PrintMarch 10, 2010
With friends like Joe Biden...
Vice President Joe Biden's recent trip to Israel was touted as an opportunity to exhibit a renewed commitment of friendship and support on behalf of the Obama Administration toward what has been up to this point the United States' closest ally in the Middle East.
From haaretz.com:
"U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday praised Israel for agreeing to renew the Middle East [peace] process and pledged that the United States would always ‘stand by those who take risks for peace. There is no space between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel's security,' Biden said as the two leaders made statements to the media following talks in Jerusalem."During a day of cozy diplomacy, during which "the two leaders referred to their long personal friendship and addressed each other as ‘my friend Joe' and ‘Bibi'," Mr. Biden took time to explain that his boss, President Obama, was of course a real mensch, with only the best intentions for Israel's peace and security.
From newsmax:
"Biden had spent the day trying to calm Israeli concerns that Obama has been less friendly to the country than past U.S. leaders."And this from the Telegraph.co.uk:
"Mr. Biden's short speech at Mr. Netanyahu's official residence was long on expressions and body language aimed at pacifying Israelis feeling cold-shouldered by President Obama's failure to visit their country since he was elected."However, things quickly took a turn for the worse when Mr. Biden publically chastised Israel for continuing to press for settlements in East Jerusalem, including 1,600 new apartments.
From alarabiya.net:
"'I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units,' Biden said in a statement issued after he arrived 90 minutes late for a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."So much for being a congenial guest Joe.
Sadly, as mentioned, Barack Obama himself has yet to pay a call to our most trusted ally in this tumultuous region. Although if you think about it, that's really not all that surprising. I can't imagine a photo-op, with Mr. Obama chatting it up with Bibi in his living room, would sit too well with those of the more radical anti-Israeli bent he seems so keen on endearing himself to. So he sent Ol' Joe Biden to do his bidding for him. How very ignoble of you Mr. President.
And of course Joe stuck his foot in it, again. Go figure.
Note to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Before you get taken in by the Vice President's smarmy "we're the best of friends" spiel, just remember what kind of schmuck this guy works for.
