United States Pulls Out of Durban II

The Durban racism conference, held in Durban, South Africa, took place in September, 2001. It quickly degraded from a true conference on racism to an opportunity for Arab nations to join together in criticizing Israel. As the Durban conference commenced, the world was watching the second Palestinian Intifada and witnessed the constant onslaught of terrorism in Israel. While watching innocent Israelis murdered, they called Israel the most racist nation on the planet.

After much deliberation, and plans to attend, the United States finally pulled out of the Durban II conference. Durban II, also sponsored by the United Nations, will take place in Geneva in April.

The Obama Administration had planned on attending the conference. The new administration has, until now, taken a diplomacy first route in dealing with the international community. Israel has lobbied the US to boycott the conference, which will likely turn out the same as 2001. The United States has finally agreed.

I think it is a positive sign for Israel that Obama’s administration has decided not to attend. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.