Here’s a piece from Financial Times that I commend to readers in the Middle East. While there’s enormous public and media support for a change in US government (with Barack Obama being the popular favorite), a major change in US policy toward the Middle East is extremely unlikely—with the possible exception of policy on Iraq, depending on who wins the November elections.

Those looking for radical reform are going to be disappointed.

Candidates converge on Middle East policy
Daniel Dombey

The Israeli embassy in Washington had a surprise guest when it celebrated the country’s 60th anniversary last week: Senator Barack Obama.

Just as the event began, the Democratic presidential hopeful appeared on stage, exchanged hugs with the Israeli ambassador and pledged his commitment to the country’s security and prosperity.

It was a useful time for the Democratic candidate to proclaim his support for Israel. Mr Obama was involved in an irritable exchange with John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, who accused the Democrat of being Hamas’s preferred candidate in the US election.
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