Israeli News: A Daily Analysis May10, 2009-Syrian Terror in Iraq Enrages Obama Administration, Budget Talks Continue

A Daily Analysis

May 10, 2009-Syrian Terror in Iraq Enrages Obama Administration, Budget Talks Continue

The United States has renewed sanctions against Syria. This was not done because of anything to do with the Arab Israel conflict, but due to events in Iraq. Last week a terrorist was caught about to set off a large bomb. After interrogation, it became clear he was Syrian; trained by the Syrian intelligence service, and sent by them into Iraq to kill as many Iraqis as possible. This undermines one of the central goals of the Obama administration, and therefore, infuriated them. The Syrians have reacted with relative equanimity to the Obama administration's decision, saying it is all part of negotiations. I think we have another classic case of neither side understanding the other here. To the Americans, a bomb in Lebanon might just be "part of the negotiations", but receiving incontrovertible proof the Syrians are a major factor behind the latest string of bombings in Iraq is a something else all together.

The Pope has begun his visit to the Middle East and is already mired in controversy. In a speech today in Jordan, he talked about the unbreakable bond between Christianity and the Jews, not something the Muslims in Jordan were waiting to hear. In addition, he has received direct criticism for not speaking up about his 2006 remarks positing Islam only contribution to the world has been violence. Hardly an auspicious beginning.

The news from Israel continues to be dominated by the fight over the budget. This dispute will likely be resolved over the next few days, after various deals are struck and individuals get to show how tough they were. The details of the budget fight will not be remembered. What will be remembered is that Netanyahu, who most Israelis thought was the politician with the most competency in economics, will have been shown once again, to zig zag through decisions. Not a great confidence builder.