Some Serious Advice
One of the hotter topics of discussion right now is the selection process for President Elect Obama's cabinet, specifically that having to do with his Secretary of State. Most of the talk centers on Hillary Clinton, but apparently Mr. Obama is also considering Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. John Kerry. Any one of the three would do the job well, even if I think Bill Richardson would be the best person for the job.
Of course, I don't think Mr. Obama will be calling me for my advice. Nor do I think he will be calling Akram Baker, an independent Palestinian political advisor, but I hope someone in his inner circle is paying attention to those in the Middle East who long for the return of the US to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in a more meaningful way than we have seen the past eight years. Mr. Baker's advice was published initially at bitterlemons-international.org, but I read it in Lebanon's Daily Star (via Watching America).
Mr. Baker makes several suggestions, among them the appointment of high level emissary who will report directly to the president. He mentions Colin Powell, which, while an interesting choice by Mr. Baker, given Gen. Powell's tarnished connection with the Bush administration as Secretary of State, is a bit misguided. If a high level emissary is needed, and I think it will be, I would much prefer someone with the stature of a former president, like Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton, both of whom have worked hard on the issue.
That nitpicking aside, however, Mr. Baker's other suggestions merit consideration. Here's the first of those I think are really on target:
Make a major speech on how the new administration sees the Middle East, what it wants to achieve and how it is going to go about it. As the most powerful person on this planet, Obama's bully pulpit is worth its weight in gold. And while much of the world will be very happy to have America lead again, it would be prudent and correct to give a substantial portion of the stage over to America's friends and partners. This would clearly send a message that the US is no longer going it alone and make its position infinitely stronger. [Emphasis added]
An announcement that the US is going to return to a multilateral approach to foreign policy is absolutely crucial if this nation is going to be accepted back into the world community. The neocon concept of an "American Century" has to be thoroughly trashed by the new administration. Yes, we can lead, but we cannot dictate.
At the same time, and in keeping with the various promises made by Mr. Obama during his campaign, this country has to return to the role of honest broker, not bought and paid for shill, which Mr. Baker also suggests is necessary.
Put the lobbyists (both the pro-Israeli right, and the pro-Saudi business) on notice that President Obama cannot be bought. This stance fits perfectly with his already public ban on lobbyists (and their money) in his campaign and transition team. There is no greater testament (hopefully) to his freedom from these special interests than his ability to raise so much money from the average Joe (albeit not the plumber) over the internet. To be honest, the majority of both Jewish and Arab Americans want very similar things. This is simply the implementation and execution of US policy. He should clearly state that it is in the vital national interest (both security and economic) to end the Israeli occupation, secure the long-term stability of the State of Israel and create a democratic and prosperous Palestine. [Emphasis added]
These goals are not, contrary to the lobbyists' assertions, mutually exclusive goals. A stable and secure Israel can exist alongside a prosperous Palestine. In fact, that is the only way it can happen in the Middle East. And if President Obama can facilitate that, then the change he promised will be dramatic.
Of course, I don't think Mr. Obama will be calling me for my advice. Nor do I think he will be calling Akram Baker, an independent Palestinian political advisor, but I hope someone in his inner circle is paying attention to those in the Middle East who long for the return of the US to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in a more meaningful way than we have seen the past eight years. Mr. Baker's advice was published initially at bitterlemons-international.org, but I read it in Lebanon's Daily Star (via Watching America).
Mr. Baker makes several suggestions, among them the appointment of high level emissary who will report directly to the president. He mentions Colin Powell, which, while an interesting choice by Mr. Baker, given Gen. Powell's tarnished connection with the Bush administration as Secretary of State, is a bit misguided. If a high level emissary is needed, and I think it will be, I would much prefer someone with the stature of a former president, like Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton, both of whom have worked hard on the issue.
That nitpicking aside, however, Mr. Baker's other suggestions merit consideration. Here's the first of those I think are really on target:
Make a major speech on how the new administration sees the Middle East, what it wants to achieve and how it is going to go about it. As the most powerful person on this planet, Obama's bully pulpit is worth its weight in gold. And while much of the world will be very happy to have America lead again, it would be prudent and correct to give a substantial portion of the stage over to America's friends and partners. This would clearly send a message that the US is no longer going it alone and make its position infinitely stronger. [Emphasis added]
An announcement that the US is going to return to a multilateral approach to foreign policy is absolutely crucial if this nation is going to be accepted back into the world community. The neocon concept of an "American Century" has to be thoroughly trashed by the new administration. Yes, we can lead, but we cannot dictate.
At the same time, and in keeping with the various promises made by Mr. Obama during his campaign, this country has to return to the role of honest broker, not bought and paid for shill, which Mr. Baker also suggests is necessary.
Put the lobbyists (both the pro-Israeli right, and the pro-Saudi business) on notice that President Obama cannot be bought. This stance fits perfectly with his already public ban on lobbyists (and their money) in his campaign and transition team. There is no greater testament (hopefully) to his freedom from these special interests than his ability to raise so much money from the average Joe (albeit not the plumber) over the internet. To be honest, the majority of both Jewish and Arab Americans want very similar things. This is simply the implementation and execution of US policy. He should clearly state that it is in the vital national interest (both security and economic) to end the Israeli occupation, secure the long-term stability of the State of Israel and create a democratic and prosperous Palestine. [Emphasis added]
These goals are not, contrary to the lobbyists' assertions, mutually exclusive goals. A stable and secure Israel can exist alongside a prosperous Palestine. In fact, that is the only way it can happen in the Middle East. And if President Obama can facilitate that, then the change he promised will be dramatic.
Labels: Election 2008, Foreign Policy, Middle East
posted by Diane at 3:30 PM
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