Obama Won't Press for Middle East Peace at all Costs

President Obama's Chief Economic Adviser cited Israeli exceptionalism in his remarks celebrating the Jewish State's 61st birthday. YNET reported:

Summers stressed that the Jewish state did this (grew exports) with hard work and commitment, with the greatest values of humanity, a commitment to do the right thing, a commitment to knowledge, a commitment to beauty and culture, and a commitment to the highest level of civilization, all this while facing a constant threat. This is what Israel gave the world, he said.

Larry Summers spoke from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Summers, who is Jewish and served as the Clinton administration's treasury secretary, said that all US presidents since Israel's establishment have been committed to the Jewish state's security and independence. He added that Obama would continue this presidential tradition with great pride.

The message passed on by Summers from the White House was that during Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington, the two leaders would discuss peace, which he said was what everyone wanted, but not peace at all costs.

Israel doesn't want peace. The Arab League Peace Plan gathered dust since 2002. The new Netanyahu/Lieberman is a right wing/ racist wing nut administration. More violence is in order, likely planned by Obama's neocon Dennis Ross as he tours the Middle East.

From the U.S. end, both parties kow tow to our 51st state. Nearly $3 billion in annual military aid to the most heavy handed country in the Middle East? Actions speak louder than words, which are sad enough.

Obama Says Bond with Israel "Unshakeable"

President Obama offered the following words on Israel's 61st birthday. The Jerusalem Post reported:

"On behalf of the people of the United States, President Obama congratulates the people and government of Israel on the 61st anniversary of Israel's independence," said the statement issued Tuesday

"The United States was the first country to recognize Israel in 1948, minutes after its declaration of independence, and the deep bonds of friendship between the US and Israel remain as strong and unshakable as ever.

"The president looks forward to working with Israel to advance our common interests, including the realization of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, ensuring Israel's security, and strengthening the bilateral relationship, over the months and years to come," the statement continued.

Congratulations to America's 51st state! The U.S./Israel team continues hegemonic violence throughout the resource rich world.

Netanyahu Says Terror Threat Greatest Ever

Eight years into the war on terror, I mean contingency overseas operation, how are we and our allies doing? Haaretz reported:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the global threat of terror was greater than ever and vowed that Israel would never cease to defend itself.

"We have no choice but to fight terror until it is obliterated and to defend our lives," he told bereaved families gathered for the official state ceremony on the Mount Herzl military ceremony in Jerusalem.

Not well, it appears. The greed and violence boys want another war. Israel let the Arab League Peace Plan linger on a dusty shelf since 2002. My guess? It will languish longer. Israel attacked Lebanon, its democratic neighbor to the north in 2006. In late 2008/early 2009 it pummeled Gaza. Both lasted roughly a month.

Senator Obama supported Israel's razing of Lebanon and the President elect explicitly supported the Gaza siege, via Hillary Clinton, General James L. Jones and Mayor Bloomberg. What happens in Israel doesn't always stay in Israel! What manipulations are occurring today? Obama's neocon visits the Persian Gulf. I voted against the guy who said, "There will be more wars, my friend."

Obama's NeoCon Headed to Persian Gulf

Haaretz reported Dennis Ross will visit the Middle East tomorrow. Ross is President Obama's Special Adviser for the Persian Gulf. He will visit Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar. Dennis will lead diplomatic efforts to steer Iran away from its suspected quest for nuclear weapons.

Apparently diplomacy involves a clenched fist. Accompanying Ross is deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, Lt. Gen. John R. Allen, and National Security Council official Puneet Talwar. Ross' preference for violence is documented.

The Unfriendly Skies

The United States is working to put directed energy weapons on unmanned aerial vehicles. ARC was the beneficiary of a $1 million earmark for that purpose.

Directed energy weapons include lasers, high-power microwaves, and radars with weapons effects. So much for beating our swords into plowshares.

Indonesian Politics and Economic Crisis

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. Recent elections indicate fundamentalist Islamic parties are out of favor. That stemmed the previous tide. The NYT reported:

While Indonesia has a long tradition of moderation, it was badly destabilized with the end of military rule in 1998, which gave rise to Islamist politicians who preached righteousness and to some hard-core elements, who practiced violence. The country has only recently achieved a measure of stability.

What else happened during that time? Indonesia endured economic crisis. The World Bank reported other negative impacts:

During the Asian crisis, Indonesia’s total public investment in infrastructure dropped from about 7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1995-97 to 2 percent in 2000, and private investment from 2.5 percent of GDP to 0.09 percent during the same period.

Did the IMF contribute to the problem with its intervention? Economic conditions impact the populace. Angry citizens may resonate with bombastic political parties.

What happens when war and its horrific burdens are added to the mix? The NYT contrasted Indonesia with Gaza and Lebanon. The latter two experienced month long wars at the hands of Israel, their democratic neighbor. What role does intentional death and destruction play in citizen voting patterns? In recent elections America went more moderate, while conservatives gained in Israel.

The economic crisis is global. Violence is a mainstay in many regions of the world. The Indonesian people endured economic hardship and voted for moderation. How will the rest of the world respond?

David Duke Arrested for Denying Holocaust in Czech Republic

Ex-Republican legislator and KKK leader David Duke was detained on suspicion of supporting or denying the Nazi Holocaust. He faces up to three years in jail. Duke was in Prague at the invitation of Neo-Nazi groups.

David Duke promotes racial separation, much like the new Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. However, Avigdor can travel to Prague. He's on the right side of the Holocaust.