"I don't think we have to change strong support for Israel," Obama said during an interview with NPR hosts Michele Norris of All Things Considered and Steve Inskeep of Morning Edition.
"We do have to retain a constant belief in the possibilities of negotiations that will lead to peace," Obama said. "And that's going to require, from my view, a two-state solution."
It will also require, he said, a freeze on Israeli settlements, including expansion to accommodate successive generations of settlers, and for Palestinians to make progress on security and end "the incitement that understandably makes Israelis so concerned."
The president also suggested that the United States' special relationship with Israel requires some tough love. "Part of being a good friend is being honest," Obama said. "And I think there have been times where we are not as honest as we should be about the fact that the current direction, the current trajectory, in the region is profoundly negative, not only for Israeli interests but also U.S. interests. And that's part of a new dialogue that I'd like to see encouraged in the region."
Monday, June 01, 2009
Obama's Interview With NPR June 1
Obama spoke with NPR's Michele Norris of All Things Considered and Steve Inskeep of Morning Edition today on his speech in Egypt, Iran, Hamas, Afghanistan, Israel--"part of being a good friend is being honest"--and Cheney. Obama is as graceful and calm as ever when he talks about Cheney. Norris asks Obama if Cheney makes things more difficult. Listen to the entire interview here.
