There are two perspectives on Obama's upcoming visit to the Israel/Palestine region, and neither of them seem to be overly positive.
Most striking to me were the statements made in this article, by Palestinians.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/world/middleeast/some-palestinians-wary-of-obama-visit.html?ref=world
Many Palestinians expressed the opinion that Obama is coming only for the sake of saving public face, and will not actually accomplish anything. He is not touring any destitute Palestinian villages. Palestinians believe that if Obama does not take clear steps to make progress in the peace and reclamation talks for Palestine, then his visit will be in every way counterproductive. Some even went as far as to call him an Israeli tool. I seems as if all of the Palestinians interviewed felt as if Obama knows about Palestine's plot, and shouldn't be acting as a listener--he has listened enough. Instead, he should be active. I am inclined to agree.
The second article I found frustrating.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/world/middleeast/as-obama-prepares-to-visit-many-israelis-are-wary.html?ref=world
It details the Israeli sentiment towards Obama, and how many Israelis do not feel an emotional connection with Obama as they did with previous Presidents. I found this article to be infantile in comparison to the one before it, not because of the reporter's writing, but rather because of the subject matter. I think it is absurd to worry about whether or not the Israeli people feel emotional support from Obama when Palestinians are suffering heavily right next door. Who cares? It just reeked of absurdity. Let the ties crumble--perhaps Obama needs to take a stronger stance on morally tenable ground, and actually make demands of the Israeli government.
John Wolfe
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