[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

"My Administration remains committed to beginning the process of moving our embassy to Jerusalem [but not now] to protect the national security interests" of the US. "

Yes, it's the same GW Bush. The time isn't right to get the Saudi's mad at us, national security you know.

But something will happen when I'm president: as soon as I take office I will begin the process of moving the U.S. ambassador to the city Israel has chosen as its capital

Presidential candidate
May 23, 2000
August 28, 2000
American Jewish Committee's Election 2000 Questionnaire, October, 2000

"President Bush is committed to moving our embassy to Jerusalem. The process is ongoing. We have not started any actions yet." Colin Powell, March 2001

[Clara Lou]

Bush’s refusal to take concrete measures recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has caused some to question the US President’s reputation as a ‘friend of Israel’.
Oh, really? Maybe, just maybe, Bush and the US have enough going on right now without kicking that fireant pile. [I think Israel's capital should be Jerusalem.] It's just too bad that the "some" who question Bush's friendship can't have what they want when they want it. Leaving the our embassy at Tel Aviv doesn't threaten Israel's existence. They can wait.

[joesnuffy]

During the 2000 election campaign Bush pledged that if he was elected, he would "begin the process" of moving the embassy to Jerusalem on his "first day in office." After nearly four years, there is no evidence that he has begun that process.

Well if the plan is to give 1/2 of Jerusalem to the Philistines aka Palestinians...then if the US embassy (to Israel) is in Jerusalem it would have to be in the Israeli sector....with the Paly terrorists fsb so close...the US embassy would be an easier target for terror attacks (that are bound to come) in Jerusalem than further away in Tel Aviv

Of course we could save money by having our "new" Palestinan embassy and Israel embassy in the same town and same buiding...right on the border...that would be a nice 'peace' gesture sacrifice .. imo

[goldstategop]

I'm disappointed President Bush refuses to do the right thing and allows terrorists to dictate our policy on Israel's capital.

[Cinnamon Girl]

WHY? WHY? WHY? I don't get it. Who's feelings is he trying to spare? He said during his campaign that he would move the embassy. Why did he do that?

[Badeye]

I don't think moving the embassy is a wise decision in any event, and certainly not right now.

Nobody seriously believes this indicates the President's support for the nation of Israel has lessened.

[RexFamilia]

The perpetual reason: No $$$!

[Corin Stormhands]

We're at war fercryinoutloud. If he moved the embassy you'd likely be the first one on the street corner screeching when it gets bombed.

And don't think they won't try.

[shield]

bmp

[Zionist Conspirator]

No US President is going to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and any campaign promise to do so is mere vote bait.

At the very least this move will never be implemented because of fears of the reaction of our Arab "allies." At the worst, it may be tied in with Messiahphobia (the "Jewish world rule" schtick) and the State Department's alleged labelling of Israel as a "non-traditional adversary."

At any rate, such a move would be merely symbolic. If today's secular Israeli government refuses to recognize Jerusalem's unique status as the site of the Temple and the Sanhedrion, what does it matter if anyone else recognizes it as Israel's capital?

I'd love to see us recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, but that isn't as important as implementing the Torah and building the Temple. Let's get on with it!