The Middle East's shining democracy of Israel is free to say no. Consider a few of the Jewish state's concerns. They are deeply concerned about peace with their Arab neighbors. Israel is worried about the dangers from a nuclear armed Iran. And on both issues they've said no.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney made his second war tour through the Middle East in March. He noted that Israel would surely agree to peace with their neighbors if any reasonable offer hit the table. Well, for six years the Jewish state said no to an Arab League plan. Here's how the the Foreign Policy Adviser to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah put it:
ANNOUNCER: According to the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Adel Al-Jubeir, the Saudis are puzzled by Israel’s perceived reluctance to accept the Saudi peace initiative.
ADEL AL-JUBEIR: “The initiative has everything that Israel has ever wanted – recognition of Israel as a Jewish State, peace treaties between Israel and the Arab countries – everything that the Israelis have sought over the past 50 years is on the table. It’s mind boggling that they cannot take yes for an answer.”
At least we're used to senior Bush officials giving "their version" of reality. While I can lament the loss of six years of possible peace, the present finds the world facing a possible joint U.S./Israel attack on Iran looming. News from Israel shows their military training for a pre-emptive strike. Their media emphatically states Mahmoud Ahmadinejad = Adolf Hitler and the Jewish people face imminent genocide.
American neo-cons spread myths on the airwaves that Arab countries would secretly love more conflict in the region. The war mongers also blame the "weaker" party for any future attack. President Bush would need to take action before a wimp took office and Neville Chamberlained all over the Oval Office.
It's sad that people with balls, like Bush and Olmert, can't take responsibility for their own aggression.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney made his second war tour through the Middle East in March. He noted that Israel would surely agree to peace with their neighbors if any reasonable offer hit the table. Well, for six years the Jewish state said no to an Arab League plan. Here's how the the Foreign Policy Adviser to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah put it:
ANNOUNCER: According to the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Adel Al-Jubeir, the Saudis are puzzled by Israel’s perceived reluctance to accept the Saudi peace initiative.
ADEL AL-JUBEIR: “The initiative has everything that Israel has ever wanted – recognition of Israel as a Jewish State, peace treaties between Israel and the Arab countries – everything that the Israelis have sought over the past 50 years is on the table. It’s mind boggling that they cannot take yes for an answer.”
At least we're used to senior Bush officials giving "their version" of reality. While I can lament the loss of six years of possible peace, the present finds the world facing a possible joint U.S./Israel attack on Iran looming. News from Israel shows their military training for a pre-emptive strike. Their media emphatically states Mahmoud Ahmadinejad = Adolf Hitler and the Jewish people face imminent genocide.
American neo-cons spread myths on the airwaves that Arab countries would secretly love more conflict in the region. The war mongers also blame the "weaker" party for any future attack. President Bush would need to take action before a wimp took office and Neville Chamberlained all over the Oval Office.
It's sad that people with balls, like Bush and Olmert, can't take responsibility for their own aggression.
