In his speech at the United Nations’ General Assembly Wednesday, President Barack Obama pleaded with Iran to do a nuclear deal before he would be forced to make even more concessions to “meet” Iran’s “energy needs.”
And, on Israel-Palestinian conflict, Obama seemed to say that not only the “region,” but also, the entire “world” would be “more just and more safe” if there was a two-state solution. He failed, however, to explain how Tel Aviv and Jerusalem would be safe from West Bank Palestinian rockets and mortars from just such a “two-state solution.”
Here are Obama’s clips and quotes on Iran, and the Israel-Palestinian issue:
Pres. Obama’s full quote with respect to Iran was:
“America is pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, as part of our commitment to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and pursue the peace and security of a world without them. And this can only take place if Iran seizes this historic opportunity. My message to Iran’s leaders and people has been simple and consistent: do not let this opportunity pass. We can reach a solution that meets your energy needs while assuring the world that your program is peaceful.”
Obama’s full quote with respect to Israel and the Palestinians was:
“We recognize as well that leadership will be necessary to address the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. As bleak as the landscape appears, America will not give up on the pursuit of peace. Understand, the situation in Iraq and Syria and Libya should cure anybody of the illusion that the Arab-Israeli conflict is the main source of problems in the region. For far too long, that's been used as an excuse to distract people from problems at home. The violence engulfing the region today has made too many Israelis ready to abandon the hard work of peace. And that's something worthy of reflection within Israel.
“Because let’s be clear: The status quo in the West Bank and Gaza is not sustainable. We cannot afford to turn away from this effort – not when rockets are fired at innocent Israelis, or the lives of so many Palestinian children are taken from us in Gaza. So long as I am President, we will stand up for the principle that Israelis, Palestinians, the region and the world will be more just and more safe with two states living side by side, in peace and security.”