Fwd: Morning Bell: Obama Doctrine on Display in the Middle East

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From: "The Heritage Foundation" <morningbell@heritage.org>
Date: March 21, 2013 4:10:43 AM GMT-06:00
To: Bobby Martin <bobbygmartin1938@gmail.com>
Subject: Morning Bell: Obama Doctrine on Display in the Middle East
Reply-To: morningbell@heritage.org

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03/21/2013 Obama Doctrine on Display in the Middle East President Obama's car came to a halt in Israel yesterday, reportedly because it had been filled with the wrong kind of gas. "This is a metaphor for his Middle East policy - he's been running on the wrong kind of fuel," said Heritage expert James Phillips. The Obama Doctrine - the President's approach to foreign policy - has been one of talks, sanctions, and seeking international agreements. But his tactics have led to some sorry outcomes. As Heritage's Luke Coffey put it, "After almost four years of his presidency, not only is America's standing in the world weaker; the world is also more dangerous than before." In sum, the Obama Doctrine is a policy of leading from behind in global affairs, presiding over dangerous defense cuts that leave America weaker in a more dangerous world, and placing "hope" above reality when dealing with countries like Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea - each presenting unique threats to America's interests. In his first visit to Israel as President, Obama is attempting to smooth things over with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after some tense years. Obama said yesterday, "The United States is proud to stand with you as your strongest ally and your greatest friend." But differences remain between Obama and Netanyahu on the best way to keep Iran from getting a nuclear weapon - a threat to both Israel and the United States. Netanyahu has reinforced Israel's resolve to protect itself if threatened, and the U.S. should stand firmly behind him. Today, Obama will take his case to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and directly to the Israeli people with a speech in Jerusalem. For today's meeting, Phillips recommends: During his visit to Ramallah, President Obama should encourage Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to resume direct negotiations with Israel and disabuse him of the notion that he can sit back and wait for Washington to deliver Israeli concessions. Obama should also warn Abbas against forming a government of national unity with Hamas, which is implacably committed to Israel's destruction. Such a union would explode any chances for peace for the foreseeable future. Tomorrow, Obama will visit Jordan, which is feeling the effects of the crisis in Syria. Phillips explains that "Jordan's security is also threatened by Islamist extremists returning from fighting in Syria who have been emboldened by the growing influence there of al-Qaeda and other Islamist militants." Today, Heritage is hosting a discussion of the Obama Doctrine to evaluate its impact on America entering the President's second term. Watch online at 2 p.m. ET. LEARN MORE: Obama's Middle East Trip: Security Goals Should Be the Highest Priority by James Phillips The Obama Doctrine: A Failed Policy Leaving America Weaker in a Dangerous World by Luke Coffey President Obama's Middle East Trip: Are the Lights Blinking Red? (VIDEO) Read the Morning Bell and more en español every day at Heritage Libertad. Print | Comments | Forward FEATURED POSTS International Jurists: Marriage Is Between a Man and Woman Obamacare Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage: Low Enrollment, High Costs $123,000 Department of Education Salary in the Time of Sequester Food Stamps Participation Hit Record Highs in 2012 Former Czech President Vaclav Klaus: Europe Needs "Paradigm Change"(VIDEO) QUICK HITS "A cyberattack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously Wednesday," reports the Associated Press. Want to know where people are allowed to carry guns? A new app for mobile phones will map gun-free zones. The FDA announced that it will back off using graphic pictures on cigarette warning labels. After Colorado's governor signed three new gun laws today, a firearm accessories manufacturer in the state said it would be moving elsewhere. What do you think about the Supreme Court taking up same-sex marriage? Call in to Istook Live! today between 9 a.m. and noon ET to share your thoughts. Listen online and call (800)-961-7808. Know anyone who shares your conservative values and principles and may want to receive the Heritage Foundation newsletters?  Please refer them to Heritage today! Connect with Heritage Facebook Twitter YouTube Kindle Flickr The Heritage Foundation 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002-4999 Call us at (202) 546-4400 Add morningbell@heritage.org to your address book to ensure that you receive emails from us.

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