US and Iran lead clash of world views at UN assembly

The annual high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly is a place where US presidents have traditionally set out their world view, attempting to signal crucial shifts in Washington’s international engagement.

This year was no different; with President Barack Obama eager to stress the continuing US commitment to spreading prosperity and democracy even at a time of austerity.

But this is a very different kind of democracy promotion to that of the George W Bush era, emphasising economic change; democratic reform that goes with the grain of individual societies, with America leading as much by force of example.

More pressing business though featured prominently in the president’s remarks.

With Israel’s deadline to end its partial moratorium on settlement building in the West Bank looming in a few days time, President Obama inevitably focused on the Middle East as the key diplomatic business of the moment.

He noted that the Israel-Palestinian peace process “had travelled a winding road over the last twelve months with”, as he put it, “few peaks and many valleys”.

But to the pessimists and the cynics who doubt that conditions are ripe for peace, he reaffirmed why he believes that there was simply no alternative to talks.

“If an agreement is not reached the hard realities of demography will take hold, and more blood will be shed,” he said.

That reference to the “hard realities of demography” represents a clear warning to Israel to acknowledge that trends in the region are not in their favour and to act on the consequences.

He called for the moratorium on settlement construction to be extended.

There was advice too for those Arab states who back a comprehensive peace in the region. Mr Obama urged them to take tangible steps towards normalisation with Israel and to provide additional political and financial help for the Palestinian Authority.

“Those who want to see an independent Palestine rise,” he said, “must stop trying to tear Israel down”.