Bibi Didn't Skip White House Meeting; Was Asked Not to Come

[Clio the Leo]

(makes me feel a little bit better about the whole story)

http://twitter.com/PeterBeinart/status/15218414791

Background:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64U2O020100531

[Cha]

1. I wonder why?

Not doubting Peter's source but it seems he did need to get the hell back to Israel.

[Clio the Leo]

2. Well, WHY he went back to Israel is not in question...

.... but the fact that the WH told him not to come (if true) is just a teeny tiny hint of them being displeased with the entire episode ... something I've not seen enough of.

[Cha]

3. It is a tragic puzzle that will be

unraveled no doubt over time.

I know the White House doesn't always show all their cards right away until they get all the facts.

[Clio the Leo]

8. Israel fired on an aid ship and killed 10 people...

.... I'm not sure what else there's left to unravel.

[Cha]

11. I guess we're going to see then if that's

all there is to this and why the White House is sticking up for Israel.

[tekisui]

4. I am with you. I don't want hints of displeasure.

I want outright and full condemnation.

[Clio the Leo]

9. I think their apparent line of reasoning makes sense....

.... that they're trying to negotiate peace and dont want to piss off Israel.

But I hate that we have to coddle them, esp. when it seems we're their only supporter in this.

[O is 44]

5. This sounds more believable there were many

on Kos stating that Bibi was running the show. I'm sure Obama did not want the appearance he was siding with Bibi without knowing the facts, it would have been awkward. Now the Palestine Leader gets to meet with President Obama as regularly scheduled.

ps. I just saw that President Obama will be on Larry King Thursday, never watch but will make sure I catch that show.

[Cha]

6. Wow...that should be interesting..Larry usually does

the softball questions but I'm sure he'll try and bring his hardball to this one as per instructions from the honchos at cnn.

[O is 44]

7. You are so right on that count! Ha, funny how that works...

[Clio the Leo]

10. lol, the President must have been watching Countdown tonight...

... if only that was really why it happened.

I tried my best to watch Gaga on Larry tonight and only lasted about 20 mins ... maybe I can hold out a little longer for the President (and he prob. wont be on for the full hour anyway.)

[hulka38]

12. It almost makes you think that we're in charge of our own policy wrt Israel.

[Bragi]

13. I believe this to be the case

Bibi's initial announcement Monday am while in Ottawa was that he would go to Washington as planned.

I think there are two plausible reasons why he announced shortly after that he would be returning to Israel:

1) the White was unsure of the situation, and did not immediately confirm that it would be fine with them if he continued with his scheduled visit to Washington, and

2) Bibi himself underestimated global outrage over Israel's action, and decided he better get back home to manage the crisis, while also avoiding any risk of embarrassing himself by going to Washington and being snubbed by the President.

- B

[Jennicut]

14. Bibi had to slink away in shame. The world is pissed at him.

The US is all he has left, which may leave us in a better position with Israel.

[Dont TS Me Brah]

15. good...

enough kissing Israel's ass... President Obama is the first in a long time not to be an Israeli cheerleader.