Diplomacy behind Obama’s Gaza silence

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WASHINGTON: Even as Israelis and Palestinians plunged deeper into conflict, US President-elect Barack Obama remained silent, refusing to budge from his one-president-at-a-time mantra. Obama takes office on January 20 but has not commented on the Middle East crisis since Israel launched attacks on Gaza nine days ago. His advisers insist that only President George W Bush can speak for America until then.

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While most prominent US politicians have backed Israel, critics have noted that Obama joined Bush in condemning the killing of civilians in attacks in November in Mumbai, India. They would have liked him to say something about the fate of Palestinian civilians caught in the fighting. The president-elect also has commented on the global economic crisis and his plans to try to pull the US economy out of recession.

Asked about the apparent contradiction, an Obama transition aide who asked not to be named said on Sunday: “President Bush is our nation’s president until Jan. 20, and he is responsible for our nation’s diplomacy with the world.

“During this transition period, we are not engaging in any action that could send confusing signals to the world about who speaks on behalf of the United States.”

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Americas&month=January2009&file=World_News20090105389.xml

Personally, I feel the Obama is correct not to speak out on this issue at this time. The time for him so speak is when he is President, and his administration is in place.

[rrneck]

1. In the United States

product rollout is an important part our cultural identity. Consumers that we are, there always has to be a damned grand opening, so I think that's a factor. On 1/20 Obama will no doubt announce "there's a new sheriff in town" or something to that effect.

Also, he's right. He's just not president yet. That shows respect for the law - something that has been lacking around there for the last eight years.

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2. I think nothing good will come from him running his yap.

However tempting it might be. If he were in a different position, I would not be of that opinion.

[Bobbieo]

3. We can hope that Cheney, Bush and the Israelis don't blow up the world before the 20th!!!

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5. There is always that risk. nt

[Muttocracy]

4. I bet Biden, Clinton, Susan Rice, even Obama may have contact with people there

even if they're not making public announcements. Biden and Clinton can still do it as Senators anyway.

[customerserviceguy]

6. He's smart enough to know that it's uncertain what the situation will look like in two weeks

He might even be presented with a golden opportunity.

I believe that Israel is planning to turn Gaza over to Fatah, who will assume control, and be virtually unchallenged as the legitimate representative of all of the Palistinian people. Presisent Obama may well be given the chance to broker a peace agreement between Fatah and Israel, the money that will flow from the US and the EU for the two-state solution will rebuild Gaza and provide economic security for its people.

Why should Obama mess with that possibility?

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7. Israel's Thinking May Provide Insight into Obama's

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When seen in light of a possible policy change in Washington, the urgency and intensity of Israel's actions make more sense. Israel's leaders clearly felt that it was better for the country to take action now, with Bush in office, than to wait for a matter of weeks and be able to act with backing of the most watched new U.S. administration to take office since the state of Israel was founded. Rather than being a sign of support for the Gaza offensive, Obama's refusal to comment at all may suggest that, while he is unwilling to interfere in the White House's ability to conduct foreign policy, he may not be supportive of Israel's actions, and that he intends to take a different tone from the current administration tone in office. Thus, for those hoping that the U.S. might once again provide moral leadership in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there may be a silver lining to the tragic events unfolding in Gaza, as Israel's actions may suggest that it expects, as Hamas should too, greater pressure from the U.S. for serious concessions from both sides.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-gans/israels-thinking-may-prov_b_155154.html