By Keith Johnson –
Any doubt that the Oval Office often acts like a subsidiary of the Israeli government was soundly laid to rest on Sept. 21 when Barack Obama addressed the UN General Assembly in New York concerning the U.S. position on Palestinian statehood.
“Peace is hard work,” said Obama. “Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the United Nations. If it were that easy, it would have been accomplished by now.”
This part of Obama’s speech was a complete reversal to one given at the same podium in 2010 when he offered this impression: “When we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that can lead to a new member of the United Nations, an independent, sovereign state of Palestine living in peace with Israel.”
Though Obama sounded then as if he would be the champion of such a cause, this year Obama confirmed that he would be standing in its way. Rather than reaffirming his commitment to achieving his previously stated objective, Obama instead chose to sidle up with the sole obstacle to peace in the Middle East: Israel.
“America’s commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable,” Obama declared to the group of delegates. “Our friendship with Israel is deep and enduring.”
At no time during his 36-minute speech did Obama make any mention of the pain and suffering the Palestinians have been forced to endure as a result of 63 years of Israeli occupation. However, when it came to Israel, Obama had no shortage of sympathetic words.
He said: “Let us be honest with ourselves: Israel is surrounded by neighbors that have waged repeated wars against it. Israel’s citizens have been killed by rockets fired at their houses and suicide bombs on their buses. Israel’s children come of age knowing that throughout the region, other children are taught to hate them.”
Shortly after Obama met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, White House national security council spokesman Ben Rhodes told a group of reporters: “We would have to oppose any action at the UN Security Council, including, if necessary, vetoing.”
So why is the U.S. desperately campaigning to thwart what is obviously an international consensus? The answer is clear: U.S. politicians are ultimately beholden to no one but the state of Israel. While Republicans and Democrats may haggle over domestic issues, one thing they unilaterally agree upon is the continued prosperity and security of the Jewish state.
As a prime example, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) recently showed his solidarity with the Obama administration by introducing legislation that would cut off funding to the UN in the event that it recognized Palestine as an independent state.
“Israel is one of America’s strongest allies and friends, a beacon of democracy in the Middle East,” said Hatch. “Make no mistake, there will be consequences associated with efforts to undermine the security of America’s friends and allies.”
