03-Aug-22: As Biden's decisiveness is applauded, we're left wondering

From Associated Press

[A version of this post by Frimet Roth was published as a blog on the Times of Israel site.]

Recent blatant discrimination against our murdered Jewish child is a hard pill to swallow. 

First came the preferential treatment of the Abu Akleh family which was granted a private meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington. The latter followed that up with a phone call to Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Saturday to pressure him to publicize the conclusions of Israel's investigation into Akleh's killing. And to do so asap!

On the heels of those attempts to appease Palestinian supporters came the assassination of Ayman al-Zawahiri. In its wake, President Biden's speech was replete with assurances regarding his administration's commitment to eliminate terrorists. 

But they rang hollow for us.

We heard him declare: 

"The United States continues to demonstrate our resolve and our capacity to defend the American people against those who seek to do us harm. You know, we - we make it clear again tonight that no matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the United States will find you and take you out."

Where is that resolve vis a vis Ahlam Tamimi? Why isn't the President determined to defend Americans from her incitement to terror and to bring her to justice for the murders she has committed?

Tamimi need not be found - because she isn't hiding. The regime granting her refuge - the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - has a valid extradition treaty with the U.S. and is a revered ally.

In fact, there is a State Department reward of $5 million for Tamimi's capture. She has been indicted by the Department of Justice and her extradition has been formally demanded. The pieces are all in place for justice to happen.

Then what is the obstacle?

The many excuses we have been fed by politicians and other influencers are patently just that: excuses. From "But Jordan's 'King' would be overthrown" to "the Middle East would implode" to "Israel doesn't want her to be extradited". 

The excuses are numerous, lame and disingenuous.

So what is the real reason that nobody wants to see our child's murderer, a mass murderer, self-admitted, brought to justice?

We have our conjectures. And they don't speak well for the values and morality of the politicians we confront on both sides of the aisle.