Oren for Israeli Ambassador?; ‘Abdullah Visits Washington

Here's a report that historian Michael Oren is under consideration for Israel's Ambassador to Washington. As the article notes he has been critical of Obama in the past; Netanyahu is going to need someone skilled in DC given the differences between the US and his government at this time. Oren has no diplomatic background.

The artticle also mentions other candidates, including two who've held the job under earlier Likud governments, Zalman Shoval and Dore Gold. It will be interesting to see if he can get someone in place before he visits in May.

It's also interesting that the White House hosted King ‘Abdullah II of Jordan today, the first Arab leader to visit since Obama took office (and, interestingly, visiting ahead of the Israeli Prime Minister). Though, of course, Obama rather famously met the other King ‘Abdullah, of Saudi Arabia, in London at the G-20.