On Rewarding Publicity Stunts

In response to a deliberate and premeditated act of violence by a “peace flotilla” resulting in nine deaths and many injuries, Obama has called the Israeli blockade of Gaza “unsustainable,” and has pledged $400 million to reward Hamas and its Turkish pals for their provocation. In other words, at a time when Turkey and Iran are both threatening to use force to break the blockade, our President is signalling, “Go ahead!” This does not seem like a wise strategy to me, unless, of course, the Obama Administration perceives Israel as the enemy. Given the President’s ideological affinity for the likes of Jeremiah Wright, Van Jones, and Bill Ayers, that would be anything but surprising. In any case, the Administration’s actions signal our weakness to Israel’s enemies at a time when she faces unprecedented threats of attack. It is hardly out of the question that Iran and Turkey will conclude that any U.S. response to their use of force will be limited to diplomatic protests, and decide that the moment to strike has arrived.