Mr. Bush, Thanks for Your Support of Israel, But Stay Out of Israel’s Domestic Politics

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, George W. Bush was ready for his emergency assignment of assuring Ehud Olmert’s political survival. As he walked down the receiving line and was introduced to Shas’ Minister Eli Yishai, Bush said he “understood he needed to talk to Yishai the next day to convince him to stay in the government,” Ha’aretz reported.

At Thursday night’s dinner in Olmert’s official residence, Bush repeated the message, “"Take care of Olmert, so he will stay in power." Sitting across the table from him were Ministers Yishai, Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beitanu), Ehud Barak (Labor) and Shaul Mofaz (Kadima), all poised to jump Olmert’s leaky ship or push him off the plank after publication of the Winograd Commission investigation of the Lebanon War or if Olmert’s negotiating team goes too far. [All except Lieberman can be seen in the picture to Olmert’s right.]

In 1972 then-Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin was criticized for his support of tricky-Dicky Richard Nixon. American presidents got involved in past elections in Israel, openly exhibiting their opposition to Prime Ministers Shamir and Netanyahu. Involvement in Israel’s domestic politics was wrong then; it’s wrong now. Bush should not be supporting any Israeli, especially one under investigation for misfeasance, nonfeasance and malfeasance.

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Is There a Hidden Abbas Message in These Annapolis Pictures?

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I was taught in “diplomat school” never to show the sole of the foot to someone from the Arab world since it is considered insulting. So what does it mean that Mahmoud Abbas is “giving the sole” to Olmert and to Bush? Probably nothing and his posture is probably innocent, but do Palestinians understand something else? Let me know your opinions, please.

Here are some references on etiquette in the Arab world:

European Institute for Research on Mediterranean and Euro-Arab Cooperation:
This is very important. It is unwise to cross one leg over the other with the sole of the foot pointing to one side, as it may be pointing to another guest, which is regarded as very impolite. … Make sure you feet are always pointing downwards and the soles of your shoes are never visible.


New York Times:
It's impolite to show others the soles of your feet or shoes. If you're sitting with your legs crossed, always make sure your soles are facing down.


Wikipedia: Displaying the sole of one's foot or touching somebody with one's shoe is often considered rude.

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