Posted on 01/06/2009 2:01:08 PM PST by freedom9
Barack Obama, who takes over as U.S. president from George W. Bush on January 20, broke his silence about the violence in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, calling the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and in Israel a "source of deep concern for me."
Obama added he would adhere to his principle that only Bush should be the voice of U.S. foreign policy at this time but he would have plenty to say after his inauguration in two weeks.
Nonetheless, Obama said that he is "not backing at all from what I've said during the campaign we're going to engage effectively and consistently in the peace process."
"We've got plenty to say about Gaza, and on January 20, you'll hear directly from me," he added.
Meanwhile, the United States on Tuesday signaled some flexibility over Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip, saying it would like to see "an immediate ceasefire" but emphasizing any such agreement must be durable, sustainable and indefinite.
U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's trip to the United Nations on Tuesday was designed to show that the United States was open a variety of ways to achieve a cease-fire. "We would like an immediate cease-fire, absolutely," McCormack told reporters, speaking after Israeli tank shells killed at least 40 Palestinians at a United Nations school where civilians had taken shelter. "An immediate cease-fire that is durable, sustainable and not time-limited."
(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...
What changed? If I recall correctly he was sticking his nose into foreign affairs prior to the election when he told Iraqis to not meet with the Bush people on troop withdrawal from Iraq.
What a lying sack of crap he is.
What a frikin' clown!
“Some of my friends support Israel in this conflict, some other friends of mine strongly support the forces in Gaza, and I of course, stand with my friends.”
“Now can I just have my Slurpee in peace?”
Hes just voting present.
As in "Oh crap, I'm actually going to have to make a DECISION and take a STAND!"
If only I thought he would take a stand, but the Clinton people he has surrounded himself with never made a decision when they worked for Bill, and I don't see Obama any differently than Clinton before him. He is already so engrossed with his legacy, it will be a term filled with sound bites and video clips.
His statement was probably prepared by his close buddy and PLO Spokesman, Rashid Khalidi...
Wait until he tells the nation dealing with the middle east is above his pay grade.
There can only be one President, one Commander-in-Chief at a time.
He's still awaiting Soros' decision on the matter and Media Matters to write the talking points.
Obama’s a sham alright!
I agree.
Well he’s “concerned” which is political-speak for doing nada.
All hail Obama, the new Pontius Pilate. Can we get a photo of him over the basin washing his hands?
Credit? for what? Having the chutzpah to create a nonexistent "Office of the President-Elect?"
Going to Iraq as a Presidential Candidate and violating the Logan Act by asking the Iraqi government to put off any troop withdrawal until he takes office?
Demanding that the Chiefs-of-Staff listen to his recommendations when he was a Presidential Candidate?
Going over to Germany when he was a Presidential Candidate and telling them that US foreign policy is going to change?
He's already thinking about 2012 and doesn't want to blow off his large base of Jewish voters who were told by him that "We will continue to be a strong ally of Israel," and that "Hamas is a terrorist organization committed to the destruction of Israel."
I give him credit for keeping that lie alive.
I agree. He's doing the right thing by not introducing his dim-witted policy until he is really in power.
Now there’s a guy who inspires confidence. /sarc
“”We’ve got plenty to say about Gaza, and on January 20, you’ll hear directly from me,” he added.”
So his Pontius Pilate comment of concern was not directly from him but a ventriloquist?
Can people please give the guy some credit for keeping his mouth shut? He hasnt been sworn in and hes acknowledging that. In this instance it is the proper call.
The chosen one has really taken a stand on this issue /sarcasm. He is voting present again.
He broke his silence to say nothing. I may have a new tag line.
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