Israel Matzav

Condi Rice's obsession with the 'Palestinians'

They may have described her as a spinster and as the 'dark lady,' made sickening racist comments against her, and drew cartoons of her pregnant with a monkey and as a black raven, but Condi Rice's obsession with the 'Palestinians' continues. According to a report in today's Washington Post, Condi is warning Israel that a 'peace process' with the Syrians is no substitute for a 'Palestinian' state reichlet. Not that the Syrians are really interested in making peace either....

"My understanding is that it is the view of Israelis, and certainly our view, that the Syrians are engaged in behavior right now that is destabilizing to the region," Rice said to reporters traveling with her on a European tour that will also include stops in Vienna and Madrid.

The Palestinian issue "is at the core of a lot of problems in the region," Rice added. She said "there is no substitute for trying to get to the place where the Palestinians finally have their state and the Israelis finally have a neighbor who can live in peace and security with them."

The "Israeli-Palestinian track is extremely important" because it "unlocks the key" to "further engagement between the Arabs and the Israelis," Rice said.

Rice's peace efforts this year have been stymied by multiple factors. She has attempted to bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who favors peace talks, against the legislature headed by Hamas, the anti-Israeli militant group. But in February, Abbas agreed to a fragile unity government between his Fatah party and Hamas.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has abysmal public approval ratings because of his handling of last summer's war in Lebanon, limiting his willingness to make concessions. Olmert has frustrated U.S. officials by seeming to be increasingly indecisive.

On Rice's last trip to Israel more than two months ago, she announced that Olmert and Abbas had agreed to meet every two weeks. But only one such session has been held since then. Aides to the two men said Tuesday that the leaders would meet next week.

I have to wonder how long Condi's admiration for Brent Scowcroft - her old boss at the National Security Council - will continue to overcome the lack of interest and appreciation that the 'Palestinians' have for her efforts.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:22 PM