Well, I am confused as to what the Obama administration is trying to do with the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This article, like the stories from Le Monde, BBC and other news sites explains that the Obama administration has given up trying to convince Israel to freeze their settlement activities.
The phrase of explanation from Philip Crowly the State Department spokesperson is as follows: "After a considerable effort, we have concluded that this does not create a firm basis to work towards our shared goal of a framework agreement"
I am surprised that they did not choose a sentence that at least made sense so it was easier to swallow! "After a considerable effort" meaning, after offering everything possible under the sun to Israel (including never asking for a settlement freeze again, EVER), Israel's government still wouldn't agree to freeze settlements.
"...this does not create a firm basis to work towards our shared goal of a framework agreement" What I think makes this outrageous is that the sentence is made to sound as if the US has been trying to determine whether it is good or bad to freeze settlements. BUT that is not at all what has been happening for the last few weeks - the US has been lobbying Israel to continue the freeze because it is obvious even to Israel's biggest supporter that their settlement activity cannot lead to peace. I'm not one to argue for the moral character of governments but let me just say this flat out: Obama administration, have the guts to say you are backing down on settlements if that is what you're doing. Don't talk in the "we" about a decision that you had no part it, say it like it is, Israel didn't budge, we're trying something else. I sure hope that something else is worth while.
I would love your comments on this, other explanations of this? anyone?
