Welcome Back Carter

A great deal has been written on the disasterous turn in American-Israeli relations. (See Ed Koch's blog). There have also been a number of blogs (see the Jerusalem Post) trying to explain why Obama decided to cater to the interests of Syria, Turkey, and, ultimately, Iran, at the expense of Israel. Years from now, we may have better ideas, but as of now it's all speculation.

But what we do know about Obama's turning in this direction is both dark and scary. Most scary is the allegation expressed by Gen. David Petreous that Israel's not giving in to Arab wishes is endangering the lives of our service men. This is blatantly false on two counts.

First, and this was explained (to the extent that these things can be explained) by PM Netanyahu in his address to AIPAC. He said that the Israelis had been sharing their experience in fighting in Arab villages with the US military. Regrettably this is an area where Israel has a great deal of experience. The sharing of Israel's experience, and, equally importantly, it's military intelligence has saved American lives, not endangered them.

We have not forgotten that Americans on the left cheered as Michael Moore referred to Gen. Petreous as "Gen Betray-us," and as, then Senator, Hillary Clinton questioned the general's honesty when questioning him from the floor of the Senate. We believe the general is a good man, and we cheered when, through his approach to the fighting in Iraq (the surge), he forced the House Democratic leader, Harry Reed, to eat his words, when he proclaimed, "We have lost."

So, how could the General now turn around and falsely suggest that the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians was endangering American lives? To get where Petreous has gotten you've got to be a survivor. No one knows better how to maneuver through political waters like a high level military man. So when Obama gave him his script, he followed it. I doubt Petraeous has anything for or against the Israelis. Whether, at the end of the day, they fall or remain standing is of little concern to him. But, what Obama asks of him will naturally get a careful reading. First, of course, is the fact that Obama is his boss. But, equally important, Obama can make his job easier or more difficult. He doesn't need "more difficult."