FASCINATING – AT 1:53 P.M. ET:  In the Mideast, in particular, public statements do not necessarily reflect real attitudes.  All Arab nations denounced President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but the statements often seemed muted.  From the Times of Israel:

Though Egypt has publicly condemned US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and even sponsored a UN resolution rejecting the move, Cairo has quietly sought to convince the Egyptian public to accept it, the New York Times reported Saturday.

The newspaper obtained audio recordings in which an Egyptian intelligence officer, speaking with influential talk show hosts, asked them to downplay the significance of US President Donald Trump’s decision.

The officer, Cpt. Ashraf al-Kholi, is reported to have told hosts that widespread unrest over Washington’s move would “not serve Egypt’s national security interests,” as it would “revive the Islamists and Hamas. Hamas would be reborn once more.

“How is Jerusalem different from Ramallah, really?” al-Kholi asked on the recordings, as he sought to lessen the Holy City’s significance as the future capital of a Palestinian state.

Though he said Cairo would denounce Trump’s declaration, he added that, “After that, this thing will become a reality. Palestinians can’t resist and we don’t want to go to war. We have enough on our plate as you know.”

COMMENT:  I get the feeling that the political left in the West is more upset about the Jerusalem decision than are the Arab nations.  Most of them accept the reality of Israel, and the Saudis, in particular, have privately moved closer to Israel, according to reports.  The Palestinians threw a tantrum, but they always do.  The Jerusalem decision will melt away in time, especially when Trump presents his peace plan for the region, which should be soon.  Then the real bargaining begins.  If the Pals refuse to come to the peace table, the necessary heat will be applied, and it is likely to be financial. 

There are no guarantees.  It's the Mideast, integrity is not highly prized, and the sands can shift.  The Russian presence, which did not exist when Field Marshal Obama came to office, can disrupt everything.  So can the power of Iran, which was also much smaller when Obama took the oath. 

Great president, that Obama. 

January 6, 2018