Nonetheless, while there is no denying that Obama has been humiliated in the eyes of Americans and of the world, it would be premature, perhaps even foolhardy, to diagnose him, as many Israelis undoubtedly will, as a lame duck of no further consequence. The American constitution bestows significant powers on the president, even one who has suffered such a stinging electoral loss, especially in the conduct of foreign affairs. In fact, it is an open question whether the bellicose and contrarian Congress that some decision makers in Israel are dreaming of now would have more or less influence on the president’s moves as opposed to one that would seek constructive ways of collaborating with him. In any case, the impact of the new Republican-controlled Congress, whose leaders are naturally inclined to support Israel and to admire Benjamin Netanyahu, would be most dramatically felt if and when the administration reaches a nuclear agreement with Iran. Such a development would most likely lead to a sharp clash over the president’s authority, or lack thereof, to gradually suspend sanctions against Tehran without the Senate’s approval.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 10:47:37 +0000
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