Obama is attempting, through Kerry to achieve a Framework that both parties accept but to make it more palatable to the parties there has to be a transition period, presumably for many years if ever. It would be an agreement in principle. No doubt it would define the future borders and provide for a divided Jerusalem. Bibi would like a framework agreement only if the agreed borders gives Israel more than both the PA and Obama are willing to give. What Bibi wants is an agreement that will allow Israel construction in the areas we keep. He isn’t going to get his framework and Obama isn’t going to get his.
One more issue of note. Gaza has been left out of discussions. It complicates making a deal with J & S. Ted Belman
[Full transcript]
Obama said:
“What we do have to test is the possibility that we can resolve this issue diplomatically.”
“Iran cannot… will not advance its (nuclear) program,”
Iran is engaging in other activities that are “detrimental to the United States.”
Obama said the agreement halts and rolls back central elements of Iran’s program. It compels Iran to eliminate higher-enriched uranium stockpiles, stop adding new centrifuges and cease work at a heavy water reactor that potentially could produce plutonium.
“If we could create an option in which Iran eliminated every single nut and bolt of their nuclear program and foreswore the possibility of ever having a nuclear program and for that matter got rid of all its military capabilities, I would take it,”
“But I want to make sure everybody understands it – that particular option is not available, so as a consequence, what we have to do is make a decision as to given the options available what is the best way for us to assure Iran does not get a nuclear weapon?”
“One can envision an ideal world in which Iran said ‘we will destroy every element or facility and you name it it is all gone.'”
But he said: “I think we have to be more realistic and ask ourselves what puts us in a strong position to assure ourselves that Iran is not having a nuclear weapon.”
The president also acknowledged some tactical differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but said the US and Israeli bottom-line goals are the same.
“Now, you’ll hear arguments including potentially from the (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) that says we can’t accept any enrichment on Iranian soil, period, full stop, end of conversation,” Obama said, “But … I think we have to be more realistic.”
“It is my strong belief that we can envision an end state that gives us an assurance that even if they have some modest enrichment capability, it is so constrained, and the inspections intrusive that they as a practical matter do not have breakout capacity.”
According to Obama, the US respects Israel’s efforts to maintain its defense.
Two-state solution
Obama said that the United States had concluded it was possible for a two-state Middle East peace solution to include sufficient guarantees to preserve Israeli security.
Obama said the determination had been made by the US special envoy on security, General John Allen, who has been briefing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on possible security arrangements following any final peace deal.
“He has arrived at the conclusion that it is possible to create a two-state solution that preserves Israel’s core security needs,” Obama said at the Brookings Institution’s Saban Forum in Washington.
“That’s his conclusion, but ultimately he’s not the decision maker here, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli military and intelligence folks have to make that determination.”
“And I think that we’re now at a place where we can achieve a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians are living side-by-side in peace and security,” Obama added.
Obama also warned that, in the event of a final agreement, the Palestinians would have to accept Israel would require a “transition period” to ensure that the West Bank did not become a security threat akin to Hamas-ruled Gaza.
“This transition period requires some restraint on the part of the Palestinians as well. They don’t get everything they want on day one,” he said.
@ yamit82:
No, I was going to ask you.
I suspect they’d likely be different.
“Better” is another matter.
In any event, the opportunity would exist in the interim to destroy the toys.
Who was asking the questions I originally blockquoted in post #1? — Obama.
I don’t play golf. Never much liked it. (I play lots of other sports, but never golf.)
My Dad (in his 80’s) used to call it “an old man’s game.”
@ yamit82:
Targeted killings were fairly effective until they stopped doing it. Unfortunately the Israeli government will only try it against Hamas not Fatah.
Next time there’s aconflict with Gaza how about not stopping until Hamas surrenders. Isn’t that how wars end? A ceasefire is just a guarantee of prolonging the conflict. I understand that the international community will never allow Israel to win but hopefully if (when?) Israel becomes a major player in energy exports that will change. The world will gladly turn their backs on the savages to save 5 cents/litre at the gaspump.
@ dweller:
Who is playing golf Obama or you?
Was thinkin if you can afford golf you can afford your own computer.
@ dweller: Said:
Any wise suggestions as to how they can be decapitated?
After being decapitated what gives you confidence that their replacements will be any better or different?
mrzee Said:
You can’t do that to your Peace Partners!! Enemies maybe, but they are not considered our enemies by our wise men of Chelm.
@ dweller:
And the same with the palesimians.
translation: “Be patient and you will eventually get to your goal of destroying Israel, trust me”.
Nothing is going to happen because neither the Palestinian Arabs nor Israel agree on any kind of framework.
And Israel would have to concede too much to get a hudna – which is what it already has anyway.
Decapitate the regime.
— Best way and only way.
Lots of heavy ordnance that goes nice & deep into the ground before it goes boom.
Most reassuring.
Right.
Israelis west of the River.
Palis east of the River.
And all non-Israeli troops somewhere other than Israel.
VERY secure indeed.
That was easy. Time for a round of golf.