[Skybird]

However, Obama meanwhile has objected earlier statements by Biden. The Saudis also have rejected the news published by the Times that they have given permission to use their air space.

What of all that is true and what not, is impossible to tell with certainty. Obama has no other choice, no matter the facts, than to object Biden, else he would be seen as the helpless bystander of events dominated by Israeli policy making. And the Saudis of course cannot admit in public to allow Israeli forces the use of their air space. In this light all statements and comments must be seen.

I wonder if the Biden-Obama collision is signal for an internal conflict over the issue. A lot of people must think that Obama's idealism maybe is a bit distanced from harsh realities. And I must admit that despite his several charm offensives I am currently not overly impressed by Obama's politcal deeds so far. I give him the victory in congress regarding the health system reforms. If it will suzrvive the senate, remains to be seen. Beyond that, so far all we got from his are words. His foreign diplomacy is very idealistic - and so far only has encouraged hostile factions to try making America falling back. His spending and willing of new debts is questionable, to put it mildly. That's a score of 0.5 : 2.5 so far in my book (0.5:0.5 for the undecided health policy, 0:1 for foreign policy, and 0:1 in fiscal policy. No score for increasing the troop level in Afghanistan, since that is just reason and logic - and mujst be expected as minimum without needing to reward it).

But this presidency still is young.