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America in the Middle East

Bush: Olmert essential for two-state ‘solution’


By Stan Goodenough
May 01, 2007

“The president works closely with Olmert and considers him essential in working toward a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

So said White House press secretary Tony Snow after the Winograd Commission Monday scored Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s failure to lead his country during the Second Lebanon War.

According to the commission Olmert – Israel’s commander in chief – allowed his military officials to lead him by the nose instead of himself overseeing the prosecution of the war.

The Lebanese Hizb’allah gave the mighty IDF a bloody nose last summer, and boosted the belief in Arab capitals across the Middle East that Israel is defeatable.

Israel has been described as “leaderless” under the Olmert government, a number of whose ministers – including Olmert – have come under criminal investigation for corruption and sexual abuse.

For its part, however, the administration in Washington has found the disgraced Israeli leader useful in helping to facilitate the realization of President George W. Bush’s vision of two states – Israel and Palestine (sic) – living side-by-side in peace.

US officials admitted Monday evening that Winograd’s findings on Olmert could disrupt what little progress they believe is being made in the “peace” process.

However, as Snow stressed, the White House will continue to support Olmert, who has refused to accept responsibility for his failings, and insists he will not step down.

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