The President Called Netanyahu today...

[babylonsister]

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/06/the_dance_continues.php?ref=fpblg

The Dance Continues

President Obama spoke today to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the White House released this statement ...

The President and Prime Minister had a constructive, 20-minute conversation. The President reiterated the principal elements of his Cairo speech, including his commitment to Israel's security. He indicated that he looked forward to hearing the Prime Minister's upcoming speech outlining his views on peace and security. The President also noted that Senator Mitchell would be in Israel again tomorrow as he starts his fourth trip to the region as the Special Envoy for Middle East peace.

(The White House released this photograph of Obama during the conversation -- at least fun as a parlor game to see whether you can read anything into it.

A few random thoughts on this. First, the entire statement is contained in the second sentence, which is probably obvious. Second, the President has been so forceful and so clear on the issue of settlements that it will be extremely difficult for him to back down in any meaningful way without undermining the credibility of his own presidency and the USA more generally. It would also do profound damage to the country's relations with its Arab allies. Third, I'm curious and somewhat dubious about the quality of the read Netanyahu and his advisors have on Obama and the US domestic political situation generally.

Late Update: Here's the Israeli government's statement on the call:

Statement From Israel About Netanyahu's Phone Conversation With Obama

(Editor's Note: This statement was released by the Israeli Government on June 8, 2009)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama spoke by telephone a short while ago this evening (Monday), 8.6.09. The conversation was positive and dealt with a series of issues. Prime Minister Netanyahu updated President Obama on his intention to make a diplomatic speech at the beginning of next week, in which he will outline his policy to achieve peace and security. U.S. President Obama said that he is looking forward to hearing the speech. The two leaders agreed to continue maintaining an open and continuous contact between them.

[lunatica]

1. Why only 20 minutes? What can anyone settle in 20 minutes?

If there's a chill between them 20 minutes won't help a damn thing. I mean, really, 20 minutes?

[babylonsister]

2. Do you honestly think something would be accomplished via

a phone call today? I think Obama was just reinforcing his position prior to Bibi's big speech.

[grantcart]

5. "Bebe please shut the fuck up until after the Iranian elections"

After that they talked sports for 19 1/2 minutes.

[Sebastian Doyle]

8. Yeah, that's what he should have said.

And maybe said something similar to Hillary, since she brought back her "Obliteration" rhetoric. I've got a bad feeling about this Iranian election. Just like I had about the Israeli election.

[grantcart]

9. and I am very optomistic

Ahmadinejad is going to come in less than 40% and there is going to be a run off.


The Clerics are going to signal their unhappiness and he is going to lose the runoff.


And while I hate glib phrases like 'Obama affect' in this case it is true.


What most people don't understand is that within the Iranian people there is a very difficult to explain but powerful love for the US. It is apart of a very complex love-hate relationship, but they are, in a way just as isolated as Israel is, their Arab neighbors hate them. (Remember unlike Israel they suffered a decade 'real war' that cost them hundreds of thousands of lives).

In my contacts with Iranians I have found that small amounts of respect and interest results in warm relations.


I have high hopes.

[Cha]

3. Important steps! And, how

comfortable Prez looks with his feet being elevated on the table:)

[DCBob]

4. Called him what?

Would have loved to listen to the wiretap of that conversation!

[Clio the Leo]

6. I love you and all Mr. President.....

... but for the love of all that's decent ..... GET YOUR SHOES OFF OF THE RESOLUTE DESK!!!!!!!!!

[Thrill]

7. Obama must have reminded him that what he says in private

he better also say in public. :)