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Originally Posted by Pastiche
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Totally agree. Everyone knows this.
I am supposing, that's the whole point of my argument. Obama is legitimately angry and that this isn't a ruse. Great powers walk a fine line. If they are perceived as the boy who cried wolf they lose their heavy soft power which is invaluable. If this was concocted it's increadibly risky for both sides. Historically, public break downs in relations between these countries have always been for real. It just doesn't make sense of why you'd want to appear like you have bad relations goign into a negotiation almost pre-emptively poisoning the well.
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Historically break downs have not been for real. There has never been a true breakdown in relations between the countries since the alliance began. One of two countries always ends up "caving" and all of a sudden relations are stronger than ever.
Why would you want to look like you have bad relations? because the US is not seen as a fair negotiator. Bad relations means they are.
I also don't see what the risk of crying wolf here is? When Israel does back down, it makes both countries look better off than before. Israel acted tough but was reasonable in the end. Obama acted tough and got Israel to cave. If the peace deal doesn't go through, it was the Palestinians who refursed to cooperate. If the peace deal does go through.... well who cares how obama is perceived he'll win a nobel peace prize.
We are talking about houses that aren't planned to be bult for several years. If Israel postpones the building for talks, what have they really given up?