America: Fair and Balanced?
Thanks a lot, Jonathan for bringing up this lovely third-rail issue.
They have no peace in the Middle East because neither side is sufficiently "pro-peace" (think suicide bombers on one side and illegal settlements run by occasionally violent groups on the other side). Amidst this mess, many Arabs are angry that we Americans are just not "fair and balanced" in our potential mediating role. As the great Jewish sage, Jon Stewart, notes, loyal Israeli citizens and politicians can criticize Israeli policies without threat to their careers -- but American politicians cannot.
Obama's mere election will cheer many people in that part of the world who feel that, while the U.S. will continue to tilt toward Israel, a man is in charge here who seems to understand the nuances of the matter. That, for Israelis and Arabs alike, should be seen as a helpful step along the road to peace, not as a reason for fear (even if Joe the Opportunistic Plumber sees this issue differently).
Rob,
Those settlements aren't illegal. They were annexed as part of a war.