Congressman Weiner, a favorite of the progressive blogosphere, accuses Obama of treating Israel like a punching bag

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Israel is prepared, and has publicly been stating its readiness, to engage in face to face talks with Abbas.

Stating readiness and demonstrating readiness are not one and the same.

[scandal 951]

No, I didn't. There's no exclusivity to my statement.

I'm hearing lots of complaints from you about Israel's shortcomings.

Prove your non-exclusivity.

Let's hear where you feel the Palestinians fall short.

I'm listening. :whistle:

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I'm hearing lots of complaints from you about Israel's shortcomings.

Prove your non-exclusivity.

Let's hear where you feel the Palestinians fall short.

I'm listening. :whistle:

Palestinians have responded to goodwill shown on Israels part with defiance. That has rightfully been condemned and criticized by Israel. Much of the Arab world has responded with defiance and was likewise criticized for that. And here we have Arab countries show goodwill towards Israel - yes, out of their own self-interest fearing the rise of a dominant Iran in the region but goodwill nonetheless - and what do they get in response? Defiance. That's clearly not a winning strategy. A nation that makes statements about being genuinely interested in peace and stability in the region should demonstrate that the statements are not hollow. Respond to goodwill with goodwill and then we'll be getting somewhere.

[Pooky 3,847]

Palestinians have responded to goodwill shown on Israels part with defiance. That has rightfully been condemned and criticized by Israel. Much of the Arab world has responded with defiance and was likewise criticized for that. And here we have Arab countries show goodwill towards Israel - yes, out of their own self-interest fearing the rise of a dominant Iran in the region but goodwill nonetheless - and what do they get in response? Defiance. That's clearly not a winning strategy. A nation that makes statements about being genuinely interested in peace and stability in the region should demonstrate that the statements are not hollow. Respond to goodwill with goodwill and then we'll be getting somewhere.

Has the "goodwill" of Arab countries ameliorated the Palestinian position with regard to peace? No.

Do the Palestinians still launch weapons into Israel? Yes.

When the Arab countries can drag Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah and the other Palestinian "organisations" to the negotiating table with a meaningful chance of them even listening to what is said, then I would expect Israel to do the same. Right now, Israeli tolerance and concessions are purely one-sided when it comes to the people who they need to make peace with - the Palestinians. And the Palestinians have no reason to show goodwill, as the Arab world will back them to the hilt, regardless of what overtures they may make toward Israel.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Pooky

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah and the other Palestinian "organisations" ...

Hezbollah is a Palestinian organization? Interesting. Oh, but what the heck, they're all the same anyways, right?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Not to mention that brother Jeb along with Kathryn Harris purged 16,000 Black voters weeks before the election.

And now Kathryn is mod. Disgraceful!

Edited March 17, 2010 by w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

so you're saying people not bright enough to figure out a voting ballot would normally vote for gore?

No, he's saying if you have arthritis you might be a Democrat.

[mawilson 2,133]

Did Israel block the peace process when during the Camp David talks in 1998, Ehud Barak offered far more than any Israeli leader had previously put on the table - including far reaching concessions on territorial compromise, Jerusalem and final status talks? According to the opinion polls of the time, the Israeli public was skeptical and concerned but was willing to back an agreement if one could be reached. Instead, Arafat walked away from the process.

As far as I'm concerned, that was their moment and they blew it. They wanted

all or nothing and now they get nothing. Israel will *never* give them 22% of

historic Palestine, which is what they seem to want.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Palestinians need to man up and build their country the old fashioned way. Through outright war. And if they lose, they get virgins. But what they've got to do is end this policy of negotiation through a massive media bitсhfest. It's unbecoming. You're not a bunch of little girls, so stop acting like it. The big bad Jooz won't give you what you claim is yours? So take it back. Don't go runnin' to teacher!

[mawilson 2,133]

Palestinians need to man up and build their country the old fashioned way. Through outright war. And if they lose, they get virgins. But what they've got to do is end this policy of negotiation through a massive media bitсhfest. It's unbecoming. You're not a bunch of little girls, so stop acting like it. The big bad Jooz won't give you what you claim is yours? So take it back. Don't go runnin' to teacher!

They tried that and lost. Israel kicked their butt.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

They tried that and lost. Israel kicked their butt.

So they should try again. And again. Until they lose the will to fight. It may be bloody, but at least their loss (or victory) would be honorable.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

So they should try again. And again. Until they lose the will to fight. It may be bloody, but at least their loss (or victory) would be honorable.

Like the Turks charging the Austrian artillery with scimitars drawn?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Huh. We treat our only ally in the middle east worse than we treat Iran.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Huh. We treat our only ally in the middle east worse than we treat Iran.

Really? How'd you come to that conclusion?

[Ban Hammer 13,676]

No, he's saying if you have arthritis you might be a Democrat.

or if they are punching the wrong hole they might be a democrat