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Obama on Gaza / Chomsky on Obama's Stance
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President Barack Obama made his first direct statement on the Gaza crisis. He proclaimed US commitment to supporting Israeli security and condemned Hamas rocket fire without mention of Israel's abusive military tactics.

Many international heads of state and military/humanitarian experts are calling for war crime investigation for these very tactics.

Obama also supports the opening of Gaza boarders to allow the flow of aid so innocent Palestinians can receive humanitarian assistance. He and his administration will work with the Palestinian Authority to rebuild the economy within Gaza and return a level of decency to everyday life. He will help to achieve "two states living side by side in peace and security," but was vague on these details.

Many Arab's believe Obama's stance represents little change from the Bush policy.

Noam Chomsky, on Democracy Now!, commented on Obama's statement:

"It's approximately the Bush position." Chomsky believes that Israel can defend itself by committing to a long lasting cease fire and stopping its war crimes, rather than using excessive force.

Chomsky called the situation "US backed Israeli crimes," and believes there should be a two state settlement, but points out that the US continues to block this in the UN.

He also points out that Obama's position is not a surprise given his advisers, who overwhelmingly support the Israeli position. One has even written an 800 page book strongly supporting Israel.

Chomsky believes that Obama's silence on the killing of civilians and settlement expansion is a strong statement.

He also commented on the timing of the Israeli assault. On US election day Israeli forced entered Gaza, breaking a cease fire, while the most of the international community was distracted. This was "meticulously timed" according to Israeli officials, says Chomsky. The siege was timed to end right before the inauguration, but "probably temporarily."

Over the course of the recent siege, well over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed of them at least 700 civilians and more than 400 children. More than 5,200 are wounded.

On the other side, 13 Israeli's have been killed, four from friendly fire.

For more information and to watch a news report where this information was derived visit http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/23/noam_chomsky_obamas_stance_on_gaza

January 24, 2009 | 12:06 PM Comments  0 comments

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