Arab States Tell Obama No

Barack Obama’s “play nice” plan for the Middle East seems to be officially dead. After meetings with leaders from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Palestinians, it seems that one one will be nicer to Israel just because Obama asked.

Obama’s plan for peace in the Middle East was to bring about symbolic steps from both Israel and neighboring countries. However, Israel was the only one interested, and even Israeli leaders were resisting and skeptical. It was not long ago that the United States went to war to free Kuwait from an invading Iraq. Now even they are saying no.

Like those before him, President Obama is stuck in a Middle East stalemate. The only thing Israel and the Arab nations agree on is that a nuclear Iran is more of a threat than they are to each other.

Peace is elusive. Until the Arabs recognize Israel’s right to exist in its current form, no progress can be made. You can not make peace with people who want you dead. It just does not work that way.