Last week, based on some upbeat articles, I wondered if the administration was changing its approach. Now Caroline Glick argues against that proposition in The New Improved Obama.
The basic notion informing both of these nearly identical articles is that the Obama administration’s foreign policy is fundamentally pragmatic rather than ideologically motivated. Both Ya’ari and Benn, like many of their fellow commentators on the Left, argue that Obama’s decision to invite Netanyahu to Washington and treat him like an ally rather than an enemy is proof that when stripped to its essentials, his foreign policy is pragmatic.
After a year and half in office, Obama recognized that his previous view of the Middle East was wrong. And as a pragmatist, he has embarked on a new course.
Yet before the ink on their proclamations had a chance to dry, Obama demonstrated that their enthusiasm was misplaced. Late last week the administration decided – apropos of nothing – to upgrade the diplomatic status of the PLO mission in Washington.
From now on, the PLO will be allowed to fly its flag like a regular embassy.
Its representatives will enjoy diplomatic immunity just like diplomats from states.
I’m not sure that the articles were claiming that Obama administration was pragmatic rather than ideological as much as they were claiming that the administration realized that its strategy was failing and that it fears that open hostility towards Israel will hurt Democrats in November. Still the upgrade in the PLO’s status certainly showed that the administration cannot be considered pro-Israel.
On the other hand there have been a few more articles playing up the administration’s military support for Israel. I have to believe that, at the very least, for its own political purposes, the administration wants to keep the diplomatic waters with Israel calm. That’s not to say that allowing the PLO to fly its flag at its embassy hasn’t been counterproductive.
But my other speculation (based on someone else’s speculation) that perhaps it was indicative of the administration’s changing views of the Iranian threat, is just speculation.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
