Sarkozy calls Netanyahu a liar

Benjamin Netanyahu spots two gossips

A dog fight is about to break out in diplomatic circles. A very undiplomatic thing has been said by Nicolas Sarkozy, the miniature poodle of European politics, about Benjamin Netanyahu, the wire-haired terrier of Middle Eastern politics. Sarkozy has barked injudiciously to Barack Obama about his relationship with the Israeli prime minister.

"I can't see him anymore, he's a liar," Mr Sarkozy said in French. "You may be sick of him, but me, I have to deal with him every day," Mr Obama replied. Every day? What on earth do they talk about. It can't be to ask if Netanyahu is going to budge on peace talks because that is like trying to shift a beached a whale. Maybe they discuss the weather?

One way to stop dealing with him like this is to cut off his cash dollars. Tell him he isn't going to get a dime more until he agrees to see sense about serious and meaningful negotiations about a lasting peace settlement. But that isn't likely to happen. Probably Netanyahu will get in a bate, say how persecuted his people are, and how the world doesn't understand him.

Politics in the Middle Eat is like a game of snakes and ladders. Throw the dice, move four paces forward, up the ladder, get an extra move, another six paces, then down the snake, back to where you started your turn!

Posted in: Arab-Israel relations,Barack Obama,Benjamin Netanyahu,Nicolas Sarkozy