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Muslims worry over Obama's chief of staff
The Muslim world has voiced concerns about President-elect Barack Obama's decision to appoint an Israeli as his chief of staff.
- By Tim Butcher, The Telegraph Group Limited
- Published: 23:41 November 15, 2008
Occupied Jerusalem: The Muslim world has voiced concerns about President-elect Barack Obama's decision to appoint an Israeli as his chief of staff.
Rahm "Rahmbo" Emanuel, 48, makes no secret of his support for Israel.
But while the appointment prompted dismay in the Arab world, governments in the Middle East are being cautious before passing judgment. They are waiting to see whether Emanuel's Jewish credentials may not be crucial in persuading Israel to accept the two-state solution backed in principle by Obama and the Arab League.
When Emanuel's appointment was announced, commentators across the Muslim world voiced their concerns.
He was denounced as a "pro-Israeli hardliner" by Ali Abunimah from the Electronic Intifada. "There could not be a more provocative appointment than Rahm Emanuel," he wrote. Writing in Saudi Arabia's Arab News, Osama Al Sharif said Emanuel's new position ended any euphoria felt at the end of the Republican hold on the White House.
Among many in Palestine, the knee jerk reaction was largely negative.
The fact that Emanuel is both Jewish and committed to Israel could also be a deciding factor in persuading Israel to accept a peace deal with the Palestinians.
Jeffery Goldberg, writing in the Atlantic, said Emanuel's excellent Jewish credentials meant that he would be able to call the bluff of any Israeli leader.
If Obama grasps the issue early, Emanuel could play a key role.
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