U.S. Vice President Joe Biden condemned a new Israeli plan to build hundreds of homes in disputed east Jerusalem on Tuesday, casting a cloud over a high-profile visit that had been aimed at repairing ties with the Jewish state and kick-starting Mideast peace talks.
Biden had spent the day trying to calm Israeli concerns that Obama has been less friendly to the country than past U.S. leaders.
Earlier in the day, Biden assured Israelis they can count on strong U.S. backing as peace efforts finally resume. The resumption of talks, albeit indirect, is the first concrete achievement for Obama in the Israeli-Palestinian arena.
The relationship between the two allies, Biden told reporters as he stood beside Netanyahu, has always been a "centerpiece of American policy."
"Progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no space between the United States and Israel," Biden said.
"The United States will always stand with those who take risks for peace," Biden said, telling Netanyahu, "you're prepared to do that."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124485054
The average kwan is of such low quality that he'd shoot himself if he had any self awareness.
-Joe from Ohio