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.

"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."

Will Obama Get Tough On Israel?

No one says we have to quit Israel. We just have to be reasonable about solving the conflict there. Bush's I'm-With-Israel is not foreign policy.

Newsweek: The issue at hand is to find the right balance in America's ties with Israel. Driven by shared values and based on America's 60-year commitment to Israel's security and well-being, the special relationship is rock solid. But for the past 16 years, the United States has allowed that special bond to become exclusive in ways that undermine America's, and Israel's, national interests.

If Obama is serious about peacemaking he'll have to adjust that balance in two ways. First, whatever the transgressions of the Palestinians (and there are many, including terror, violence and incitement), he'll also have to deal with Israel's behavior on the ground. The Gaza crisis is a case in point. Israel has every reason to defend itself against Hamas. But does it make sense for America to support its policy of punishing Hamas by making life unbearable for 1.5 million Gazans by denying aid and economic development? The answer is no.

Israel Doesn't Need Another George Bush

No one needs another George Bush.

Obama Travels to Israel July 22

On July 22, Obama will meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and other Israeli officials. Obama also is scheduled to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during a trip to Ramallah on July 23.
From the Israel Project, a nonprofit that educates the press and public on Israel: 

With the looming threat of a nuclear Iran, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama plans to travel to Israel and the West Bank on July 22 and 23 as part of a diplomatic trip to the Middle East and Europe. [1]

“The Iranian regime supports violent extremists and challenges us across the region,” Obama said in a speech last month in Washington, D.C. “It pursues a nuclear capability that could spark a dangerous arms race and raise the prospect of a transfer of nuclear know-how to terrorists. Its President denies the Holocaust and threatens to wipe Israel off the map. The danger from Iran is grave; it is real; and my goal will be to eliminate this threat…I will always keep the threat of military action on the table to defend our security and our ally, Israel.” Iran, Obama said, is now enriching uranium and has reportedly stockpiled 150 kilos, or 331 lbs., of low enriched uranium. [2]

While in Israel, Obama is slated to meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and other top Israeli officials. The Democratic presumptive nominee also is scheduled to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during a trip to Ramallah on July 23. [3]

“Israel is a strong and close friend of the United States, and is confronting grave threats from Gaza to Tehran,” said Obama in a statement to the press, referring to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, and to Iran, which funds the terrorist group. [4] Israel voluntarily evacuated all of its roughly 9,000 citizens from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank in 2005 in hopes of paving the way for peace.

Next week’s trip marks Obama’s second visit to Israel. [5] During his first trip in January 2006, Obama traveled to a town near the Lebanese border, where he visited the home of a family that had been hit by a missile fired by Iran-backed Hezbollah. [6] Hezbollah, which receives funding, weapons and training from Iran, started a war against Israel in July 2006 during which it kidnapped and killed Israeli soldiers inside Israel [7] and launched thousands of missiles at northern Israel. [8]

In his June 4 speech in Washington, D.C. Obama said that if he wins the presidency he would work to move the peace process forward. “Israelis understand that real security can only come through lasting peace,” Obama said in his speech. “I will work to help Israel achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state of Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security.” [9]

The Israel Project's everything you ever wanted to know about Israel. 

Obama Travels to Israel in July

That's according to JTA: 

Barack Obama reportedly will visit Israel this month.

The presumptive Democratic Party candidate to succeed President Bush is expected to arrive in Israel on July 22 or 23 for a two- or three-day visit, Yediot Achronot reported Sunday.

Senator Obama (D-Ill.), who is seen as keen to boost his security credentials and support among American Jews ahead of the November vote, has confirmed he plans to come to Israel as part of a pre-election tour of the region but has not yet released dates.