Relations between Congress and the White House have been exceptionally prickly in recent times. In particular, the negative vibes between House Speaker John Boehner and President Obama seems palpable. His Orangeness's dislike of the chief executive seemed evident at the State of the Union Address. His unrelentingly sour expression betrayed unhappiness over having to face Obama's backside. The populist tone of the president's message didn't help either.
Speaker Boehner has since taken the liberty of inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu to address the Congress on March 3rd. In the meantime, the Obama administration, under the able stewardship of Secretary of State John Kerry, is conducting delicate negotiations with Iran regarding that nation's nuclear capabilities.
Netanyahu has been the international community's most strident voice, shrieking for military action against Iran. He was also an unabashed supporter of Mitt Romney, who shared the prime minister's perspectives. And yes, Bibi has often displayed contempt for Obama.
Negotiations with Iran have been progressing, albeit slowly. However, within the past few days there's been significant progress. A Netanyahu tirade before the US Congress would not be an invitation to dance with the Iranian mullahs. It could do much to endanger the negotiations, perhaps even kill them.
Some members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have expressed their opposition to hosting Bibi. Good for them, but will there be enough of them to put the kibosh on this
ill-advised event?
It's hard to believe that Boehner's visceral dislike for the president could be so intense that he'd be willing to help launch another war of choice --- with Netanyahu as an especially willing accomplice.
Oh well, boys will be boys!
