Here is how the American delegates responded to a proposal they understood was incompatible with U.S. interests (“Brackets” denote withholding approval at any given moment in time.): “I hate to be the cause of unhappiness in the room . . . I have to suggest this phrase remains in brackets and I offer my sincere apologies.”

Having watched U.N. meetings for the past 25 years, I can’t remember a U.S. representative in a public session so openly obsequious, particularly in the presence of such specious human rights authorities. And yet the U.S. delegates appear happy to be there and convey the marching orders of their new commander-in-chief.

(The American bootlicking is undermining countries like Britain and Italy who are trying to change the direction of the Durban II conference.)

Unfortunately deferring to tyrants and despots has consequences beyond just the antisemitic Durban II hatefest. Barry Rubin fears that a number of situations in the world are deteriorating – in Lebanon, in Turkey and in Iran – and the United States has decided to be popular instead of strong. (h/t LGF and memeorandum)

In short, 2009 is looking like a year of massive defeat for the US and its friends in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Washington is blind to this trend, pursuing a futile attempt to conciliate its enemies, losing time and not adopting the policies desperately needed.

Instead, the US should make itself leader of a broad coalition of Arab and European states, along with Israel, to resist Islamism and Iranian ambitions.

Alas, the new administration is fooling around while the region burns.

Crossposted on Soccer Dad.