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Allies in Revolt

(New York Times) Editorial - It is not every day that America finds itself facing open rebellion from its allies, yet that is what is happening with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel. The Obama administration has denied there are serious problems. But there are clearly differences, some perhaps irreconcilable. Here's a quick summary: Saudi Arabia and Israel are deeply worried about the Obama administration's decision to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran - their mortal enemy. Saudi Arabia and Turkey are sore at President Obama's refusal to become militarily involved in ousting President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, in particular his decision not to respond with military strikes to Mr. Assad's use of chemical weapons. Mr. Obama instead chose a diplomatic deal under which Syria's chemical weapons would be dismantled. In addressing the UN last month, Mr. Obama reinforced his intention to narrow his regional diplomatic focus to the Iranian nuclear deal and an Israeli-Palestinian peace. His task now is to reassure the allies that the U.S. remains committed to their security.
2013-10-30 00:00:00
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