Posted on 02/14/2009 5:37:43 PM PST by bruinbirdman
President Barack Obama is preparing to wade into the messy aftermath of the Israeli elections by pressing the rival Likud and Kadima parties to form a government of national unity.
The president is understood to regard such an alliance as the only way to provide a credible partner in peace talks with the Palestinians - and has let it be known that he is ready to lean on either party to make a deal happen.
The indication of his thinking comes as Israeli politicians struggle to create a governing coalition after last week's confused election result. Although the ruling centrist Kadima Party won more seats than its more conservative rival, Likud, the combined parties of the Right won more seats in total than those of the centre and the Left.
Shimon Peres, the Israeli president, is edging towards inviting the Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, to form a government, and some Kadima members have sworn they would reject any accord that would put their leader, foreign minister Tzipi Livni, under Mr Netanyahu in a new Israeli cabinet.
In these circumstances, an American intervention could be vital. Sources in Washington who have discussed the situation with members of Mr Obama's team now believe that the new president is prepared to play a role behind the scenes to ensure that an alliance can emerge.
"His team is prepared to take the plunge privately if it is never made public," said a well-placed source in Washington.
The Obama administration insists publicly that it will work with whatever coalition government Israeli politicians come up with. The president's advisers are reluctant to be seen meddling in the messy business of constructing Israeli governments.
But they also believe Mr Obama could wield his political capital to ease the birth of a centrist government
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
But I thought Liberals didn’t like it when America messed with the internal politics of other countries?????
How to piss off your friends and make enemies - Obama style
Well emperors have always had a thing for controlling Israel.
But, it’s different when barry does it.
Go out in the street and play.
Considering the lop sided Rep v Dem vote on the “Stimulus”, maybe they should say “You first”.
The stupidity of this man knows no bounds.
Sharon has the right to name Bibbi Prime Minister. For the sake of the state of Israel, ihope he does.
Very interesting picture.
Aside from the fact that Livni is defaced... I notice that *Lieberman*, not Netanyahu, is in the center — obviously the focus of the message
As in (perhaps)... the right-wing nationalist is in the drivers’ seat in forming the coalition?
The caption on the picture doesn’t offer any clues.
Let’s see, he who has never probably faced anything more difficult in his life than carrying a bag of phamplets through the neighborhood, is going over to tell a nation that is on the verge of a battle for its very existence-—how they should choose its leaders?
Things aren’t good.
That isn't Liberman in the middle, that's Ehud Barak
You’re right. My mistake.
Peretz: Barak can no longer run the Labor party alone
yitbos
Arutz Sheva, which was drum- and chest- beating over a “right wing” win, now doesn’t even want to post a clear breakdown of the results.
Meanwhile, savior Bibi is negotiating with Yisrael Beiteinu to overthrow three thousand years of Jewish practice in regards to inter-marriage/gay marriage, kashrut and conversion to Judaism.
I’m just stunned.
Why is this any of 0’s business? I thought he was into that isolationist thing? Does he think Israel is going to be the 51st state?
So now that arrognt snot thinks he is the president of Israel, too.
no prob. It’s the weekend! ;-)
>> Guy in center is Ehud Barak, Defense Minister, Labor Party.
Right.
I’m guilty of seeing what I wanted to see, instead of paying attention to what is actually there!
>> to overthrow three thousand years of Jewish practice in regards to inter-marriage/gay marriage, kashrut and conversion to Judaism.
I don’t understand. Could you please enlighten me?
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