28 Mar 2024
Tuesday 3 January 2017 - 10:56
Story Code : 245475

What's behind Washington's decision not to veto UN resolution on Israel

Sputnik- Washington's decision to abstain from vetoing a resolution condemning Israel for its settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem should be viewed as a "symbolic act" aimed to cater to the left wing of the Democratic Party, Nikolay Pakhomov, President of The New York Consulting Bureau, told RIA Novosti.

"Obama came topower toa large extent thanks totheir support and they have always supported him. At the same time he could not carry outmany policies athome which they would welcome.

For instance, he cannot introduce free healthcare or limit Wall Street's influence. This is why he decided tomake something that would satisfy their aspirations," he explained. Pakhomov added that the Obama administration also wanted toshow that America's foreign policy is more complex thanit might seem. "Some amongUS leadership and expert community criticize Israel.

Interests oftwo powers cannot overlap 100 percent," particularly when it comes tothe Middle East, the analyst said. "Such views are common amongleft-wing members and supporters ofthe Democratic Party." The resolution onIsrael was passed onDecember 23, with14 US Security Council members voting infavor and one abstaining.

Washington's decision torefrain fromvetoing the resolution comes insharp contrast toits former policy withregard toIsrael. The US has traditionally sheltered its key ally inthe Middle East fromsimilar initiatives byblocking them inthe UN Security Council.

US president-elect Donald Trump, who lobbied President Barack Obama toveto the resolution, called the vote a "big loss" forIsrael, butpledged toreadjust Washington's foreign policy towardits ally. "We cannot continue tolet Israel be treated withsuch total disdain and disrespect. They used tohave a great friend inthe US, butnot anymore," the president-elect tweeted followingthe vote. "The beginning ofthe end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (UN)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!"

Pakhomov expressed doubt that the incoming administration will "drastically change" Washington's policy towardIsrael.
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