Barack Obama, Israel, and Rahm Emanuel’s Father’s Intemperate Remarks

dissapointed at the pick

As a strong early Obama supporter,I am dissapointed at this pro israel pick. Hope Obama's policies will not be totally influenced by Rahm E

AIPAC

AIPAC, have shut down any debate on American-Israeli relationshi, one of the paramount reasons we are facing terrorism and have lost so many in Iraq.

Israel as been moping up every cent faster than ANY nation on earth, Economic Aid, federal loan guarantees, military aid. This a rich nation, when we have poor here at home its absurd.

Spare us the spin.

Arab Beggers or Not?

The fact is that the biggest recipient of one sided US aid is Egypt (Israel receives aid that has to be spent in the USA). The biggest beneficiaries of US aid are the Europeans - the US pays rent and salaries amounting to half the Defense Budget to keep European bases open 10 years after the Cold war has ended, amounting to a subsidy of the European economy and with no benefit to Americans.

And for 60 years,m the US, via direct aid and via the UN, has supported the Palestine Refugees rather than having them resettled in various Arab countries, because the rich Arabs want their oil money in European banks, not in developing their own.

Regarding Arabs moping white house floor

First, you should know how to spell and then know the facts. A Lot of Arab countries are getting US aid. Egypt is getting a lot of US aid for signing the peace treaty with Israel in 1980's while most of the Egyptians are anti US and anti West. Jordan, Iraq, Palestinians, and Lebanon are also getting US AID while most of the PUPOLATION there is anti democracy, anti US AND ANTI WEST.

Arab American in Cabinet?

I think Obama should bring an arab american into his cabinet.Probably someone with palastinian roots,and if possible,make him assist Rahm Emmanuel.This might certainly bring some balanca in the middle east propanda or at least keep the arabs quiet.It sounds like america the battle ground for every little fight between between arabs and jews.Thats pretty sad.

A dangerous choice

AIPAC is a powerful lobby representing pro-Israel, minority groups in the US. It is of great concern to many, that it has succeeded in having one of its supporters, a former Israeli with dual citizenship, appointed to a key position in the new American administration – a position that holds extraordinary power and influence. That appointment looks increasingly to be contrary to the democratic principles that the new government is sworn to uphold and, furthermore, is potentially to the benefit of a foreign state, Israel, rather than to the benefit of the American people. Such an appointment could be not only undemocratic but also untenable. In order for the incoming administration to be seen as a genuine force for peace in the world, it would be wise of Mr Obama to reconsider this deeply controversial selection that will certainly increase hostility in the Middle East and, therefore, global terrorism.

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Sohail Rizki you need to educte yourself before making comments!

Your comment "How many Arab countries are dependent of US aid, Israel is the only country in that reagion that is moping White house floor to get aid." You obviously fail to realize that we give much aid to Egypt yearly, which is Israels neighbor, as well as other poor Arab and muslim countries. We actually give double to poor muslim countries than what we do Egypt. However, poor muslim countries also receive aid from very rich Gulf States that Israel does not. If think you need to check facts before spouting off about aid. There is a famine in Egypt and Yemen and the vast majority of Arabs are illiterate.

Sad comment

I am a muslim and yet i found your comment "israel moping white house to get aid" arrogant and a wrong one.

In middle east, palestenians are not fighting a holy war to expand the boundaries of a so called Islamic empire. They are just fighting to get their homes back. They are fighting against the same arrogance that is also contained in your post.

Emanuel's comments

I wanted to amend my previous comment as I did not want to leave the feeling that I consider Mr. Rizki's opinion invalid...they are his and I'm sure to him they are valid. However, in the context of the Middle East I would assert, strongly, that there are many countries who need, desperately need, financial aid - that Egypt and Jordan have to get it from the US and not the Saudi's, Bahrani's, Kuwaiti's, countries that would well afford to help their brethren, speaks volumes. It paints an unfortunate picture of what is really happening in the Middle East. As a former journalist I spent quite a bit of time in both Amman, Jordan and Egypt - I love these countries and people. They are warm,welcoming and genuine. However, rumors, innuendo and half-truths dominate along with a long bred hatred of anything not Islam. These are great cultures with illustrious histories. That they cannot put to rest these deficits really hurts only them in the end. Peace is possible but not if it's only one-sided. As for Mr. Emanuel, Sr. I am in agreement that his words are divisive, hurtful and inappropriate on all levels. Let us pray that Mr. Obama's wisdom and desire to treat all parties with respect, regard and reason.

Arabs "Moping" Floors

I would assume that someone would MOP not MOPE a floor, but irrespective, apparently "MOPING" doesn't know that Egypt gets more US aid yearly than does Israel - notwithstanding our aid to Jordan as well. Facts are indeed facts but perhaps MOPING you should check your own before making untrue assertions...although not surprising spin considering.