Obama on Palestine: Peace Won’t Come Through U.N ‘Statements and Resolutions’
- Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:04am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
President Barack Obama addresses the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
UNITED NATIONS (The Blaze/AP) — President Barack Obama declared Wednesday that there could be no shortcut to peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as he sought to head off a looming diplomatic crisis for the Middle East and U.S. policy there.
“Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the U.N. – if it were that easy, it would have been accomplished by now,” the president said. “Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians who must live side by side. Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians – not us – who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them.”
(Read a full transcript of Obama’s prepared remarks)
But in the speech before the U.N. General Assembly, Obama stopped short of directly calling on the Palestinians to drop their plan to seek statehood recognition from the U.N. Security Council. U.S. officials were working furiously behind the scenes to persuade the Palestinians. With the limits of U.S. influence on the moribund peace process never more clear, Obama had no new demands for the Israelis, either, beyond saying that both sides deserved their own state and security.
“Peace depends upon compromise among peoples who must live together long after our speeches are over, and our votes have been counted,” Obama said.
“That is the path to a Palestinian state.”
You can watch the relevant section of the speech — in which he also affirms the U.S./Israel relationship — below:
The push by the Palestinians threatens to isolate Israel even further, and divide the U.S. from allies in the Arab world who support the statehood resolution. Obama was to follow up his speech with separate meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders as he seeks to coax both parties back to direct peace talks.
At the same time, U.S. officials are conceding that they probably cannot prevent Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas from moving forward with a request to the U.N. Security Council for full Palestinian membership. The Obama administration has pledged to veto any Palestinian statehood bid, arguing that only direct peace negotiations, not a U.N. vote, would allow the Palestinians to achieve the benefits of statehood.
It’s a much different outcome than Obama hoped for a year ago, when he wanted to herald by now a negotiated agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians. U.S. persuasion and pressure failed to achieve that result and now peace again looks distant. Obama put the blame for that on Israel and the Palestinians.
“Despite extensive efforts by America and others, the parties have not bridged their differences,” Obama said.
Obama’s remarks on Israel and the Palestinians came in a speech that also swept up the convulsions of what Obama called “a remarkable year.” He talked about the fall of Moammar Gadhafi’s dictatorship in Libya, the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, the uprisings in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere, and the emergence of South Sudan as the world’s newest nation.
“Something is happening in our world. The way things have been is not the way they will be,” Obama said. “The humiliating grip of corruption and tyranny is being pried open. Technology is putting power in the hands of the people.”
Obama also spoke of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that he inherited and is winding down. “We are poised to end these wars from a position of strength,” he said.
The president spoke of hope for the world, and a striving for freedom in “a time of transformation.”
Yet the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians looks as intractable as ever.
Recognizing that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas seems intent to proceed, Obama is expected to privately ask him to essentially drop the move for statehood recognition after Abbas delivers a formal letter of intent to the U.N. on Friday.
A new approach being considered would see the “quartet” of Mideast peace mediators – the U.S., European Union, United Nations and Russia – issue a statement addressing both Palestinian and Israeli concerns and setting a timetable for a return to the long-stalled peace talks, officials close to the diplomatic talks said.
Israel would have to accept its pre-1967 borders with land exchanges as the basis for a two-state solution, and the Palestinians would have to recognize Israel’s Jewish character if they were to reach a deal quickly, officials close to the talks said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing diplomacy.
You can watch the entire speech below:
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 565 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 392 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 382 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 365 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 324 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 382 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 392 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 324 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 150 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 382 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (68)
Bullhorn Guy
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:03pmWhile people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 5:41pmYou got that right!
Report Post »cntrlfrk
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:01pm‘
Anybody ever notice how Obama is always whining about how HARD Democracy and Freedom is???
It’s almost as if he despises them.
.
Report Post »yohannbiimu
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:27pmIt seems to me like when he talks about how “hard” peace is, it’s as though it came to him as an epiphany, and he just can’t get over the “brilliance” of it. That is only something that everyone else in the room had figured out when they were still schoolkids shows what a simpleton he truly is.
Report Post »marthasusan40
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 1:39pmHope all the Jewish voters know where the line has been drawn in the sand……
Report Post »TeaPartyPatriot
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 1:35pmEveryone in the state of Israel should thank the Jewish voters in NY9. If they hadn’t voted out the d-cRAT socialist and voted in a Republican, OBOZO the Clown, the most anti-Semitic politician since the Third Reich, would have, once again, thrown Israel under the bus and allowed the Palestine terrorists full statehood. But NOTHING is more important to OBOZO than winning re-election and he’ll even suppress his hatred of Jews and the state of Israel to get it.
Report Post »Thinker Bee
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 1:25pmDid you know that O believes that “freedom from want” is a basic human right? He said so! Go to the 8th paragraph from the end in his prepared written remarks to the UN. Click on the link above and see for yourself. Scary! Who is free from want? Anyone you know? I have want, and everybody I know has want. How shall we guarantee this right to “freedom from want” to every human being on the planet? This is an extremely dangerous belief!
Does O believe that “freedom from want” should be corrected through government? A government cannot do it except by forcing some people to sacrifice some of their wants for the wants of others deemed more needy by the governments. The ONLY way to take care of people in a way that does not steal our freedom in the name of guaranteeing “freedom from want” for others is for individuals inspired by their love for God to voluntarily sacrifice what they want for the wants of others. Governments cannot do it and remain virtuous.
Report Post »ledbythnose
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 7:50pmAbsolutely stunning remark. Well said and right on the money.
Report Post »Thrill Biscuit
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:50pm…you’re STILL not getting the 2016 Olympics, sir, so please, STOP it.
Report Post »mmcdonald628
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:48pmSo, you’re an isolationist if you believe that we should not be mingling in foreign affairs with our military, but you’re not an isolationist if you think the US should leave the UN and kick it out of NYC, coupled of course with a militarized southern border, fully equipped with thousands of armed troops and drones.
I agree that the UN is a corrupt, bureaucratic nightmare, and the US should not bow to its demands. But that doesn’t mean leaving the UN and sending the rest of them packing. There are advantages to having a UN to foster cooperation amongst differing states. But we should use the UN to promote our American ideals of liberty and a free market economy, instead of resolving disputes between nations that have nothing to do with us.
Report Post »republitarian
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:43pm“Something is happening in our world. The way things have been is not the way they will be,”
Brilliant. Just brilliant writing. Let me boil it down:
“Things are changing.”
People get paid for this? Must be by the word.
Report Post »geonj
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:27pmobama has nothing to lose by saying these things. there will be no recognition of a palestinian state by the un, so obama places nothing at risk. i just hope the jewish independent voters are not fooled by this israeli “support” by obama.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:23pmBy the way, why in the audio of his speech above is a word muted out when discussing the last year’s negotiations?
Curious…
Report Post »Thinker Bee
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 1:31pmThe missing words are, “by America and others.” So the sentence should be — One year later, despite extensive efforts by America and others, the parties have not bridged their differences. I got this from comparing the full written speech.
Report Post »welloddyfriggindah
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:22pmPeace is HARD…and presidentin’….presidentin’ is REAL hard!
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:20pm“Peace is Hard”…
I just heard actual audio clips of this speech on Rush Limbaugh’s show, and,
NO FOOLING; the part where Obama is saying “Peace is Hard”, he sounds like a teacher reading DICK and JANE to their kintergarten pupils.
Listen to it, and see if you agree.
WHAT A LAUGH!!!
Report Post »Bonnieblue2A
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:25pmFinally we see why Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. “Peace is hard”.
Especially for a PUTUS who has launched an illegal war in Libya, aided and armed Al Qaeda in Libya, and has US boots on the ground in Libya in direct violation of the War Powers Act.
Where is the Congressional outrage?
Ron Paul 2012!
Report Post »ronaldreaganthegreat
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:14pmBarry, you are an idiot. Now stfu and sit down!
Report Post »Ben__Franklin
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:39pmBut….but….but….Odumbo is our first Jewish President….LoL….he is even more Jewish than the Jews….
Report Post »BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:12pmJust reported your post as spam
Report Post »oohisis
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:12pmnor does peace come through speeches…employement doesn’t come through speeches…economic responsiblity doesn’t come through speeches….
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 1:01amBut BS’ing the ignorant and getting elected does.
Report Post »welovetheUSA
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:55amPalestinians are a Hamas government, terrorist…they kill jews, raise their children to kill jews as Egypt is now doing…all UN and USA aid to any country that has these views must have all funds taken away. Obama since he has been in office has tripled America aid to Palestinian government……….it must all stop now.
Report Post »capecodsully
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:49amObama fails to mention the possibility or more likely certainty that the transformation of the middle east will lead to a takeover of radical islam and a loss of freedom for the people. He doesn’t even warn of that possibility or speak against the threats of attack on Israel. He is going to pretend that everything going on in the middle east is great. And despite everything America (make that he) has tried to do, it’s up to Israel and the Palestinians to come to a peace agreement (don’t blame him). He has done everything he could to destabilize the middle east.
Report Post »papabear27
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:46amIt is time to pull the plug on the BILLIONS of dollars that the United States GIVES to the United Nations. We must stop giving ALL of these “LIARS” and world platform to promote their own special propaganda, including our Muslim President Barack Hussein Obama! Saudi Arabia has stepped up and promised Palestinians $200 million dollars. GREAT, let the people with ALL of the OIL money fund the Muslim Brotherhood. President BO has offended the Arabs on multiple occasions and we will have $12 dollar gasoline by December THIS YEAR!
Get the US OUT of the UN and then get the UN completely OUT of the United States !
Report Post »W@nd@
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:45amso allowing someone to be seated in the UN
Report Post »without a nation is ok?
does this mean i can get a seat in the un now too?
(not that i want one )
Just pleeeeeease clarify….
why are they doing this?
code green
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:42amGet the UN out of New York and get the US out of the UN.
Report Post »DrFrost
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:40amLet’s give credit where credit is due: He got this one right. Let’s pray that people realize this and calmer heads prevail.
Report Post »techengineer11
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:45amWhile it is true that Peace Won’t Come Through U.N ‘Statements and Resolutions, it sure as hell won’t come by unilaterally bombing Palestinian civilians to smithereens, murdering scientist in Sovereign nations, and attacking humanitarian vessels slaughtering innocent unarmed civilians. May be that Jews think that they are so special and chosen that they can get away with these crimes against humanity. I think not. I think Justice will be eventually be served.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:46amThe Israeli Defense Minster said last night that no former administration has been more Pro-Israel and that he views Obama as part of the solution, not the problem.
I think this guy knows the situation a little better than some home-schooled Tea ****** who doesn’t need FACTS to hate Obama.
Report Post »stealthyk9
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:52pmYou’re clueless. “He got this one right”? All President zerO did at the UN assembly was read others’ words off of teleprompters; President “Reader Rabbit” can’t ever speak coherently without these “crutches.” Irregardless, the Israel/Middle East peace process has gone on now for about 60 years. President zerO didn‘t say anything today that hasn’t been said sometime before. Peace in the Middle East will only have a chance of success if 1) the nation of Israel is eliminated or 2) Muslim nations in the region finally decide not to pursue their goal of eliminating the state of Israel. Muslim intolerance of anything non-Muslim will most likely ensure that #2 will never happen. The establishment of a sovereign state (or nation) for the “Palestinian” peoples will not effect any previous statement; it will probably only make Israel’s survival more precarious.
Report Post »I stand with Israel.
Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 1:40pmMy favorite part of your post was when you used “irregardless” instead of “regardless” right after criticizing Obama’s use of language. It is a hybrid of regardless and irrespective and it is not a real word.
Report Post »Nice job!
stealthyk9
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 4:54pmBible Quotin’ SFCA (fraud): Wow, you got me; I’m bad. I used “not a real word” that many people have used in the past in both conversations and print, a “not a real word” that has been used often enough to be referenced in numerous dictionaries. Forgive me, genius. You can take your medication now.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 7:11pmDAS KAPITAL QUOTIN’, CHRISTIAN FEARIN’ , LEFTY….how pathetically unaware are you? You don’t understand diplomatic platitudes when you see them? NO Israeli official is going to openly criticize a U.S. President- even one that they believe isn’t supporting Israel- in the midst of delicate talks with the U.N. Bibi Netanyahu made it clear to Obama when he succinctly and firmly told Obama “Not going to happen” after Obama bleated his “1967 borders” idiocy. I think Bibi knows the situation a little better than some lefty git who doesn’t have any concept of diplomatic decorum.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 1:05amTechengII
So just how many rockets will it take for Israel to fight back?
Report Post »10, 100, 1000, 10000?
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:28amInherited, Inherited, Inherited, Inherited, this guy is all about blame and not responsibility.
Report Post »It’s the muslims that need to learn to live with the rest of the world.
stealthyk9
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:59pmWell said, but you need an addendum: “this guy is all about blame” should be “this guy is all about blame and reading from teleprompters”
Report Post »GodBlessEveryone
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:27amWhat’s ridiculous is to think for a moment that Obama is calling the shots. Did you know what actually started in 2008 when he won the election?
Report Post »http://PalinsDirtyLittleSecret.blogspot.com/
Thinker Bee
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 3:40pmThank you for the above link. It was extremely interesting reading. I am sharing it with my friends.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:18amDid TOTUS tell him to say that?
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:11amWow, I guess a broken clock really is right twice a day.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:48amIsrael considers Obama a supporter. You’re just some dumb Tea ****** like Rick Perry.
You will NEVER WIN a general election with Rick Perry. Go ahead and run him.
Report Post »Ben__Franklin
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 12:44pmNo Odumbo has lost the Jewish Vote in America for 2012. He is pandering his lies for a vote everywhere. We have the “end the wars”, “close Gitmo”, “Spend Spend Spend mo’ money through his fifth Stimulus”, etc….etc…. and they all have to be done or at least promised to voter blocks and IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE ELECTION. As in if you vote for me, I promise my same rantings I used on the last elections will realllllllly happen this go around…..
What a sad President, he is planning to release some the most dangerous people on this planet from Gitmo who wants nothing more than to kill as many Americans and non-Muslims they can just to buy votes.
Report Post »