Soon it will be time for me to take some of my own.
Just be careful flying in.
In Russia, 10-day New Year’s fete pits business vs. pleasure
So where does a Russian go for vacation?
"Russia’s Medvedev gives Palestinians political lift; Backs statehood, urges Israelis to freeze building" by Mohammed Daraghmeh, January 19, 2011
JERICHO, West Bank — President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia gave a political boost to the Palestinians yesterday, backing their claim to East Jerusalem as a capital and their demand that Israel must freeze all settlement construction before peace talks can resume.
He just identified himself as an enemy of Israel.
Medvedev delivered the supportive message during his first visit as president to the Palestinian areas....
That confirms it.
Who would have ever thought the Russians would be leading the world towards peace and away from war, huh?
While practically on Israel’s doorstep, he did not visit Israel....
Why would he want to?
The ancient town of Jericho was decked out in Russian and Palestinian flags, and black-clad Palestinian troops with assault rifles lined the streets.
We call them security services here in AmeriKa.
The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, and Medvedev were received by an honor guard in a red carpet ceremony.
Russia is a member of the so-called Quartet of Mideast peace makers, along with the United States, European Union, and United Nations.
Then why isn't there?
The group is to meet in Germany next month to find a way out of the current quagmire....
Medvedev affirmed the Palestinians’ right to a state, with East Jerusalem as a capital, though he did not say what he believed the borders of the state should be.
Given all the land Israel has taken it is going to be tough to get any state at all -- and maybe that was the goal.
In recent weeks, several South American countries have taken such a step, recognizing a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, the territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast War.
The Russian position was not new, but put it at odds with Israel.
Netanyahu has said Israel will not withdraw to the 1967 borders and that he will not relinquish East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed to its capital after the 1967 war.
The annexation of the area, home to sensitive religious sites, has not been recognized by the international community.
Yup, Israel thumbs its nose at the world and nothing is done.
Medvedev said yesterday that the Palestinians have the right to a viable state with East Jerusalem as a capital.
The Russian leader also sided with the Palestinian demand that all settlement construction must stop.
Since 1967, Israel has moved nearly half a million Israelis into settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Palestinians argue that partition becomes increasingly difficult as these enclaves expand....
Yes, it is ISRAEL that has been the OBSTRUCTION to PEACE!
--more--"
I guess that's why Russia gets the Wikileaks lash.
