May 11, 2009 ... Stress test.

King Abdullah II of Jordan has been busy of late, placing himself in the vanguard of a team of four horses masquearading as a regional charm offensive to make Israel seem most unreasonable. However, King Abdullah II's importance to the region is the same as Obama's importance to the region---zero, yet serves to pander to the west's own propaganda that Obama is the west's most powerful leader, whose power/influence will be a irreparably damaged if the US fails to coerce Israel into accepting the same old saw of a demand.

The unacceptable truth for the region beyond Israel, is that Israel has already made peace with its neighbours, by defeating them, for the most part, and except for self-defense against the terrorist that its neighbours provide a safe haven, from which to operate, there is no enmity from Israel towards its neighbours. In addition, although Israel has not entirely withdrawn to the oft cited 1967 borders, it is close enough. As of today, Israel simply needs to decide upon the territory it does not wish to retain, and everyone else in the region, simply has to recognise the reality on the ground, and get on with a honest day's work for an honest day's pay, for a change.

An audacious hope perhaps, but given the, frankly risible, performance of the US in the region, from Somalia to AfPakistan, compared to Israel's pre and post Operation Cast Lead performance, President Bill Clinton's wonderment about who the super power is here, is self evident. Even more so, since according to reports, recent US involvement in Lebanon to underpin its preferred government, has destroyed an Israeli intelligence gathering operation, and imperilled the operatives' lives. Another good day for Hezbollah.

Nevertheless, Benjamin Netanyahu has had the good sense to declare the Golan Heights Israeli territory, on the basis of representing a vital strategic area. But let's just call it war reparations from Syria, to at least establish a more proper tone to the proceedings.