Obama the speech-topping, pro-Israel hawk *

There were two parts of Barack Obama’s speech today at the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that resonated loudest and likely longest. First, that the United States must use all resources available—“all elements of American power”—to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. That sounds a lot like his opponent, Republican John McCain, but I can’t say I disagree.

The second point, though—that Jerusalem must remain the capitol of Israel and cannot be divided for peace—well, that seemed a bit disingenuous. Not only that, but it categorized Obama, a Democrat, as more of a hawk than President Bush or Israeli Prime Minister (for now?) Ehud Olmert. Why would Obama, who only months ago was the darling of pro-Palestinian activists and optimists, say this?