Netanyahu and the GOP

Actually today’s topic is foreign affairs in the age of congressional dysfunction.

President Obama took the reins at the White House in 2009. This was after eight years of cowboy foreign affairs – shoot first, stare down the enemy, then talk!  This was not the manner of American international relations for many decades. In fact, George W’s dad spent his entire adult life noodling, ca-doodling and inventing effective foreign policy that worked. When those policies were left hanging, at least we had peace and calm until a new equilibrium was fashioned.  George H W Bush was a master at this. He lived his entire career in government quarters. He served his nation well and only faltered in his bid for re-election when he refused to denounce Christian right-wing republicans. Because of that Americans didn't want him back in the White House, and the republicans went on for decades destroying its brand with obtuse rhetoric and misguided policy.

With that backdrop and a colossal failing economy (due to huge tax cuts while fighting two wars and recovering from 9/11) Obama had to rebuild a number of things. First was saving the economy from a free fall crash. There were a few thuds heard, but no crash. We escaped that by the very skin of our teeth!

With the economy hopefully placed on a recovery track, Obama then focused on foreign policy. How do get out of Iraq, then wind down Afghanistan ground actions and remove troops, and then settle military quarters onto a road to peace. Couldn't do all of this at once, but steps were taken regularly until a clearer path was acquired.

All the while Obama was rebuilding communications and relations with the entire world community – both our allies and those not counted as such. Ticklish business. Especially so because George W had worked hard at dismantling the American foreign affairs apparatus. Between 500 and 1000 career foreign affairs senior staff resigned due to policy differences with the White House during Bush’s presidency.

Attempting to get something done while key staff positions were vacant or filled with junior careerists made a difficult job much more so. But Obama has persevered. The result is an American government much more respected today than it was 6 years ago.

Cowboy foreign policy places our military men and women in peril. Carrying the big stick is one thing. Using it without thinking it through is another. In these matters might does not make right. Cool heads do make for right. Most of the time that is true. Only in rare times does might enter the picture and then used.

I say these things today because yesterday the head elected official of Israel spoke to a joint session of our Congress. This was arranged by a republican as a rebuke to a sitting Democrat President. This was a political move. And Netanyahu understood this well. He is a master politician. His goal is being elected and saving his nation for the future.

That is not the goal of America. We are a partner with Israel but such partnerships must survive the political realities of whoever sits in the seats of power – in both nations.

In our case Obama is an internationalist seeking a peaceful global community. It is his vision that this objective will build lasting peace for generations to come.

In Israel’s case Netanyahu is yet another political leader speaking of the narrow interests of Israel – a small sect-nation cast as the outcast in the middle eastern pot boiling chaos. Two religions warring with each other for 3000 years or more. America has attempted, paid for, and fought for Israel’s right to exist. And it was right that we did this. But to allow Israel to conflate its needs as America’s same needs is shameful. And not accurate.

Both John ‘boner’ and Netanyahu should be held accountable for a serious breach of professional political action. Congress should seriously review its financial commitment to Israel as a political interest group rather than a foreign nation. It increasingly belittles its own credibility by playing into the hands of narrow political interests in our own nation.

Obama has demonstrated enormous restraint while in office in order to build integrity and credibility for our nation in the eyes of the global community. He does this work while many other American political leaders work to destroy his every effort.

In the end how the world community views America and is willing or not to work with her, is destined to be determined how well America organizes its own protocols from within. For now the leader is doing well. Too bad his back-up team in Congress is a disgrace.

March 5, 2015