Taking "Diplomatic Measures" Into Their Own Hands

President George W. Bush will be aggravating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by attending Israel's 60th birthday celebration. Palestinians feel that President Bush's trip will be a display of insensitivity to the emotional scars of their forced expulsion.
“Forty-eight was, of course, the date when Israel was created, but it’s also a very sad date for Palestinians who were dispossessed from their lands. It’s a very deep scar in Palestinian life.”
-Mustafa Barghouti, former Palestinian information minister.
White House secreatary, Dana Perino, stated, "President Bush's itinerary has not been finalized yet." Obviously, this statement does nothing to alleviate the situation. Palestinians continue to express their outrage. One can see how the President's actions are extremely significant since they are highlighted in the media.

Speaking of President's actions...former President Jimmy Carter has also decided to take "diplomatic action" into his own hands by meeting with Hamas leader, Khaled Mashal. Condoleezza Rice and the State Department are criticizing Carter for his decision.

In the unique arena of foreign policy, the government is accustomed to the idea of expanded presidential powers. The President feels entitled to do as he pleases and, apparently, this sense of presidential entitlement extends beyond terms in office. Despite the constant criticism that they face from world leaders and the U.S State Department, both the current President and a former President are acting upon their own ideas on foreign policy.