Soccer Dad

When Weak Leaders Need To Be 'Bolstered,' Israel Is The Go-To Guy

Welcome to the Sarkozy plan--"a new initiative that calls on Jerusalem to hand over the Mount Dov/Shaba Farms area to the United Nations".

The idea to hand over the land to the UN was reportedly raised during meetings Sarkozy held with the newly-elected Suleiman during a visit to Beirut early last month. The thinking behind the initiative is that by relinquishing the land Israel will erase Hizbullah's excuse to use force, namely, returning the Shaba Farms to Lebanon.

In addition, it is thought that this could bolster US-backed Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora. [emphasis added]

Sure, after the obvious success of bolstering Abbas, this is the next most obvious step.
I wonder if Condoleezza ever sells Olmert on this or that concession on the basis of how it will bolster President Bush in the waning months of his presidency.

Has the US ever requested that the Arab world return the favor and do something--anything--to bolster Olmert? Actually, yes. Back on January 12, 2006:

Olmert is also expected to become Israel's Prime Minister in the coming days, when Attorney General Menachem Mazuz declares that Sharon has become permanently incapacitated.

In addition, the U.S. has informed the PA and Arab countries that Olmert's stature must be strengthened as the elections approach in order that he "continue the process that Sharon started." So reports the PA's Arabic-language Al-Manar newspaper. [emphasis added]

For all the good it did anyone. Don't expect Rice to seriously call on the Arab world to do anything that might improve Sionara's image.

No, when it comes to supporting weak leaders, Israel is the one you go to.

by Daled Amos
Posted by daledamos at July 11, 2008 12:13 PM