Senator Obama has issued a statement that reveals some of his assumptions and beliefs on Middle Eastern affairs. Well, at least he did not call upon them to have the "audacity of hope". Here is what he said, followed by a few reminders of reality."Today's summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is encouraging. I support the efforts of Prime Minister Olmert, President Mubarak, and King Abdullah to strengthen President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad - two Palestinian leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to non-violence and achieving peace with Israel. These leaders seek peace and deserve the support of the international community."I applaud Prime Minister Olmert's announcements that Israel will release Palestinian prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. We hope that this goodwill, along with the unfrozen tax revenues being sent from Israel to the Palestinian Authority, will help strengthen a Palestinian partner for peace with Israel."I commend these...(Read Full Post)