The amazing thing is the enormous array of very moderate options that are available to Obama now that he has been given such a strong shield by Petraeus with which to cover himself.

Obama could start by declaring his concern with the state of bilateral relations and his desire to avoid future misunderstandings, which he would prevent by enhancing communications with the Israeli people. In that spirit, he could invite Israeli civil society leaders (and there are many highly thoughtful and articulate Israeli thinkers publishing calls for American friends to save Israeli from itself) to come and reason with him at the White House to protect this oh-so-important relationship.

Having done that, common decency would compel him to extend the same invitation to the other side. Imagine a White House meeting to listen to the full range of Palestinian civil society opinions! (Do not mention the word “Hamas;” whatever you do, never mention “Hamas.”)

And on the third day, Obama could declare an end to the collective punishment of Gazans and deputize 2008 presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney to go there again – this time escorted by a U.S. destroyer carrying the medical supplies she was unable to deliver on her last trip.

Israel: We’re confiscating yet more Palestinian land to build Jews-only settlements. (Jim Crow wasn’t really that bad. Apartheid is fine.)

Obama: That isn’t helpful. (We are seen as your enabler; please keep it down and don’t embarrass us.)

Israel: So? What you gonna do about it, black boy?

Obama: I’ll …um.. say so.

Israel/AIPAC: How dare you even mention it, you anti-Semite! You do not want to declare your loyalty to the Zionist enterprise, subordinate US interests to Zionist thievery and greed, and lick our A*S, that’s fine. Our Israel-firsters and bought-and-paid-for Congress always come through; they will keep the money and political support flowing.

Someone please tell what is going to happen as a result of Petraeus’ testimony. Not what should happen, what will happen.

In my opinion, if McCain were president and events had unfolded in just the same way, Petraeus would have said something different on the Hill today. He’s a born politican, never forget that.

If Senators McCain, Graham and Lieberman come out strongly in support of Petraeus’ words, and state further that Israel must change its ways or face real consequences, I’ll start to believe we’re at a tipping point. I’m not holding my breath . . . .

You can fight the ‘long war’, or you could be treated as heros, liberators, and all the other accolades the military craves by sending a couple humanitarian supply ships to Gaza.

Petreaus may have done the math.