Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had a limited hand
to play today at Annapolis during the Middle East peace talks.
** ANNAPOLIS AFTERMATH: MORE TALK. After laboring mightily to bring top officials from 44 nations — including Saudi Arabia and Syria (now subject to protests from increasingly isolated Iranian radicals for its participation) — to the highly picturesque capital of Maryland and home of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Bush Administration has it product. A restart to stalled negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Just one slight problem. A huge faction of Palestianians, who control much of the area granted the Palestinian Authority, i.e., Hamas, are not part of the equation. But there are saving graces. Annapolis, at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, perhaps the best bay in America for sailing as it’s far larger than San Francisco Bay, has the best crab in the world, wonderful cobblestone streets, and the history-drenched U.S. Naval Academy campus (“the Yard,” as it’s actually known), where the conference was hosted. This brought delight to the delegates. If nothing else.
** A COMMENT. I’m looking at all the press releases, columnizing, blogs, articles, etc. collecting — or is it congealing? — in my system. And I must say that it is largely a collection of blithering, divisive, pre-programmed junk.
** AN UNWELCOME SURPRISE FOR STEVE POIZNER. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, who has seized on the not especially dramatic campaign against the term limits revision initiative on the February ballot as a way to become more popular with right-wing Republicans who would otherwise eschew the candidacy of an Al Gore for President backer for their party’s gubernatorial nomination in 2010, is about to be challenged on a fundamental question of openness. One of his newfound allies, the rather shadowy DC-based US Term Limits group, which has been the principal funder thusfar of the campaign against the term limits revision measure, refuses to divulge its contributors. Poizner, who has declared himself the new head of the campaign, will be challenged to divulge the money men behind the US Term Limits contributions.
** JESSE JACKSON INTERJECTS. Rev. Jesse Jackson has an op-ed piece in today’s Chicago Sun-Times that could be trouble for Barack Obama. The two-time presidential candidate of the 1980s has endorsed Obama, but his public statements have mostly caused the Illinois senator trouble.
Jackson has criticized Obama for not focusing enough on African American issues, at one point seeming to say that Obama isn’t black enough. Which may be literally true, since Obama is actually mixed race. Now Jackson is saying that only John Edwards has adequately addressed black issues.
When Jackson ran for president, he ran as the candidate of the left and as the candidate of identity politics. That’s a way to get a chunk of votes. But it’s not a way to win, and Jackson never had a serious chance of becoming president. Obama is running for president.
Jackson is perhaps the most prominent member of an older generation of black leaders, now being passed over by Obama, which is probably more comfortable with Bill Clinton, “the first black president.” Jackson’s always been tied into the mainline of the national Democratic Party. For as long as I can remember, he’s gotten a jet and an expense account for the general election.
As Jackson well knows, there aren’t many black voters in Iowa, where Obama is making his move, and where Jackson himself was a non-player in his two presidential runs.
This looks like a way to presssure Obama to do something that won’t help him win Iowa when that has to be his principal focus. As well as a way for Jackson to create a pretext to criticize a candidate he supposedly supports.
** SCHWARZENEGGER ON NON-DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger kicked off the USC Annenberg School’s conference on the emerging digital infrastructure with a talk that barely mentioned the subject of the conference. Instead, Schwarzenegger spoke at length about the recent history of physical infrastructure politics, laying out a large need — only some of which was addressed last year with the Big Bang Bonds — talking up public-private partnerships and calling for passage of the water bonds package he is still trying to negotiate with state Senate leader Don Perata. He said, predictably, that they “are very close” to an agreement. Use an air horn when you’ve got that agreement, gang.
** WITH ANNAPOLIS TALKS UNDERWAY, BUSH CALLS FOR PALESTINIAN STATE. The one-day Israeli/Palestinian peace conference hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland is underway, with President George W. Bush calling for a Palestinian state. “There is a battle for the Middle East underway,” he says, and the extremists must not be allowed to win. Actually, of course, they’re doing better than before.
Most experts expect little from this conference. Perhaps most noteworthy is that Saudi Arabia and Syria are participating. But the Saudi foreign minister won’t shake Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s hand. This is the nature of progress in the mostly intractable Middle East.
** SCHWARZENEGGER LIVE WEBCAST THIS MORNING ON DIGITAL FUTURE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers the opening remarks this morning at a conference on the emerging digital infrastructure sponsored by the USC Annenberg School for Communication’s Center for the Digital Future. The event is webcast live at 9 AM.
Bill Clinton is back in Iowa to try to help his wife eke out a win there.
** BILL CLINTON TO THE RESCUE TODAY IN IOWA. As I mentioned in the Monday Morning Quarterback, with rival Barack Obama getting up what looks like a head of steam in first-in-the-nation Iowa, national frontrunner Hillary Clinton’s campaign has once again imported former President Bill Clinton.
The ex-prez never actually ran there in the presidential caucuses. In 1992, he avoided them, believing that Iowa Senator Tom Harkin had a lock. In 1996, he was the incumbent president, and didn’t have a race. But he is very popular in Iowa, and has three times before campaigned there for extended stretches of time to bolster the former first lady’s slipping hold on the Hawkeye State.
Clinton is an enormous asset for his wife’s campaign. Recent polling indicates that he is the most popular politician in the country, and he would likely be elected president again were it constitutionally permissible. But he is also a doubled-edged sword, in that his presence reminds of various scandals, personal and political, that surrounded the couple in the presidential years. And he is such a strong presence that he raises questions among many about who would actually be in charge in a Hillary Clinton Administration. I think she would be, but I’m not a representative focus group of Americans.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the new Russia Today channel.
You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.
While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Crude oil is trading in a range of $94 to $95 per barrel. This is the second day of declines in the oil market. Saudi Arabia has increased its production to the highest level this year.
Your posts are welcome in the Forum.
Read 
| Comments (72) |
I bet it was fun to watch a debate with Bill.
I bet it was fun to watch a debate with Bill.
Actually, of course, they’re doing better than before. — except in Iraq, which might explain the mainstream media blackout there
Annapolis: The key to success is the follow up as little can be done in a day…Jerusalem Post reports Russia plans to host a follow-up meeting after Annapolis conference, pursuant to Russian Embassy …while no date provided for the conference, Moscow plans that the talks would “cover all the tracks” related to a lasting Israeli-Arab peace and that this conference has the United States support…This is a good sign. Partly, because Russia can be the conduit to assist in brokering Palestinian unity …it has a relationship with Hamas, while acknowledging Abu Mazen/Abbas as the Palestinian leader they have never cut off ties of communication to Hamas…BTW Putin recommended an “Annapolis” type meeting back in 2005 (i.e., and international supported forum for Israel-Palestine 2 state solution)…the Bush Admin put a stop to idea advancing forward at that time…
Billy Boy better get it going in Iowa.
“But the Saudi foreign minister won’t shake Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s hand”
The Saudis came but warned in advance they would NOT particpate in “theatrics and photo -ops” They are correct to take this position…There has been NO substantive progress to merit any handshakes…remember how the press and Clinton administration played up the hesitant handshake between Rabin and Arafat? They do not want to be used this way, while a Palestinian state seems very far away at the moment…in the last few days preceding conference, Israel has promised to “freeze” new settlements.. not stop settlements. dismantle settements, or even stop expanding existing settlements…
Shaking hands is a basic part of human relations.
Shaking hands is a basic part of human relations.
I think he knows.
>Capitol Boy :
Billy Boy better get it going in Iowa.
Nov 27, 2007 08:29 AM
Russia shakes the world, again.
>Barbara :
Annapolis: The key to success is the follow up as little can be done in a day…Jerusalem Post reports Russia plans to host a follow-up meeting after Annapolis conference, pursuant to Russian Embassy …while no date provided for the conference, Moscow plans that the talks would “cover all the tracks” related to a lasting Israeli-Arab peace and that this conference has the United States support…This is a good sign. Partly, because Russia can be the conduit to assist in brokering Palestinian unity …it has a relationship with Hamas, while acknowledging Abu Mazen/Abbas as the Palestinian leader they have never cut off ties of communication to Hamas…BTW Putin recommended an “Annapolis” type meeting back in 2005 (i.e., and international supported forum for Israel-Palestine 2 state solution)…the Bush Admin put a stop to idea advancing forward at that time…
Nov 27, 2007 08:24 AM
That’s wrong.
>Hap Hazard :
Actually, of course, they’re doing better than before. — except in Iraq, which might explain the mainstream media blackout there
Nov 27, 2007 08:22 AM
It does sound like fun.
>Jonas Blane :
I bet it was fun to watch a debate with Bill.
Nov 27, 2007 08:19 AM
It does sound like fun.
>Jonas Blane :
I bet it was fun to watch a debate with Bill.
Nov 27, 2007 08:19 AM
“Shaking hands is a basic part of human relations. ”
In the west, but it is not true in many cultures…certainly not the Arab culture ….in any event, there is GOOD reason for them not allowing themselves to be used in photo-ops …
Well, I think it just shows how intractable this situation is. The players have more reasons NOT to do things, even simple things, than to do them.
“Russia shakes the world, again”
Actually, a large part of the reason for why Saudis and Syria are here is because Bush called Putin for help to get them here approx a week before conference…and it was Putin’s promise of substantive follow up that made them take the risk….
That is VERY interesting.
Where’s Schwarzeneger?
Where’s Schwarzeneger?
Annapolis is a face saver…something Arab culture is very sensitive too…it is about dignity preventing… loss of esteem…Bush called it..so now they are here…the weak link here is not the Arabs …it is Israel. Olmert is as busy meeting lawyers concerning alleged criminal behavior as he is meeting his ministers…it is unclear if he will be in any follow up meeting, hence he is not in any position to take bold steps…something will give…either a Palestinian Federation with Jordan OR a Palestinian state…the world will not allow Israel ocuupation to continue to much longer…nor do most Israelis want it to continue…
What does any of what Schwarzeneger is saying have to do with his subject? lol
He left out the “digital” part of digital infrastructure.
It’s kind of amazing Olmert is still in power in Israel given how badly the Hezbollah War went last year.
>Barbara :
Annapolis is a face saver…something Arab culture is very sensitive too…it is about dignity preventing… loss of esteem…Bush called it..so now they are here…the weak link here is not the Arabs …it is Israel. Olmert is as busy meeting lawyers concerning alleged criminal behavior as he is meeting his ministers…it is unclear if he will be in any follow up meeting, hence he is not in any position to take bold steps…something will give…either a Palestinian Federation with Jordan OR a Palestinian state…the world will not allow Israel ocuupation to continue to much longer…nor do most Israelis want it to continue…
Nov 27, 2007 09:06 AM
On Olmert…It’s the alternatives…Netanyahu or Barak that has helped him…it also helped that the FINAL Winograd Report (with conclusions and recommedations) due in summer 2007 was conveniently delayed until next year…
Bush the Peacemaker is like Reagan’s Peacemaker bombs- war and death in the guise of peace and security. Here’s the reality:
Not Through Annapolis: Noam Chomsky Says Path to Mideast Peace Lies in Popular Organizing Against U.S.-Israeli “Rejectionism”
Democracy Now
>Chomsky says U.S. backing of continued Israeli occupation and annexation of Palestinian land is the biggest obstacle to peace. He says: “The crimes against Palestinians… are so shocking that the only emotionally valid reaction is rage and a call for extreme actions. But that does not help the victims. And, in fact, it’s likely to harm them. We have to face the reality that our actions have consequences, and they have to be adapted to real-world circumstances, difficult as it may be to stay calm in the face of shameful crimes in which we are directly and crucially implicated.”
A final agenda has not yet been drawn up, but a draft of a joint document was leaked to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. It makes no mention of the situation in Gaza or of core issues like the status of Jerusalem, settlements, borders, the separation wall and Palestinian refugees.
LISTEN ONLINE
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid…
Bush the Peacemaker is like Reagan’s Peacemaker bombs- war and death in the guise of peace and security. Here’s the reality:
Not Through Annapolis: Noam Chomsky Says Path to Mideast Peace Lies in Popular Organizing Against U.S.-Israeli “Rejectionism”
Democracy Now
>Chomsky says U.S. backing of continued Israeli occupation and annexation of Palestinian land is the biggest obstacle to peace. He says: “The crimes against Palestinians… are so shocking that the only emotionally valid reaction is rage and a call for extreme actions. But that does not help the victims. And, in fact, it’s likely to harm them. We have to face the reality that our actions have consequences, and they have to be adapted to real-world circumstances, difficult as it may be to stay calm in the face of shameful crimes in which we are directly and crucially implicated.”
A final agenda has not yet been drawn up, but a draft of a joint document was leaked to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. It makes no mention of the situation in Gaza or of core issues like the status of Jerusalem, settlements, borders, the separation wall and Palestinian refugees.
LISTEN ONLINE
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid…
Except … there actually was peace after Reagan, Paul. In the form of the fall of the Soviet Union.
All this hyperpartisanship is extraordinarily tedious to me.
Paul Burton wants attention again. lol
Remember that Zogby Poll showing Hillary losing to all the GOP frontrunners? well the same day Gallup had a poll showing her beating them all and – from what I read – most polling experts find that one more reliable (Zogby is an “interactive” on-line poll and non randomized). But guess which one got the media attention?
Sorry but the claim that Hillary is not electable – like the claim that Rudy makes NY and CA battleground states – is just not supported bhy the facts. If you want someone else – as I do (John Edwards) “Electability is not going to be your magic bullet.
When I mentioned the Zogby poll yesterday I said I didn’t buy it. No online polls, no robopolls.
Ah, Hap. Today “mainstream media blackout”. Yesterday the only health care crisis is over-utilization. Ideology uber-alles over disease control–which means some guy who doesn’t speak english having tuberculousis evidently doesn’t constitute a public health priority. And even the bedrock–the economy and budget balancing–are now seen as items Democrats more than Republicans are to be entrusted with. Hap, can’t you see why the Republicans are in a downward spiral, pushing outdated moral imperatives on an increaingly wary public? Even Billionaires at some point will stop making campaign donations if they see the Reps as a lost cause. Trent Lott’s quick dash says he doesn’t believe his party will be in the majority again for the forseeable future.
Dana I am not a republican.
Dana I am not a republican.
Dana – I was wrong, there isn’t a complete mainstream media blackout now that the situation isn’t looking as promising for the ideology uber alles democratic partisans.
Well, he might have been confused by your insistence that Fred Thompson is the candidate the Clintons fear the most …
Bill Clinton to the rescue? I don’t think Hillary needs rescuing.
Bill – Fred does have an edge over Mitt and Rudy in likability, which is not one of Hillary’s strong points and which matters to many nonideological voters. If you go into this election thinking that most people are already polarized and unlikely to change, the battle for the swing voters could well rest on likability.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government organized protests outside the Syrian Embassy in Tehran over Syria’s participation in the Annapolis talks.
Here’s another example, courtesy of TALKING POINTS MEMO. There are two polls out today on Florida. One shows Huckabee in second place and climbing vs. Rudy. The other shows him mored on single digits. So whom do you believe?
Guess we’ll have to wait for the voting eh?
Here’s another example, courtesy of TALKING POINTS MEMO. There are two polls out today on Florida. One shows Huckabee in second place and climbing vs. Rudy. The other shows him mored on single digits. So whom do you believe?
Guess we’ll have to wait for the voting eh?
37 days until the Iowa Caucus. With the New Hampshire primary 5 days later. Soon after that the number of candudates will shrink like butter in a hot pan…
>richard locicero :
Guess we’ll have to wait for the voting eh?
That won’t be a bad thing.
In part, it depends on the polls. Some polls I just don’t believe.
>richard locicero :
Here’s another example, courtesy of TALKING POINTS MEMO. There are two polls out today on Florida. One shows Huckabee in second place and climbing vs. Rudy. The other shows him mored on single digits. So whom do you believe?
The further isolation of Ahmadinejad is one of the best things about Annapolis.
>NickM :
Bill – Fred does have an edge over Mitt and Rudy in likability, which is not one of Hillary’s strong points and which matters to many nonideological voters. If you go into this election thinking that most people are already polarized and unlikely to change, the battle for the swing voters could well rest on likability.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government organized protests outside the Syrian Embassy in Tehran over Syria’s participation in the Annapolis talks.
Nov 27, 2007 02:14 PM
If he doesn’t come in for her, she loses to Obama.
>carole w :
Bill Clinton to the rescue? I don’t think Hillary needs rescuing.
Nov 27, 2007 01:19 PM
If he doesn’t come in for her, she loses to Obama.
>carole w :
Bill Clinton to the rescue? I don’t think Hillary needs rescuing.
Nov 27, 2007 01:19 PM
Schwarzeneger didn’t even talk about the subject of the conference. lol
This is not a great show for Schwarzenegger. I don’t get why he keeps saying something’s happening that’s not happening.
I think Jesse Jackson lost interest in Obama the moment after the famous convention speech ended. I remember the look on his face as it had just become quite obvious that his time had just passed, and of course not a moment too soon.
Well, of course, JJ endorsed him this year.
You know, they’re both great orators. But I shouldn’t get off on a very long Jesse Jackson riff.
“I remember in 1984, when I had to get Iowa Public Television to agree to delay the start of a debate for 15 minutes while Gary Hart was being ferried from Omaha after his flight was turned away from Des Moines and when he arrived he immediately huddled with Jesse Jackson …”
Arnold is the most relentlessly optimistic major figure on the world stage. How else did he get from being the ex-Nazi policeman’s son in a small Austrian town to all these incredibly audacious things?
>Capitol Boy :
This is not a great show for Schwarzenegger. I don’t get why he keeps saying something’s happening that’s not happening.
Nov 27, 2007 04:26 PM