George Mitchell Got His Matching Orders....
President Obama and Secretary Clinton have given George Mitchell his matching orders as he leaves for the Middle East. He is walking into a towering inferno that may well flare up any minute. The stories from Gaza are heartbreaking and the road back will be long and hard.
Over the week-end, Ehud Olmert came out and guaranteed that all Israeli soldiers will be protected from War Crimes. First of, the main question that has to be asked is why would Ehud Olmert would even contemplate doing such a thing if he felt that the steps he took were right. The Israeli public supported the war 100%. And, of course, Ehud Olmert made sure that it acted like a U.S. mini-me of the past 8 years. Now, there is a new Sherriff in town--and his name is Barack Obama.
What has to happen is for George Mitchell to tell the Israelis that they will be loved. However, that love is going to be tough love. The United States has indeed a very limited window to change perceptions. Prince Turki's comments in the Friday Edition of the Financial Times made it very clear that if things don't change, the Arabs will turn their back on America. I am sure that the Obama Adminstration understands that.
George Mitchell achieved the impossible in Northern Ireland. I will eagerly follow his adventure as he begins his quest to overcome the impossible. The eyes of the world will be on him.
Over the week-end, Ehud Olmert came out and guaranteed that all Israeli soldiers will be protected from War Crimes. First of, the main question that has to be asked is why would Ehud Olmert would even contemplate doing such a thing if he felt that the steps he took were right. The Israeli public supported the war 100%. And, of course, Ehud Olmert made sure that it acted like a U.S. mini-me of the past 8 years. Now, there is a new Sherriff in town--and his name is Barack Obama.
What has to happen is for George Mitchell to tell the Israelis that they will be loved. However, that love is going to be tough love. The United States has indeed a very limited window to change perceptions. Prince Turki's comments in the Friday Edition of the Financial Times made it very clear that if things don't change, the Arabs will turn their back on America. I am sure that the Obama Adminstration understands that.
George Mitchell achieved the impossible in Northern Ireland. I will eagerly follow his adventure as he begins his quest to overcome the impossible. The eyes of the world will be on him.
Mike Pouraryan
