Jewish Settlements: America Surrenders to Israeli Blackmail

Israel is stronger than any American government or president. Those who believe otherwise are mistaken. It would be of great benefit to them to re-learn the ways of this world. Israel is hitting America where it hurts most. Its lobby groups control the decision centers across the banks and media sectors — two of the most influential authorities, without which power is useless. Many Arabs and Muslims who are in the know have not been fooled for a long time. Certainly, there will always be governments and organizations who aim to perpetuate this illusion, but those who know the true nature of things gladly pass off these fantasies.

Just yesterday (December 9, 2010), Palestinian leaders pointed an accusing finger toward Washington. The Obama administration has effectively abandoned its efforts to freeze Jewish settlements in Palestinian-occupied territories. According to the Palestinians, this is due to “Israeli stubbornness.” In truth, the United States of America is now considering a return to indirect peace talks, which is an affront to President Barack Obama. A short while ago, it was deemed “vital to national security” that a peace agreement be signed within a year. A few months later, he threw in the towel. Palestinians are disappointed and for good reason. For the umpteenth time, they had anticipated an end to new construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Al Quds East. The previous conditions when the talks resumed were about creating a Palestinian state that would coexist with the Israeli one.

This took the form of concrete steps. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had had three rounds of direct talks in September. However, Abbas abandoned them late September, when the 10-month Israeli suspension of new construction of settlements ended. Those Fatah leaders who are realistic were stunned. They expected to further progress but instead had the door brutally closed in their face. Hamas took this opportunity to conclude the failed peace process and invite President Abbas to permanently abandon the negotiations.

Much has been expected of the new Obama administration. If one takes into consideration the unilateralism of relations with the less haughty and arrogant Israeli government, this administration’s inability is proven. In return, this administration’s image has taken an immensely weakening blow, which is borderline inconsistent with the opinion of the Palestinian and Arab public. Some were led to believe that Europe was the only one to be static and uninspired when it came to the Israeli leaders’ demands. The United States of America has joined the convoy. Welcome to the club!

The high representative of European Diplomacy, Catherine Ashton, considers the current Israeli coalition incapable of extending the moratorium on the settlement, as the coalition is dominated by the uncompromising and adamant right. For Catherine Ashton, the continuation of Israeli settlement is illegal and at odds with peace efforts. However, the Americans do not care about its illegality at all. Even worse are the reasons given to justify their U-turn. Before yesterday, U.S. officials listed at least three: the refusal by Israel to cease construction at Al Quds, the expected lack of progress in the event of an extension for only a few months and finally the intensifying of U.S. support to Israel, that is to say, the delivery of 20 F-35 fighter jets, worth three billion dollars.

Which means that the U.S. would have complied with the intransigence of the Israeli government or at least, with its blackmail. There is certainly some cause for serious concern about the future of the world. Here and there, there are extremists and pro-war demonstrators who now have the upper hand. And we act like we are somewhat surprised by the fact that our political world looks more and more like a nest of vipers.