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Obama: Dual loyalties

Rannie Amiri is an independent commentator on the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Writing post the Obama "win" on CounterPunch he makes some more than valid observations on what we are likely to see in Obama White House in relation to how America will "deal" with Israel and the Middle East:

"History will record the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign to have been one in which American Arabs and Muslims were politically marginalized, ostracized and disparaged like no time before. Contrary to initial expectations, those bruised sensibilities are unlikely to find in President-elect Barack Obama the salve so desperately needed.

The first hint of future disappointment came with the realization that although his background and upbringing inspired malicious rumors and innuendos, he did little if anything to rebuke their bigoted nature. After winning the presidency, the decision to employ the services of the Israel-firsters was a tell-tale sign the wounds will be left to fester."

Amiri goes on to reflect on and analyse the appointment of Rham Emanuel as Chief of Staff in the White House and possible appointments of Dennis Ross, Eric Holder [just today said to have been offered the Attorney General's position] and Hilary Clinton. Each of them has more than steadfastly nailed their flags to the pro-Israel mast.

As Amiri concludes:

"Neither president nor country can be well served when those with dual loyalties are given positions of authority in the executive branch or cabinet. There were higher expectations for Obama, with many believing the new direction he pledged to take the nation and world would not be abandoned for political expediency.

Alas, Arabs and Muslims under Obama’s spell have finally come to their senses. After excusing his behavior for far too long, bringing Biden, “Rhambo” and Hillary on board has confirmed their worst fears about the president-elect: ‘change’ will not be coming their way and Middle
East policy will remain decidedly unbalanced."

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