Appeasement or Progress

 

Last week, George Bush called Obama an “appeaser” for advocating diplomatic discussions with enemy nations.  According to a New York Times column written by Helene Cooper this week, “Advice Given, but Not Always Followed, by White House”, Israel is disregarding the Bush rhetoric and opening discussions with its arch-enemy Syria. 

 

Despite U.S. resistance, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak both advocated Israel’s   pragmatic approach to achieving a cease-fire in Gaza.  According to  Cooper, “Israel is in indirect talks with Hamas, with Egypt serving as the go-between, over a cease-fire in Gaza.” 
 

The U.S. should encourage and commend Israel for a common-sense approach to the Middle East powder keg.  Israel’s diplomatic efforts only make U.S. recalcitrance in the region appear wrong-headed by comparison.
 

The American people should not be misled by Bush’s obvious attempt to campaign for Mccain.  Obama is no appeaser – he is a hard-headed realist who has the guts to make tough decisions and do what it takes to protect the nation as its next Commander in Chief.
 

To read the entire NY Times column, visit http://www.truthout.org/article/advice-given-not-always-followed-white-house