Interview / Reporter Helen Thomas criticizes Obama's Mideast peace efforts

[Scurrilous]

Veteran White House correspondent, 89, believes U.S. hasn't done enough to advance Mideast peace.

<snip>

"On her 89th birthday, Hearst Newspapers columnist and veteran reporter Helen Thomas received a tray of cupcakes and personal congratulations from U.S. President Barack Obama in the White House briefing room.

But it seems that the veteran reporter, who covered every U.S. president since John F. Kennedy, requires from the Obama administration more than personal attention and cupcakes. Under Obama, Thomas says, the U.S. has not done enough to advance Middle East peace.

"I don't think they are working very hard for peace," she told Haaretz in an interview. "It's quite neglected because of Afghanistan and Iraq and the healthcare. It was right to push for a total settlements freeze, and it's wrong for President Obama to say there is no longer a ban on settlements until they start negotiations - then what you get is (a) fait accompli. I don't think Obama should have caved on that."

She also criticizes the previous Administration's refusal to recognize the results of elections in Gaza in which Hamas had the upper hand.

"They've spread the word how they wanted democracy in the Middle East - but the moment Hamas won fairly, which every international observer said, including (former U.S. President Jimmy) Carter (I know he's not very popular in Israel, but he is an honest man) - they cut aid. How hypocritical can you get?"

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[geek tragedy]

1. Not working very hard?

Ugh, first time I've heard him criticized for spending too much time worrying about Iraq, Afghanistan, and health care.

There's only so fast you can push a process that involves Hamas, Likud, and Avigdor Lieberman.

[prestonPjr21]

2. Getterdone!

The president has been in office 11 months, shame on him for not solving all the worlds problems, he had plenty of time. Oh yea, he didn`t cure cancer either?