Obama's Speech: Assad Gets Ultimatum, Hamas Gets Homework

In his speech today, Obama again reiterated his new policy vis-a-vis Syria:

President Assad now has a choice: he can lead that transition (to democracy), or get out of the way.

Krauthammer is not impressed with the idea of Assad as reformer:

Syria's Assad leading a transition to democracy? This is bizarre and appalling. Assad has made all-out war on his people — shooting, arresting, executing, even using artillery against cities.  Yet Obama is still holding out the olive branch when, if anything, he should be declaring Assad as illegitimate as Qaddafi. Clearly, some habits of engagement/appeasement die hard.

In fact, that habit of engagement/appeasement makes another appearance in that very same speech.

On the topic of Israel-Palestine peace, Obama declares:

Palestinian leaders will not achieve peace or prosperity if Hamas insists on a path of terror and rejection.

Krauthammer's description of Assad--shooting, arresting, executing, even using artillery against cities--certainly applies to Hamas as well.  Nevertheless,Obama does not flinch from claiming that Hamas (recognized by the US as a terrorist organization), and Fatah which has joined the terrorist group, are Israel's partners in peace.

That only make sense. If Obama can suggest that a murderous ruler can lead reform, surely a group of terrorists that target children are fit to be Israel's peace partners.

There is one difference. Assad is given a choice: either be part of the new wave of reform--or leave.

No such ultimatum is giiven to Hamas and Fatah. Instead, though Obama acknowledges the question of how can Israel  negotiate with Hamas when they don't recognize Israel's right to exist--instead of giving them an ultimatum, Obama gives the terrorists a homework assignment:

In the weeks and months to come, Palestinian leaders will have to provide a credible answer to that question.

And if they don't? What is Obama going to do -- give them detention?

So if you think Obama is letting Assad get away with murder  in comparison to Gaddafy, just look at how Hamas is being foisted upon Israel as peace partners.

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