Obama Blackmail

Tomorrow's meeting between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will finally, at least to some degree, answer the question that has been floating around for the last week or so: will Obama blackmail Israel?

On the surface, the meeting will seem very diplomatic. Obviously, there will be the typical photo opp of the two leaders shaking hands or sitting by a fireplace or perhaps even in the Rose Garden (sorry, Bibi, lunch will not be served). But, more likely than not, this meeting is going to be confrontational and for very good reason.

Over the last few weeks, the Obama administration has made their position in regard to Israel clear: stopping Iran depends heavily if not solely on Israel acknowledging, legitimatizing and supporting a Palestinian state. Linkage is the term people are using lately. If Obama does make this a prerequisite to opposing Iran, it will show Israel, Americans and the world that this administration simply does not get it. This would rewrite America's foreign policy, redefine our approach to the War on Terror, and reshape the relationship America has with its strongest ally in the region. It is also dangerously simpleminded and demonstrates the president's naivety and inexperience when dealing with global issues.

Firstly, the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians has been underway for some time; nearly 15 years. There have been numerous summits, negotiations and attempts to reach a final solution that would appease both sides. Israel has been proactive in trying to establish a true peace with the neighbors in its midst.

But, this is a extremely complicated issue with dozens of nuances, flaring emotions, varying interests and a long divisive history. To complicate matters further, the Palestinian territories are warring against each other as Hamas, a extremist terrorist group, is trying to take over the representation of the people. I believe making peace with the Palestinians first requires them to make peace with themselves.

On the other hand, Iran is a very simple issue and the choice cannot be more clear: they cannot, must not and will not be able to develop nuclear weapons and the world must summon all of its efforts to avoid that reality. There are no other options, choices are discussions. It is a rather simple call.

How can Obama link the two? The Israel-Palestinian peace process will and should take time to construct whereas Iran requires a immediate response.

Linking the two is dangerously unfair and risks the safety of Israel.

Israel faces a existential threat. Iran and its President have repeatedly called for the utter destruction of Israel. Much of the unrest and violence in Israel is sponsored by Iran. Obama and his administration understand the threat Iran poses to Israel and its citizens. They know how treacherous the situation truly is. So, what are they doing about it? Is the president and his administration standing strong with our ally? Nope. They are blackmailing the Israeli people: if you want our support against a tyrant who wants to annihilate you as soon as physically possible, start cutting a deal with the Palestinians (as if Iran's ideology of death and destruction will evaporate with the creation of a Palestinian state).


The process is, as we have seen in the past, long and tedious. There are endless negotiations in order to bridge the gap between the two nations. However, the decision with Iran must be quicker; abandon your nuclear program or face consequences. There is no logical link between the two challenges. Iran isn't pursuing nukes to provide Palestinians with leverage.

Iran wants to annihilate Israel and dominate the region all with the push of a little button. You cannot negotiate with someone who is motivated to annihilate a entire country and race and believes that it is his divine mission. Iran is a bully and there is only one way to deal with a bully: with united force.

So with this administration, Israel finds itself in a touch spot. America is blackmailing the Israeli people. How can Israel negotiate like that? If Israel must compromise with Palestinians while being pressured by America as Iran's doomsday clock keeps ticking down, Israel will inevitable get a raw deal.

So, what will be accomplished tomorrow? Will Obama try and show the strong minded Bibi who is boss? Will the president demand that Israel allow America to "test" its power of diplomacy at the risk of a nuclear Iran with Israel in its cross hairs? Or, will Netanyahu be strong, stand for what is right and show Americans what true leadership looks like?

I suppose we should not expect more from a president who, while campaigning, declared that the "Palestinian people are the most persecuted race on earth."

A nuclear Iran will change the world as we know it. Our last hope rests on the shoulders of Netanyahu and his ability to lead in the face of opposition.