Barack Obama on Israel -- Notes from this morning's breakfast with Dennis Ross

I had the privilege of hearing former Ambassador Dennis Ross speak about Barack Obama’s Middle East policy at a breakfast this morning in Manhattan. My abbreviated take on what Ross said is:

Israel today faces existential threats from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.
Eight years of Bush foreign policy have made things much worse for Israel. Then, the Iranians could not convert enriched uranium, now they are close to having nuclear weapons. Hezbollah and Hamas have vastly increased their weapons aimed at Israel.
The U.S. is on the sidelines with everything happening in the Middle East except Iraq. If we are on the sidelines, America’s position deteriorates and that threatens Israel’s existence. We cannot afford four more years of this.
Obama demonstrates character, teamwork and is an effective leader. Ross spent five days with him on the Middle East tour and observed him in action. He is an active listener. Doesn’t become defensive when you tell him he is wrong. Instead asks why and he wants to know. In meetings, Obama has his agenda, but he listens and then returns to his agenda, creating relationships in the process.
In meetings with Israeli leaders, Obama demonstrated he has a command of the issues and focused primarily on Iran. Obama understands the sense of urgency about Iran. If elected, he would likely send representatives to the Middle East during the transition in order to jump start diplomacy.
Iran has economic vulnerabilities and economic sanctions should be imposed.
Engagement (talking) with Iran will create a context in which there are options other than military force. With today’s path the only options are an Iran with nuclear weapons or the use of force.
Obama’s position on Jerusalem is that articulated at Camp David and by all administrations since 1979: Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, it should never be divided again, and its status will be resolved by negotiations.
Obama will work for peace in the Middle East without illusions. He “gets it.” The stakes are very high. We need someone who understands the context.
Iran and Syria are states – they are not going away. If we don’t talk with them, the issue becomes our refusal to talk, not their bad behavior.

Some of these points represent Ross’s point of view as advisor to Obama.

When asked about McCain’s Middle East policy, Ross stated that he does not know who is advising him or what his policies are. For people who say “McCain is good for Israel” his response is: “Look at the facts. Do you want more of the same? Bush allowed Iran to become an existential threat to Israel, while Hezbollah and Hamas gained strength.”

Jewish Americans for Obama website:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/jahome