U.S. May Be ‘Filibustering’ Security Council Over Gaza

The Russian ambassador to the United Nations on Monday said an unnamed country (“I’m sure you can guess which”) was engaged in a “filibuster attempt” to block a statement condemning the violence in Gaza.

“Several Western diplomats” told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the statement, written by the Moroccan delegation, did not lay enough blame for the violence on Gazan rockets.

The Security Council has been a paragon of inaction in the Middle East. Russia may want to halt Israeli bombs in Gaza, but Moscow has steadfastly opposed international engagement in nearby Syria.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice is reported to have sided with Israel in a closed-door meeting, although she “deplored the violence.” Rice is rumored to be President Obama’s top choice to succeed Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. Clinton is expected to step down in the second term.

The BBC reports that as of Monday, more than 105 people in Gaza have been killed by Israeli airstrikes.

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer.