This letter is in response to Frank Harris at the following link
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-harris0109.artjan09,0,5299511.column
Once again the Middle East situation has come to the forefront of politics. Sounds to me like after 8 years of non intervention in the Israel situation, politics is returning to normal. Every President since . . . . . , FDR, has in some way had to address the international problems of the Palestinians and the Israelis. Perhaps the public is not as shocked at this latest incident is because after 8 years of preemptive policy failure, the return of “normal” politics is remarkable refreshing. However, the problem remains that now due to the failures of Afghanistan and Iraq, America is not as strong as it was in the past. Therefore, the change that may occur will be the decreased reliance on the US to help broker problems and the increase of the European nations in their political capital.
The US due to its responsibilities in the Middle East, has ignored the growing influence of the European Union and their member states. This is one trading partner to reckon with. Already the Euro has become the currency of choice and now the possibility of new forays into foreign policy are possible. While this is not something to be feared, it is something to watch as the US will need to rebuild its good will.
Right now, there is a power vacuum in Washington. Obama does not want to get tied down to the policies of the failed Bush administration. Hence, he is, wisely or not, taking a page from FDR and other president’s elect. Say nothing, as it can tie you to someone else’s failed policy, and do nothing, since you lack the power to do so anyway.
Let’s put this in perspective. Israel has been attacking Gaza for attacks made in Israel. However, let us not forget that this is a situation of their own making. They have blockaded Gaza not allowing any goods or people in or out. The incident of the border wall being demolished a few weeks ago out to jar some memories. So, rather than deal with the legitimately elected Palestinian authority, Israel had decided to take a page out of the US play book, preemptive war. It is a legacy of the Bush Administration that we will now have to deal with.
