It’s never easy being a world leader particularly when one’s every move is recorded and scripted to minimize spontaneity and chaos. Given this restrained public face, the recent leak of a private conversation between President Barack Obama and President Nicolas Sarkozy proved to be a boon for those who like to know what goes on behind closed doors, when the microphones are turned off and everyone is more at ease. Now we know. Calling Benjamin Netanyahu a liar, Sarkozy found common cause with Obama who replied that he had to deal with the polarizing Israeli Prime Minister every day. These leaked comments help give a fuller international picture with regard to Israel and the West. Recent reports of Israeli intelligence leaks from the Shinbet and Mossad exposing Israel’s roadmap to war with Iran has likely placed strain on the U.S.-Israeli relationship. Further, rumors of a similar plan in the hands of the U.S. and the U.K. would indicate that something is afoot with regard to Iran and its suspected nuclear weapons program, which the U.N. reported today it has substantial reason to believe that Iran is clandestinely developing nuclear weapons.
U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate responded to the leak by stating that he thought the remarks were indicative of what he called the failed approach the Obama administration has had with Israel and that he aides responsible for the incident should be dismissed. The revelation of frustrations on the part of the French with the Israelis comes in the wake of the UNESCO admittance of Palestine as a member state with French backing. The U.S. and Israel deeply opposed this move and now the U.S. is withholding its membership dues from the international organization.