UPDATED ON:
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
07:36 Mecca time, 04:36 GMT
 
News Americas
Obama's Gaza silence condemned

Hundreds have been killed after days of Israeli bombardment of Gaza [AFP]

Despite growing pressure on Barack Obama to speak out on the crisis in Gaza, the US president-elect has remained silent on the issue.

Obama, holidaying in Hawaii, has made no public remarks on Israel's unrelenting military assault on the Palestinian territory, which has left more than 380 people there dead.

The former Illinois senator spoke out after last month's attacks in Mumbai and has made detailed statements on the US economic crisis.

But some fear that the US president-elect's reluctance to speak out on the Gaza raids could be sending its own message.

"Silence sounds like complicity," Mark Perry, the Washington Director of the Conflicts Forum group, told Al Jazeera.

"Obama has said that Israel has the right to defend itself from rocket attacks but my question to him is 'does he believe that Palestinians also have the right of self-defence?'"

Support for Israel

Israel says the operation is necessary to prevent Palestinian rocket attacks on the south of the country.

And Obama repeatedly spoke out in support for Israel during his election campaign, describing the country as one of the US' greatest allies and has vowed to ensure its security.

Obama was shown Palestinian rockets during his visit to Sderot [AFP]
He caused anger in the Arab world when he told a pro-Israel lobby group in June that Jerusalem should remain the undivided capital of Israel.

He also visited Sderot, the Israeli town close to Gaza regularly targeted by Palestinian rocket fire, in July, to show his support for residents.

Ehud Barak, the Israeli defence minister, has cited comments Obama made during that visit in his own justification for launching the assault.

"Obama said that if rockets were being fired at his home while his two daughters were sleeping, he would do everything he could to prevent it," Barak was reported as saying on Monday.

Obama's aides have repeatedly said he is monitoring the situation and continues to receive intelligence briefings but that he is not yet US president.

But George Bush, the current US leader, has also remained silent on Israel's attacks although the White House has offered its support to Israel.

Arabs pessimistic

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Many Arabs were cautiously optimistic about Obama's election victory in November, in the belief that a fresh face in the White House would be better than Bush, who invaded Iraq and gave strong support to Israel.

But his choice of a foreign policy team, especially Hillary Clinton as US secretary of state and Rahm Emanuel as his White House chief-of-staff, have raised doubts that much will change.

But some see his see his silence as symptomatic of caution over his own position and the power of the Israel lobby.

"He wants to be cautious and I think he will remain cautious because the Arab-Israeli conflict is not one of his priorities," Hassan Nafaa, an Egyptian political scientist and secretary-general of the Arab Thought Forum in Amman, told Reuters.

"Obama's position is very precarious. The Jewish lobby warned against his election, so he has chosen to remain silent (on Gaza)," added Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut.

Protests demand change
 
However many in the US have called on Obama to speak out personally on events in Gaza.

Protesters gathered at Obama's transition office in Washington DC on Monday, and outside his holiday residence in Hawaii on Tuesday, to demand he do more.

"The Obama administration is working hand in glove with the Bush administration and...there is no reason that they can't work together to get something done," Mike Reitz, a federal government worker, told Al Jazeera at the transition office protest.

At another protest against Israel's actions in Gaza outside the White House on Tuesday, some were sceptical about Barack Obama's commitment to Middle East peace-making.

"Is this the change that you were talking about?," said Reza Aboosaiedi, a computer specialist from Iran.

"If this is the change, you have a very, very deep problem, because if you add them up with the other economic problems and other problems in America, having this kind of problem in the Middle East, I don't think he can manage it."

But others at the protest still saw some hope that the former Illinois senator could make a difference.

"I would like to think that he would be more active than Bush in trying to push an agenda to bring Israel and Palestine together to have peace talks, but I don't know," said Bob Malone, a lawyer. 

"But I'm an optimist, so I hope so."

 Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
 
Feedback Number of comments : 81
 
Jens
Germany
31/12/2008
It is very important to remember one thing: Every enemy of Barack Obama can cause his death. So he has to offer solutions that also satisfy the pro Israeli lobby, to defend his life and policy. We should be glad that there is at least the chance of a change in the US foreign policy.

Bola
Nigeria
31/12/2008
Pessimism being confirmed
Obama should have something to say because wether he likes it or not, he would still have to make reference to this event going on in Gaza. And people will ask him why he was silent. The change he promised should show in this conflict.

aboubacar
Guinea
31/12/2008
palistine
if palestine want peace they can get it easly but if they prefer the war they will smell the smoke for ever.arabs are ignorent they know only there dictator who put fire on them.lesting please what an arab man is asking to a black man in egypt.the arabe in arabic:were are y from ?the balck man answer: from guinea.the arab say is guinea in america or europ?the arab ask is there a women in your country, is there a car, is there houses .

shafi
India
31/12/2008
Obamas Gaza silence condemned
Is it the beginning of "Change" Black Obama promised to White House?.

robert
Thailand
31/12/2008
do you realize obama s not president yet
Obama is not President. America has one president. for 3 more weeks that is Bush. That is why he is silent. Give the guy a chance. He is not even in office yet, and already eople say "we had an open mind but see. see... he is no good'. what open mind? Give him a chance. As for Hamas. clearly they are getting just what they want, when they broke truce with missiles. Hamas has made it clear they do NOT want peace with israel. So all of their actions are to support that strategy

free thinker
Afghanistan
31/12/2008
Obama Silence
There is a briefing in America for new US presidents. It provides the information that non-presidents are not allowed to have. There are mountains of "restricted" documents after Bush's paranoid incompetence. Perhaps Obama knows that he does not yet know whatever it is he might need to know in order to make a good comment. Obama is a very smart and compassionate man. He is the best hope that someone might be able to stop the killing.

Moustapha
Senegal
31/12/2008
Arabs must put their own act together
The problem of Palestine cannot be solved without Arabs acting together, showing true sense of solidarity with the Muslim community, not only the Arab world. The core of the problem is the lack of courage and solidarity among the muslims. This is your problem, you must solve it yourselves. Abama is not the answer.

Ali
Saudi Arabia
31/12/2008
ObamaS silence
Obama is scared of Israeli lobby in the US.He does not want to make Israel angry.Yet, peace process in the middle east does not mean much more to him because his priority is to focus his attention only on the domestic affairs.To sum up, silence implies consent.

Kathleen Brannon
United States
31/12/2008
Obama on Gaza
To: HC in Austria I am a U.S. citizen who believes Obama will speak out against Israels' continuing attacks on Gaza but not until he is inaugurated. Also, traditionally, President-elects don't try to compromise the current Presidents' position on an issue like this and perhaps make things worse. There are many citizens like myself who don't support Israels actions and are telling our Govt. so. Where is your outrage at other M.E. govts doing so little?

kon hoo
Canada
31/12/2008
Gaza and Obama
Why expect something from Obama. His hands are tied too.

Scott
United States
31/12/2008
Why no words
One simple thing, no matter how much Barrack or the rest of the world thinks he IS the POTUS, he is not yet. He is sworn in Jan 20th, after then he can make comments on what foreign policy will or should be. Until then, he has NO power to make a foreign policy decision in the US. He is not a member of the US SEnate anymore, he is a private citizen. Our Constitution allows only one president at a time,. so until Jan. 20th Barrack can say nothing about this issue.

Elias
United Kingdom
31/12/2008
Obama
A change in the White house does not mean change for the world especially the Middle East as noted by Robert Fiske...hence, thinking Obama will make a change is futile. What is more likely to occur is more of the same rhetoric but constructed and with sophisticated packaging to dupe the masses. It will be presented at summits in exotic locations such as Gaza, Kabul, Cairo and Reykjavik by various important dignitaries representing countries who have tokenistic interest in change.

Noliving
United States
31/12/2008
What Obama meant by change
What obama meant by change was more in domestic policies not foreign policy, the only real difference you were going to see in foreign policy was in Iraq and maybe having more "direct" talks with nations we consider to be hostile to the US, thats it. I don't know why people got their hopes up for a complete change in US foreign policy.

Truthman
Canada
31/12/2008
US sovereignty?
Wake up people. Obama is not falling for the Israeli trap to get Obama to show his loyalty. Thats right folks. This is what its all about. Hundreds of people killed to find out who Obama will support. He's quite smart though not to speak just yet! And by the way the US lost its sovereignty after JFK was assasinated. The US is no more than an Israeli puppet. And that is why I now refer to the US "The United States Of Israel".

Bo3oof
Afghanistan
31/12/2008
Change?
Change!, NO YOU CAN'T! Obama is a Zionist and he will not bring change. The only thing we will see is the wipe out Palestine from everything that there is (from world map to our history book) Such a SHAME that we call USA a Democratic state. If that's democracy, then surely the Arabs don’t need democracy, it more of Hypocrisy to the world.

miguel lupianez
United States
31/12/2008
Obamas Silence
I believe that when a president wins he/she should take pwer imediately,but its not like that in the USA and why should he says anything?If he says anything Bush will tell him to mind his own

hanif
South Africa
31/12/2008
obama- a fair Christian?
'If you were driven out of your home(with ur daughters & entire town) & put into a concentration camp, WHAT WOULD YOU DO, Mr Obama?' A true Christian is supposed to be fair & honest- even with non-believers. Are you? But then, what can you ever know of the suffering of the field worker black slaves?

battah
Egypt
31/12/2008
not suprised
you tell me this and i'll tell you of a hundred and one reasons why i'm not suprised with obama's act.. nor will i be suprise with bush, clinton and the rest of the crowd, for they have but one thing in common.. the inability to stand up against those who are behind the congress.. bravo obama. you did it just like those before and after you..

HC
Austria
31/12/2008
Obama and Middle East
President Elect Obama spoke out clearly before the election that he supports the Zionist state of Israel! Those who believe he is Muslim or even a Muslim extremist (mostly right wing idiot Americans!) have no clue! USA is anyway full of arrogant, ignorant and intolerant people. For some Obama was a hope. He commissioned another hard-liner, Hilary Clinton, to deal with foreign affairs. Do not have any hope or respect! They wo'nt change at all. For Arabs there is no HOPE at all!!! For Zionists OK!

Mohamed Adham
Sri Lanka
31/12/2008
OBAMA SILENCE
There is no point criticizing Obama and other non Muslims, at a time that Arabs and Arab leaders are not lifting a finger. Its nice to see the rallies on the streets, but, does that alleviate the suffering of the Gazans? And soon even the protests would tone down and life would be back to square one, leaving the Gazans to gaze at their own spilled entrails!!!! This is the reality. When its your turn tomorrow, then it would just be too late.

Hassan Abdullah
Myanmar
31/12/2008
Obamas Gaza silence condemned
Some of the Muslims were optimistic when Obama was elected as the next President of the US. The truth is that even though he is a democrat, his tenure in White House will be totally different from the Clinton's era, the period that War on Islam was not in full gear. Being a first Black American President, he will be expected to leave his legacy for the Judo-Christian cause than bring the peaceful solution to the Middle East politics.

Jerseygirl
Canada
31/12/2008
Obamas silence
I would like to see Obama and other world leaders say "shame on you both Israel and Palestine" for continuing this ridiculous war based on make-believe gods and stone-aged beliefs. It's the 21st century people, wake up to reason and humanity!

Ashraf
Palestinian Territory
31/12/2008
Gaza bombardment
Hamas brought the zionists' bombs on themselves. First they shatter the fabric Palestinian democracy in Summer 2007 and then they insist on burying the peace process with their worthless rocket fire into Israil. Say what you want about Israil the blood of the innocent is on the hands of Haniyeh and the rest of the Hamas traitors.

Just one guy
Israel
31/12/2008
Have you considered
Has any of you even considered that Obama thinks that the cause of this attack is just? Basically you could say that Hamas leaders are also supporting Israel, because they don't stop shooting missiles.. Had they stop shooting missiles, Israel had no reason for continuing the attack

Simon Gibbs
United Kingdom
31/12/2008
Obama for Change?
So much for Change, huh? Obama's silence shows his cowardice, racism, and just like Israel and Bush, a lack of respect for international law. No one agrees with Hamas's home made rockets, but Israel's response is a massacre. I am so disappointed.

Samira
Netherlands
31/12/2008
Obamas silence
One simple question for Mr. Obama, what would he do if he, his wife, two daughters and many, many others were living in an area that was blocked for supplies of basic neccesities, fuel and medicine? Would he defend himself or just sit back???

anti-neocon
South Africa
31/12/2008
Obama and Gaza
Yes, he is complicit and no-one should be surprised. He said he would isolate Hamas and not deal with it, he would always support Israel and he made his acceptance nomination speech to AIPAC, the most influential Israel lobby group.

alidemir
Turkey
31/12/2008
Obamas recommend
During his Israel visit he said "if rockets were being fired at his home while his two daughters were sleeping, he would do everything he could to prevent it" . Please recomend a Palestinian father whom five sisters slaughtered by Israel how must he behave.

whereisvoiceofreason
Netherlands
31/12/2008
obamas gaza silence
Israel has never stopped targeted killings. Even during the cease fire, they were killing Hamas fighters. Israel never allowed the full opening of the crossing except randomly. Israel still controls every aspect of border around Gaza. It basically treats it and its people as a hostile enclave. Israel does not want Hamas and Hamas does not want Israel. You can not eliminate either by force. You need leaders with insight not brute force to resolve this

ijaz
United Kingdom
31/12/2008
Obama disgrace
all the goodwill has vanished for me. this man's appointment of emmanuel & clinton speaks volumes. AIPAC must be partying hard this new year. & if hamas is so evil, why do the zionists behave so badly in the west bank run by their poodle abbas? i condemn obama, bush and particularly the puppet arab regimes in jordan, egypt etc which are standing by while gaza burns. they will have to answer one day for their crimes

tired
Afghanistan
31/12/2008
bias
so Mr Obam : wht if it was r daughters sleeping in a house on the gazan side?? what would you have done? woud you let israel continue its ruthless genocide?

S.Ejaz
Pakistan
31/12/2008
Israel Shame on You
Shame on you Israeli people! Some Israelis are saying that “Why Hamas is firing missiles at us?” Same question from mine side is that “Why you have invaded and occupied Palestinian’s land?” and also “Why you are killing innocent people by using dangerous kind of US made missiles?” Try to read the history, Israel didn’t exist 60 years before, if you don’t know ask your elders. You are occupiers, invaders and trying to steal the earth of Palestinians. Imagine if Israel was Palestine, and Palestine

M.A.
United Kingdom
31/12/2008
WE HAVE TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED. MAKE YOUR OWN CHANGE. BECAUSE NOBODY ELSE WILL!
obama was never going to bring any change to the white house because some people are under ther illusion that the individual that is in "power" can personally bring about change when very clearly that is NOT the case! them individuals are controled and therefore it doesnt matter who is to win any election ever! and even if it was, obama has expressed his zionistic views and shown no remosre for the israeli attacts. my conclusion is that a democratic route is out of the question. U MAKE A CHANGE!

MirH
Netherlands
31/12/2008
Obamas silence
There will be change once he has the say! What can he do besides drawing his conclusions and wait 3 more weeks! Where are those Israeli activists? Not on the streets...Where are those really wise Arab leaders? They use beautiful words but don't act

V for Vendetta
Bosnia and Herzegovina
31/12/2008
Yes we can, but WE WILL NOT!!!
Don't live on clouds, nothings gonna change, simply because they don't want to change it!

A Friend
United States
31/12/2008
I too am saddened
As a Christian what's is happening in Gaza brings me to tears. It saddens me that my country is standing by while children are killed. I believe we all have the right to worship God as we feel He is calling. I hope the Muslims of the world can see clear that not all Americans bear them ill feelings.

Shan
South Africa
31/12/2008
A reminder for Mr Obama ...
"For evil to flourish it is only necessary that good men do nothing."

Aneesah
South Africa
31/12/2008
Obama really tried hard to convince the world that he is a christian. So, what is he going to do to help the 2000 christian palestinians living in Gaza who are suffering as much as the Muslims there? Is he allowing the Israelis to murder innocent people of his own religion?

kenn
Nigeria
31/12/2008
I am curious of what exactly people expect to hear from Obama. The whole Arab leaders, who are directly affected, refused to make comments condemning Israeli actions, being complicit in Israel's continued oppression of the Palestine just because they want to hold to their personal political and economic future as American puppets (America leaders, on their own parts, being Israeli puppets). So if Arab leaders, the real affected people, are afraid of their future, why shouldnt Obama be.

john adib saah
United States
31/12/2008
Obama and the Israeli Lobby in DC
Its simply amazing how Barack Obama, the so-called "Change Candidiate" whom I voted for, gives in so easily to the criminal Israeli Lobby. I am shocked and apalled that Obama chooses to support Apartheid Israel and go down the same wrong road as previous American Presidents. Its amazing and its also a crime!

Mawali
United States
31/12/2008
Obamas Gaza silence condemned
With his "Change" slogan and all that he "promised" to set right. The fact of the matter is Obama is first and foremost a politician and not a statesman. While we should all respect his current inability to effectively voice concerns over seemingly grave situation with potential dire consequences. I suggest don't hold your breath. Oh don't get me wrong he will take every opportunity to kick those that are down, if that is in fact a popular thing to do.

Nina
United States
31/12/2008
Palestine
Israel is not fighting back, they are just stepping up efforts to continually destroy Gaza. They initially slowed down medical & food supplies to Gaza which causes panic among the innocent civillians. Israel always denies. Just like they denied intentionally ramming the volunteer aid boad that they hit yesterday. What are the people to do? Hungry, sick and sick of this treatment! The Jews took Palestine in 1967 ILLEGALLY, & they are illegally using US weapons. Look up the US weapons treaty.

Zach
United States
31/12/2008
Obama
It is the greatest irony that Obama, whose election is celebrated as a victory over racism in the US, allows one of the most racist countries on earth (Israel) to continue their genocide.

Hector M. Vargas
United States
31/12/2008
Obama silent:
Historically the life of a race of people ( Palestinians) had been violated. No one cares about that. Silence is the best option to hide from the historical truth of a group that is claiming its rights and fighting alone with a power that its back by a greater power. Four Israeli killed vs. hundreds of Palestinians killed and thousands wounded. Historically whose at fault, who cares thats the past. Shame on the world...................

james lindsay
United States
31/12/2008
Obamas Gaza silence condemed
Obama is not the president of Israel. Obama is not the president of Palestine. Obama is not yet even the president of The United States. The world must learn to find blame with the parties responsible for the actions taking place in that part of the world. Should America send troops to defend the Palestinians? They should take a lesson from Northern Ireland and realize terrorists bombings, and rocket attacks only bring the wrath of the massive military machine they hope to destroy.

Ben
United States
31/12/2008
Say what you'd like about Bush's terrible legacy in our domestic and foreign affairs, but please do not link the blunders in Iraq with support for Israel. It's incorrect and unfair.

maxine
United States
31/12/2008
Obamas silence
Please know that so many of us in this country are NOT happy with Israel's actions. And are extremely upset over the treatment of the Palestinian people. We hope Obama will do better. And are becoming worried over his silence.

Ahmed Malti
Algeria
31/12/2008
Change has to come forst from us.
I don't think that Obama will condemn Israel for its actions as they are the ones who put him on the president's seat as they put all the other US presidents, I am not a fool, I know from the first day that there will no change in US Foreign Policy, but why we muslims have to wait for the US to do something and we forgot about who can change things and who told us that we have to start by changing our selves, I hope that we will awaken soon from our sleep.

Pat
United States
02/01/2009
???
Obama doesn't hold any position in any country. Time to wake up.

Richard
United States
02/01/2009
Obama on Gaza
What do you expect from Obama to say when Arab leaders themselves are silent! Does Obama have to say anything? If you Arabs cannot do anything why are you guys hung on us to do something for you. If you want to do something for your people then do it. Don't be afraid to play the game that we are playing.

PF
United States
02/01/2009
Expect no miracles.
It is not realistic to expect Mr. Obama to change the current US policy in the Middle East. Jewish Americans are extremely influential in American politics. Their support is critical for any candidate to the White House. They have played an important role in the Civil Rights movement. They helped black Americans in their fight against racial discrimination. In essence, they helped Mr. Obama get elected president of the United States. It is no wonder that Mr. Obama is silent on the Gaza question.

Emily
United States
02/01/2009
Obamas silence and Palestine
I agree partly with Moustapha from Senegal. The Arab nations should come together in order to make Palestine stronger. I agree with the reporter of the article when he said that Palestine should have the right of self defense. They've been defending themselves for decades against Israel, who stole their homes and their lives. I believe Barack Obama definitely has some appeasing to do with those Israeli lobbyists. After all, he's not president yet. We have to have faith in him.

paul
United States
02/01/2009
Israeli bombardment
Give the guy a chance, besides he's not the cure. It's too bad that so many people around the world suffer from this age old Holy War.

robert
United States
02/01/2009
obama silence
What do you expect? They broke truce and launched rockets into their country. How are you gonna tell someone they can't defend themselves. For example, if a country did that to the US....it would be game over for them. So it would be kind of hypocritical wouldn't it. You would think that's a no brainer but some people aren't the smartest. Hamas wants to fight jews so they got exactly that. They are lucky Israel doesn't indiscriminately fire their rockets like Hamas does.

Azael
United States
02/01/2009
Get real
What a bunch of fools. Obama is not the President yet. Even if he was, what do you want him to say? That hes pro Palestine or pro Israel? Either way, most of those posting here are going to find some other excuse to blame someone ells for the problems in Gaza. That whole region needs to grow up.

troy
Australia
02/01/2009
"No We Cant"
Not really suprised doesn't make it any easier to swallow. If he wants to defend his daughters on the israeli side , why not on the palestinian side too? Are their children of less worth than an israeli one? I DON'T think so. Shame on the politicians for being so afraid of the jewish lobby!

Alex Wassabe
Japan
02/01/2009
Hamas brought this upon themselves?
For those who are IGNORANT &think Hamas is to blame for breaking the truce, consider this: You live in Gaza during a blockade with no food, water, medicine, fuel and many other essentials and.. your enemy (so called Israel) who is forcing the blockade violated the truce with 190+ RECORDED violations, killed tens of innocent civilians would you continue this truce? Would you equate what the Israelis are going through the same as the Palestinians? Are people allowed basic human rights?

Ryan
Palestinian Territory
02/01/2009
Jewish lobby
Hilal Khashan is an anti-semetic idiot. Are you ****ing kidding me you conspiracy theorist. Yes Jewish Republicans fearmongered about Obama...but he was still elected with 78% of the Jewish vote. We support peacemaking, not tying his hands.

watcher
United Kingdom
02/01/2009
Obama not so nice after all?
quelle surprise.

Samira Noor
United Kingdom
02/01/2009
Change
When Obama spoke of change i don't think he was talking about anything other than change in the US. Now it is time for the Muslim governments to realise that they need to initiate changes of their own, for the benefit of their people. What the Muslims' are lacking is unity and leadership. Hope that this comes soon for the Palestinian people

Mohamed Abid
United States
02/01/2009
Obama's Gaza silence condemned
First of all, there is only one president at a time. Obama will not speak of something that will contradict the White House policy today. We can only blame his silence when he takes office. I voted for Obama not because he is the saver of America but also injustice around the world.

mohamad
United States
02/01/2009
Obama is not president
It is funny that Obama has no problem speaking, presidential, about the economy and auto bail-out. Yet, he has a problem speaking about this issue. This has nothing to do with Hamas, it has to do with five sisters getting killed together, it has to do with basic human needs. Although I voted for Obama, I can see what appears to be Bush's third term. I hope I am mistaken.

Fernando
Peru
03/01/2009
With Obama or without him. The world must realize that innocent people are dying in Gaza now. No more hopes, dreams or words if they are killed to satisfy a stupid human appetite: power.

SAINTCUTE
Pakistan
03/01/2009
SHAME !
Silence is half consent , what Obama has proved & certainly is fulfilling his committment made to the Zionists lobby who voted as well as campaigned for him!

Dr. George Okusi
United States
02/01/2009
Obama and Gaza
The whole world is monitoring what is going on between the Israel and Gaza. Let us give Obama leadership a chance. We still have President Bush, and all the comments and complains we have today, should be reserved until after January 20th 2009. I beleive Obama team is already collecting facts on the ground and shaping there action plan for the Middle East in general. Whether both Israel and Gaza have the rights to defend themselves - life is being lost by innocent people in both side. Love

1984
United Kingdom
02/01/2009
obamas lack of conscience
Obama pandered to the jews in America because he knew he had to have them on his side to be elected - it now appears his attitude to the Palestians will be no different to that of Bush who constantly refused to criticise Israel. Sadly, Obama's slogan of "time for change" and his theme of the US gaining moral respect around the world now means nothing.

Omar
United States
02/01/2009
Obams silence
Silence has never been the remedy of anything. But, the cheif question is what Obama can say about this half century conflict between Arabs and Israils? I believe Obama want to see how things shape up and will keep his silence as long Isreal seems to have the uper-hand.

tamziy
Trinidad and Tobago
02/01/2009
Different colour same texture
People must be naive to believe that Obama will stop the bloodshed in Gaza. Many myopic people speak of the missiles of Hamas as the cause of conflict but cannot see the sub-human conditions that the Palestinians are forced to live in-the largest prison in the world called GAZA STRIP.This is part of the collective punishment for voting for HAMAS.

Nena
United States
02/01/2009
I am not sure what to say
I was surprised that Obama stayed silent and did not condemn this atrocity. Then Jens from Germany said that angering the pro Israeli people can mean his death! I didn't think about that. I feel very angry, sad, depressed and frustrated. Why does Israel feel like it can do whatever it wants? Don't Palestinians need a home country? Don't they deserve respect? I hate how the Palestinians are treated. Why can't the world wake up and stand up to Israel?

steven - rich american
United States
02/01/2009
Obamas silence
Please... the ME countries all burn our american flags and say 'death to americans'.... then when they are in war they cry for Americans. Pleasezzzze. You people are not our friends.

tired of this game
Canada
02/01/2009
tired ..so tired
Let the Jews and the Arabs sort it out once and for all. Whoever is left standing wins. Keep looking after things at home Obama !!! Or better yet let the do goody Euros deal with it . Who really gives a damn about this anymore ? I mean really ... jews kill arabs ,arabs kill jews . It will end eventually if you let them go at it long enough.

Hafizur
United Kingdom
02/01/2009
obama not president yet
Hmm, all these Americans saying Obama isn't president yet. So why did he speak out about the Mumbai tragedy? Was he president then? or Is that because Israel is involved?

Daud
United Kingdom
02/01/2009
Silent Obama:Why the suprise?
President-elect "no change" Obama, J."bomb bomb Iran" McCain and H."I`ll obliterate Iran" Clinton bent over backwards to show their greater feilty towards Israel when they knelt before Israel lobby. As Palestinians of Gaza are terrorized by an Israeli state cowardly Arab leaders are too fearful to act. Obama play`s golf as Gaza burns.

philip
United States
02/01/2009
obamas silence
Why are people expecting Obama to speak about this incident when Arabs are silent? The Palestinians are Arabs not Americans.

paul
United States
02/01/2009
Change...
Mr. Obama , You were selected to the White House to change. Please... don't let the White House change you.

Stacey
United States
02/01/2009
Support for Isreal
If the Arabs in Gaza and Palestine would stop teaching their children murder is a form of religous martyrdom.. Peace in the region may one day work out. Pretty sad to think such evil is taught to children. The Jews have been in that region for thousands of years. And until the Arabs recognize the Isreali claims to ancient lands they will never make progress.

hiba
Syria
02/01/2009
No hope
If you believe that Obama will bring a change to the American political action toward Arab issues, you are completely wrong. Yes! America is ruling the world yet, ironically, it is ruled by Israel.

truth is on the side of the oppressed
Afghanistan
06/01/2009
if their own people ( arab nation) are doing nothing, how can you expect obama to? .. this world revolves around nothing but money and greed. people are just statistcs and numbers in the eyes of all leaders. As for the people who are pro-israel I say to you.. "the greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance.. it is the illusion of knowledge" - there is more to facts that are shown on our so called "news" channels.

Ivan Watenya
Uganda
06/01/2009
Obamas silence on the palestinian-israeli conflict
The palestinians have suffered for so long under israel aggression that has continueously gone un punished all over the world,obama should wake up to the palestinian misery and try to bring peace in the middle East.Ivan watenya

Shareena Mohamed Smith
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
14/01/2009
SAUDI ARABIAs OFFICIALS are the helpers in the killing of the Palestinian people.
Obama Just appointed another Zionist unto his team. Sadly, I see Our Saudi Arabian Officials selling to the U.S&Isreal oil to fuel their tanks for the murder of our people while they chat and have tea over a dead peace deal.

ali
Syria
16/01/2009
Terrorist
who's attacking ha? its isreal the real terroist! Not gaza!

 
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