georgephillip
Diamond Member
Juan Cole seems to think so:
"President Obama has few options in forcing Netanyahu back to the negotiating table. The US Congress controls the purse strings, and Obama cannot punish the obstreperous Likud government by cutting aid or military weaponry, without the cooperation of Congress.
"Republican Eric Cantor has already pledged to run interference for Netanyahu in Congress, against Obama.
"But there is one thing Obama has in his control.
"He can instruct the US ambassador to the UN to abstain from United Nations Security Council resolutions on Israel.
"Obama could simply let the UNSC be the body that forces Israel into accepting a two-state solution.
"Israel is already in profound contravention of numerous UNSC resolutions, with regard to their refashioning of Jerusalem, treatment of Occupied Palestinians, the Gaza blockade, etc.
"The UN Security Council should start giving Israel the Iran treatment, putting economic sanctions on it until it complies with international law and with UNSC resolutions."
Obama Should...
"President Obama has few options in forcing Netanyahu back to the negotiating table. The US Congress controls the purse strings, and Obama cannot punish the obstreperous Likud government by cutting aid or military weaponry, without the cooperation of Congress.
"Republican Eric Cantor has already pledged to run interference for Netanyahu in Congress, against Obama.
"But there is one thing Obama has in his control.
"He can instruct the US ambassador to the UN to abstain from United Nations Security Council resolutions on Israel.
"Obama could simply let the UNSC be the body that forces Israel into accepting a two-state solution.
"Israel is already in profound contravention of numerous UNSC resolutions, with regard to their refashioning of Jerusalem, treatment of Occupied Palestinians, the Gaza blockade, etc.
"The UN Security Council should start giving Israel the Iran treatment, putting economic sanctions on it until it complies with international law and with UNSC resolutions."
Obama Should...