Soccer Dad

The obama administration and israel - so close and yet so far

In the end it didn't go so well, but at first it did.

The announcement followed a day in which Mr. Biden, who will stay in the region through Friday, had made a concerted and highly public show of American support for Israel.

"Progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no space between the United States and Israel," he said, standing next to Mr. Netanyahu at the prime minister's residence. "There is no space between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel's security."

Of course, this was just Vice President Biden posturing. The real view of the administration is:

Obama, according to participants, said his approach would build more credibility with Arabs, and he criticized the Bush administration policy of unwavering agreement with Israel as ineffective.

"He said, 'The United States and Israel were very, very close for eight years, and it produced very little,' " said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, described as one of the more aggressive questioners during the 45-minute session.

So the President has made a point of reaching out to the Muslim world that has resulted in ...

Mubarak to Tell U.S. Israel Must Make Overture
Saudi Arabia Rejects Improved Israel Ties
Syria Responds To Obama's Engagement, Publicly Mocks Clinton And Embraces Iran

That worked really well.

The Obama administration has reached out to Israel's enemies - to no avail - and makes it clear that it expects Israel to take risks for peace. Is it any wonder that Israelis are wary of the administration?

And no, this has nothing to do with racism.

UPDATE: Related thoughts.