The Michael Oren To-Do

Michael Oren, recently the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. has written a book, Ally,which received wide publicity even before it was officially released.  In this book, Oren describes the terrible state to which the Obama administration has allowed the American-Israeli relationship to sink.

It is s perhaps not surprising that Oren's book has had its detractors.  A recent interview with Eric Yoffie provides an example of the tack being taken by those who object to Oren's book.

I should perhaps first mention, to those unfamiliar with Eric Yoffie, that he's a past president of the Union for Reform Judaism and that he writes extensively for the left-leaning newspaper, Haaretz.  I think it fair to describe him as someone on the left with regard to political issues concerning Israel.  It should, therefore, come as little surprise that he would be among those taking exception to Michael Oren's book.

Based on an interview with Yoffie, shown on the Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBT),  his objections to the book are as follows:  1.  Oren's criticisms of the Obama administration are inaccurate.  2. Oren's criticism of the "daylight" now seen between U.S. and Israeli policy is nothing new and was observable with other U.S. administrations. 3. Oren's criticisms of the Obama administration are not helpful to Israel. 4. Oren's book is dull reading.  5. It is unseemly for an ambassador to to write such a book when he has recently left such a post. 6. Oren's motivation in writing the book is to make money for himself.

Let me begin with objections 4, 5, and 6 -- This is what one tends to say if one doesn't like a book.  The advance copies of the book have generated a considerable comment.  I haven't read the book, but it's clear that, regardless of whether the book is dull or not, lot's of people are reading it, and are commenting on it.  No one seems to be saying it's a  dull read.  As to it's being unseemly, I tend to feel that, if something is important for American's to hear, they should be allowed to hear it.  And, finally, if the book sells well, as it appears it might, I say all the more power to the author.

As to Oren's inaccuracies:  These seem to be largely in the eyes of Yoffie.

As to the matters daylight between Israel's positions and those of America during earlier administrations, Yoffie has a point.  We remember Truman as going against George Marshal when he had America's vote at the UN favor the recognition of Israel, but we tend to forget that he did not allow his administration to provide Israel with weapons.  We also remember that Nixon on more than one occasion pushed Israel to accept unacceptable conditions in its conflicts with the Arabs.  But, ultimately he did provide Israel with necessary support.  And, of course, who can forget George Walker Bush's Howard Baker tell Israel, "Here's my number.  Call me when you're ready (to make peace with the Arabs)."

But the daylight that now shines between American policy and Israeli policy does seem different.  Obama too slowed the flow of arms when they were most needed by Israel in it's conflict with Hamas.  Also, Israel's position on Iran clearly differs from that of Obama's.  And, here, we find advisors to the president telling him that he seems to be going down the wrong path.  There is more to be said, but let me end with this administration demanding that Israel make concessions when no equivalent concessions are called for from the Palestinians.

Are Oren's observations accurate?  Some say yes, others like Yoffie say no.

I guess we're left having to decide that one for ourselves.