Independent Jewish Voices

Does the Obama speech represent a fundamental change, and the first steps on the road to peace? With some thoughts from Jewish Peace News contributors to start the discussion.

The speech was refreshing in its music and tone. It was impressive to hear reference to Iran not as a demonised entity and to learn that the USA is in no need anymore for such demons in order to define itself and its role in the world.

I was impressed with the reference to the term and concept of Palestine and not a Palestinian state as well to his recognition that Palestinian suffering did not begin in 1967, but at least in 1948.
I noticed, like everyone else, the correct pronunciation of Arabic and the employment of Islamic discourse and how well it was received. However, although it won accolades in the hall, I doubt whether it would satisfy people around the Muslim world. Many of them would wait for deeds and would be less impressed by gestures.

But on the whole, I have to admit that I was not disappointed, as I did not expect much. The substantial issues were not included in the speech, and I did not expect them to be. Even the settlements appeared only as illegitimate if they are continued, while their very existence is illegitimate. If the deal is, as one gathers from Rahm Emmanuel, is an America willingness to replace a Netanyahu government by a Livni government in return for endorsing systematic human rights violations in the Arab world, it means that cynicism still reigns. The Palestine issue would not be solved, human rights issues would not be improved and the destruction and dispossession of Palestine would continue.

But let us speak sweetly as we may have to eat our words, hopefully in this case. Whether this was a charade or a genuine opening of a new chapter only deeds and time would tell. Can Obama at all oppose Israel’s source of power: the Congress? If he can, this is a different ball game.

Ilan Pappe

It is to be feared that Obama’s “dramatic” speech to the Islamic and Arab worlds has more to do with cosmetics than with politics. Obama is certainly right about the need to improve the image of the United States but, alas, this is not a matter of rhetoric.

The Washington DC, Riyad, Cairo triangle is one of those decaying power alliances that holds the fort for the United States. Obama’s Middle East partners are not squeamish about torture and jail for their opponents who dare to act up. Mubarak and the Saudi king, Abdullah, are the heads of reactionary, brutal regimes. Of course, they are bastards but they are Obama’s bastards - so what else is new? Even speechwise, there was very little of new substance in the Cairo spiel. Especially, if you were at Annapolis.

Once again, we are struck with the gap beween words and action. Obama’s propaganda team is working overtime to present the current problems in a limited and almost meaningless framework. So let’s get it clear for the n’th time. The twenty-two outposts are not the problem, nor is the need to restrict the “natural growth” in the more established settlements. The problem is not the lack of an indeterminate, endless peace process. The problem is not even the need that Netanyahu adopt the Olmert-Bush two state formula. Are we to become excited at the prospect that Obama might nudge Netanyahu back to the negotiating table? Aw, come on!

Even in his strongest suit, rhetoric, Obama is way off base. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a conflict between two overzealous national formations that must learn manners and civility from the international community and its leader. Israel, based on the unique advantages of the military, political and economic support of the United States has been skimming off Palestinian rights and land for more than forty years as commission for its pro-US services. Obama is not an honest broker, he is not even a biased broker. He is a side to the conflict and he will be one until he, openly and clearly, makes a commitment to cut off the funds and the guns which implement policies that he opposes ­ ostensibly.

Reuven Kaminer

President Obama has made a courageous speech and given hope to the Palestinians that this time(maybe) the US will press Israel into a definite negotiation for peace and the recognition, not creation of a Palestinian State, will occur. The American street is screaming for a President who has the courage to stand up to AIPAC. Obama rises or falls on this single issue. However he has a problem. Rahm Emmanuel is the Trojan Horse in the White House. Is Rahm Israeli-American or American-Israeli. This question has broader implications for every Jew in the USA. I believe however that the majority of American Jewry is anti Zionist and pro peace. The only way to stop this Apartheid state is via Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. I stand firmly with the Independent Jewish Voice of Canada in this regard.
Brucam

As a member of the 'Jewish Herd' those non-independent Jews who all think alike, never argue with each other and support Israel,right or wrong, I listen with envy and awe to the wisdom expressed by you independents. Slowly and surely and because of you, I am breaking free of the shackles of non-independent Jewish think tanks and now realise the folly of my ways when I thought things like:
* a big problem in the ME is for Arab leaders to recognise any part of Israel as a Jewish state - and live
* antisemitism (including by Jews) has always been with us and now manifests itself in a 'disproportionate' hatred of Israel.
* the huge majority of 'Independent Jewish Voices' don't practise much Judaism or attach much spiritual meaning to it.
* the violent response to the withdrawal from Gaza was a worrying development in the peace for land negotiations.
* Hamas and Hizbollah are terrorist organisations supported by Iran
* Fatah and Hamas and Shia and Sunni, would continue the bloodshed in a 'one state solution'
* Jews historically do not massacre each other or other people
* Israel is unique in the ME wrt human rights.
* People like IJV are 'self hating Jews'. I now understand that you don't hate yourselves, just the fact that you were born Jewish - something a few years on the analytic couch should adequately ameliorate.

Thank you,
A disgrunteld captive member of the Jewish Herd