From Ha’aretz, the top foreign policy Democrat in the House of Representatives acknowledges what, privately, many inside the administration are themselves increasingly admitting: namely, their approach to the peace process over the past several months has been a train wreck:
The chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said last week that the Obama administration is making a mistake in demanding Israel completely freeze construction in the settlements. Congressman Howard Berman, a Democrat from California, made these comments during a closed meeting with Jewish leaders in Los Angeles. Berman said Israel and the U.S. are close to reaching an agreement that will “be face-saving for everyone.” … However, Berman was highly critical of the conduct of the Obama administration, saying the demand for absolute cessation of construction in the settlements was “mistaken.” Berman blamed the stance of the administration on the settlements for having hardened the Palestinian position unjustifiably. “Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is waiting for the U.S. to present him Israel on a platter,” Berman told the Jewish leaders. The Congressional leader said that this was a mistake, adding that the PA has responsibilities too, such as countering incitement against Israel.
