President Obama Misreads Israeli/Palestinian Conflict - Again

"In 2011, when a similar draft resolution was brought to the Security Council, then-U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice explained America's veto: 'Every potential action must be measured against one overriding standard: Will it move the parties closer to negotiations and an agreement?' she correctly explained, adding, 'Unfortunately, this draft resolution risks hardening the positions of both sides. It could encourage the parties to stay out of negotiations.'

Exactly. The Obama administration knew what would happen. And it has.

As soon as the vote concluded, the radical Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a terrorist group committed to the destruction of Israel, posted a tweet rejoicing in the event. The Israeli ambassador declared that Israel will 'proudly reclaim the land of our forefathers.' There it was, in mere minutes, the prospect for a Palestinian State growing even more distant thanks to the decision by Obama to shoot one more dart at Netanyahu.

It's hard to understand why the outgoing president decided to take an action so patently counterproductive. His aide, Ben Rhodes, told journalists that 'We tried everything. It didn't work.' The move seemed aimed at exacting revenge against Netanyahu. It pained Israelis, but it hurt Palestinians more, even if for them it felt like a victory.

What it did was entrench the positions that have kept the people of both sides trapped in the suspended animation of enmity...

On this issue, his presidency ends as it began, with a focus on settlements, and with ill-conceived, counterproductive moves."