Kory Bardash makes an important point to keep in mind as the stream of news arrives about Obama's great love for "the miracle" of Israel and his 'belief' that Jerusalem is Israel's capital (that should be a subject of negotiations). While Obama has been very explicit about his criticisms of Israel (including for not going beyond its agreements and stopping settlement construction), he has never mentioned PA incitement to terror or involvement in terror in any way:
Yes, Obama "strongly condemned" the attack, and reaffirmed America's support for Israel in fighting terrorism. But even Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack "and all acts of terror"-just days after glorifying and bestowing blessings on child-murderer/terrorist Samir Kuntar upon his release as part of the ransom paid to Hizbullah in exchange for the corpses of two kidnapped Israeli soldiers. Such words are cheap. And therein lies a problem with Obama.
Obama made the "easy" condemnation of the terror attack itself. But, once again, he could not bring himself to hold the Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas, responsible for encouraging a pro-terror culture to flourish. The Abbas-led Palestinian Authority tightly controls Palestinian media and textbooks, both of which, in flagrant violation of Roadmap obligations, are overloaded with vile anti-Semitic incitement. Yet, even though Obama later met for an hour with Abbas, there is no indication that the issue was even raised. Words of criticism for the terror-enablers elude Obama, a curious gap in his otherwise impressive vocabulary.
Here is Michael Oren who criticized Obama on the same point despite his 'peace camp' membership:
Although Obama has yet to say anything about the Palestinian Authority's failure to meet its Roadmap obligation to curb terror and stop incitement, he has no such reservations when it comes to impugning Israel's settlements, criticizing the Likud party, or allowing for the re-division of Jerusalem. He has backed the call for a contiguous Palestinian state free of Israeli roads and roadblocks. John McCain, by contrast, has not criticized Israel's settlement policies, and has stressed the need for an end to the promotion of terror and demonization aimed at Israel, and ensuring "that Israel's people can live in safety until there is a Palestinian leadership ready and able to deliver peace."
