Condi swallows Israel's "reasoning".

I wondered yesterday whether or not Condaleezza Rice was serious about solving the Israeli-Palestine crisis or whether or not she was going to buy into Israel's bogus objections regarding the new unity government.

Whilst the US government is remaining coy about what it is going to do, there are worrying signs that they do, indeed, intend to swallow the Israeli line on this issue.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the U.S. would not make judgements about the government before it is formed and before it has an official platform. The U.S. administration also will watch the government's actions once it takes office, he said.

But a senior Palestinian official said: "The Americans have informed us that they will be boycotting the new government headed by Hamas. The Fatah and independent ministers will be treated the same way that Hamas ministers are treated."

So, once again, Israel - who seriously wants to find peace with her Palestinian neighbours - tragically find herself unable to negotiate with the present Palestinian leadership. Just as she has sought a partner for peace and been - tragically - unable to find one for the past forty years.

And the United States government - that veritable "honest broker" in this dispute - once again finds herself backing the Israeli position.

The crippling sanctions that have devastated the Palestinian economy will remain in place.

Shortly after 9-11, Bush wondered aloud, "Why do they hate us?"

Hmmm. It is a mystery isn't it, George? Almost impossible to fathom...

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tag: Israel, Palestine, pro-Israeli lobby, US foreign policy, Rice