he even takes his post as The President of the United States. I don't know which is more annoying...his unrealistic rise to popularity or the conspicuously rapid abandonment of his supporters.

If this man deserves to be elected as President he deserves a fighting chance to make good on his obligations for accepting the post. Give him that chance. There are four years left to bash his actions; what's the hurry?

[ahla]

I also think that people need to give Obama a break. He's the first president of America that I can remember that was actually elected because americans actually trust his judgement. And just because you trust his judgement doesn't mean that you get to jump on him everytime he does something you dissaprove of. More often than not, His reactions are part of a larger plan/situation and cannot be isolated. So give him a break before you start accusing him of not doing it the way you would. OF COURSE he's not going to criticize Israel, especially not before he even gets the chance to be in the White House. The Israeli lobby will INVENT a reason to oust him. Don't be so naive.

I think when Obama spoke about change, he meant a change in mindset. One where you actually trust the judgement of your leader. So lets stop assuming he's going to change the world overnight, cuz god knows that would only create more problems. Lets trust he knows what he's doing by being so brief in this horrible situation.

[Ahmed Shihab-Eldin - Huffpost Blogger]

Ahla,

I agree, we should give him a chance.

I wasn't suggesting that he criticize Israel, but perhaps he should have given the war on Gaza the same importane he gave to the Mumbai terror attacks...and that he is giving to the economic crisis since this kind of instability in the Middle East has already shown that it will have serious, divisive and lasting consequences. To differentiate between domestic and foreign policy and suggest that he should not comment on the latter is unproductive since we live in a globalized world where events that happen abroad or at home effect us all.

Had he for example recognized the humanitarian crisis (which is not directly criticizing Israel) I would have felt more reassured. Thanks for your comment!

[Klimb]

Obama did recognize the humanitarian crisis a couple of days ago. He is entitled to play golf whenever he so chooses...this man has not been on vacation as far as I am concerned...media was even onto him in Hawaii. The ME conflict did not start today, you and the world know that it is a difficult situation to handle...such a tense conflict is better handled with one voice (i.e., President Bush) and UN...but PEOTUS will have the next 4 years to deal with ME conflict. FYI...no one conflict is ever the same as the other e.g. Mumbai attacks.

[outnow]

Insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Einstein said that. To change course is to admit a mistake, something that "W" is incapable of admitting to. But following "W's" foolish steps due to pressure groups will probably be Obama's fate. He will wash his hands in the blood and finally be one of the "big boys" in Washington. His former anti-war stance has all but evaporated as he yields to the war in Afghanistan in a vain effort to "find Bin Laden." Obama will only further the "triple evils" that his mentor preached against - I am referring to MLK, Jr. and war, poverty and racism. Obama will hug the middle politically, which is in reality an extreme right wing agenda. The agenda will wear a nicer face but will only be more deadly underneath. The powers that be have ordained the course he will take before he was even born. Destiny and fate are dictated by the almighty buck.

[FCBarca]

Well, nice to see an increase in articles finally being written that illuminate the hypocritical nature of Obama...He's not the person I thought he was and I suspect many of you will be learning that more and more over time...His 180 on FISA was the first clear cut example that he was going to return to Politics as Usual

[Schaz]

za2008 is right. The situation with Israel and Palestine is volatile enough without two (count 'em - two) US governments getting involved. Nor does the public display enacted for the masses give us any knowledge of what's really going on behind the scenes. And to be blunt, Israel and Palestine's war is not the US's biggest problem.

[SiberianRat]

Thanks, Ahmed--I always enjoy reading your posts. While I agree with the underlying sentiment completely, I think that Obama is stuck playing the political game here, although I imagine that personally he wishes he could do much more. This is the 3rd rail of diplomacy/US politics, and without the full weight of the presidency behind him, he could actually do more harm than good. That said, I think it is important for people to contact change.gov and let him and his people know how we feel about this.

[baqad]

Its interesting that many people still harbour the thoughts a new administration in Washington would change the foreign policy and especially in regard to Palestine. I always argued with many people during the campaigns, telling them that it did not matter whether it was a woman president or a black man, whether they were republican or democrat, the policies would always be the same; they would always side with the Israelis even when they were commiting crimes against humanity whilst treating the Palestinians as nothing but terrorists. The good news though many Americans are now getting a true picture of what is happening even despite the near the bias in the local news outlets.

[Faw-zia]

i think though we all knew US support for Israel wasn't going to change, (nor should it) but the shock of how much gruesome civillian carnage the US would accept from its friend is revolting to some of us who believed so much in obama's promise..
if i had a best friend who allowed me to ruin my reputation, jeapordize a real chance at peace, and facilitate my making the same mistake over and over again, i wonder how long we would be friends?

It is appearing more and more calculated & manipulative to stage this 'war' during an essential vacuum of power in the US. i wonder who exactly was in on it?

There are plenty of things Israel could and should have done to quash Hamas' idiotic rockets- but playing to Hamas' game of war amongst civilians makes it no better than the 'enemy' it claims responsible for this humanitarian crisis.

[Wakemewhenitsallover]

Do you seriously think that either side will listen to him unless he tells them what they want to hear? People who are desperate for his comments really just want to see which side he falls on, or neither (which would certainly add fuel to the fire) and I can't see how this would help the situation. Why not listen to Sarkozy - he's out there trying to help? Aren't we tired of America being the world's (worst) policeman anyway?

[tallboi]

If he stopped playing golf during every armed conflict taking place in our great peaceful world then his handicap would go to crap...geez the Congo and Dafur alone means he could never get a tee time and if you lump the Zimbabweans in since they are being systematically starved to death (with no 70 Lorrys of food coming in...) then, hell he ought to take up Tennis. Oh, right. Africa isn't as important as...Palestine...? Geez, you'd think it would be now. I'd personally rather have him play golf and focus on the economy.

[Leadbottom]

Important to Who...
...Africa is poor (so not sellable as "news coverage" to gather popular support) and of limited strategic value to the U.S.
The U.S. has a national security interest in a stable middle east (especially with a nuclear Israel & Pakistan) The difficulty is the historical entrenched U.S. and Israeli industrial interests. The U.S becomes reactionary because of this inertia and large military. Until the U.S. political system is structured to be more representative of popular opinion, pleas to justice or the economic well being of the majority will get lip service. I hope Obama will prove me wrong.

[Wakemewhenitsallover]

Unfortunately the US does not have a history of creating stability in the Middle East - quite the opposite. This is not entirely due to incompetence of previous administrations, but because of mistrust of its motives and resentment of a long history of self-interested meddling and manipulation. For these reasons it might be wise for the US to step aside and allow other intermediaries to help.

[Leadbottom]

I agree, Obama should have taken a public stand "instead of the "concerned" brushoff, I can't believe that he's just waiting untill he is technically the president. To enact change all he would have to do is endorse the ceasefire implored by the secretary general of the U.N. last week.
Change we can believa beliive beelleve.. oh forget it.

[za2008]

1. He's not President yet. 14 days of two points of view from the White House and the White House to be may be helpful in the short run but could create enormous problems for the US. He currently has no leadership or operational influence on the State Department or any other federal department and will not have any until Jan 20 at noon. He may want to approach the situation differently but has no means to enact any changes.

2. GWB didn't really stop playing golf and this would be a false equivalence if you're comparing claiming to give up golf (and not giving up golf) to deferring to a sitting President during the transition.