This week in power: Obama, Wisconsin, Circumcision, Arkansas

A roundup of the most talked about political and global stories in the Jewish world this week:

Obama: Israel is safe
The president met last week with Jewish leaders in what was described as an “extraordinary session” about how the Mideast revolts impact Israel, reported the ” title=”Commentary” target=”_blank”>Commentary. This administration “still thinks the solution to the problem of Iran is to solve a problem having nothing to do with it.” But, Richman pointed out, Obama’s team didn’t seem to have a handle on Libya or Egypt either. What should he be doing for Israel? Obama must “demand of the Palestinian leadership, not only that they cease incitement against Israel, but begin to prepare their people for peace and reconciliation. That is the real impediment to peace,” said Dan Gordon at ” title=”The Forward” target=”_blank”>The Forward. Ordinarily we have a loud voice on issues, but “Wisconsin is different” for some reason. Cary Spivak, also in ” title=”TownHall.com” target=”_blank”>TownHall.com. “Government union leaders are portraying Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker as a new Haman: You want to hang us, we’ll hang you.”

The Pope clears the Jews
That should settle that. In his new book, Jesus of Nazareth, Part II, Pope Benedict XVI says that the Jews did not kill Jesus,” according to ” title=”IsraelNationalNews” target=”_blank”>IsraelNationalNews, “making his statement appear as nothing more than lip service in the 21st century.” Well, said a Los Angeles Times editorial, “considering the fact that anti-Semitism still exists, it’s not possible for Catholic leaders to speak out against this often enough,” even today. Consider, though, that this announcement wasn’t with Jews in mind or “to be politically correct,” said Eugene Korn at ” title=”he said” target=”_blank”>he said. Jewish groups are worried that the city could ban its religious practice. “This is hurtful and offensive to people in the community who consider this a coveted ritual,” said Anti-Defamation League director ” title=”The Stir” target=”_blank”>The Stir.

Arkansas’ anti-Semitism scare
Arkansas politician Chuck Chatham was quoted in an e-mail as saying he chose to run for state legislature against Democrat Jerry Rephan, because he Rephan is a “pro-abortion Jewish lawyer,” according to ” title=”Blue Arkansas blog” target=”_blank”>Blue Arkansas blog. And this incident of “blatant anti-Semitism by Republican officials isn’t an aberration,” warned ” title=”reports” target=”_blank”>reports.

Danny Groner is the Online Managing Editor for TheWeek.com and a contributor to other sites including The Jewish Journal