Read
Barack Obama's comments in the Yad Vashem visitors' book
Barack Obama completed his trip to the Middle East with a pre-dawn visit to
the holiest place in Judaism where he received a mixed reaction from
Orthodox Jews.
The US presidential nominee was heckled as he visited the Western Wall in the
early hours of Thursday morning, bowing his head in prayer and observing
traditional custom by placing a folded piece of paper into the crevice of
the wall.
Orthodox men interrupted their morning prayers to catch a glimpse of the
Illinois senator, reaching out to shake his hand as he passed them by. But
not all were taken by the Democrat. One yelled out: “Obama, Jerusalem is not
for sale!” before Mr Obama was whisked away to his waiting plane.
Mr Obama’s visit to the wall ended a packed trip to Israel during which he
also stopped at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and visited a house hit by
Hamas rockets.
During his week-long tour of the Middle East Mr Obama met Ehud Olmert, the Israeli
Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, and King Abdullah
II of Jordan.
He now travels to Europe where he will visit Germany, France and England.
On Wednesday Mr Obama refused to rule out ordering a US military strike
against Iran if he is elected President, as he sought to allay Israeli fears
that he is ready to appease Tehran over its nuclear ambitions.
The Democratic presidential candidate said a nuclear-armed Iran would be a
“game-changing situation” that would pose a grave threat to the world. “I
will take no options off the table in dealing with this potential threat,”
he said. At a news conference in the southern Israeli town of Sderot, Mr
Obama was asked about a pledge he made last year to meet without
preconditions the leaders of Iran during his first year in office, a vow
that has caused deep unease among Israelis and the American Jewish
community.
Mr Obama, incorrectly, replied that what he actually said last year was that
he would meet leaders of rogue states “at a time and a place of my choosing”
and with “preparations”. “That’s just not true,” a spokesman for John
McCain, his Republican rival, said in a statement.
Mr Obama said in Sderot that he would use “big sticks and big carrots” to deal
with Iran. In an interview Mr Obama admitted that he was visiting Israel, in
part to overcome Mr McCain’s stronger support among Israeli Jews. After
talks with Shimon Peres, the Israeli President, he promised to be a staunch
supporter of Israel.
Mr Obama said there was a window of opportunity to tackle the conflict between
Israel and the Palestinians but gave warning of mounting despair on both
sides. In a swipe at President Bush’s slowness to wade into the Middle East,
he added: “I will not wait until a few years into my term or my second term
if I am elected in order to get the process moving.” He demurred when
pressed to say what fresh initiatives he would bring to the process.
The conference in Sderot followed talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders
in Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Ramallah, where Palestinian armed
security forces lined his route to meet Mahmoud Abbas, the President and
Fatah chief. Mr Abbas later released a statement saying Mr Obama had
“corrected” his declaration last month that Jerusalem should be the
“undivided” capital of Israel. Earlier, Mr Obama laid a wreath at the
Israeli Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in memory of the six million Jews who
died.
In the US Mr McCain and his aides fulminated over what they perceive to be
media bias in favour of Mr Obama. They released a campaign advertisement
entitled Obama Love in which clips of US journalists allegedly fawning over
him are played to the tune of You’re Just Too Good to Be True.
Laura get your facts straight. Israel is the NUMBER ONE recipient of US foreign aid.
As for intelligence, Israel has been spying on the US for years.
Bob, Portland, USA
Laura, my Palestinian family members will be shocked that they've apparently been wrong about their nationality all these years. Pray tell, where are we from?
AVC, Lansing, USA
karvictho, there is no such thing as palestinian territories. There never was a sovereign state called palestine and palestinians were never a nationality. So how can Israel occupy something that never belonged to who we today refer to as "palestinians"?
Laura, Bloomfield, USA
As to what Israel does of significance for America, try providing superior intelligence information from the region for one thing. For another, Israel receives LOANS, not handouts from the U.S. in order to buy military equipment from the U.S.
Laura, Bloomfield, USA
Article 95 of the Treaty of Sevres transfers the undisputed sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire to the British in trust for a national homeland for the Jews. The late professor Julius Stone, acknowledged authority on the Law of Nations, was of the opinion that the Jews had the better claim to Judea.
Wallace Edward Brand, Alexandria, VA, US
Mr Bozner,
Arabs are indigenous to the region. Poles, Ukrainians and Russians are indigenous to E.Europ. The Old Yishuv lived in peace. When the European Zionists came, understandably the local Arabs did not recognize their claim anymore than I recognize American Indian claims to my house.
Mark Strand, Washington, DC, Disunited States
Mordechai Vanunu, perhaps you should worry about the oppressed Christians living in Bethlehem under islamic rule and elsewhere that muslims control.
Laura, Bloomfield,
The ultimate - although entirely predictable - irony.
<br/>
<br/>A potential black American US President endorsing Jewish apartheid in the birthplace of Christianity.
<br/>
<br/>Jesus wept!
Mordechai Vanunu, Brisbane, Australia
All politicians Israeli & foreign gets heckled at the wall. People on both sides of that Wailing Wall know that polticians come there to solidify their credit from all over the world. Olmert gets in serious shouting matches when he travels in Jerusalem. I can't believe Obama thought he'd be spared
Anthony, Los Angeles, USA
Obama or McCain to resolve the problems of this magnitude is beyond the joke.We need to involve the entire human race to decide on this issue which ultimately affects the whole world.The survival of the human race should not rest on USA alone.
cazzy, london, UK
I Would like to express my confidence in Barack Obama
that he would do a great job running the country. I believe he would be one the greatest commander in chiefs this country
has ever had, if elected.
Tony Edwards, Fresno, United states of America
Obama's speech about Berlin's struggle would be more convincing if he stuck with his call for a united Jerusalem a few weeks ago. How is someone who backtracks after the slightest complaint going to lead global change?
Joseph, New York City, USA
Sam in Glasgow is correct. One has to wonder exactly what benefits the USA and the majority of its citizens get from Israel, because it is difficult to see any.
Paul, Coventry,
the2 state solution can never work. it has been proven time and again throughout history. the only answer is for israel and palestine to become 1 country where jews and muslims have the same rights under the same government. it will be hard to achieve but it is the only way that has a chance to work
will, grimsby, uk
Mr Strand in DC: it is you who is incorrect. Facts are Jews are indigeneous to the region, majority of Israelis are not of European ancestry, and 80% of original Palestinian Mandate was separated for Arabs long before 1948 - that country is called Jordan. Israel's land was never 'their country'.
C Bozner, London,
Despite his eloquence, Obama has no vision. He waffles on issues and says he 'mispoke' or his words weren't as precise as he would have liked. The truth is Obama is trying to determine what to say to win because he does not have firm beliefs at all.
Jeremy, NY, USA
"I wonder if Obama knows he hasn't been elected yet and is not a head of state in a position to make these kind of trips abroad."
Uh you feel the same about McCain who has also traveled extensively abroad? Or is it getting to know other countries and cultures before you bomb them that bothers you?
Joy, Washington, D.C., USA
Mr. Bozner,
Regarding Palestinian choices, you frame the situation incorrectly.
For example, in 1948 the choice for the Palestinian Arabs was not "have their own country" but rather to have more than half their country taken away from them and turned over to European colonists.
Mark Strand, Washington, DC, Disunited States
I wonder if Obama knows he hasn't been elected yet and is not a head of state in a position to make these kind of trips abroad.
Andrea, New York, New York, USA
Paestine free state, which history books have you not been reading! Kept as refugees for over 50 years, weapons taken from them, education taken, land taken, come Aussie try do some learning
Howard, London, England
He demurred (Obama) when pressed to say what fresh initiatives he would bring to the process.
That says it all for me, I've yet to hear one positive solution to any problem other that the one word, Change. He's another Blair & Cameron and as the Brits say, "All blouse and no trousers".
Thomas, Alicante, Spain
Tom from miami, your saying europes "religious impotence" has caused "islam at our throats"?!?!? wake up we arnt in the dark ages anymore. It seems you would have religious mobs going round trying to dominate? If "religous impotence" is how u describe our honest civil nations, then u need a vacation
Darius, Leeds, Uk
As Americas nominee state in the Middle East, nuclear armed to the teeth and ready to act as the USA's surrogate military arm in the region, what on earth does anyone expect. If such plicies were pursued by White S Africa, and not Israel, they would attract universal condemnation. America = Israel.
John Wood, Uxbridge, UK
If the Jewish Lobby has a powerful voice in American politics, it is because the Jews are sharp, shrewd, resourceful and above all brilliant. Look at the number of Jewish Nobel laureates. Throughout history, jealousy of their achievements has been widespread. No one is stopping you from succeeding!
Shaunik Rai, New Delhi, India
Wonder if he visited the palestinian concentration camps. Like every other American politician, Obama knows that he needs to cozy upto the zionist lobby if he wants to be elected. Also to not get impeached for something as comical as recieving oral sex or maybe a broken chair, while in office.
Jeremy, sterling,
as any USA president he has to let know israel asap that they can keep killing palestinians, occupaying illegally the land and ignoring the international community. well done Obama...what a disgrace of a president to be. Bush might as well stay...no changes to be recognized.
luis, GALWAY, ireland.
I feel I should educate some in Europe on America's relationship with Israel:
America is still a majority Christian nation..... and we Christians have a strong connection to Israel. I know many in Europe can't understand that, as your religious impotence has led to Islam at your throats.
tom , Miami, United States
'Palestinian suffering'. Please! They could have a free state living peacefully but they chose the path of violence by electing a group that's raison d'tre is the destruction of israel. What do you expect israel to do? Invite them over for tea! The primary cause of this suffering is themselves.
craig, brisbane, Aus
Why is Mr Obama or any other unelected US person flying around the world meeting people, if he becomes president then great but maybe he should focus his efforts on the USA opposed to the world right now. The shadow leaders of other nations aren't traveling the globe believing they're important!
Richard, Bristol, UK
BA Solangi,
Just because the British govenement is happy to ignore and even worse, bank role terrorists (e.g. giving benefits and coucil housing to the likes of abu hamza) doesn't mean other govenments do.
Palestinians are suffer worse at the hands of the arab countries e.g kept in refugee camps
tony, UK,
Big Sticks and Big Carrots. Does Obama really think he is so brilliant as to be the first person to think of this strategy? It's been tried and it doesn't work. Iran is run by suicidal maniacs and there is only one way to deal with them and his sparkling personality isn't it.
Linda , Connecticut, United States
If John McCain wants better media coverage, perhaps he'd better 'discover' that he is descended from blacks, or is gay, or whatever favoured groups hold the prime slot this week.
He could pretend to be Jewish, I suppose?
Roger Pearse, Ipswich,
All who believe that "Israel lobby runs the US" are subscribing to an idea full of holes and untruths. There is more Arab/Muslim money in US politics than Jewish. As for the Palestinians - they are their own worse enemy having turned down chances for their own nation in '48, '67, 2000, 2001.
C Bozner, London,
Obama's trip to Israel and his brown nosing of Israeli officials and policies proves irrefutably that the Pro-Israel/Zionist lobby in the US is so dominant and powerful that no US president can ever be elected without THEIR consent. And Amercians think they are free!!
Sam, Glasgow,
I am suprised that Obama the Magnificent did not go to see the manger where he was born. What a waste of opportunities. Just think what a Sermon on the Mount would do for his campaign. Or walk across Gaililee to show how peace could be brought about.
Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX
Anyone who talks to a brick wall must be insane, and he's been photographed doing it.
m wilson, bidache, france
Obama goes to Berlin directly from Israel: to make his big discourse and to underline the old debt Europe has got towards the USA (liberating it from nazism), while the USA are loosing in these years their centrality in the planet, everything is shifitng to East. This Obama's staff reuses old scheme
Mark, Milan,
Would you be happy with an employee who did not work 40% of the time? That's Obama - 40% not voting during the 3 short years in the Senate. 40% No matter what he says, actions speak louder. He's a socialistic fraud!
Nona, New york City, USA
Why O Why does it matter what the hell Isreal thinks???? Why is the USA so in thrall to these idiots?? Govern your own country. America should cut them off for good and concentrate on their own affairs, such as the economy and the lives of it's citizens.
Gordon, Leeds,
Whether it is George Bush or Barak Obama there is no difference among them as far as 'Israel's security' is concerned. Such is the influence of jewish lobby that a person like Obama do not want to be seen neglecting Israel. Palestinian sufferings mean nothing to either GWB or BO.
B A Solangi, Redbridge, Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom
“Obama, Jerusalem is not for sale!” is heckling?
Apparently, the headline and its underlying agenda are more important than the reality.
Jonathan, San Francisco, USA
Not much "Change" for the Palestinians from Obama, hey?
Andy T, Sydney,
Its rather disheartening that in this day and age of change,globalization etc.comments such as this(Henry Adams) still prevail. Obama is indeed a breathe of fresh with genuine intentions and a vision for a better America. It would be helpful if we focused on facts rather than sentiments.
Eti, Glasgow, Uk
After breaking articles II and III of the Nucleur non Proliferation Treaty, and slow progress in diplomatic dialogue with the US and EU, sanctions seem to be the final solution for the "Rogue State".
Military force is not the way forward and would break the rules of Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Luke de Costa, Dorset, United Kingdom
One right-wing activist. Hardly worth the headline
Alan Abbey, Jerusalem, Israel
Obahma is a front man who owes everything to his backers. This will result in lots of Pork as he is a bought man. They way the Liberal press push his image & agenda prove this. What America needs in is an Old head who has experience. Bright kids are no use in the terminal situation she is now in.
Jas, Alders, UK
The Headline " Barack Obama heckled as he visits Western Wall" is misleading.
Only one comment “Obama, Jerusalem is not for sale!”
was made - and when I read the article, it's a minor item.
Wouldn't " OBAMA VISITS ISRAEL " be a better Headline, reflecting the whole report ?
Seth Abrahams,
Seth Abrahams, Beit Shemesh, ISRAEL
This embarrassing circus is getting more absurd by the day. Can't Americans elect their politicians in a quieter way like everyone else?
Matt, Berlin, Germany
karvictho of NYC... we are there because no American politician can hope to get elected, least of all the President, unless they publicly and privately pledge their support to Israel and its policies. Hence you have McCain and Obama falling over themselves to prove their loyalty.
John Taylor, NY,
Obama does make vacuous statements about 'Change' but anything is better than what 8 years of Bush have brought - recession, war, famine and hatred. Give the guy a chance. Most non-Americans want to see the back of the hawkish republicanism for a while.
Tom, London, UK
It's all semantics! Did he say this that or the other! As an American president he will support Israel and never rule out a military option against Iran (who would?!). The difference with Obama will be in tone; hopefully we will see a bit more realpolitik and a little less grand standing.
John, London,
America can stop giving money to Israel now, especially since it refuses to stop grabbing Palestinian territories which only benefits the Israelis, and we are broke. Also, Israel has done nothing for the US of any special significance, and never will. So why are we there?
karvictho, nyc ny, usa
Just one more case where Obama conveniently misquotes something he said in the past. Fortunately we Americans don't have as bad a memory. Keep Obama honest!
Sarah, Tokyo, Japan
This trip overseas is pure theater. He "clarified" his previous comments on Iran to boost Jewish support, met w/leaders to look more presidential, visited Iraq for 1st time in 3 yrs. & Afghanistan for 1st time EVER, & now he has enough foreign policy cred from 1 trip to run the world, & we buy it.
Tim, Los Angeles, USA
Obama is not saying talk without force. He's saying talk and force together. That can bring opposites into understanding and cooperation. Anybody who thinks anything can be resolved by force alone has one hand tied behind es back ... as Bush proves over and over.
james palmer, alberta, canada
So Obama the Magnificent thinks that ' talking ' and ' carrot and stick ' will work with Iran. If only someone else in the world had his clarity of vision ! Sorry, we have been doing this for years. Hey if you can lower sea level, the Middle East IS easy for Obama the Merciful the Magnificent
Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX
Like all American politicians he'll say one thing now and do the opposite if he gains a grip on power.
God help us all if this racist gains power.
Herny Adams, Manhcester, UK
Most educated Iranians agree the regime in Tehran should not be allowed to make a nuclear bomb - not that they want to. But all Iranians agree enriching Uranium under the NPT is their legal international right. Democratic Iran will be a threat to no one. Help the opposition and promote human rights.
Charles, Farnham, UK