Commentary: Time for a Genuine Confidence-Building Measure:
Releasing Jonathan Pollard

Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA - May 28, 2010

"Relations are too cold right now to get the president to release Pollard. Lets wait for them to warm up."

"Relations with Washington are finally getting warmer. Lets not jeopardize the situation by raising the Pollard issue."

But there is another angle to this story that is worthy of consideration: how are we perceived by American leaders, at the end of the day, when they see the priority or more accurately lack of priority - we give to gaining the release of Jonathan Pollard.

What genuine gesture can President Obama give to Israel that doesnt require some kind of off-setting American gesture to the Arabs. An off-setting move that could very well make it counter-productive for Israel to get Obamas gesture in the first place?

That's right.

Releasing Jonathan Pollard.

And it's a move that requires no more than a pen stroke.

No committees.

No votes.

No reviews.

Just President Obama's signature and Jonathan Pollard can join Netanyahu's entourage on the flight back from Washington.

The author, Dr. Aaron Lerner, is Director of IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis).