Arabs hope for Obama change, Israelis expect more of same

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Yahoo / AFP

CAIRO (AFP) – Arabs were hopeful on Wednesday that President Barack Obama will make changes to US policy on the Middle East, in stark contrast to Israel in the wake of the Jewish state's deadly assault on Gaza.

"This region is looking forward to your handling of the Palestinian cause from the first day of your tenure," Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said in a cable to congratulate Obama on his inauguration.

"It is an urgent priority and the key to all the other difficult crises of the Middle East," said Mubarak, whose country is hoping to negotiate a lasting ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

Israeli leaders, meanwhile, expressed confidence Obama would not alter the course too much from that of George W. Bush's outgoing administration, which strongly backed the Jewish state's operations in the Palestinian territories.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090121/wl_mideast_afp/usp...

[Wizard777]

1. Israels methods in achieving their goals must be closely examined.

As we have and are closely examining the methods we have used to achieve our goals. I hope Israel isn't expecting the blank check and free pass we're not willing to give ourselves. Most of all we need to examine the deaths of 400 Children in Gaza. The children of Gaza are the future of Gaza. Like our children are the future of America. All the hope and change in the world is useless when armies kill children and the future they will bring. Children are the very reason hope and change exists.

[Jefferson23]

2. We shall see Israeli government, we shall see if Obama continues to give you money and political

cover. Perhaps the Israeli government has over played their hand this time, that is my hope anyway.
End the occupation Israel, NOW.

[cali]

4. um, the President doesn't give Israel money.

It's the Congress that does that.

[Jefferson23]

5. Don't get bogged down in semantics, if you actually believe President Obama

will have no impact on foreign policy here, I can't help you.

[bemildred]

3. I expect Obama will have something to say pretty soon now. nt

[laststeamtrain]

6. Arabs hope for Obama change, Israelis expect more of same

Source: AFP

Arabs hope for Obama change, Israelis expect more of same
by Hala Boncompagni – 58 mins ago

CAIRO (AFP) – Arabs were hopeful on Wednesday that President Barack Obama will amend US policy on the Middle East, while Israel expects little change in the wake of its deadly assault on Gaza.

Egypt, a close Washington ally with ties both to Israel and Palestinians, urged Obama to place the Palestinian cause at the top of his agenda as the Islamist Hamas faction said it will judge Obama by his acts.

"We will judge him by his policies and actions on the ground and how he will learn lessons from the mistakes of the previous administrations, especially that of George Bush and his criminal and unjust policies," said Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum.

Hamas expects Obama "to respect the will of the Palestinian people, support their usurped rights and their right to defend themselves, away from any pressure or bias in favour of Israel," Barhum said in Hamas-ruled Gaza.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090121/wl_mideast_afp/usp...

[liberal N proud]

7. Israelis expect more of same: I could say something but

[laststeamtrain]

8. Let me try: 22 billion in sales, 19 billion as freebies over the last 8 years.

[liberal N proud]

10. Just for starters

[Chulanowa]

9. Well, I think Barhum's setting his sights too high

I like Obama, but, well, he IS an American president. I expect he'll be one of the best for the Palestinians, but I'm pretty certain he's not going to astound anyone with a polar shift from the American position that Israelis are always right and Palestinians are always wrong. Maybe more like Israelis are always right and Palestinians are only wrong eighty percent of the time.

[ro1942]

11. gaza

I'd like to ask pres. obama what he would do if someone bulldozed his house threw him and his family into a tent, then built a wall around him restricting his every move. gave them just enough food and medicine to survive. would he have the right to defend himself.

[Chulanowa]

13. He'd at least give it thought

Which is a lot better than previous presidents.

I'm not going to hold my breath for a sea change in American policy towards Israelistine / Palesrael. That way I can be pleasantly surprised if it happens, and won't be let down if it doesn't

[RaleighNCDUer]

12. i think both will be disappointed.

Obama will not let the Likud determine US policy; but neither will he offer as much change as the Palestinians want.

I expect him to take us back to the even-handed dealing of Jimmy Carter, who produced the only lasting peace agreements in the region.

[Zhade]

14. Fuck you, Olmert, you fucking murderer.

Choke on your bigoted bile and die.