"The decision reflects our growing interest in working constructively with Syria and the leaders of that country."
Further pursuit of the "Obama Doctrine" of appeasing enemies and enfeebling friends? Or just possibly, an attempt to wean Syria away from Iran? Regardless, it is not going to make the Palestinian Authority happy, given the historic designs of Damascus upon Palestine and Lebanon, which are deemed part of "Greater Syria". "Work constructively" with Assad's savage regime? Good luck to the Obami.
Meanwhile, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon has proposed a deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which would involve a trade of Arab towns in northern Israel for Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The proposal was vehemently protested by Israeli Arab parliament member Ahmed Tibi:
"Israeli Arab MK Ahmed Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al chairman) responded to Ayalon's remarks, saying they reflect a 'complete defect in the understanding of the basic values of democracy and civil rights.'
'We are not chess pieces,' said Tibi. 'We did not arrive in this country on planes and we did not immigrate here. We do not want to expel anyone from the borders of this country, but if someone wants to expel us, I will say this: He who got here last leaves first. That way, there will be fewer fascists in Israel.'"
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1149435.html
How peculiar that Tibi so vociferously opposes this proposal given the claims of Jimmy Carter and the New Left concerning the existence of apartheid in Israel . . .
Tibi is a doctor (graduate Hebrew University) and a former adviser to Arafat. He has declared that he has no intention of "moving" to the Palestinian Authority, regardless of the outcome of any land swaps, and apparently values his seat in the Knesset. Bottom line: the relationship with Tibi is civil, and no one becomes overwrought from his declarations.
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