Former Vice President Dick Cheney criticized presidential aspirant Sarah Palin recently for irresponsibly engaging in war-mongering with respect to Iran. He took issue with Palin’s suggestion that President Obama could help himself politically if he declared war on Iran.
“I don’t think a president can make a judgment like that on the basis of politics,” Cheney said. “The stakes are too high, the consequences too significant to be treating those as simple political calculations. When you begin to talk about war, talk about crossing international borders, you talk about committing American men and women to combat, that takes place on a plane clear above any political consideration.”[2]
Regrettably, the Wall Street Journal did exactly the same thing as Palin, in an editorial entitled, “Obama and Iran.”[3] Its editors fell into the trap of carrying water for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is possibly the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had.
When Israel engages in targeted killings in Dubai and elsewhere[4], and adopts “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” approach, its enemies around the world are emboldened to respond in kind or worse. In turn, this puts innocent Israelis at risk whenever they travel outside of Israel; and it potentially begets violence against innocent Jews everywhere in the world. It is so senseless, yet it garners headlines for Mossad—Israel’s national intelligence agency—and makes some Israelis and other Jews feel good and proud.
Clearly, Netanyahu has no qualms about using these tactics. He was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm[5]; and her views were prescient.
Nothing has changed since Leah Rabin’s death, except Netanyahu is once again Israel’s Prime Minister—despite the fact that Tzipi Livni and her Kadima party won the most seats in the Israeli Knesset. Indeed, it was the first time in Israel’s history that the party with the most seats was not asked to govern.[6] Quite predictably, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is going nowhere, which is likely until Netanyahu leaves office. In the interim, the United States must not be drawn into hostilities with Iran, or another war that the American people oppose vehemently.
To those who would argue that getting rid of Netanyahu changes nothing, except possibly to get rid of an ally who is willing to fight back, the answer is that Netanyahu is not an ally of the United States. He never has been, and he never will be. He is a narcissistic impediment to peace in the Middle East, and always has been. He is a moral midget and a pygmy when compared with Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin, who were both courageous and remarkable men and had the credentials to prove it. Again, Leah Rabin was right in seeing “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm. The sooner he is gone, the better.
Fortunately—like Sharon, Yitzhak Rabin and other world leaders before him—it appears that Barack Obama learned early on that Netanyahu is dishonest and cannot be trusted. Also, Obama seems determined not to be manipulated by Netanyahu, which bodes well with respect to American policies vis-à-vis Iran and Israel, at least for now. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial is irresponsible when it describes “Iran as the single biggest threat to . . . U.S. security.”[7] This is utter nonsense.
American hearts go out to the advocates of democracy in Iran, many of whom have been arrested, tortured and killed recently. These opponents of the country’s brutal theocracy deserve U.S. support whenever, wherever and however possible. Regrettably, Obama did not support them. Like the courageous peoples of Eastern Europe who have become our partners in NATO[8], this seems to have been an opportunity that was lost at least for now, but not forever.
Regarding those who irresponsibly advocate that the United States should go to war with Iran, we have not gone to war to free the oppressed peoples of North Korea, Cuba or other totalitarian-controlled countries; and an exception for Iran is not warranted. Surely—with our ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—neither the Wall Street Journal nor any other responsible media organization is advocating that America embark on a third war without end, against Iran, much less as Israel’s “sponsor” or at Netanyahu’s behest. That is lunacy.
One of the greatest concerns today involves the possibility of an EMP Attack against America—by al-Qaeda, North Korea, Iran, or by China, Russia or their surrogates. Our only real protection is a reliable, broad-based missile defense system, which Obama has been taking steps to weaken.[9] Similarly, as the Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer has written:
[T]he Obama 2011 budget kills [the U.S. Space Shuttle’s replacement,] Constellation. Instead, we shall have nothing. For the first time since John Glenn flew in 1962, the United States will have no access of its own for humans into space—and no prospect of getting there in the foreseeable future.[10]
This has serious strategic ramifications too, aside from the peaceful exploration of space.
Lastly, what are America’s alternatives to the use of force against Iran? Aside from supporting democratic movements within the country, as we did in the case of Eastern Europe, the Wall Street Journal’s editorial outlines steps that can be taken now, which should have been implemented ages ago to put the screws to Iran.[11] More “dithering” is not an option, but neither is war.[12]
© 2010, Timothy D. Naegele
[1] Timothy D. Naegele was counsel to the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, and chief of staff to Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal recipient and former U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke (R-Mass), the first black senator since Reconstruction after the U.S. Civil War. He practices law in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles with his firm, Timothy D. Naegele & Associates (www.naegele.com). He has an undergraduate degree in economics from UCLA, as well as two law degrees from the School of Law (Boalt Hall), University of California, Berkeley, and from Georgetown University. He is a member of the District of Columbia and California bars. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon, where he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Mr. Naegele is an Independent politically; and he is listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Law, and Who’s Who in Finance and Business. He has written extensively over the years. See, e.g., www.naegele.com/whats_new.html#articles
[2] See http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=9821035
[3] See http://www.naegele.com/documents/ObamaandIran.pdf
[4] See, e.g., http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7028123.ece and http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7025821.ece; see also http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1251581/Terror-innocent-Britons-named-Mossad-assassins.html and http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7029553.ece and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703444804575071561636104090.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLEThirdNews
[5] See, e.g., http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/7367/leah-rabin-calls-netanyahu-all-political-manipulation/ and http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9605/29/israel.leah.rabin/index.html
[6] Some of the tactics used against Israeli government officials include arrest warrants issued in other countries, such as against Livni. See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzipi_Livni#UK_arrest_warrant
[7] See http://www.naegele.com/documents/ObamaandIran.pdf
[8] See http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/nato_countries.htm
[9] See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/
[10] See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/11/AR2010021103484.html
[11] See http://www.naegele.com/documents/ObamaandIran.pdf
[12] See also http://www.naegele.com/documents/NukeIranToSaveIsrael.pdf
NaegeleBlog 
Israel’s Shills
Obviously, the Netanyahu regime in Israel sends out shills to defend its policies. There is no better example of this than a Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Israel and the Dubai Murder Mystery.”
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/RonenBergman-IsraelandtheDubaiMurderMystery.pdf
The author of this propaganda piece has it mostly wrong. There is nothing circumstantial nor is there a “mystery” about it. This is how Netanyahu operates, and he is proud of it. He has always operated this way; and he does not fathom that it constitutes sheer stupidity, which points straight at him. Surely he rejoices, and believes he has achieved enormous success.
The fact that it has turned into a diplomatic nightmare for Israel does not register with Netanyahu. Only when such insanity is fully exposed will it cease. Only when all of the participants are brought to justice, and their actions are disclosed in minute detail to the world, will Netanyahu be exposed for what he is.
The author is correct when he states: “In the case of Israel, such operations require the explicit approval of the prime minister . . . and he made a serious miscalculation.” This is obvious to everyone except Netanyahu. He should be brought to justice for his complicity in such actions. The author adds that “the circumstantial evidence is strong,” which is an understatement.
Also, he states: “[M]isjudging the ability of the Dubai authorities [to integrate all the evidence at their disposal into one clear picture and do so with remarkable speed] so spectacularly is evidence of a serious intelligence failure on the part of the organization that sent out the squad.” Of course it is. A colossal blunder, with respect to which heads should fall . . . all the way to the top.
Lastly, what the author totally misses—which is why his Israeli “puff piece” is not worthy of being printed on the pages of the Journal—is that the Dubai actions put innocent Israelis at risk whenever they travel outside of Israel; and such actions potentially beget violence against other innocent Jews everywhere in the world. The author does not understand this, and of course Netanyahu never has nor will.
See also http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7044326.ece (the Netanyahu/Israeli art of killing: “The assassins used this method so that it would seem that his death was natural”) and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704479404575087621440351704.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read (“Israel has yet to feel the real cost of the hit in Dubai. But . . . it’s looking more and more like Mr. Mabhouh’s assassination was a serious policy failure”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu/#comment-2065 (“What the 27 Mossad agents didn’t know was that the hotel was full of security cameras and while they succeeded in the assassination, the whole world got to watch their comings and goings“)
LikeLike
Israel’s Drones And “Flawed” Missile Defense System
Israel has announced a new class of drone aircraft.
See http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100221/D9E0PR5G0.html
However, because Israel does not have bunker-buster bombs that are capable of destroying Iran’s underground, fortified nuclear facilities, its threats seem to be mere blustering and saber rattling by Netanyahu’s government.
Also, many Israelis question the effectiveness and cost of a new anti-rocket defense system. As a Los Angeles Times’ article indicates:
See http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-iron-dome24-2010feb24,0,6909029,full.story
LikeLike
Dubai Police Chief To Seek Netanyahu Arrest
Not surprisingly, Dubai’s police chief plans to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the head of Mossad over the killing of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh at a Dubai hotel.
See http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6214TT20100302
LikeLike
Interpol Issues A Red Alert For Sixteen More
Interpol has issued “red notices,” its highest-level alert, for the sixteen-member team that shadowed Mahmoud al-Mabhouh. The total number of people sought by Interpol notices in the case is twenty-seven now.
The group of sixteen is believed to have assisted the other team, which Interpol described as a “smaller core group alleged to have carried out the killing,” and whose members were sought already through Interpol notices.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/InterpolSeeks16inDubaiKilling.pdf; see also http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-dubai-investigation14-2010mar14,0,2523803,full.story
LikeLike
Dear Sir,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your notes on the Israeli threat of attack on Iran and dragging America into the conflict with it. I dont think any rational human being has the stomach for a conflict that could end up dragging so many people into pain. I am Kenyan and a Muslim and when we were attacked by Osama bin Laden so many died irrespective of colour or faith – if they attack Iran, Iran may respond with terrorist attacks globally and I promise you it wont only be Israeli or American interests that will be affected. There should be no Nukes in the Middle East on either side – its just asking for trouble, no matter how small the chances of them being used maybe. Please keep spreading your message as we need rational, level headed headlines out there that are balanced not war mongering media houses hell bent on ratings!
Thank you,
Khalid O S
LikeLike
Thank you, Khalid, for your comments.
I agree completely.
LikeLike
Obama Is Correct, More “Shilling” By The Wall Street Journal, And Netanyahu’s Outrages Continue
The Wall Street Journal has an editorial, which might have been written in Tel Aviv by the Netanyahu government.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/ObamasTurnAgainstIsrael.pdf
My response is as follows:
. . .
The New York Times‘ op-ed columnist Thomas L. Friedman is correct when he writes:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/opinion/14friedman.html?src=me&ref=homepage
Friedman adds:
. . .
The UK’s Independent is reporting:
See http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/obama-runs-out-of-patience-with-israel-1921812.html
Truly outrageous, but totally consistent with Netanyahu’s life and practices, which is why Sharon and both Rabins hated him so much.
The Independent added:
Needless to say, the “usual cast of characters” has come rushing to Netanyahu’s defense, which is outrageous too.
See also http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100316/D9EFDS500.html (“Abraham Foxman, director of the Anti-Defamation League, said he was ‘shocked and stunned at the administration’s tone and public dressing down of Israel on the issue of future building in Jerusalem'”) and http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100316/pl_nm/us_palestinians_israel_usa_10 (“Some 500,000 Jews live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and about 2.5 million Palestinians”).
Again, there are two “ticking time bombs” that threaten Israel’s existence, much less its existence as a Jewish state, which are (1) demographics, and (2) WMDs.
First, the Arab population is larger and growing at a much faster rate; and hence, that factor alone may end the Jewish state as we know it. Second, I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since.
. . .
Next, the Wall Street Journal has an article by Alan Dershowitz, which is tantamount to more “shilling” on behalf of Netanyahu and his government.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/AlanM.Dershowitz-ObamasLegacyandtheIranianBomb.pdf
LikeLike
Seemingly A Voice Of Reason Among Jewish-American Groups
The Wall Street Journal is reporting:
See http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/03/15/j-street-backs-obama-in-row-with-israel/
LikeLike
Netanyahu Is An Impediment To The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
See, e.g., http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-jerusalem-housing20-2010mar20,0,4134621,full.story and http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-russia-quartet20-2010mar20,0,6826250.story
LikeLike
The Silence Is More Than Deafening
See http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=8E492A98-18FE-70B2-A83FCF8F980401BD (“[B]ehind the scenes Netanyahu seemed to be trying to drive a wedge between [Congress] and the White House“)
The London Times is reporting:
See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7074832.ece; see also http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.b948b77732dbf16fb5c00296069651af.181&show_article=1 (“humiliation“—”disgraced and isolated“), and http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.b948b77732dbf16fb5c00296069651af.1a1&show_article=1 (Netanyahu risks alienating Jordan and Israel’s few Arab friends)
Also, in an article entitled, “Binyamin Netanyahu humiliated after Barack Obama ‘dumped him for dinner’,” the London Times states:
See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7076431.ece(The comments by the Times’ readers beneath the article are interesting)
. . .
Next, all of the American “shilling” for Netanyahu came to naught (see, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-261), as President Obama stood firm and rejected the Israeli leader—which was refreshing to see, and long overdue.
Now the world sees Netanyahu for what he is; and the sooner he is gone as Israel’s Prime Minister, the better. He was a disgrace during his first term in that office, and the same thing is true now.
He should be removed from office. After all, Tzipi Livni and her Kadima party won the most seats in the Israeli Knesset—Netanyahu did not. Indeed, it was the first time in Israel’s history that the party with the most seats was not asked to govern, which needs to be corrected.
As discussed in the postings above, he is responsible for the assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai; and he is dangerous and irresponsible, and should be removed from office before he engages in other criminal wrongdoing.
See also http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7076976.ece (“US military commanders have aired concerns that Washington’s perceived inability to face down the Netanyahu government is undermining its standing in the volatile region, potentially putting the lives of US servicemen at risk”)
. . .
Lastly, the Wall Street Journal and others who have been “shilling” for Netanyahu describe “Iran as the single biggest threat to . . . U.S. security,” which of course is utter nonsense, as pointed out in my article above.
See, e.g., http://www.naegele.com/documents/ObamaandIran.pdf
Clearly, the Journal recognizes the threat posed by North Korea, which is one of many countries that represent potential threats against America that are equal to or much greater than Iran. Among them are China, Russia and their surrogates.
See, e.g., http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7077655.ece and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704100604575145672974954144.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLEForthNews (“The possibility of a violent, potentially apocalyptic regime collapse in North Korea within the decade is one that all countries with an interest in the region should keep in mind“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/
LikeLike
Obama Backs Away From Sanctions Against Iran
The Wall Street Journal has an article entitled, “U.S. Softens Sanction Plan Against Iran,” on the heels of Netanyahu and his lackeys departing from Washington “unceremoniously,” to say the least.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/U.S.SoftensSanctionPlanAgainstIran.pdf
LikeLike
Netanyahu’s Actions Potentially Beget Violence Against Innocent Jews Everywhere In The World
Clearly, the concept of “action produces reactions” is in evidence when Netanyahu sets in motion the senseless killing of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh at a Dubai hotel, and when Netanyahu rubs Vice President Joe Biden’s nose in some new housing plans for contested East Jerusalem.
See, e.g., http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/29/hate-crimes-force-jews-out-of-malmo/print/
LikeLike
More Shilling On Behalf of Netanyahu And His Reckless Regime
The Wall Street Journal has another article, which says nothing new.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/DaniellePletka-IranSanctionsAreFailing.WhatsNext.pdf
My response is as follows:
See also http://www.naegele.com/documents/TheViewFromJerusalem.pdf
LikeLike
Netanyahu Has No Friends
See http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.f2ad1f74fe9302203b34f1dc60ba222c.401&show_article=1
LikeLike
US And Israel: An Unsettling Alliance Until Netanyahu Is Gone Permanently
The UK’s Financial Times has an interesting article, which refers to Netanyahu implicitly as a “bull in a china shop”:
See http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/739fbea2-4664-11df-9713-00144feab49a.html
Amen! This should be obvious to Israelis, but Netanyahu is blind to everything except his own narcissism and what is necessary to keep it “fueled.”
The article continues:
Such an attack would be pure insanity, and it would unleash the wrath of the world against tiny Israel. It would be a pariah state, more so than ever; and the US must block such actions by the dangerous pygmy Netanyahu. Instead, he must be ousted from government permanently.
As stated in my article above, he was hated by Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct.
Lastly, the article states:
Foreign policy analysis and writer, Michael J. Totten, added in a posting on April 12, 2010:
See http://www.michaeltotten.com (emphasis added); see also http://www.commentarymagazine.com/viewarticle.cfm/if-you-shoot-at-a-king-you-must-kill-him-15418
LikeLike
Netanyahu Is Irresponsible In Every Way
The latest ramifications of Netanyahu’s words and actions are reflected in what he said about Richard Goldstone, one of South Africa’s most eminent jurists and head of a United Nations investigation that found evidence of war crimes during Israel’s invasion of Gaza.
The New York Times is reporting that Judge Goldstone is being kept from his grandson’s bar mitzvah, because of threatened disruptions to the ceremony.
See http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/world/middleeast/17goldstone.html?hpw
Instead of acting responsibly, Netanyahu fanned the flames of hatred, just as he did with respect to Yitzhak Rabin, whose wife Leah blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. Netanyahu has proved again and again that he is unfit to lead a great nation like Israel, now or at any other time. The sooner that he is driven from office, the better.
The New York Times article adds:
This is what Netanyahu produces, instead of peace.
LikeLike
“Mood Is Dark as Israel Marks 62nd Year as a Nation”
This is the title of a New York Times article. Why would anyone be surprised? Netanyahu has always been irresponsible, dangerous, and hated by Jews and non-Jews alike. The only issue becomes, what conflagration will he plunge the tiny country into, from which it might not escape sometime?
See http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/20/world/middleeast/20israel.html
It is clear that “Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians shows no sign of ending,” and this will continue as long as Netanyahu is in power. It is equally clear that Leah Rabin was correct when she saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm.
The Times quotes a writer for the Jerusalem Post as stating:
This is grossly naive. On some level Obama views the Israelis as the oppressors, or the “enemy,” and the Palestinians as the oppressed, reflecting his views about Apartheid in South Africa. Hence, there is no kinship whatsoever between Obama and Netanyahu; and it is not surprising that Obama would treat him with outright disdain and contempt. If one has any doubts, read his book, “Dreams from My Father.” Viewed in this context, one can understand what Obama is doing and why he is doing it. To him, it is likely that Netanyahu personifies that oppression.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
As stated above in my article, Netanyahu is possibly the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had, and Obama understands this. Until Netanyahu is ousted, he will not only be an impediment to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, but he will also be fully capable of plunging the region into the next round of war, with incalculable dimensions and consequences.
The Times article cites an editorial from Haaretz, “the newspaper that serves as the voice of the shrinking political left” in Israel, which contends that the country “is isolated globally and embroiled in a conflict with the superpower whose friendship and support are vital to its very existence.”
The Times article continues:
This too is not surprising, for it merely reflects what Netanyahu’s stewardship has brought to Israel. The Times article adds:
And rightfully so. Netanyahu has driven Israel farther into the status of a pariah state, not unlike Iran and North Korea, in the eyes of many people around the world. Only when he is gone will things begin to improve.
Ari Haaretz, writing for Haaretz, has stated:
Of course this is correct. Israel is no longer viewed as a shining city on the hill, but as an oppressor; and that perception will only grow worse as long as Netanyahu is in power. He is hated, and he personifies a country that is hated. His removal will provide a breath of fresh air for Israel, which is long overdue.
LikeLike
The Wall Street Journal’s Shilling For Netanyahu, And March Toward War, Never Seem To Lessen
The latest article published by the Journal is worth reading, to learn how “yellow journalism” of the William Randolph Hearst era continues to this day.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/IsraelisDebateStrikingIranWithoutU.S.Consent-WSJ.com.pdf; see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_journalism#Spanish-American_War
My response to the Journal’s article is as follows:
LikeLike
Tim, you are a brave man. Using your real name when condemning Israel is no trivial matter.
LikeLike
Pentagon Confident It Could Defeat Iranian Missile
The Pentagon says the U.S. military is “very confident” it could protect America from a potential Iranian ballistic missile strike. Hence, there are no urgent reasons to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, except (1) to protect Israel, (2) to prevent Iran from threatening other U.S. allies in the Middle East, and (3) to prevent Iran from providing such weapons to al Qaeda and other enemies of the United States. Reasons (2) and (3) apply equally to the proliferation of nuclear weapons from North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, China and India.
See http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9F7JRN82&show_article=1
LikeLike
Of Greater Concern To America Is North Korea!
The London Times is reporting that North Korea launched one of the worst military acts of provocation since the Korean War, killing 46 South Korean sailors, which amounted to a deliberate and unprovoked attack by North Korea.
The Times article added:
If this isn’t war, it is the closest thing to it!
See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7104498.ece
LikeLike
More Shilling for Netanyahu
The Wall Street Journal has another article that might have been written in Tel Aviv.
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704448304575196312204524930.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
My response is as follows:
LikeLike
Almost Eleven Years Ago . . .
. . . I wrote in the Wall Street Journal:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/WSJ-Jerusalem.pdf
I believe those words today, every bit as much as I did when I wrote them.
LikeLike
Jews Turn Against Obama—And The New State Of Palestine
Ronald Kessler, writing for Newsmax.com, has described the “stunning turnaround, [in which] President Obama has lost roughly half of his support among Jewish voters.”
See http://newsmax.com/RonaldKessler/Obama-Jews-support-Wright/2010/04/28/id/357172
First, Jewish and non-Jewish Americans should have read Obama’s book, “Dreams from My Father” before the 2008 elections. Had they done so, they might have been shocked with respect to a whole host of issues.
Second, as stated in my blog article above, my guess is that Obama views Israel as the oppressor and the Palestinians as the oppressed, much as he viewed apartheid in South Africa; and that he views Netanyahu as the embodiment or personification of that oppression.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
Third, Kessler quotes one Jewish leader as saying: “[Obama] is worse than Jimmy Carter was when he was president. . . . The majority of Jews now realize that this guy is bad for Israel, let alone bad for America.”
From the perspective of Netanyahu and some Jews, this may be true. However, in terms of the long-term goal of a lasting peace in the Middle East, it may not be true. Both Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama have sought genuine peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, unlike Netanyahu.
Fourth, AIPAC, other groups (including media organizations) and individuals have been “shilling” for Netanyahu and his lackeys. Yet, Leah Rabin—who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination—saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct.
Fifth, Obama, David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel are smart enough to know that Jewish voters will be back in the fold of voting for Obama by 2012. Historically, American Jews have not voted for Republican presidential candidates, even when they were stronger supporters of Israel than the Democrats were (e.g., George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush).
Sixth, and most importantly, Obama may join with the Europeans in declaring and recognizing a new state of “Palestine,” which would shake up the Middle East, and Obama would be hailed around the world. It would be a bold move, which none of his predecessors had the guts or political savvy to accomplish. Among other things, it would constitute recognition of the fact that Obama and the Europeans do not need Israel’s “permission” to bring it into fruition.
Netanyahu has few true non-Jewish friends in the world. Obama will seek to isolate him, and make him look like a fool; and Obama will have the whole world with him. To take down Netanyahu, to impress the world that he is “even-handed” with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian issues, and to galvanize the world into a solution that produces a Palestinian state once and for all, is “win-win” for Obama and a political triumph of enormous proportions, and he knows it.
It would be a masterstroke, and truly brilliant. Bit-by-bit Obama and his allies will peel off those who detest or hate Netanyahu. Indeed, Netanyahu is the perfect “foil” for Obama, and a “sacrificial lamb.” At most, lip service is being paid to Netanyahu and his supporters. He will be humiliated even more, and marginalized politically and shown to be irrelevant, and then ousted. Obama rolled over the GOP in the process of passing ObamaCare, and he may do the same thing with financial reform. Netanyahu will be “small potatoes,” and easy pickings for him.
Also, Obama will be making the case that he is a “friend of Israel,” all the while sticking the shiv into Netanyahu until he is gone. By humiliating Netanyahu, and making him look like an utter fool and evil, and by destroying him—and having the Israeli people call for his ouster, or forcing him to resign—Netanyahu becomes nothing more than a convenient foil or pawn in global politics, which after all is Obama’s playing field.
The destruction of Netanyahu means nothing to him. It is akin to jettisoning Bill Ayers and Rev. Wright when they stood as impediments to his goals. They were expendable; and Netanyahu is way beyond being expendable. He is hated, which means that getting rid of him is “pleasurable” for Obama.
If the state of Palestine is created, and if the world lines up behind it—and it is an enormous political triumph, which the mere creation of it will be—Obama will be basking in a greater glow than when ObamaCare was signed into law. Imagine Obama and world leaders descending on Jerusalem for the founding of the new Palestinian state. Obama understands fully what the stakes are, and how it will cement his place in history.
Netanyahu is a cipher. He can play ball, which I do not believe his narcissism will allow, or he can watch while Obama and the world “steamroll” him. Far too often, Jews have marched in “lock step,” and that is what Netanyahu is asking them to do now, like lemmings marching to the sea. He is playing on their worst fears, and their loyalty to Israel. He is a narcissist and a demagogue, who—down deep—only truly cares about himself and his own political ambitions. This is the story of his life.
. . .
This video is worth watching, because it presents some of the compelling reasons why change is so necessary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fROidpenw1E&feature=related
LikeLike
Criticize Israel And “You Are Suddenly Being Compared To A Holocaust Denier”
The New York Times has a fine article on this subject, which is worth reading. Among other things, it states:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/us/politics/06jews.html?sudsredirect=true&pagewanted=all (emphasis added).
It is worth repeating what I wrote in a posting above, namely that I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-261
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu and his lackeys.
The beliefs of Leah Rabin echo loud and clear today, who saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct. Israel may not survive for “5 or 10 generations” of American Jews—or even one more generation—unless steps are taken now to bring about a lasting peace. The clocking is ticking.
LikeLike
Welfare System Could Cause Israel To Collapse
According to a Los Angeles Times’ article:
See http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/topstories/la-fg-israel-idle-20100511,0,2113135,full.story
LikeLike
Two Articles That Should Be Read
“A Republican’s Case for Peace” by Marshall J. Breger, and “The Failure of the American Jewish Establishment” by Peter Beinart, are both terrific articles, very thought provoking, and worth reading.
See http://www.momentmag.com/moment/issues/2010/06/Opinion-Breger.html and http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/jun/10/failure-american-jewish-establishment/?pagination=false
LikeLike
Boycott Of Israel
See, e.g., http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2010/05/israel-elvis-costello-cancels-tel-aviv-concert-concerns-of-treatment-of-palestinians.html
LikeLike
Iran’s Threats Against Israel
The chief of staff to Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is reported to have said that if Israel attacked his country, it would be destroyed within a week.
See http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3891781,00.html
Regrettably, such incendiary blustering and saber rattling is commonplace among the parties to the Israeli-Palestinian issues; however, it has no place on either side of the debate. Rhetoric like this is often for internal political consumption, but inflaming hatred on either side must be rejected categorically.
LikeLike
No Doubt That Israeli Intelligence Behind Forged Passports Used In Dubai Aassassination
The international manhunt continues for 33 as a new arrest warrant is issued as part of the investigation into the January killing of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a top Hamas official, in a Dubai hotel room. The new warrant adds what Dubai officials believe is the first suspect operating without an alias to the list.
Australia’s Foreign Minister said a police investigation left no doubt Israeli intelligence services had been behind the forgery of four Australian passports used by suspects in the case; and Australia ordered the expulsion of an Israeli diplomat over the use of fake passports in the assassination. In March, the UK expelled an Israeli diplomat after accusing Israel of forging British passports related to the case.
Dubai officials have blamed Mabhouh’s death on Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/U.A.E.SeeksBritoninProbeofHamasOfficialsDeath.pdf
In turn, as noted above:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-261; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu/#comment-2065 (“What the 27 Mossad agents didn’t know was that the hotel was full of security cameras and while they succeeded in the assassination, the whole world got to watch their comings and goings“)
LikeLike
This article is better than mainstream media, but still has many innaccuracies.
Niether China, Russia, nor Iran would ever EMP the US. None want to–and the US could always hit back. Just b/c these countries are independent and strong, does not mean they are rabidly after the US. It’s ok to not be able to control everything–just learn to live as an equal to others.
Second, Iran is not like Eastern Europe. It is much more rooted and powerful. It’s not a pawn of Russia-Western rivalry with the people shifting sides. Obama could not have done anything–no revolution was or is possible–it’s Iran that is causing revolutions in Lebanon and Iraq (for now).
But…I like how you point out that Israel can’t hit Iran–that seems 100% true. Btw, Iran has a lot of lessons that the US people could use for ridding themselves from zionist control. I think the US people would do well to gain a more realistic perspective on their problems and look to Iran for answers.
Regards.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments.
I disagree about China, Russia or Iran and the possibility of an EMP Attack. Most likely it would come in the form of an attack by one of their surrogates. Also, the effects on the U.S. would be devastating, and meaningful retaliation would not affect the horrific results for Americans.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/
Lastly, you state:
While I disagree vehemently with Netanyahu’s policies, and have for many years, I do not share your views of “zionist control” or anti-Semitism, much less the destruction of Israel.
Hopefully democratic forces prevail in Iran and its theocracy no longer continues as an impediment to lasting peace in the Middle East, which is true of Netanyahu too.
LikeLike
Israel’s Apartheid, Violence At Sea, And War With Iran
Noam Chomsky, a Jewish-American professor who was denied entry to the West Bank by Israeli border guards, has accused Israel of acting in a “paranoid” fashion reminiscent of South Africa during the apartheid era.
He had been invited to deliver lectures at Birzeit University in the Palestinian city of Ramallah; and he had been scheduled to meet Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian Prime Minister. His daughter, travelling with him, was also denied entry.
A London Times article states:
See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7128835.ece
The “change in climate in Israel” is Netanyahu and his regime.
In another event, the Times has reported:
See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7140957.ece; see also http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703703704575277632709673018.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTTopStories
More of Netanyahu’s insanity and violence, which underscores why he should be driven from office.
Next, the Times has reported:
See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7140282.ece
Not surprising.
Lastly, Netanyahu canceled his scheduled visit to the White House in the aftermath of the Israeli military’s action against the flotilla seeking access to Gaza. Having been humiliated by Obama before, presumably Netanyahu is afraid of that happening again.
See http://www.politico.com/politico44/; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-283 and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-406
LikeLike
I do not usually bother to reply to anti-Israeli tripe, but this one is so out of whack, I’ll bother typing a bit:
A) Criticizing Israel for Dubai is extremely hypocritical when the American government is running around firing missiles from Predator drone. How many hundereds of civilians did you kill that way? It’s even more outragous when you blame Israel for the atrocities committed by the terror organziations against Jews.
B) Nethanyahu is not leading a “regime”, but an elected government. Unfortunately (judging by press coverage), it seems some people are unable to understand how parliamentry government works.
It’s very simple: the guy who manage to get half+1 MPs to support him is Prime Minister. President Peres received recommendations from over 60 MPs telling him they would support Nethanyahu, and therefor had no choice but to nominate him. Especially since Peres himself tried to form a coalition in 1990 while his party didn’t have the most seats…
Obama’s attempts to overthrow the elected choice of the Israeli public are disrespectful of Israeli democracy. Israel is not a vassal state. They are also doomed to fail, as Obama has single-digit popularity in Israel.
C) Sharon and Rabin did not have Nethanyahu as far as I know. Sharon thought Nethanyahu was talented but too weak under pressure and thus he made him Treasury Ministry under the Sharon government. I do not know what Rabin thought of him, but there’s little reason to assume “hate” unless one is biased… I do note that Rabin’s son had no problems appearing with Nethanyahu at the end of the last election campaign.
D) The idea that Nethanyahu is the obstacle for “regional peace” is laughable. The reality is there’s no chance for the two sides positions to meet (Israel will not grant any version of the “right of return” nor entirely withdraw to the 67′ lines. The Palestinians will not give up the former nor will be satisfied with the latter. All this before asking how to deal with Hamas or the other security arragments Israel will insist on). It is doubtful if any leader is even able to sign an agreement.
Obama is not a fool and knows this perfectly well. Ultimately, the American push is meant to distance the US from Israel for its own ends. Unlike some others, I think this is good for Israel in the long term as America has never been a reliable ally – and the false perception of Israel’s dependency has hurt both itself and America.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments. It would be nice if you identified yourself by name, but that is your choice.
First, it is worth repeating what I wrote in two postings above, namely that I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-261 and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-414
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu and his lackeys.
Second, the actions of Netanyahu and Mossad in Dubai cannot be explained away by pointing fingers at America.
Third, Netanyahu has proven twice now at the helm of Israel’s government that he is a mistake and irresponsible. Peres, for whom I have had great respect since he served with Rabin, might have chosen otherwise. His decision has come back to “haunt” him and all of Israel, regrettably.
You stated:
Quite to the contrary, Israel would not exist but for American help. Call it a “vassal state” or whatever you will, the facts are the facts.
With respect to Obama, it appears that like other world leaders for many years now, he has enormous contempt for Netanyahu. Also, as stated above, my guess is that Obama views Israel as the oppressor and the Palestinians as the oppressed, much as he viewed apartheid in South Africa; and that he views Netanyahu as the embodiment or personification of that oppression.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
At some point, Netanyahu will be gone, hopefully soon—and hopefully before he ignites the next war in the Middle East, from which Israel might not recover.
Fourth, Netanayhu was and is hated. Leah Rabin’s views of Netanyahu are indicative.
See, e.g., http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/7367/leah-rabin-calls-netanyahu-all-political-manipulation/ and http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9605/29/israel.leah.rabin/index.html
Fifth, America and other nations may say enough is enough with respect to Netanyahu, and impose a Palestinian state on Israel. Certainly, Netanyahu will be an impediment as long as he is in power.
Obama may join with the Europeans and others in declaring and recognizing a new state of “Palestine,” which would shake up the Middle East. He would be hailed around the world; and it would be a bold move, which none of his predecessors had the guts or political savvy to accomplish. Among other things, it would constitute recognition of the fact that Obama and the Europeans do not need Israel’s “permission” to bring it into fruition.
Netanyahu has few true non-Jewish friends in the world. Obama will seek to isolate him, and make him look like a fool; and Obama will have the whole world with him. To take down Netanyahu, to impress the world that he is “even-handed” with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian issues, and to galvanize the world into a solution that produces a Palestinian state once and for all, is “win-win” for Obama and a political triumph of enormous proportions, and he knows it.
It would be a masterstroke, and truly brilliant. Bit-by-bit Obama and his allies will peel off those Israelis and American Jews who detest or hate Netanyahu. Indeed, Netanyahu is the perfect “foil” for Obama, and a “sacrificial lamb.” At most, lip service is being paid to Netanyahu and his supporters by Obama. Netanyahu will be humiliated even more, and marginalized politically and shown to be irrelevant, and then ousted. Obama rolled over the GOP in the process of passing ObamaCare, and Netanyahu will be “small potatoes” and easy pickings for him.
Also, Obama will be making the case that he is a “friend of Israel,” all the while sticking the shiv into Netanyahu until he is gone. By humiliating Netanyahu, and making him look like an utter fool and evil, and by destroying him—and having the Israeli people call for his ouster, or forcing him to resign—Netanyahu becomes nothing more than a convenient foil or pawn in global politics, which after all is Obama’s playing field.
The destruction of Netanyahu means nothing to him. It is akin to jettisoning Bill Ayers and Rev. Wright when they stood as impediments to his goals. They were expendable; and Netanyahu is way beyond being expendable. He is hated, which means that getting rid of him is “pleasurable” for Obama.
If the state of Palestine is created, and if the world lines up behind it—and if it is an enormous political triumph, which the mere creation of it will be—Obama will be basking in a greater glow than when ObamaCare was signed into law. Imagine Obama and world leaders descending on Jerusalem for the founding of the new Palestinian state. Obama understands fully what the stakes are, and how it will cement his place in history.
Netanyahu is a cipher. He can play ball, which I do not believe his narcissism will allow, or he can watch while Obama and the world “steamroll” him. Far too often, Jews have marched in “lock step,” and that is what Netanyahu is asking them to do now, like lemmings marching to the sea. He is playing on their worst fears, and their loyalty to Israel. He is a narcissist and a demagogue, who—down deep—only truly cares about himself and his own political ambitions. This is the story of his life.
Lastly, you state:
Interesting observations. However, as I alluded to at the outset of these comments, time is running out for peace. Israel’s very future is at stake; and Netanyahu is the wrong leader for the country at this critical juncture in its history. Hopefully the world’s reaction to his latest outrages will bring about an end to his political career once and for all.
See, e.g., http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.912e9a419395c35e47635378ed192ba2.471&show_article=1
Obama keeps taking calculated steps to isolate him, such as Washington’s unprecedented backing of a UN resolution for a nuclear-free Middle East that singles out Israel.
See http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.5eaf6bbb255b23063c3b3635bd5f7c52.161&show_article=1
LikeLike
I’ll respond in detail:
“I have long thought that Israel will not make it, if only because of what are cavalierly called WMD… All else is immaterial including the Palestinians, or us, or the nature of Israel’s [government]” [emph. mine. Assuming this form accepts HTML]
“I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process”
Well, as your friend said (but you missed), a piece of paper would do nothing to help Israel against a first-strike threat. As one can easily see in the streets of Cairo or Amman, peace does not equal reconciliation. It does not equal acknowledgement of basic humanity. It doesn’t even equal a reduction in aramaments, especially missiles. Even in the best possible scenario, I cannot see anything like reconciliation until the third generation after a peace accord (this makes me an optimist. The late Teddy Kollek thought it would take six to eight generations, and that was said one/two generations ago). All this without considering what happens if a Pakistani nutcase gets a nuke or two.
The only real defense is for Israel to keep enough WMDs to make sure even the nutcases are too frightened to attack it with WMDs. Obama’s recent actions in this regard are quite worrying.
“Second, the actions of Netanyahu and Mossad in Dubai cannot be explained away by pointing fingers at America.”
Ah, yes, hypocrisy at it’s finest.
“Third, Netanyahu has proven twice now at the helm of Israel’s government that he is a mistake and irresponsible.”
Perhaps. Compared to whom? Livni and the previous government with two wars under its belt? Barak which had failed in all his peace efforts and ended with the Second Intifadah? Israel’s tragedy is that there are no prominent political figures which are obviously better than Nethanyahu. Furthermore, I’m utterly sure a new elections right now would end up with an even more right wing knesset.
“Peres, for whom I have had a great respect since he served with Rabin, might have chosen otherwise.”
He had no choice. I guess he could have given the nod to Livni, which had no option of forming a coalition (she couldn’t even make it in the previous Knesset, which was far more favourable to her in composition), have it fail, and then Nethanyahu would have formed a government. But Peres would have lost whatever limited influence he has with the government.
The real open question is why didn’t Nethanyahu and Livni ended in a coalition (with Nethanyahu as PM). I know for a fact Kadima and Likud would have no problem with this. I strongly suspect that neither Livni or Nethanyahu want(ed) this.
“Quite to the contrary, Israel would not exist but for American help. Call it a “vassal state” or whatever you will, the facts are the facts.”
I think that’s exaggerated. Israel managed well until 1968 without any American support. Israel can do for itself in military sphere for the near future at least. What Israel wants from the US is diplomatic support, in particular preventing UN boycotts and sanctions. This would be bad for Israel, but is unlikely to be fatal. I happen to support Obama’s plan to distance from Israel – America can supply diplomatic support (if it wants to) without being so close to Israel (in public perception or otherwise). If it does not want to, there’s no use to the masquerade.
“Obama… has enormous contempt for Netanyahu”
This is a matter for grownups, and they are stuck with each other for awhile. Obama must work with Nethanyahu regardless of his personal feelings (and vice versa).
“At some point, Netanyahu will be gone, hopefully soon—and hopefully before he ignites the next war in the Middle East, from which Israel might not recover.”
As far as ‘igniting’ goes, Nethanyahu’s previous term was the quietest post-Oslo term violence-wise. I doubt another war can be prevented in the long run though. Too many powderkegs, too many sparks, radicals far too strong. The most likely chance for peace was lost in Camp David IMHO.
“Nethanyahu is and was hated”
Definitely so by some Israelis. Obama is also hated by some Americans. However, Nethanyahu is not hated by a majority of Israelis, not by a long shot. They elected him after all. Even Rabin’s son reconciled with him. In any event, Israelis have higher priorities. If you think any plan could be sold to Israelis merely based on “Nethanyahu hates it” you are due to be disappointed.
[snip – plan for an imposed peace]
The obvious problem is that neither side will consider such an agreement binding. Every compromise will be perceived as an illegitimate foriegn imposition, and every unspecified detail will be an opprotunity to resume the fight at a later date.
[Obama will crashes N. as he crashed the GOP]
There’s little comparison between domestic affairs and foreign ones. In foreign policy, Obama has failed again and again, and ultimately, it’s beyond his power to force both sides – it’s just too important to them. In particular, America and the EU has very little influence on the Palestinians.
LikeLike
Oh, and Obama’s support for singling out Israel is an blunder as far as getting the Israeli public’s support. Even Ha’aretz was outraged, and that’s significant given the paper’s politics. And for what? A nonbinding resolution?
It would have been more rational for Obama to have kept his powder dry until he had a concrete goal/plan to press toward. Firing so early allows N. to build the obvious anti-Obama narratives and rally the public in advance.
LikeLike
Thank you again for your comments. Do you have a name, “Y”? 🙂
LikeLike
Y yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam! (Sorry, couldn’t resist).
Well, I’ll pick another handle in the future if that bothers you so much.
LikeLike
Thank you again.
We seldom if ever allow the posting of comments at this blog unless we get real names and real e-mail addresses. Everyone’s privacy is respected and protected, so any information that we receive is not shared with anyone.
LikeLike
With respect to your latest comments, “Y,” you began:
First, America’s “job” is not to protect Israel, or to guarantee its safety or survival. Whatever happens happens. It was founded in violence, and it may end in violence; and America is not its guarantor.
Having said that, there must be protections on all sides. Other countries and groups are subject to “first-strike threats” from Israel, as we know all too well.
Second, no one should be surprised by the worldwide anger and outrage against Netanyahu’s latest atrocities. The clock is ticking with respect to Israel’s survival, and he is an unfathomable mistake and should be ousted immediately.
Innocent Jews and Israelis will pay an enormous price worldwide for his actions, in terms of anti-Semitism and violence, which is tragic unto itself. He is a raving narcissist, who only cares about himself.
Third, you added:
At the present rate, Israel does not have one generation—much less more than one—to address the issue of a lasting peace. This is why Netanyahu is such a tragic mistake. Anyone who believes otherwise is deluding himself or herself.
Fourth, you said:
With all due respect, I believe that is fallacious, and yesterday’s news. WMDs will not protect Israel, now or in the future. It will be as if the country had none, or they never left the silos (or subs). Their nukes will not afford any protection; that is wishful thinking, and a pipe dream.
Fifth, you stated:
What you are saying is that there are no Rabins and no Sharons, and that Israel is leaderless. If true, its future is not bright.
Sixth, you argue that effectively Netanyahu was the best of two less-than-ideal choices for Peres. My response is: “Anyone other than Netanyahu!” He had a track record that was deplorable. People were not buying a pig in a poke; they knew what they were getting—which at worst might be Israel’s destruction. However, the fact remains that Livni and Kadima won the most seats in the Knesset; Netanyahu and Likud did not.
Seventh, you state:
The answer seems clear. Why would Livni want to climb aboard a sinking ship? Netanyahu is a narcissist who is doomed. The only question is whether he takes Israel down with him.
Eighth, in response to my comments that Israel would not exist but for American help, and that it is essentially a “vassal state,” you add:
Let’s cut off all aid and help of whatever type to Israel, and see how long it lasts. In reality, it may not last that long, as the quote that I cited above indicates.
Ninth, in response to my comment that “Nethanyahu is and was hated,” you stated:
Again, Livni and Kadima won the most seats in the Knesset; Netanyahu and Likud did not. Enough said.
Tenth, with respect to my comments about an “imposed peace,” you stated:
If it were done by Obama, the Europeans and others, there would be euphoria when the new state of Palestine was born, which might engender enormous good will around the world. Also, Obama and others would do whatever was necessary to insure its survival, including the elimination of Netanyahu.
Eleventh, with respect to my comments that Obama might crush Netanyahu as he crushed the GOP, and impose the state of Palestine on Israel, you stated:
Normally, I would agree with you that domestic victories do not translate into international victories; however, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is different. I believe Europe would be in lock step with Obama on this issue; and it would be one around which the world would rally and coalesce.
Lastly, Obama has thousands of ways of cutting off Netanyahu at his knees. Please read (or reread) “Dreams from My Father.” I have little doubt that Obama views Netanyahu as the very personification and embodiment of oppression—and yes, evil—which Obama hates and has hated for most of his life. In Netanyahu, Obama sees the “champions” of apartheid in South Africa, whom he hated. Just read his book.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
LikeLike
First, I never said America’s “job” is to protect Israel. It’s not America’s job at all. In fact, until now, America has gone to war on behalf of Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and other Arab and Muslim countries but never for Israel. I do not expect or wish this to change.
Second, MAD is well established, rhetoric aside. The Arab states have their WMD arsenal, as does Israel.
Third, I’m actually more pessimistic than you. Israel has zero generations to address the issue of lasting peace since the chance has come and gone. The Arab side doesn’t have a leader which can make an agreement and survive it. They feel they are winning anyway. The Israeli side has shifted rightward irrevocably.
Fourth, you still don’t quite understand how the Israeli political system works. If it helps, it’s almost exactly like Netherlands’ system (replace Monarch with President, and remove the nigh irrelevant first chamber). Yes, Kadima got a single mandate more. Which means that it got 28 MPs, while Likud has 27 MPs. The total is 120. So the “major” parties don’t have even 50% together!
The big deal is to get the support of a block of parties. The rightist block has 65 MPs, and the voters expected they’d support Nethanyahu. The leftist block has 44 MPs, while the Arab parties have 11 MPs. The Arabs will not support Livni, especially not a few weeks after the Gaza war. Simple math shows Livni had no chance to be PM without cooperation from Nethanyahu.
Fifth, reducing American aid to Israel was actually one of Nethanyahu goals during his first term (IIRC, it’s mentioned in his first speech to congress). He removed the economic component, but later PMs restored the total aid to its original size… Sure, cut it off – it’s just 1% of Israel’s GDP. I do recall that the camp david accords specify a link between aid to Israel and Egypt, so you have to cut off aid to Egypt too. And for the PA while you’re at it. After all, since you’re so fair, you’re willing to stop support of Israel’s enemies too, right?
Sixth, “euphoria”?
This happened after the Oslo accords, and I recall how it ended. In any event, there isn’t going to be euphoria now. Both peoples are used to the “peace process” by now. Besides this would be a specific plan so people can’t attach their dreams to it like they would have for a blank slate.
Obama and the EU may or may not want to “do whatever it takes”. Regardless, I strongly doubt they can force a plan and I’m sure that if they do it won’t make peace. Obama simply has no good way to pressure the Palestinians pre or post deal, so if Hamas or Abbas says “no” this is either dead or (later) war is resumed. On the other hand, pressuring Israel is no panache either if Nethanyahu gets enough of the Israeli public to stick with him (Obama makes this easier and easier). IMHO, Obama may only try to force a plan if he’ll willing to risk a war (and all sides would have reason to start it) and the rise of oil prices to come with it.
Lastly, I’m sure Obama hates Nethanyahu. I’m sure the feeling is mutual. Obama is exactly the type of person N. would find easy to demonize to himself and the Israeli public. Heh, maybe this is fated. Nevertheless, I’m of the school which thinks IR is motivated by interests more than personal feelings or ideology (which is important, but more in the way it influences the way a state percieves its interests rather than directly). If Obama continues to turn against Israel, this would mainly be because a good portion of the American policy elite agrees with him.
LikeLike
Fine comments, thank you. Interestingly, you have gone from “Y” to “popeye,” which of course is your prerogative. 🙂
Most important—to me at least—are your following statements:
Again, I believe peace can and must be achieved, and that war and annihilation are not the answer. They are lunacy.
Next, you said:
Yes, of course, it must be symmetrical.
You added:
I agree that there is no love lost between either of them. As I mentioned in another comment, I believe too that Obama equates Israel with the forces of apartheid in South Africa, which he hated. It is all spelled out in his book, “Dreams from My Father,” which is worth reading if you have not done so already.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
LikeLike
Israeli Commandos Gun Down 19 Peace Activists In Raid On Gaza Ships
The UK’s Daily Mail is reporting that Israeli commandos have gunned down nineteen peace activists in their raid on Gaza ships with 28 Britons on board, as well as Nobel peace prize winner Mairead Maguire and reportedly several EU members of parliament.
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1282802/Israeli-forces-kill-19-people-carrying-aid-ship-Gaza.html
What appears above is a photo from the Daily Mail of masked Israeli military personnel seen on board one of their boats after the raid.
While the true facts and the full extent of the carnage will not be known for some time, it is clear that Netanyahu’s brutality and viciousness knows no bounds. He should be forced to resign immediately. His next steps may be to turn the Middle East into a blazing cauldron.
See, e.g., http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7140282.ece
LikeLike
Why I Write And Say What I Do [UPDATED]
Since I was a little kid growing up in West Los Angeles, I have always had friends who were Jewish. My closest friend, who was my college roommate, is a Jew. They have helped me; they have loved me; they will be my friends for life; and whatever happens to Israel affects them. It does not affect me; I am not Jewish.
Israel could disappear off the face of the earth today, and it would not affect my life one iota. I could wake up tomorrow and go about my life as if it never happened—similar to the disappearance of Moldova as a nation, which is even larger. However, it might affect the lives of Jewish friends whom I love and care about.
With few exceptions, the Nazi Holocaust did not affect my friends at all. Each of them was born and raised here in the United States except one, who was born in Israel before 1948. Their families came to America long before World War II, just as mine did. They are Americans through and through. Some are lawyers, like I am. Others are doctors. Still others are ordinary citizens of this great country.
Yet, if Israel was crushed and destroyed, and its Jewish population massacred, it would be the second tragic and mind-numbing Jewish holocaust in less than a hundred years; and they might always wonder whether they or their family members were next. They might not articulate such fears, but I have no doubt that fear would linger just beneath the surface. It might affect their willingness to travel abroad, beyond the safety of the United States, and in countless other ways.
I find it odd that a Jewish friend in New York City considers Israel to be his second home. Most Americans have no allegiance to any country other than the United States. My ancestors came from Germany, Ireland, Scotland and Britain, but I do not consider any of them my home—nor do I have any allegiance to them. They are nice places to visit, but that is it.
However, many American Jews view Israel as their ancestral home (e.g., “the national homeland of our people”) and their final place of refuge if their world descends into chaos. I believe the United States is that home and refuge, because they are Americans just like me. However, some believe otherwise and my friend in New York is one of them—probably in no small part due to the fact that both of his parents and both of his wife’s parents were survivors of the Nazi Holocaust, and immigrant Jews.
Years ago when I was in Germany visiting friends, I was told by someone that the only thing wrong with Hitler was that he did not “finish the job” of killing all of the Jews. I listened, because I wanted to learn what the Germans truly believed. I had been fascinated by Hitler’s rise to power, and wanted to understand how it happened in the country of my paternal ancestors. They came to America in 1849—a husband and wife who had 16 children, and presumably were good Catholics—but I was interested in understanding the German mentality that had allowed Hitler’s rise to power.
As near as I can discern, he was a charismatic leader—and a stirring orator—and the Germans had “dehumanized” their enemies just like many in the West are dehumanizing the followers of Islam now. Dehumanization is a cruel process that breeds contempt, hatred and atrocities, and no society is immune to it. We have seen it in the treatment of American slaves and Indians, and the Palestinians, and billions of other people throughout the course of human history.
But why care about tiny obscure Israel, which might disappear or be incinerated in the blink of an eye? Few people worldwide would truly care about it—much less shed a tear—except the Jews who remain behind. Israel has been a shining city on a hill, a refuge for suffering and wandering Jews worldwide. God has allowed them to survive through thick and thin, even though it can be argued that they were “chosen” to suffer if history is any indicia.
If—like America—tiny Israel represents the hopes of mankind, then it must represent that hope for Jews and Palestinians and other Arabs alike. It must be holier than thou, and stand on a pedestal for all to see. Rightly or wrongly, Jews are held to a higher standard. The survivors of the Nazi Holocaust and their offspring must treat others with the love and respect that they would wish for themselves. When this does not happen, and when Israelis are perceived as having morphed into their ancestors’ Nazi oppressors (e.g., by instituting “Apartheid” vis-à-vis the Palestinians), the world is quick to condemn—perhaps too quickly at times, or maybe not quickly enough at other times.
For example, Swiss banks and German companies were “extorted,” and forced to pay several billion dollars in reparations in the name of Holocaust survivors; however, only a relatively small percentage of the monies have actually gone to them. Many have died without receiving anything meaningful from the Claims Conference. This is wrong, and a travesty. Also, Israel’s brutal attack on the USS Liberty, and the killing of innocent Americans, was a tragedy that was covered up—and must never be forgotten.
See, http://www.freedocumentaries.org/int.php?filmID=350 (“The Final Insult”—”This film raises some serious questions about the motives of those in charge of defending the rights of the dwindling Holocaust survivors”) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claims_Conference#Criticism: see also See http://www.gtr5.com and http://www.naegele.com/documents/USSLibertyMemorial.pdf (USS Liberty Memorial Web site) and http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-liberty_tuesoct02-story.html and http://www.naegele.com/documents/NewrevelationsinattackonAmericanspyship.pdf (“New revelations in attack on American spy ship”)
I have been tarred as an anti-Semite and a “Jew hater” for writing what I do, but that comes with the territory. Some Jews call other Jews by those names, who do not fall into lock step in supporting Israel—right or wrong. They are labels that used to be reserved for the Nazis and their ilk, but now they seem to be thrown around freely, to stifle dissent and criticism on the part of Jews and non-Jews alike. I might wear them as badges of honor if they were true, but they are not.
There are good Jews and not-so-good Jews, which is true of Christians, the followers of Islam, Buddha and other religions. My mother taught me that there was good in all people and religions, and I believe it to this day. The Jews have suffered throughout history, and I understand why many engage in name-calling rather than addressing the real problems facing Israel and its survival. Indeed, many condemn present-day Germans as a “race” for what Hitler did, yet they take umbrage at claims that they were responsible for Jesus’ death. Both condemnations are wrong.
I am concerned that the end may be coming to Israel, if things continue on their present course. As mentioned above, I am forever reminded of what a prominent American—who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel—told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s seemingly-prophetic words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds my sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process . . . before it is too late.
Netanyahu’s wall may be torn down by non-Jews, just as the Berlin Wall was destroyed. Israel’s Apartheid may not end peacefully, but in carnage. The world may turn its back on Israel, once and for all.
However, I want Israel to survive and prosper, and for my Jewish friends and others to live in peace without worrying about their futures or those of their loved ones. This will not happen as long as Benjamin Netanyahu leads Israel and creates a climate of fear, hate and oppression.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu/ (see also the footnotes and comments beneath the article); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1825 (“Jeremy Ben-Ami, ‘A New Voice For Israel’—A Wonderful Book That Should Be Read By Anyone Who Cares About And Wants To Understand Israel’s Past, Present And Future”—”[I]n asking about the treatment of Palestinians: ‘Is this how I wanted to be treated when I was a minority in another people’s country?'”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/ariel-sharon-is-missed/ (“Ariel Sharon Is Missed”)
Lastly, I was influenced profoundly by the 1959 film, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which opened when I was a freshman in college. I saw a screening of it in Beverly Hills; and I sat through a question-and-answer session with actor Joseph Schildkraut, who played Anne’s father Otto Frank. Years later, I toured Dachau which moved me as well: a memorial to Man’s inhumanity to his fellow Man.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diary_of_Anne_Frank_(1959_film) (“The Diary of Anne Frank (1959 film)”)
LikeLike
I reject this completely.
First, Jews are human beings, and to judge them by any different standard than other nations is classic racism, no matter the rationalization. Particularly vile is the idea that they must do so due to the Holocaust – they do not have to act as the World’s atonement, rather the reverse if at all. One can’t help that but thinking that a large part of siding with the Palestinians (the only ones in the conflict trying to kill off the other side) is a method to salve the World’s conscience – “you are Nazis too” type of argument.
Second, I keep hearing that “Some Jews call other Jews by those names, who do not fall into lock step in supporting Israel”. Funny thing there, any kind of objective analysis (or even trivial observation) would show that “dissent” is far higher amongst Jews than others. Jews are criticized by other Jews because they believe they are wrong, as it is all over the place.
LikeLike
Thanks again for your comments.
First, whoever said that Jews were not human beings, or that they should be judged differently than others? The issue is their place in the world and the survival of Israel, which is dear to many of them.
Second, I do not side with the Palestinians. I simply hope there is fair treatment on both sides. My guess, however, is that Barack Obama views the Israelis as oppressors and the Palestinians as the oppressed, much as he viewed Apartheid in South Africa. You might wish to read his book, “Dreams from My Father,” if you have not done so already.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
Third, yes, I am aware of healthy albeit sometimes vicious “dissent” among Jews. Civility is not a hallmark of this debate, it seems.
LikeLike
The Flotilla Mistake, Siege Fatigue, And The End Of Israel
The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article by Ronen Bergman on these subjects, which is worth reading.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/RonenBergman-SiegeFatigueandtheFlotillaMistake.pdf; see also http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7142188.ece
Netanyahu is a living, breathing disaster for Israel, and he should be forced to resign immediately. The “flotilla mistake” is just the latest example of his ineptitude. His assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai, and the killing of innocent Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere, are other examples. Yet, there is reason to believe that the worst is yet to come.
See, e.g., http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7140282.ece
Under Netanyahu, not only is Israel “terminally isolated” in the words of the author, but it is terminal period—or at least potentially so. The author is correct too when he writes: “[T]he war over world opinion is over—and Israel has lost. . . . One might as well simply give up.” It is not surprising that “siege fatigue” is weighing down Israelis. Indeed, it was predictable once Netanyahu came to power. Peace was not an option. His style was always confrontation. No Palestinian state would be born on his watch; he was determined to see to that.
What is clear is that Israel needs new leadership now, not months or even years from now. Time is not on its side. I am concerned that the end may be coming to the country, if things continue on their present course. This undergirds my sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
LikeLike
Again, I’m trying to tell you that the worse is yet to come regardless. Do not think a Livni/Barak government would have acted any differently. Indeed the previous Olmert/Livni/Barak government also had a naval blockade of Gaza, and killed people such as Imad Muanigyh (can’t recall spelling now).
LikeLike
If the worst is yet to come “regardless,” then there is no hope for the peace process, and the state of Israel is doomed; it is just a function of time before it disappears (e.g., WMDs, demographics). I do not believe that.
I see a day when there is a new state of Palestine, which the world has blessed; and the states of Israel and Palestine reside side-by-side, and there is peace. Sure, there will be haters and distrust on both sides, but I believe cooler heads will prevail.
LikeLike
First, the language of “question/answer” or “problem/solution” isn’t all that helpful in describing reality. Events will happen or will not happen. What will not happen is peace, regardless of what a good “answer” it would be technically. Maybe Obama will extort some weakening of Israel before the next round, but nothing more.
Second, the conflict is not about the establishment of a Palestinian state (they only had at least 5 or so chances to do so, and in fact declared one in 1949 and in 1988). Borders are important, but not the main deal – they can always be fixed later. It’s about Israel and the desire of a good part of the Arab/Muslim world to kill it.
Thus, there exists no better way to prevent peace from ever happening but by telling the world that the Arabs are bound to win if the fighting continues (which I disagree with, but whatever). Once that is said, there are more than enough Arab/Muslim fanatics willing to pay the price and especially to kill anyone that disagrees with them that it’s worth paying. And of course, Israel will not agree to weaken itself further if the opinion is that it’s too weak already.
Third, of course you are judging Jews by a different standard:
“It must be holier than thou, and stand on a pedestal for all to see. Rightly or wrongly, Jews are held to a higher standard. The survivors of the Nazi Holocaust and their offspring must treat others with the love and respect that they would wish for themselves.”
LikeLike
Thank you again for your comments.
First, if peace will not happen, then war is inevitable and at some point Israel will be destroyed. I do not accept that premise.
Second, Netanyahu “feeds” the hatred of Jews and Israel, and “the desire of a good part of the Arab/Muslim world to kill it.” He is a lightning rod, and always has been.
My sense is that Israel is a “paper tiger” militarily. Its WMDs are effectively useless, and the Arabs are winning the asymmetrical war. Thus, “peace” is its only option—or siege fatigue will carry the day, and sooner or later it will be history.
Third, I judge America by the same standard, as the shining city on the hill, and a beacon of light and freedom to the world. Perhaps both judgments are altruistic, but many in the world judge America by that standard.
LikeLike
First, I’m not sure what you accept or not is all that relevant. Events will happen as they must.
Second, the enmity is pretty constant and is the fault of Israel’s enemies. If anything, “peaceniks” have fought far far more wars during Israel’s history.
Third, peace needs both sides, the Arabs do not believe they have any reason to accept and Israel will not accept a fraud. Sooner or later, war will come and Nethanyahu (or some other PM) will be forced to change Israel’s direction. All the available options then will be very bloody to all sides, but ultimately the Arabs always lose symmetrical wars.
Lastly, you don’t judge America by the same standard. You are supposedly abhorred by Israel’s killing of an enemy, but when someone points out America is far worse by the same standard, the reply is that it’s just pointing fingers at America. I would have thought that as a citizen of the USA, you should be more involved in “fixing your house first” so to speak…
LikeLike
Thanks again for your comments.
You said:
And if you are wrong about the result? Then, Israel disappears, which lots of very smart, non-anti-Semitic people believe will happen.
Lastly, innocent people are not enemies. Also, I supported George W. Bush and voted for him, but I did not believe in invading Iraq. The “surge” worked and I am thankful for that; however, vast treasures (e.g., lives, money) have been wasted. The same is true of Afghanistan, which is now Obama’s war. I am not a pacifist, but only certain wars are worth fighting.
LikeLike
What if I’m wrong? Well, it’s not like my opinion influences anyone’s policy. That said, my assessment is based on past results and an observation of current military preparations. The Arabs seem to have deemphasized conventional attack in favor of terror bombings of civilians. This will kill many people, but is equivalent to the discredited theories of Douhet and will end in the same manner.
Lastly, it is ludicrous to call Mabhouh “innocent”. Nobody denies his senior Hamas role. The self-righteous outrage simply masks a turn in Western policy which will only accelerate the replacement of the dead peace process with something very different. Your reply is intriguing in another manner though – I wonder, do you support the war in Afghanistan?
LikeLike
Thank you again for your comments.
First, your insightful opinions and mine and everyone else’s are important because hopefully the peace process is advanced and the Israel moves away from the edge of an abyss.
Second, the game-changers are WMDs, which I mentioned when I cited a quote above with respect to the issue.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-544
Third, I was not attaching the label “innocent” to Mahmoud al-Mabhouh. I had shifted to the broader issue of killing innocent Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere, and perhaps I should have made that clearer.
Lastly, I believe America was wrong to commence the Iraq War, which has cost this country dearly in terms of its treasures (e.g., American lives, money). However, I am pleased that the “surge” worked, and that Saddam Hussein and his ruthless regime are gone, and that the Iraqi people have a real chance to enjoy freedom and democracy.
I would hope for the same thing in Afghanistan. The poppy fields should have been destroyed from Day One, and al-Qaeda and the Taliban should not have sanctuaries in Pakistan. Why are we really there? To make sure that Pakistan does not descend into chaos and its nuclear arsenal does not fall into the hands of our enemies.
Also, as Laura Bush and others have championed, the plight of Afghan women has improved, and hopefully that continues.
Will we succeed in Afghanistan? People who know the country and region far better than I do, and whose judgment I respect enormously, believe our chances are “dicey” at best.
LikeLike
UK Jewish MP: Israel Acting Like Nazis In Gaza
This video, which was brought to my attention by someone at the Wall Street Journal’s Web site, is worth watching:
LikeLike
The Next-To-The-Last Jewish Holocaust?
I have read and respected the Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer for many years. He is a rare human being. He studied to be a doctor, but suffered a paralyzing diving accident in his first year of medical school, and apparently has been confined to a wheelchair ever since.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Krauthammer#Life_and_career
Perhaps the fact that I grew up with a mother in a wheelchair makes me appreciate what he has overcome in life—just as my mother did—to write brilliant weekly columns and offer lucid observations about domestic and world events, and to be a voice of reason on so many issues when often there appears to be none. My mother overcame her disabilities too, and triumphed.
He has an article today that is especially worth reading. In essence, what he says is that the world’s condemnation of Israel has been systematically removing its means of defense, and that ultimately the tiny country might be destroyed—and along with it, approximately 5.6 million Jews—which would be the second Jewish Holocaust in the last 100 years.
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060304287.html
As I have mentioned above, and elsewhere in my writings, I am forever reminded of what a prominent American—who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel, with impeccable credentials that I am sure are well known to Krauthammer—told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds my sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu.
I do not like him, and seemingly never have, beginning more than a decade ago when he was Israel’s prime minister the first time (see, e.g., http://www.naegele.com/documents/WSJ-Jerusalem.pdf). I believe he is dishonest, corrupt, a raving narcissist who cares only about himself, dangerous, reckless, and someone who is totally capable of setting off a war in the Middle East that might destroy Israel and inflict terrible losses on American personnel who are stationed in the region.
In the interim, I believe he fans the flames of anti-Semitism, endangering the lives of innocent Israelis and Jews throughout the world—who can be targeted and killed at a moment’s notice, and there is nothing that Netanyahu or anyone else can do to prevent it. As I have written above and elsewhere, I believe he is the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had; and I believe Leah Rabin was correct when she saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm.
Having said all of this, how does one prevent Krauthammer’s ominous prediction of “a more final solution,” and that contained in the quote I cited above from coming true? I have been told that the situation is hopeless, but this is only true as long as Netanyahu remains at Israel’s helm. I have been told too that there are no leaders in Israel who can change the course of history and bring about a lasting peace. To that, I answer that Abraham Lincoln came out of nowhere to lead this fractured nation; and Ronald Reagan did too, and he brought down the “Evil Empire” of the Soviet Union.
Israel has leaders who can make a difference, and they need to rise and do so now. The clock is ticking.
LikeLike
Naegele’s response assumes that the so called peace process is not a charade. He has neglected to read the revelations of Major General Ion Pacepa, the highest ranking defector from the Soviet bloc during the Cold War.
Let me provide some facts supplied from General Pacepa’s personal knowledge: http://www.think-israel.org/brand.russiatheenemy.html
In addition to Carter buying the Soviet disinformation experts’ story, Rabiin did too. He brought the Arab thugs from Tunisia, where they had been isolated, into the heart of Israel — leading to where we are now. Every President of the US since has bought the peace process charade.
Obama is relentlessly pushing Netanyahu to concession after concession on the assumption that the peace process is real and not a charade, and that peace can be achieved between the Jews on the one hand, desperate for an end to warfare, and the Arabs on the other motivated by religious jihad who expressly seek to annihilate the Jews. See the PLO charter which continues to list that goal many years after promises to eliminate it.
LikeLike
Thank you, Wallace, for your comments.
First, you stated at the Wall Street Journal’s Web site:
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704025304575284210429984110.html#articleTabs%3Dcomments%26commentId=1244289?mod=djemcomnewtrackedcomment
Neither my legal services nor that of my law firm is “advertised” at this blog; and this blog is not even mentioned at my law firm’s Web site. The two are kept as separate and distinct as possible—principally because (1) I have friends and clients who may not share my views on various subjects, and (2) my intent is not to mix “apples and oranges,” or offend them.
Having said that, your second paragraph is blatant advertising for your article, which we have permitted by authorizing your comments to appear here.
Second, in all of his political incarnations, Netanyahu has made it clear that his peace efforts are a “charade.” This is why Leah Rabin was right in seeing “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm.
To the extent that both Netanyahu and the Palestinians view the peace process as a charade, then war is inevitable, which does not bode well for Israel in the long run, as I have mentioned above. This is why peace efforts are so essential—once again, not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu.
Third, if you were correct, the peace process should be dispensed with, period. I do not agree with that, and am guardedly optimistic that peace is possible. Barack Obama may be on the right track in this regard; and I do not rule out the idea of peace being “imposed” on Israel, as mentioned above.
LikeLike
Arafat originally refused to change his tactics and abandon his calling attention to his motive of killing all the Jews or driving them into the sea. He was ultimately persuaded by the Soviets who told him that if he offered to abandon violence and seek a peace treaty the West would shower him with Gold and Glory. It did. An estimated $6 billion is in his Swiss accounts and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Vietnamese Gen Bo Giap also advised him to do the same. He was very successful in splitting American unity so that we lost the only war ever lost by the US. Ceaucescu also pushed him in that direction, taking pictures secretly of Arafat and 11 year old boys brought to him for his nightly pleasures in Rumania. They apparently were not needed to persuade Arafat to change his tactics. Ceaucescu told him he would have to pretend over and over again to renounce violence and seek peace. Major General Ion Pacepa reported this information. He was the highest ranking defector from the Soviet bloc during the Cold War.
. . .
Palestine was recognized by 52 countries in 1922 as belonging to the Jewish People. The Arab People’s competing application at the Paris Peace Talks was rejected by the Allied Principal War Powers at San Remo in 1920 who recognized the Jewish People. They provided that the recognition would be in two stages. Initially the Jews only had the right to settle — as a matter of right — because they were a small minority. When they achieved a population majority, they would also have the right to rule, otherwise there would be rule by an antidemocratic government. Wilson’s 1919? Committee of Inquiry found the Jews had the right of self-determination in Palestine. That was approved at San Remo in 1920 by the Allied Principal War Powers and the Palestine mandate was drafted to apply the Balfour policy to the trust that was created. In 1922 the Jewish People was the cestui que trust of the political rights to all of Palestine west of the Jordan. When they attained a majority population in 1948, they announced their independence as they had met the two tacit standards for the rights to vest. The Partition Resolution of the UNGA died at birth when rejected by the Arabs. It is usually but erroneously credited as the root of Israeli sovereignty.
. . .
It is a “military occupation” but not one in which the occupier gets obligations. That would be a “belligerent occupation”. I occupied my own house for 50 years without being morally deficient. Article 43 of the 4th Hague Convention (1907) shows that the displaced government must be a legitimate sovereign of the territory for the rules of “belligerent occupation” to apply. Jordan won it in an aggressive war by the Arab Legion, supplied and led by the British. Even the other countries in the Arab League did not recognize Jordan’s sovereignty on the West Bank.
In any event, Article 2 of the 4th Geneva Convention requires that the occupation must be territory of “another”. When Israel occupied the so called “West Bank” it was in fact liberating the land which it had been recognized as cestui que trust in 1920 and that obligation lived on in Article 80 of the UN Charter and the legal doctrine of acquired rights, now codified.
The better characterization of the territory now is not occupied which carries a pejorative nuance, but “liberated” that more accurately described what happened in the Six Day War in 1967.
. . .
The Palestine authority doesn’t meet the requirements for statehood. 1. It doesn’t pass muster under the Montevideo Convention requirements for sovereignty, and 2. It can’t, under International Law, unilaterally secede from an existing sovereign. It’s secession would require redrawing the boundaries of a sovereign state by the UN. Even if the Palestine People were a legitimate people the right of a people to self-determination is subordinate, under International Law, to the right of a sovereign state to territorial integrity.
. . .
The Iranians say that even if all Iran is decimated, there will still be more than a billion Muslims left. Their leadership is not rational. They say Armageddon will bring on the Iman or Messiah they are waiting for.
. . .
This is one of those wonderful guys who boxed in Sharon and made him eliminate the Jews in Gaza. They are now recommending Israel does the same for the West Bank. It has many more rockets and missiles stored than has Gaza. See their new claim in video The Gatekeepers. They open with the lie that their opinion is being voiced for the first time.
LikeLike
Thank you for your additional comments, which have been consolidated.
In the end, might makes right. Treaties do not govern. They are abrogated, or fall by the wayside, and are ignored.
The future will define the rights in Palestine, and in the Middle East for that matter. The lines are being redrawn, which may happen in Palestine (including Israel) too. It may not be immune.
LikeLike
Helen Thomas And Anti-Semitism
Helen Thomas is a White House press correspondent who has covered every U.S. president beginning with John F. Kennedy. She has had a storied career, which has spanned five decades; and she has often been outspoken and controversial. However, she blazed the trail for many female correspondents who followed after her.
In on-camera remarks at the White House, for which she later apologized, she was asked whether she had any comments about Israel, and responded:
Asked where they should go, meaning the Jews, she responded:
See http://www.breitbart.tv/helen-thomas-tells-jews-get-the-hell-out-of-palestine-and-go-back-to-germany-poland
Thomas’ call for Jews to get out of Israel and go back to Poland brings to mind the more than 900 German Jewish refugees who were aboard a German ocean liner in 1939, the MS St. Louis, seeking asylum from Nazi persecution. They were denied entry to Cuba, and then denied entry to America by Franklin D. Roosevelt, and returned to Europe where only half of the passengers survived the war.
See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_St._Louis
There will be an outcry, calling for Thomas’ termination by the Hearst Corporation, and describing her as a senile anti-Semite and by other derogatory terms. What is most significant is that anti-Semitism lurks just beneath the surface in America and other countries of the world; and it rears its ugly head when outrages occur such as Netanyahu’s attack on the Gaza flotilla.
There should be an end to anti-Semitism wherever it exists. However, it must be accepted that it exists globally, and that Helen Thomas’ beliefs are not isolated. Charles Krauthammer’s article that is cited in the posting above this one describes it too, but even he “pulls his punches” for public consumption.
LikeLike
Ari Fleischer Is Wrong
I have admired Fleischer ever since he served as George W. Bush’s press secretary, and I was sorry to see him leave the White House. He was terrific. Thus, I am disappointed that he would charaterize Helen Thomas’ comments as follows;
See http://dailypaul.com/node/136760
This is nonsense.
First, like so many people around the world, she stated that the Palestinians’ lands were taken from them, which is at the very heart of the “right-of-return” issue.
Second, freedom of speech is guaranteed by our Constitution; and Fleischer knows better than to try to intimidate Thomas, or cast aspersions against her, much less seek to have her fired.
Third, “political correctness” is dead, and Thomas ought to be free to say whatever she wants, however inflammatory her remarks may be. Her right to do so is protected by and enshrined in our Constitution, thank God.
LikeLike
Freedom Of Speech Suffered Another Blow Today
The Hearst Newspapers announced Helen Thomas’ retirement, presumably under enormous duress and pressures, which is an affront to freedom of speech. As stated above, she has been outspoken and controversial throughout her career that has spanned five decades, which has been part of her charm for each of the presidents during whose terms she has served. Agree with her or not, she has been a Washington institution.
See http://www.politico.com/blogs/onmedia/0610/Helen_Thomas_retires.html
I do not defend Thomas’ remarks, but I defend her right to say them.
LikeLike
Netanayahu = Thug
If there was ever a person in contemporary world politics who could be labeled a “thug,” and rightly so—aside from Russia’s dictator-for-life Vladimir Putin—it is Netanyahu. Yet, as much as I have detested Netanyahu for at least a decade and believe he is the wrong leader for Israel at this critical juncture in the country’s history, he is a “saint” when compared to Putin.
Everything is relative; and while Netanyahu should be removed from office, Putin is a killer who should be eliminated, period.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/
In condemnation of the Netanyahu government, the Los Angeles Times is reporting:
See http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-gaza-flotilla-20100607,0,5777628.story; see also http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/06/gaza-blockade-iran-aid-convoy
LikeLike
Who Should Israel Negotiate With?
This is a fundamental question, which deserves an answer. Who should Israel negotiate with? Hamas, Fatah, the Palestinian Authority? It has been said:
My responses are as follows—which incorporate comments that appear in the postings above:
Are these the full and complete answers to complex issues that have plagued foreign policy experts for decades? Of course not. However, they represent approaches to the issues that might fundamentally change the debate and outcome. In essence, they can be summed up by saying: give peace a chance, a real chance. We have tried everything else—and the parties must pull away from the edge of the abyss once and for all.
LikeLike
Barack Obama, An Honest Broker In The Middle East?
Unlike George W. Bush whose “unconditional support” of Israel never waned during his eight years as president, Barack Obama is being castigated for even-handed policies and trying to be an “honest broker” in the Middle East.
See, e.g., http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6570SP20100608
Unfortunately, American Jews rejected Bush and his father, and embraced Obama overwhelmingly in the last election. Thus, it would appear that they deserve what they are getting policy-wise. The Bushes were Israel’s champions, yet they were maligned consistently.
See also http://www.naegele.com/documents/Tragedyhopeandtruefriends.pdf
LikeLike
Obama Destabilizes Netanyahu
This is an interesting article, which is worth reading:
http://www.debka.com/article/8843/
LikeLike
Netanyahu Interferes With Jordan’s Peaceful Nuclear Ambitions
The Wall Street Journal has an article on this subject, which is worth reading.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/JordansNuclearAmbitionsPoseQuandaryforUS.pdf
The author refers to Jordan as “America’s closest Arab ally in the volatile region.” In many ways, Jordan is more important to America than Israel. It is a bridge to the Islamic world, which Israel will never be—assuming Israel survives for another decade, which many doubt.
King Abdullah II is a loyal friend of the United States. Netanyahu is not, and never will be. He is a thorn in our side, and always has been.
Jordan’s recent discoveries of big deposits of uranium ore is a plus for us, and for Jordan. As the article states:
More skulduggery by the brutal Netanyahu regime and its lackeys. Of course the king is correct.
LikeLike
Obama Loathes the British, Colonialism And The Israelis
An article of mine explains Barack Obama’s feelings about the British and Colonialism, which are clear when one reads his book, “Dreams from My Father.” He hated apartheid too, which he equates with the Israelis’ treatment of the Palestinians.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
UK’s Daily Mail has an interesting article, which states in part:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1287828/Revealed-Why-President-Obama-loathes-British.html
This article is consistent with Obama’s “Dreams from My Father.”
LikeLike
Israel Losing Battle Against Country’s Isolation Worldwide?
The effects of Netanyahu’s policies have been disastrous for Israel, as it becomes even more isolated in the world, and a pariah nation. However, superstar Elton John defied the global ban, and performed live in Tel Aviv.
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1287884/Aint-gonna-stop-coming-baby-Elton-John-performs-Israel-string-artists-cancel-appearances.html
LikeLike
You make many sweeping statements that seem to have no basis in reality. For example, your constant demonizing of Netanyahu. The Arabs have sworn over and over to destroy Israel and even to wipe out all Jews in the world (as per the Koran’s assertion regarding the rock and tree pointing out the Jew hiding for his life and urging his murder). In the lifetime of your parents the Mufti urged Hitler to destroy ALL Jews and was a welcome guest in Berlin. An entire SS division was made up of Moslems (in Bosnia). Murderous terrorists have deliberately murdered tens of thousands, including plenty of non-Jooos, while trying to strike Israel directly or indirectly. Many Jews had to flee Arab lands for their lives, To this day no Jew can own land in any Moslem country or even live in one openly. Any nincompoop can look at a world map and see Arab territory stretching from the Atlantic to Chine—one-sixth of the world’s inhabitable land—and folks like you want us to believe that if only Israel gave up some hard-won land to the Arabs there would be peace.
Additionally, you state:
“Eighth, in response to my comments that Israel would not exist but for American help, and that it is essentially a ‘vassal state,’ you add:
“Let’s cut off all aid and help of whatever type to Israel, and see how long it lasts. In reality, it may not last that long, as the quote that I cited above indicates.”
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-537
It is a matter of historical fact that Israel never got American aid until DeGaulle broke off all arms sales to Israel after 1967. And since America has only been around for some 240 years and Israel, in one for or another, has been around for approx. 3,300 years, you make a surprising assertion.
In short, I think you have all the symptoms of a classic Joo-hater. I have no idea why this is so, but you still have time to look deep into your soul and correct this very serious character flaw. You will one day, in the too distant future, be standing before your Maker—the very same one which your Bible testifies as having given the Jooos an everlasting heritage—the Land of Israel.
You are obviously a passionate and intelligent man. What a shame to cast your lot with the Arafats, Muftis, Streichers, and Obamas of this world.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments, Joseph, which are in addition to other comments that you have made.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-607
I am not a Jew hater, nor do I hate Israel as you suggested in your other comment. Similarly, I have not cast my lot with the Arafats, Muftis, Streichers, and Obamas of this world. You might wish to read my blog articles about Obama, which will confirm this.
You are equally passionate about what you believe, and are intelligent. You and I differ with respect to Netanyahu and his effect on Israel now and in the future. My beliefs are not unique. They have been shared by the Rabins, Sharon and many others. Netanyahu is a mistake for Israel, which may prove tragic.
LikeLike
Obama And Netanyahu: Pathetic Birds Of A Feather
While the clock ticks away, two raving narcissists—Barack Obama and Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu—have ostensibly buried their differences, and exchanged superficial pleasantries in meaningless meetings that concluded in Washington. Time is running out for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, yet the two leaders act as if there are years or even decades ahead in which to fashion some lasting solution.
Netanyahu came to Washington as part of a carefully-orchestrated and scripted PR charade, to buy time so he could continue to do nothing with respect to the peace process, which has always been his primary objective and modus operandi. Obama is getting weaker politically with each passing day; and it is unlikely that he will do anything meaningful between now and November, or afterward, because his weakness will only increase, not lessen.
In the months to come, there is apt to be a laissez-faire approach taken by Obama and Israel, which does not advance the goal of lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, and the avoidance of armed conflict that might end Israel’s existence ultimately. Tragically, the so-called “peace process” is an enormous and seemingly-cynical joke, like counting angels on the head of a pin, which is being played by both Netanyahu and Israel’s enemies that will only inure to the latter’s benefit over the near- and long-term, in all probability.
Because Obama hated apartheid in South Africa, and seemingly views the Israelis as the oppressors and the Palestinians as the oppressed, he may be perfectly content to do nothing except pay lip service to the peace process, rather than spending already-diminished and ever-dwindling political capital to help the Jewish state, which he may not really care about. While there is reason to believe that Obama genuinely detests Netanyahu, ultimately he may hurt him more by doing essentially nothing too, rather than fully engaging and trying to bring about peace and reduce the chances of Armageddon.
LikeLike
Anti-Semitism On The Rise In California
According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League, there was a sharp uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in California last year, many of them involving taunts, threats and insults by adolescents and teenagers.
See http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/07/embargoed-until-9-am-tuesday-morningfor-the-second-year-in-a-row-the-anti-defamation-league-reported-a-sharp-uptick-in-anti-.html
LikeLike
International Manhunt Continues With Respect To Killing Of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, Including American Cooperation
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that American investigators are cooperating in a probe of the January assassination of the top Palestinian leader in Dubai. They have identified a handful of U.S.-based companies believed to have been used to transfer money in the case, a finding that brings international authorities closer to identifying who or what entity funded the operation. The “noose” may be tightening around Netanyahu and Israel’s Mossad.
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703314904575399091233047622.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLEThirdNews; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu/#comment-2065 (“What the 27 Mossad agents didn’t know was that the hotel was full of security cameras and while they succeeded in the assassination, the whole world got to watch their comings and goings“)
LikeLike
Shimon Peres Denies Calling Brits “Anti-Semites”
I have believed for a very long time that labeling people as anti-Semites, much less on a wholesale basis, reverberates to the detriment of Jews, Israel and Israelis. Are there anti-Semites, and large numbers of them in this world? Of course so. But the tarring of innocent individuals or vast numbers of them as such, and attempting to “demonize” them, produces an opposite effect—unless of course the intent is to “punish” them, which does not succeed either.
I assume it is done to shame people into changing their ways and no longer being anti-Semites. Or it is done to call attention to anti-Semitic acts, so vast numbers of people who are not anti-Semitic will stop and say (or think): “Yes, that is wrong”—and do something positive about it. Instead, in my opinion, it produces anger on the part of those who are wrongly labeled and accused, and they are repulsed and react accordingly.
My guess is that the majority of Brits do not even know what the words “anti-Semite” or “anti-Semitic” mean. However, when they read in the newspaper or hear on TV or someone tells them that they have been called such names, they find out what is meant, and they are angry that someone has called them that. Anyone who is “defamed” in any way reacts and often becomes angry. The person who is called a Gay, when he or she is not, reacts. The person who is wrongly labeled as a bigot reacts.
As I have written for more than a decade now, my detest for Netanyahu knows almost no bounds, inter alia, because like Leah Rabin I believe he is a raving narcissist who cares only about himself and not about the future of Israel, Israelis or Jews worldwide. Contrariwise, for some unknown reason, I have always liked Shimon Peres, and have essentially believed he could do no wrong. Perhaps it was his association with Yitzhak Rabin that gave him a special place in my heart.
I came to like Ariel Sharon, and feel his stroke and the timing of it could not have been worse for Israel—although the enormous physical weight that he carried for much of his life was a “disaster waiting to happen.” I still like Ehud Olmert despite the scandal that has befallen him; and I like Ehud Barak as well. Thus, even though I believe it is wrong, I could almost tolerate “anti-Semitic labeling” from any of these Israeli leaders. However, when it is done, it reflects not only on Israel and Israelis, but also on Jews globally. For better or worse, Jews are “tied at the hip” on a worldwide basis with Israel, as well as with the actions and statements of Israelis, certainly in the eyes of most non-Jews in the world.
And yes, like it or not, Israel and Israelis are held to a higher standard than other people around the world. Thus, when Shimon Peres labels Brits as anti-Semitic, the repercussions are far and wide. While he and others might say that behind closed doors, when it is said publicly and receives media coverage and reaches innocent Brits and others worldwide, such non-Jews are repulsed and rightly so. As its president, Peres speaks for Israel and in turn for world Jewry, although in actuality he does not and his official position is mostly ceremonial. After all, he is the man who chose Netanyahu over Tzipi Livni and Kadima, even though they won the most seats in the Knesset, so his power is perceived as very real.
I am pleased that Peres recanted, or denied his labeling, but the damage is done. It should be a message to Israelis and American Jews that the days of labeling their opponents as anti-Semites are over. The supporters of America’s J Street are sometimes labeled as “self-hating Jews” and anti-Semites too, when they are not. Indeed, anyone who criticizes Netanyahu and his regime is labeled as such, in an attempt to smear and silence them. Imagine how Israelis and American Jews would feel (and react) if they were labeled as “Christ killers.” Clearly, malicious labeling has no place in the United States, Israel or the world today.
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/7921391/Shimon-Peres-denies-calling-British-anti-Semites.html
LikeLike
I wish I had the time to analyze your comments properly and point out all the proofs I see regarding the fact that YOU are an anti-Semite, who demands that Israel — a tiny peace-loving democracy — rolls over and plays dead to the 50 Moslem nations who collectively bay for its blood.
You despise Netanyahu? Eventhough he actually signed the disasterous Wye accords, thus giving Arafat Hebron and other precious land in exchange for nothing but empty promises?
One day soon Israel will have some real Jewish leadership, as the Macabees of old, and finally stand up to the murderous Arabs and their terror. I can’t help but wonder what your ranting will be like then.
LikeLike
Thank you, Joseph, for your comments.
If you had bothered to read the article above, much less all of my postings beneath it, you would realize fully that I am not an anti-Semite. Unfortunately, that label is thrown about irresponsibly to stifle discussion and dissent, and in an attempt to intimidate those who would criticize Netanyahu and his actions—which may lead to the destruction of Israel, war in the region that might affect American forces, and the deaths of countless numbers of innocent Israelis as well as Jews outside of Israel. Sharon and the Rabins were correct in their assessments of him.
Next, at no time have I ever suggested that Israel “roll over and play dead” to those who would seek to destroy her. That is utter nonsense.
Lastly, Israel had real leadership with Yitzhak Rabin and Arik Sharon, who I came to admire in the latter years of his political career; and it was tragic when their lives were cut short in their prime.
LikeLike
John Bolton, The Depicable Hack Of All Hacks, Has Done It Again
Hated by the Democrats who refused to confirm him as America’s UN ambassador, and hated by the supporters of George W. Bush—of which this writer is one—for having trashed the former president who gave him a recess appointment, Bolton is shilling for the Netanyahu regime once again, by threatening war against Iran.
He is the Oliver Stone of American politics. And like the former Independent Counsel while Bill Clinton was president, Ken Starr, who was hated by the Democrats for seeking to jail Clinton and by the GOP for not having succeeded, Bolton seems to be a man without a country, politically—unless it be Netanyahu’s Israel. No Democratic administration in the U.S. would ever appoint him to anything; and rightly so, no future GOP administration should do so either.
See http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/John–Bolton–Iran–Nuclear–israel/2010/08/13/id/367449?s=al&promo_code=A80B-1
LikeLike
After leaving the government, Bolton proceeded to trash his sponsor, George W. Bush, without whom he never would have received a recess appointment as our Ambassador to the UN. Absent that appointment, no one today would know who he is.
The Democrats refused to confirm him, and rightly so; and nowhere in Bush’s just-released memoirs is there any mention of him. It is as though he never existed. Also, he was never mentioned in Laura Bush’s memoirs either, which—like her husband’s—names everyone who was important in the George W. Bush presidency. Bolton is persona non grata among both the Democrats and the Bushies, and is being written out of history.
The fact that both Democrats and Republicans have equal contempt for Bolton speaks volumes.
LikeLike
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks Set In September, Which Are Worth Pursuing, But Likely Futile
The Wall Street Journal has reported:
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476104575440580729721798.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTTopStories
Regrettably, it is unlikely that serious progress will be made. Among other things, Netanyahu does not want progress or a lasting peace. He does not believe in the goal of two states living side-by-side in peace and security, with defined borders and an end to the conflict.
Indeed, the world will watch and see if he attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities and incites chaos in the region, and destroys any chance of a meaningful peace. He is a narcissistic “bull in a china shop” who is fully capable of doing that, which would be tragic! He is the wrong leader for Israel at this or any other time.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/
LikeLike
Iran Goes Nuclear!
See http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iran_nuclear;_ylt=AgyM23lTVqfzvYx.sg_Xwl.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNjMDRvNDVnBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwODIxL2lyYW5fbnVjbGVhcgRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzEEcG9zAzIEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA2lyYW5zdGFydHNudQ–
Now it begins . . .
Jeffrey Goldberg have a lengthy but truly excellent article in the September 2010 issue of The Atlantic entitled, “The Point of No Return,” which is recommended reading.
See http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/09/the-point-of-no-return/8186/
The urgent attack on Iran by Israel—which the forever-hapless “shill” for Netanyahu, John Bolton, predicted would happen by now, and advocated—has passed as a non-event so far. However, Netanyahu is fully capable of attacking anyway and plunging Israel and the region, if not the world, into chaos that might lead to the destruction of the Jewish state, and a calamity only equaled by the Nazi Holocaust itself. Yes, those are dire predictions, which hopefully never come to pass, but the risks are there. Israel would not be merely “a leper among nations,” as Goldberg describes in his article, but it might be gone completely.
The tragedy of the 20th Century for the Jewish people would have been equaled by a tragedy of the 21st Century; and the number of Jewish deaths might be similar. This is why groups like J Street exist—not only to further the idea of a two-state solution, but to prevent the second Holocaust of the 20th and 21st Centuries from happening. Its role is pivotal; and while it is still very young and vibrant, the foundations have been laid for its important actions ahead.
Most ominous is Goldberg’s quote from a former Iranian military leader: “The day will come when, like Salman Rushdie, the Jews will not find a place to live anywhere in the world.” This concept, albeit blustering, transcends the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Israeli-Iranian conflict, and goes to the heart of targeting Jews around the world. It is surprising that Israel’s enemies have not done this already, for it would be almost impossible to guard against or deter.
Among other things, Goldberg raises what he describes as “the most pressing question: are there any circumstances under which President Obama would deploy force to stop Iran from going nuclear?” The answer seems clear: none. There are no circumstances in which he would launch decisive American military forces against Iran, especially since he is tied down in Afghanistan like Gulliver by the “Lilliputians” of the Taliban.
It is not in America’s best or strategic interests to do anything against Iran; and it is certainly not in Obama’s best or political interests to do so, especially since a majority of Americans are against “his” war in Afghanistan. See, e.g., http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j34wJrEYh7J3IiyhYvsCnWfSl31QD9HN9OB80 and http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/17/poll-opposition-to-iraq-afghanistan-wars-reach-all-time-high/
Tragically, our president cannot even say that “victory” is America’s goal in Afghanistan. Thus, how is he going to stand up against Iran militarily? The answer is that he will not, period—end of story. He will pontificate and bluster, but nothing more. By nature, he is a far-Left, anti-war pacifist. Just read (or reread) his “Dreams from My Father.”
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
By way of contrast, George W. Bush is still supporting our troops and their missions (see, e.g., http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOC_JjNFkVw); and it is likely that he will go down in history as one of America’s great presidents, much like Harry Truman. Indeed, Goldberg writes:
Like Ronald Reagan before him, Bush was considered a “cowboy president,” who could be counted on to run roughshod over his opposition, and was considered unpredictable. This is why Reagan won the Cold War, and why Bush triumphed in Iraq after his “surge” was implemented. No one fears Obama, and probably never will.
Goldberg adds, quoting an Israeli:
This is all bravado, and little more; and it is unlikely that Israel has either the will or the capability of stopping the Iranians. It will not use nuclear weapons, assuming that it has them; and its conventional military forces cannot get the job done. Hence, it is “toothless” and the Iranians know this. At some point, either they or their surrogates will attack Israel, possibly rendering a fatal attack. Until then, the blustering will continue—in Israel, Iran and America.
Goldberg’s discussion of Netanyahu’s relationship with his 100-year-old father is interesting and instructive—about how Netanyahu will not do anything (e.g., peace) that would lose favor in his father’s eyes. This does not bode well for the peace effort, at least as long as his father is alive.
Also, while the critical time frame for peace is “now,” which is consistent with J Street’s views, Goldberg quotes a former Israeli general in discussing a longer-range viewpoint—which may or may not be realistic:
Amen . . . if we ever get that far.
Goldberg adds:
It is arguable that Israel’s air force and military in general, and its nuclear arsenal (assuming one exists), are no longer deterrents, which is why peace is so important. The destruction of Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities and towns, and military bases, might come by way of one or more types of “WMDs,” against which Israel is “powerless” and has no effective deterrents.
Again, as I have stated in postings above, I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu. However difficult the task of achieving peace and lasting security is, as well as regional economic cooperation that includes Israel, Netanyahu is not on the path to a lasting and meaningful peace, and never will be.
Goldberg cites an Israeli general as saying:
Goldberg adds:
Indeed, Goldberg cites the former Israeli general mentioned above as saying:
Amen. Finally, some Israeli realism is present, in contrast to the blustering of Netanyahu and his lackeys.
Next, Goldberg cites the former Israeli general, in writing:
I understand this. I have a Jewish friend whom I met when both of us wrote articles that were published simultaneously by an Israeli Web site. He read mine, and I read his; and he told me that I was full of shit, and I said the same was true of him. We have been friends for seven years now, and exchange one or more e-mail messages almost every day. Both of his parents were survivors of the Nazi Holocaust; both of his wife’s parents were survivors too; he is a first-generation American; and he has told me that down deep, he does not trust anyone, including his wife and kids. Again, I understand.
Goldberg asks:
The answer is short and sweet, and clear: seek more sanctions. Military action will not be taken by the U.S., as long as Obama is president—despite the blustering by Rahm Emanuel and the rest of Obama’s minions. Goldberg cites a foreign minister as saying:
Amen! That, and the fact that Obama is (1) innately a pacifist and anti-war Leftist, and he (2) hated South Africa’s apartheid and down deep may view Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians in a similar vein—again, please read (or reread) his “Dreams from My Father”—means that he will never order decisive military action against Iran, period.
I have always liked and admired Israel’s President and former Prime Minister Shimon Peres, and agree with his position as described by Goldberg:
I respectfully disagree with Peres’ belief that “Obama would come to Israel’s defense if necessary.” He will not, or so I believe. In any event, a massive and multi-faceted WMD attack on Israel might happen quickly, and thereby preclude any meaningful American or other foreign help for the Jewish state.
LikeLike
The Delegitimization Of Israel
The Wall Street Journal has an article by Bret Stephens, formerly editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, in which he assails a Time magazine cover story entitled, “Why Israel Doesn’t Care About Peace.” Both are worth reading.
By using the term “delegitimization of Israel,” Stephens means:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/BretStephens-RhymesWithFagin.pdf
While there is little doubt where Stephens’ heart is, and understandably so, there is a distinction to be drawn between the notion that “Israelis don’t care about peace” and Netanyahu does not care about peace. They are very different. I believe without any doubts or reservations whatsover that the latter is true. I do not believe that the former is true. The Israelis want lasting peace as much as the Palestinian people do. Both have suffered greatly, and both are victims.
Jeffrey Goldberg have a lengthy but truly excellent article in the September 2010 issue of The Atlantic entitled, “The Point of No Return,” which is recommended reading and is discussed above.
See http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/09/the-point-of-no-return/8186; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-687
Also, as stated in the article above, Netanyahu was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct. Lip service will be paid to the peace process by Netanyahu, but nothing more.
Stephens cites the trade commissioner of the European Union, Karel de Gucht, as saying:
While Stephens belittles de Gucht’s comments and treats them with scorn and disdain, the fact is that I have a close friend who is a very prominent Jew nationally, and he feels exactly the way that de Gucht describes. He is not unique. I understand his feelings and respect them. Both of his parents were survivors of the Holocaust, and his wife’s parents were too. One can understand his feelings.
Again, the issue is not to paint the Israelis with a broad brush, but to realize fully that meaningful peace between the Israelis and the Palestinian people will not be possible with Netanyahu in Israel’s government, period.
LikeLike
Charles Krauthammer’s Sobering Assessment Of The Chances For Peace Between The Israelis and Palestinians
The Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer is excellent with respect to essentially every subject that he writes about. In his latest article about the peace process, his bottom line is that the talks are likely to go nowhere. And as stated in the last paragraph of the article, with respect to the Palestinians:
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/09/AR2010090904999.html
I agree with him, and have wondered for ages why the Palestinians did not just go ahead and create the State Of Palestine, which most of the world would recognize diplomatically (and otherwise) in a nanosecond, and then blame Israel for everything after that. It seems to make enormous sense from the Palestinian perspective. Indeed, it is arguable that peace is not in their long-term best interests, inter alia, because they will “win” without it.
I believe the Democrats are “going down the drain” in November’s elections; and that we have seen the “beginning of the end” of the Obama presidency already—with much more to come as Obama’s support among Democrats erodes dramatically.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/the-end-of-barack-obama/#comment-735
The Clintons are beginning to take aim at him, in no small part because they are political animals who can see “blood in the water,” and any support for Obama among Republicans and Independents is essentially gone.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/the-end-of-barack-obama/#comment-736
Thus, Obama is not in a position to make anything meaningful happen with respect to the peace process, especially since he is mired down with domestic economic issues and with his Afghan war. Netanyahu knows this; and he will put on the best face possible, all the while realizing that nothing constructive is going to happen. It is a charade and a “tribal dance,” which the world has seen many times before.
LikeLike
Netanyahu Continues To Be Impediment To Peace
As the Wall Street Journal notes, Netanyahu has made it clear that he is fully able to restart the freeze on Jewish settlement building.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/NetanyahuOffersConditionalSettlementFreeze.pdf
His latest positions, such as the controversial loyalty oath law, and requiring the recognition of Israel as a Jewish-Zionist state (and I am not using the term “Zionist” as a pejorative term)—despite the fact that Arab citizens of Israel comprise approximately 20 percent of the country’s total population, and that percentage is growing—lay bare Netanyahu’s hypocrisy for the world to see. There will be no serious political process while he and his government pursue settlements, or throw up one roadblock after another to the peace process.
Clearly, he could have frozen the Jewish settlements all along, and even eliminated them entirely like Ariel Sharon did. However, Netanyahu is against peace, and his actions demonstrate that fact in no uncertain terms. He knows full well that Barack Obama is weak, and likely to be a “lame-duck” president after next month’s U.S. elections, so he is doing nothing constructive to advance the peace process, but is simply playing cruel games.
Even though the far-right, pro-settlement parties in Netanyahu’s coalition oppose another building moratorium, as does Israel’s far-right Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu is the real impediment to peace. He is an unprincipled narcissistic politician, who is a tragic mistake for Israel at this critical juncture in its history. While Lieberman is a leading proponent of the bill to amend the citizenship oath, which would require non-Jewish immigrants to swear loyalty to Israel as a “Jewish and Democratic state” as a condition of citizenship, it is Netanyahu who is the impediment to peace now, which has always been the case. He pays lip service to peace, and nothing more.
As another Wall Street Journal article noted:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/NetanyahutoPutLoyaltyOathtoVote-WSJ.com_002.pdf
The clock is ticking with respect to the peace process, and time is not on Israel’s side. The consequences of not achieving peace may be even more tragic than the past.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran
LikeLike
All West Bank Jewish Settlements Must be Eliminated
The Wall Street Journal has an article that deals with the settlement issues, which is worth reading.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/YossiKleinHalevi-WhyIsraelWontAbandontheSettlers.pdf
Israel must eliminate all settlements without any preconditions, as Ariel Sharon eliminated them, using military force if necessary. Like Netanyahu, they are impediments to peace.
Clearly, Netanyahu is the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had. He was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct.
While the prospect of a West Bank withdrawal may be traumatic, it must be done like the withdrawal from Gaza. The author of the Journal article makes the specious comment:
Clearly, dismantlement of the settlements must take place, and disobedience must be put down by the Israeli military as it was in Gaza. The author is correct: “The ‘settler’ has assumed a near demonic image around the world . . . .”
Quite predictably, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is going nowhere, which is likely until Netanyahu is removed from Israel’s government, which is long overdue.
The international community is justified in its antipathy toward the settlers and its urgency to uproot settlements in their entirety. Again, like Netanyahu, they represent an impediment to peace that must be removed immediately.
LikeLike
I suggest reading “Son of Hamas” by Yousef. Born in the West Bank, son of a Hamas founder, he explains that the PLO and Hamas have turned their back on opportunities for peace; they would give up too much money and power if peace were to happen in Israel. It’s an interesting read from a credible source.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for your recommendation.
LikeLike
Catholic Bishops: The Bible Cannot Be Used To Justify The Return Of Jews to Israel Or The Expatriation Of Palestinians
After a meeting chaired by Pope Benedict XVI, Middle East Catholic bishops “called on the international community to end the occupation of Arab lands in an official statement following a two-week synod held at the Vatican.”
An article about the meeting added:
See http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.5f120bbe460b15f95ab9522cc596b7bc.671&show_article=1
LikeLike
Netanyahu’s Efforts To Push America Toward War With Iran Must Be Rejected
Once again, Netanyahu is a war-monger who seeks to have America do Israel’s “dirty work” in the Middle East, and push the United States toward war with Iran—all the while being the greatest single impediment to any meaningful and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Reuters is reporting:
See http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101107/ts_nm/us_usa_israel
Under Netanyahu’s failed leadership, Israel has become even more of a pariah state, and perhaps the most hated state worldwide—which may result in the tragic deaths of innocent Israelis and other Jews globally. America must never go to war on Israel’s behalf, nor be pushed into any military action on behalf of the Jewish state.
Indeed, the United States must block all Israeli military actions against Iran that might potentially plunge America into a third war in the region. Any actions by Netanyahu or his government to thrust the United States into such a war, or otherwise jeopardize vital American interests in the region, must be met with the immediate termination of all U.S. military and economic aid to Israel.
Also, all Israeli settlements in what is likely to become the new State of Palestine must be eliminated, just as Ariel Sharon used the Israeli military to forcibly remove Jewish settlers from Gaza. No incentives of any kind should be offered to Israel to remove such settlements; and the United Nations should foster and approve unilateral statehood efforts by the Palestinians, which are apt to be embraced enthusiastically by countries around the world.
Only when Netanyahu is gone from political office will a meaningful and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians be possible.
. . .
Also, it is being reported that Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates—acting responsibly, and in a manner that is totally consistent with vital American interests—has rejected Netanyahu’s call for a “credible’ military threat against Iran”:
See http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/11/201011843928513710.html
LikeLike
Obama Tries To Bribe Israel, Which Is Outrageous
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that President Obama and his Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, have offered a package to the Netanyahu regime in Israel, which includes “20 stealth fighter jets worth $3 billion and a promise to veto anti-Israel proposals raised in the U.N. Security Council during the next year, including a potential Palestinian bid to seek international support for a unilateral declaration of statehood.” All of this is reportedly in exchange for Israel “renew[ing] its partial West Bank construction moratorium for 90 days,” which is patently absurd, a travesty, and another irresponsible waste of American taxpayers’ monies by Obama.
See http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mideast-talks-20101115,0,455416.story; see also http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704327704575614662954058370.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_world
Netanyahu should not be rewarded for anything. However, the package demonstrates that Obama and Hillary—the possible Democratic presidential candidate in 2012 (see, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/the-end-of-barack-obama/#comment-968 and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/sarah-and-todd-palin-the-big-winners/)—are serious about trying to jump start the peace talks, which Netanyahu scuttled.
LikeLike
Geez… Give it up already!
LikeLike
Israeli Military Facing Decline In Status, Recruits
This is the headline from a Boston Globe article about the decline of Israel’s once-vault military, which adds:
See http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2010/11/28/israeli_military_facing_decline_in_status_recruits/; see also http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703848204575608473772263624.html (“Who will defend this country?“)
LikeLike
Israel Can’t Defeat Hezbollah: Israeli Expert
Reuters is reporting:
See http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101216/wl_nm/us_israel_lebanon
LikeLike
The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process In 2011: Dead
The Israeli-Palestinian peace process is being held hostage to Netanyahu and his personality. He has power again, and he will do nothing to risk his power; and hence, nothing happens.
Obama challenged him in the beginning, after assuming the presidency, but then folded when Netanyahu and AIPAC orchestrated a display of “raw power” themselves. Like Netanyahu’s instincts for political survival, Obama is not likely to challenge Netanyahu again, especially after the Democrats’ stunning 2010 mid-term election losses. He tried to bribe Netanyahu, but that did not work either.
The political challenges to Netanyahu from within Israel seem almost nonexistent, except from his Right; and hence, there are not any dynamics that are moving the peace process forward in a meaningful way. With respect to the idea of the Palestinians going to the UN and seeking recognition of their new state, there is no reason to believe that may be fruitful either.
For those who seek a lasting and meaningful peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the creation of a viable State of Palestine, 2011 may be a very frustrating year.
Indeed, Avigdor Lieberman, the Israeli foreign minister, has said that peace is “impossible.”
See http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101226/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
LikeLike
Here’s something to chew on:
LikeLike
If true, then there is no real hope on the Arab side, and there is no hope on the Israeli side either, certainly with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm. The logical outcomes are more wars, until Israel is probably eliminated, tragically.
Again, as stated above, I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu.
As stated above too, the beliefs of Leah Rabin echo loud and clear today, who saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct. Israel may not survive for “5 or 10 generations” of American Jews—or even one more generation—unless steps are taken now to bring about a lasting peace. The clocking is ticking.
LikeLike
The Time For A Two-State Solution Has Come And Gone—Is War Next?
This is the “verdict” of Arnaud de Borchgrave, editor-at-large of The Washington Times and of United Press International, who has written:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2010/12/29/Commentary-Third-World-America/UPI-19141293622440/
The UK’s Economist adds:
See http://www.economist.com/node/17800151?fsrc=nwl (emphasis added); see also http://www.economist.com/node/17797714 (“America and the Middle East: Great sacrifices, small rewards—Has America’s obsession with this region been worth it?”)
In the final analysis, the time for a two-state solution may have come and gone, and the next war may be inevitable. Tragically, it may be simply a function of time before it begins.
LikeLike
America’s Influence Seems To Be Withering Faster In the Middle East Than Anywhere Else
This is the conclusion of the UK’s Economist in a fascinating article entitled, “America and the Middle East: Great sacrifices, small rewards”—and subtitled, “Has America’s obsession with this region been worth it?”—which is worth reading. In pertinent part, it states:
See http://www.economist.com/node/17797714 (emphasis in original)
LikeLike
Has Israel Ceased To Be A Democracy Because Of Its 43-Year-Old Occupation Of The West Bank, And Is It A Tragic, Failed Experiment?
These are issues discussed in an Atlantic article by Jeffery Goldberg, which is worth reading—and states:
See http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2010/12/what-if-israel-ceases-to-be-a-democracy/68582; see also http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8233929/Holocaust-survivors-warn-of-stirrings-of-neo-fascism.html (“Holocaust survivors warn of stirrings of neo-fascism [in Israel]”)
LikeLiked by 1 person
One Has To Love Netanyahu
On the one hand, he supposedly wants nonstop talks with the Palestinians, even though he has stonewalled meaningful peace efforts consistently. On the other hand, it is reported that under his leadership, Israel has been preparing for a “large scale war.” Neither is surprising. The first announcement is simply disingenuous hyperbole, while the second recognizes the realities that Israel faces.
See http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110102/D9KGA27O1.html and http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.68f5e94c91d2e5bac59427d81c150711.671&show_article=1
As I have stated many times before, in my comments above, I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. This undergirds a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu.
The beliefs of Leah Rabin still echo loud and clear today, who saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and of course she was correct. The clocking is ticking, and time is running out.
LikeLike
Ehud Barak Quits Israel’s Labor Party
The Wall Street Journal has reported:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/EhudBarakQuitsIsraelsLaborParty.pdf (emphasis added)
This does not bode well for the peace process, which seems to have been doomed anyway; and it is a sad day for the once-powerful, historically-important and influential Labor party.
LikeLike
The Only Thing Wrong With Hitler . . .
As I have written above:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-544 (“Why I Write And Say What I Do”)
The UK’s Daily Mail has an article entitled, “Revealed: How even German civilians took part in killing concentration camp survivors,” which is worth reading. It states in pertinent part as follows:
See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1347908/WW2-Holocaust-Even-German-civilians-killed-concentration-camp-survivors.html
I have no doubts that this happened, because I found strong anti-Semitic sentiments to be present in Germany approximately 40 years after World War II ended.
LikeLike
If The Demonstrations Spread, Things Could Get Out Of Control And Lead To The Downfall Of The Jordanian Monarchy
This is the conclusion of a Palestinian journalist who used to work in Amman—which has been reported in the Jerusalem Post. The Post’s article adds:
See http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=204030
LikeLike
Barack Obama Deserves To Be Impeached Immediately
In an article entitled, “Egypt protests: America’s secret backing for rebel leaders behind uprising”—and subtitled, “The American government secretly backed leading figures behind the Egyptian uprising who have been planning ‘regime change’ for the past three years, The Daily Telegraph has learned”—the UK’s Telegraph has reported:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/8289686/Egypt-protests-Americas-secret-backing-for-rebel-leaders-behind-uprising.html; see also http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/01/axelrod-president-obama-has-on-several-occasions-directly-confronted-mubarak-on-human-rights-for-the.html
Barack Obama is “Jimmy Carter-lite,” and evil. One must never forget that Carter’s policies with respect to Iran led to the fall of the Shah, and to the present regime, which is a threat to Israel, the region, the United States and the world.
Obama is the wrong person to be leading the United States today, and things will only get worse before he is gone. His departure cannot come fast enough.
LikeLike
Will Barack Obama Go Down In History As The President Who Lost The Middle East?
As I have written:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected
He is a cowardly demagogue, who failed to come to the aid of those courageous Iranians who were tortured and killed after rising up in protest against the disputed victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, following the 2009 Iranian presidential election.
It was a seminal moment in Obama’s presidency up to that point in time. He flinched, and demonstrated to the world that he is not a true small-“d” democrat; and that he is weak like Jimmy Carter was. He stood with our enemy, the theocracy in Iran.
With respect to Egypt, the United States must do whatever is necessary to make sure that radical Islam does not take over the country. If it happens, and if that spreads—for example to Jordan, another ally of ours and of Israel—at the very least Obama will go down in history as the president who lost the Middle East. Also, this might determine the fate of Israel.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-1344; but see http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703833204576114252976824050.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop (“Egypt . . . has the opportunity to become what it always should have been—the leader of a movement toward freedom and democracy in the Arab world”)
Political pundit and former Bill Clinton adviser, Dick Morris, has warned:
See http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/who-lost-egypt/
The United States cannot afford to lose Egypt, Jordan and other allies in the region. Among other things, Obama is pulling our forces out of Iraq; and a debacle is likely to follow in Afghanistan too, which seems to be a lost cause. All of this might determine the fate of Israel.
See, e.g., http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110201/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq;_ylt=Akg0dRp1i4NSyUsUi6YKt.0LewgF;_ylu=X3oDMTJkdnRuaHE2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMjAxL21sX2lyYXEEcG9zAzEEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDc2VuYXRlcmVwb3J0 (“American diplomats and other mission employees may not be safe in Iraq if the U.S. military leaves the volatile country at the end of the year as planned, according to a new report released [by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee]”)
As I have written:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected (emphasis added)
Obama might tragically alter America’s history by losing the Middle East.
The Israelis are deeply and justifiably concerned. In an important article entitled, “Israel shocked by Obama’s ‘betrayal’ of Mubarak,” Reuters has reported:
See http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/31/us-egypt-israel-usa-idUSTRE70U53720110131; see also http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110130/D9L2Q1Q00.html (“If Egypt resumes its conflict with Israel, Israelis fear, it will put a powerful Western-armed military on the side of Israel’s enemies while also weakening pro-Western states like Jordan and Saudi Arabia”)
Also, in an article captioned, “Israel Watches ‘Regional Earthquake’ in Egypt,” the Wall Street Journal has reported:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/IsraelWatchesRegionalEarthquakeinEgypt.pdf
The battle of Cairo has begun, just as battles have begun elsewhere in the Middle East. They will be ugly and brutal. When the dust settles finally, America’s “Hamlet on the Potomac”—or “Jimmy Carter-lite”—Barack Obama might have lost the region, just as Carter lost Iran to Islamic fascists. The consequences will be mind-boggling.
See also http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703445904576117801815760950.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories#articleTabs%3Dinteractive (The Wall Street Journal’s Interactive Timeline of “Regional Upheaval” in the Middle East)
LikeLike
After reading a recent interview with Sysrian President Assad in the Wall Street Journal the other day, I was struck by the absence of personal vitriol on his part versus Netanyahu as compared to yours. Something to possibly think over!
LikeLike
Thank you, Dovy, for your comments.
Yes, you are correct that I have been an outspoken critic of Netanyahu—for a long time—as indicated in my article above and my comments beneath it. I have not been alone in my thinking. Among others, the late Yitzhak and Leah Rabin, as well as Ariel Sharon, had similar views.
And no, I will not retract a word that I have written above. I believe “Palestine” is a powder keg of hatred, which might have been lessened if other policies had been pursued. However, as written in my comments immediately above these, we are at a different juncture in world history today. The peace process may be a dead letter; Egypt and other countries of the Middle East may fall; Israel may be in an even more precarious position in the days to come; and its very survival is at stake.
Under those circumstances, Israelis must “hunker down” and anticipate the worst, and hope—and yes, pray—for the best. So far, Netanyahu has acted responsibly; and I support the positions that he has taken during this crisis. Indeed, I have cited to them in my comments immediately above these.
Next, one of the articles that I have read in the last few days cited the importance to Israel of the peace with Egypt. Relatively few Israeli soldiers have been required, which has allowed Israel to flourish economically. All that might change in an instant, as you know.
. . .
Next, Obama is proving to be an unmitigated disaster, which was predictable before he was elected in 2008.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/ and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/; see also the footnotes and comments beneath both articles
The following headlines and articles are important: the “U.S. ‘held secret meeting with Muslim Brotherhood'” (see http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=258405); “Muslim Brotherhood: ‘Prepare Egyptians for war with Israel'” (see http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=206130); “Netanyahu fears Islamist takeover in Egypt” (see http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/australian-news/8750927/netanyahu-fears-islamist-takeover-in-egypt/); see also http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12338222 (“We are already facing Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the prospect of, God forbid, an autocratic, fundamentalist, Islamic organisation taking over in Egypt is obviously not something we can ignore. . . . What Israel wants is regional stability and President Mubarak has delivered that.”)
. . .
Lastly, it is one thing to criticize Netanyahu when the Middle East is relatively stable, as I have done. I have long felt that pushing the peace process might help defuse hatred of Israel and of the Jews. However, the history of the Middle East is changing—potentially in a tragic and ominous direction—and all bets are off.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-1367
LikeLike
Obama Is A Fool And A Political Naïf, And The Israelis Recognize It
In an important article entitled, “US response to Egypt draws criticism in Israel,” the AP has reported:
See http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110203/D9L59U1G0.html (emphasis added); see also http://www.economist.com/node/18065691 (“Worried Israel: Bad news for the Jewish state: Egypt’s upheaval is rattling the Israelis“)
As emphasized above, one conclusion jumps out:
Beyond that, he may be remembered as the American president who lost the Middle East, or certainly large portions of it. Again, he is an utter fool and a feckless naïf, and he must be removed from office before he can do even more damage to America and U.S. interests.
LikeLike
It’s not a matter of what Israel does or does not do, nor is Netanyahu all that important, because Israel is not the obstacle to peace in the Middle East. If war does get started it won’t be the fault of Israel.
There simply is no pathway to a negotiated peace when one side wants to survive and perhaps is willing to rearrange borders, and the other side’s goal is the total elimination of the former.
And that means war is the only recourse left to resolve the differences.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments.
You may be correct that war is inevitable. It is worth repeating, however, what I have written in several postings above. I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words then, and I have reflected on them many times since.
LikeLike
So don’t be overly shocked if the logic of the situation – as you and your quote laid out – prevails, and you wake up one morning after the Arabs (plus Persians) launch another war, and Mecca plus a half dozen other cities are gone.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments.
First, if that happened, it would be tantamount to a blunderbust approach, using a shotgun instead of a rifle. It would not affect the thousands of missiles that might be headed Israel’s way, or the other asymmetric warfare that might be directed at it; and the radioactive fallout from such attacks by Israel might kill its own citizens.
Second, as indicated in the article above, and in my other writings, I have been an outspoken critic of Netanyahu for at least a decade, beginning well before he came back into power for the second time. However, I am supportive of his positions today because the Middle East appears to be changing radically.
The niceties of the peace process may be swept aside by history; and Israel may be vulnerable like never before. Netanyahu is a strong leader; and there may not be anyone stronger to lead Israel through such perilous times.
LikeLike
A Military Solution In Egypt?
The Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer has a new article about Egypt, which is worth reading. In it, he states:
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/03/AR2011020305173.html
However, even more ominous is the following conclusion from an article by Arnaud de Borchgrave—editor at large of The Washington Times and of United Press International—which states:
See http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/2/the-mubarak-legend/
No American or citizen of any other nation should believe Barack Obama. He is a fool and a feckless naïf; and there are reports that the Israelis believe it too.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1369
What happens now is less important than what happens in the future; and there is reason to believe that Obama is losing Egypt, and may well lose the Middle East, or large parts of it. He is an unmitigated disaster with respect to this issue and essentially everything else that he touches.
LikeLike
Given the context you set up by your words and quote – the survival-threatening bind Israel will be in due to WMD and the geographical compression – what other outcome do you foresee?
Re: peace process being swept away….Since only one side is willing to negotiate towards a mutual coexistence, I’m not sure that the demise of the ‘peace process’ has any meaning. The struggle is just transitioning is the best that could be said.
In any case, the continuation of peace in its current form with little real ‘peaceful’ interaction (i.e. trade and movement of people) between Israel and its neighbors especially the largest one Egypt, may not be the best for Israel’s long term survival. Egypt’s population is kept suppressed and hostile towards Israel by a dictatorship ‘allied’ with the US (bought off might be a better more truthful description). It can neither grow economically, which might soften the hostility, nor can there be a decisive war with the alliance in place.
I agree that having Obama in charge does not inspire confidence that the outcome will be a good one, but no matter who is president the choices are not easy – this may be a case of finding the least bad outcome.
The biggest problem with Obama and his minions is that they really believe that the obstacle to peace is Israel when the real obstacle is elsewhere.
LikeLike
Thanks for your comments, as always.
My guess is that the net result would be total annihilation, and no possibility of “victory” for anyone. Hopefully Americans are nowhere to be found when that happens. “Palestine” and other areas would all look like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but on an area-wide or regional basis. Armageddon would have occurred.
LikeLike
Is Barack Obama Becoming A Handmaiden To Islamic Fascists?
It is a given that Obama is a cowardly demagogue. For example, he failed to come to the aid of those courageous Iranians who were tortured and killed after rising up in protest against the disputed victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, following the 2009 Iranian presidential election. The government of Iran is America’s enemy. Egypt’s Mubarak has been our ally, whom Obama has been “throwing under the bus”—which the Israelis understand fully, and watch with dismay and revulsion.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-1367 (“Obama Is A Fool And A Political Naïf, And The Israelis Recognize It”)
The Brits—another staunch ally—are outraged that Obama has agreed to tell Russia Britain’s nuclear secrets. The UK’s Telegraph has reported that Obama secretly agreed to give the Russians sensitive information about Britain’s nuclear deterrent to persuade them to sign the New START Treaty, which is traitorous and an impeachable offense.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/#comment-1383
The battle of Cairo has begun, just as battles have begun elsewhere in the Middle East. They will be ugly and brutal. When the dust settles finally, America’s far-Left, naïve, anti-war, narcissistic president—our “Hamlet on the Potomac” or “Jimmy Carter-lite”—Barack Obama might have lost not just Egypt but the entire region, just as Carter lost Iran to Islamic fascists. The consequences will be mind-boggling.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-1357; see also http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.4f6d274f3aeb88a025c7211f3b0a1ee7.3b1&show_article=1 (“Jordan will sooner or later be the target of an uprising similar to the ones in Tunisia and Egypt”)
Obama is a fool and a feckless naïf, who is pulling out of Iraq completely. His policies are leading to the utter failure of his Afghan War; and it is simply a matter of time before he cuts and runs from there as well. As shrewd as Hillary and Bill Clinton can be at times, they seem to miss the fact that we may be in the midst of “The Clash of Civilizations” that Samuel P. Huntington wrote about—which Richard Nixon worried about.
See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash_of_Civilizations; but see http://www.economist.com/node/18063852 (“[George W.] Bush was . . . a far more active champion of democracy than Mr Obama has been. . . . [T]he experts who scoffed at Mr Bush for thinking that Arabs wanted and were ready for democracy on the Western model are suddenly looking less clever—and Mr Bush’s simple and rather wonderful notion that Arabs want, deserve and are capable of democracy is looking rather wise”)
Islamic fascists find democratic movements and democracies abhorrent to them; and they are outwitting Obama at every turn, and making him into their handmaiden.
In an important Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Could al Qaeda Hijack Egypt’s Revolution?”—and subtitled, “Terrorists in Pakistan and mullahs in Tehran want to see chaos in Cairo. A splintered army and premature elections would help their cause”—Kenneth M. Pollack writes:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/KennethM.Pollack-CouldalQaedaHijackEgyptsRevolution.pdf; see also http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703313304576132362771119834.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond (“In the Desert, a Tourist Drought”)
LikeLike
The Collapse Of The Mubarak Regime, Wholly Unexpected A Month Ago, May Constitute A Precursor Of What Is To Come Elsewhere In The Middle East
Which countries are next? Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Israel? Where this stops, no one knows.
For those who think that it might never happen in Israel, the following comments—from an article in the UK’s Economist—are sobering:
See http://www.economist.com/node/18065691 (“Worried Israel: Bad news for the Jewish state: Egypt’s upheaval is rattling the Israelis“); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-1367 (“Obama Is A Fool And A Political Naïf, And The Israelis Recognize It”) and http://af.reuters.com/article/tunisiaNews/idAFLDE71C0KP20110213?sp=true (“Gaddafi tells Palestinians: revolt against Israel”)
Will the Jewish state be the next to fall—or among the next?
Another crucial question to ask is whether Barack Obama is the handmaiden of Islamic fascists, and whether he is facilitating the fall of America’s allies in the Middle East like dominoes?
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-1385
With respect to Israel, it bears repeating that I am forever reminded of what a prominent American (who is a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel) told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since. I have always assumed that Israel would be attacked from outside of “Palestine,” but not from within.
. . .
An editorial in the Wall Street Journal states:
However, one must never forget that America’s far-Left, naïve, anti-war, narcissistic president—“Hamlet on the Potomac” or “Jimmy Carter-lite”—Barack Obama failed to come to the aid of those courageous Iranians who were tortured and killed after rising up in protest against the disputed victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, following the 2009 Iranian presidential election.
Even worse, he coddled and gave comfort to America’s enemies, the brutal theocratic regime in that country. The Journal was guarded and too kind when it described his conduct as an “embarrassing silence.” It was nothing short of cruel; and he may have “signed” the death sentences of courageous Iranian protesters—but this is true of other uncaring, raving narcissists like Obama.
See, e.g., http://www.naegele.com/documents/IranianCrackdownGoesGlobal.pdf (“Iranian Crackdown Goes Global”) and http://www.naegele.com/documents/PresidentObamaSnubsIransDemocrats.pdf (“The President Snubs Iran’s Democrats”) and http://www.naegele.com/documents/Iransentences5todeathinpostelectionturmoil.pdf (“Iran sentences 5 to death in postelection turmoil”) and http://www.naegele.com/documents/IranianProtestersSentencedtoDeath.pdf (“An Alternative Nobel”)
For example, one Journal article—dated November 3, 2009—stated:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/PresidentObamaSnubsIransDemocrats.pdf
Also, the four articles cited immediately above stated: (1) the regime cracked down hard at home, and a Wall Street Journal investigation showed that it extended that crackdown to many of the 4 million Iranians living abroad as well; (2) Obama’s “engagement” with Iran was about nuclear weapons alone, no matter how many innocent Iranians were being beaten, tortured, raped and killed for expressing their hope for change; (3) the Iranian courts sentenced at least 89 defendants and 81 of them got prison terms ranging from six months up to 15 years; (4) the Obama Administration downplayed human rights in Iran as it pursued a negotiated nuclear settlement with the Ahmadinejad government; and (5) forgotten—at least by Barack Obama—is 27-year old Neda Aga Soltan, whose murder in June of 2009 by one of Ahmadinejad’s goon squads was captured on a video seen around the world.
. . .
In the final analysis, what is happening in Egypt and elsewhere may be another vindication of George W. Bush. Indeed, the Journal added:
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704364004576132281877448852.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_AboveLEFTTop; see also http://www.economist.com/node/18063852 (“[George W.] Bush was . . . a far more active champion of democracy than Mr Obama has been. . . . [T]he experts who scoffed at Mr Bush for thinking that Arabs wanted and were ready for democracy on the Western model are suddenly looking less clever—and Mr Bush’s simple and rather wonderful notion that Arabs want, deserve and are capable of democracy is looking rather wise”) and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/03/AR2011030304239.html (“[R]evolutions are sweeping the Middle East and everyone is a convert to George W. Bush’s freedom agenda”)
LikeLike
The Middle East Is On Fire Again, And Crazy Muslims With Funny Names Aren’t Helping Things—. . . Barack . . .
This is the first paragraph of Ann Coulter’s latest column entitled, “Democrats: Emboldening America’s Enemies & Terrifying Her Allies Since 1976,” which added:
See http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=41848; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/#comment-1408
LikeLike
Gates Presses Israeli And Palestinian Leaders To Restart Peace Talks
Reuters has reported:
See http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110324/pl_nm/us_israel_usa_gates
LikeLike
Egypt Air Removes Israel From Map
In an article that is subtitled, “Jordan stretches to sea in online map by Egypt’s largest airline, though it continues to fly to Israel,” it is reported:
See http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4046460,00.html
LikeLike
Most Countries—More Than 100—Are Expected To Vote Yes On The Issue Of Palestinian Statehood, Meaning It Will Pass In The UN’s General Assembly
In an important article entitled, “In Israel, Time for Peace Offer May Run Out,” the New York Times reported:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/world/middleeast/03mideast.html; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1405
Arguably the Palestinians would be smart to go to the UN, and establish the State of Palestine, without waiting any longer. If it happens, this is what the “leadership” of Netanyahu will have produced.
LikeLike
UN: Palestinian Institutions Ready For Statehood
Reuters has reported:
See http://ca.news.yahoo.com/palestinian-institutions-ready-statehood-u-n-20110412-070929-139.html; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1545
As an article in the UK’s Economist has noted:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1405
Will the “Scent of Jasmine” that began in Tunisia spread to and engulf Israel, or will peace reign and the new State of Palestine be established?
LikeLike
Will The Scent Of Jasmine Spawn Democratic Revolutions Like Those Of Eastern Europe, Or Islamic Revolutions Like Iran?
This is the dichotomy posed by Israel’s Netanyahu, which is discussed in an article entitled, “Arab Spring may turn into Iranian winter: Israel PM”:
See http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.eb63d08c46fc03277ee2b129a6b13866.c41&show_article=1
LikeLike
Is Israel A Villa In The Jungle?
The Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz asks and answers this question in an important editorial entitled, “Israel is a country evading reality”—and subtitled, “Israel is not located on a different planet than its neighbors. It cannot cut itself off from the storms raging in the Middle East, from the spirit of the times or from its growing isolation”—which is worth reading. It states in pertinent part the following:
See http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israel-is-a-country-evading-reality-1.360637
Netanyahu is an impediment to peace; and there seems to be an almost complete leadership void or vacuum in Israel. Where is today’s Yitzhak Rabin who recognizes the new opportunities for creative leadership and seizes them and the helm of Israel—and is not killed in the process?
Given Netanyahu’s continued intransigence and obstructionism—which is unlikely to change one iota—it is arguable that those who want lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians should welcome the UN efforts, not obstruct them. Such developments might change the entire political equation and landscape dramatically, in a positive direction.
A UN vote welcoming the State of Palestine as a member—whose territory includes all of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem—might constitute diplomatic recognition of the new state by more than 100 countries that are expected to vote “yes” on the issue of Palestinian statehood, and be consistent with the “Scent of Jasmine” that has been sweeping the Middle East. This UN vote is described by Ethan Bronner in a recent New York Times’ article; and it may do more to advance the peace process than anything that both Netanyahu and Barack Obama will ever do before it happens.
See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/world/middleeast/03mideast.html; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1545 (“Most Countries—More Than 100—Are Expected To Vote Yes On The Issue Of Palestinian Statehood, Meaning It Will Pass In The UN’s General Assembly”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1559 (“UN: Palestinian Institutions Ready For Statehood”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8514919/Mossad-carries-out-daring-London-raid-on-Syrian-official.html (“Mossad carries out daring London raid on Syrian official”) and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1387322/16-shot-dead-dozens-injured-violence-erupts-Israels-borders-Syria.html (“16 dead, dozens injured as violence erupts along Israel’s borders with Syria”) and http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2011-05-19-israel-middle-east-uprising-future_n.htm (“Israelis split on impact of Middle East uprisings”) and http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2011/05/20/Commentary-Israel-So-Nu/UPI-19401305890346/ (“It [is] easier to spot the rites of hell in the Arab world than the rites of spring”)
LikeLike
The 1967 Borders
The Wall Street Journal had two articles about this subject, and whether such borders are defensible by Israel. Both argue that they are not; however, if a majority of the UN General Assembly’s members vote “yes” on the issue of Palestinian statehood, based on such borders, query what this will mean?
An editorial in the Journal stated:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/The1967LineofFire.pdf
An article by Dore Gold, a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations—entitled, “Israel’s 1967 Borders Aren’t Defensible”—added:
See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703421204576329373006279638.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion
Indeed, Abbas wrote:
See also http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/opinion/17abbas.html
As Ethan Bronner pointed out in a New York Times article, if more than 100 countries vote “yes” in the UN General Assembly on the issue of Palestinian statehood, based on the 1967 borders, it will potentially create a conundrum of unfathomable and dangerous proportions for the Israelis—which might determine the State of Israel’s very existence ultimately.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1545; see also http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-20/netanyahus-ill-advised-white-house-tantrum-over-obamas-mideast-speech/?om_rid=NsfkQq&om_mid=_BN18WLB8bTQEfB# (“Netanyahu’s rejection of Obama’s Mideast speech underestimated the president’s strength—and could hasten the Israeli leader’s political demise”) and http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-23/benjamin-netanyahus-bizarre-response-to-obamas-proposal-for-negotiations-with-palestinians/?om_rid=NsfkQq&om_mid=_BN2konB8bVoy$r (“[T]he U.N. General Assembly will vote, probably overwhelmingly, to recognize a Palestinian state along Israel’s 1967 borders. . . . [Netanyahu] has made it easy for the Palestinians to eschew negotiations and stick with their U.N. strategy. Obama threw him a lifeline and he has defiantly tossed it back. It makes you wonder whether Netanyahu has any grasp of the world in which he is living. . . . Does he have any strategy for the ‘diplomatic tsunami’—in Ehud Barak’s words—that is about to hit?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1587 (“Is Israel A Villa In The Jungle?”)
. . .
Perhaps most prophetic about Israel’s future is an article by political pundit and former Bill Clinton adviser, Dick Morris, who is himself a Jew. While the article was intended to present a stark choice for Jewish-American voters, between Obama and the Jewish state’s survival, it underscores Israel’s perilous future. Among other things, Morris writes:
See http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/obamas-war-on-israel/#more-3142
. . .
Next—in an article entitled, “What Obama did to Israel”—the Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer writes:
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-obama-did-to-israel/2011/05/26/AGJfYJCH_story.html
As I have stated before, Obama views Israel with antipathy—if not genuine hatred—as the oppressor, and the Palestinians as the oppressed, much as he viewed apartheid in South Africa; and he views Netanyahu as the embodiment or personification of that oppression.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/ and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304066504576341212934894494.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion (“An Anti-Israel President”)
. . .
What would a lopsided vote in the UN—in favor of Palestinian statehood—mean for Israel, as a practical matter? It would be disastrous, and might lead to (1) the isolation of Israel by the world community; (2) divestment of investments in Israel and Israel-related entities, and a boycott of its products; (3) limits on the travel of Israeli officials and other Israeli citizens; (4) charges being brought in national and international tribunals against Israelis and the State of Israel; (5) riots like those sweeping other countries, which Israel would be hard pressed to put down; and (6) the list goes on and on.
Such a lopsided vote in favor of statehood would represent the utter failure of Netanyahu and his government, and Israel’s rejection by the world community. At some point, Netanyahu may be urged to resign, and forced to do so—and humiliated. The problem is that Israel has a leadership vacuum. Where is Israel’s Yitzhak Rabin today? Also, if things get as bad as they might, can the “Genie” be put back in the jar, or will chaos descend—and will it be too late? There is the suggestion already that some of Israel’s brighter minds in the tech field might flee to Silicon Valley or elsewhere.
Like the game of chess, once the State of Palestine is created and sanctioned by a lopsided vote in its favor by a majority of the UN General Assembly’s members, Israel might be in “check.” If so, can “checkmate” be far off?
But see http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-israel-cannot-prevent-un-recognition-of-palestinian-state-1.364963
. . .
And now it begins . . .
As the UK’s Economist noted:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1405; see also http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8557772/Israeli-troops-fire-on-Palestinian-protesters-killing-four.html (“Israeli troops fire on Palestinian protesters, killing four”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8558216/20-dead-as-Israeli-troops-fire-on-Golan-Heights-protesters.html (“’20 dead’ as Israeli troops fire on Golan Heights protesters”) and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304474804576366973385341118.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories (“Syria’s state news agency said 23 people were killed and more than 350 were injured”)
LikeLike
Will An Unchecked Netanyahu Act Irresponsibly, Dangerously And Disastrously?
Veteran TIME magazine political columnist Joe Klein wrote a potentially-important column entitled, “Some Sanity From Israel,” which is worth reading. It stated in pertinent part:
See http://swampland.time.com/2011/06/05/some-sanity-from-israel/ (emphasis added)
In a hard-hitting commentary—entitled, “Bibi: Et Tu Brutus?”—Arnaud de Borchgrave, editor-at-large of The Washington Times and of United Press International, confirmed what Klein wrote, and added:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2011/06/06/Commentary-Bibi-Et-Tu-Brutus/UPI-15191307361251/; see also http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2011/08/05/Commentary-Black-swans-galore/UPI-12431312550158/
Dagan, Ashkenazi, and Diskin are not lightweights, nor are they anything other than total Israeli patriots. Yet, imagine Netanyahu making some truly irresponsible and dangerous moves—which are “unchecked”—simply because he can. Nothing short of scary. However, being the raving narcissist and demagogue that he is, anything is possible.
It is small wonder that he was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and her views were prescient. If anything, they seem like an understatement today.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran (see also the footnotes and other comments beneath this article)
LikeLike
Mass Protests Like The Kind Seen In Arab Nations In Recent Months Would Be Unstoppable
In an article entitled, “Israelis, Palestinians brace for massive statehood protests,” the Los Angeles Times has reported:
See http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-palestinians-protest-20110818,0,2483570.story (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1629 (“Will An Unchecked Netanyahu Act Irresponsibly, Dangerously And Disastrously?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1599 (“The 1967 Borders”)
Will the “Arab Spring” and the “Scent of Jasmine” engulf Israel? Only time will tell.
LikeLike
Israel Issues A Rare Apology For The Killing Of Three Egyptian Security Officers
The New York Times has reported:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/world/middleeast/21egypt.html?hp (emphasis added)
LikeLike
The Lessons of Baghdad: Obama And NATO Snookered By Al Qaeda And China In Libya?
In a Wall Street Journal article entitled, “From Baghdad to Tripoli”—and subtitled, “In stark contrast to the challenges faced by Iraq, fair winds attend the Libyan venture”—Fouad Ajami has written:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/FouadAjami-FromBaghdadtoTripoli.pdf
This rosy assessment for Libya stands in sharp contrast with the sobering views of Arnaud de Borchgrave—the distinguished editor-at-large of The Washington Times and of United Press International.
Indeed, de Borchgrave has written:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2011/08/22/Commentary-New-world-disorder/UPI-22821314015006/
Even more disturbing are the following facts about Libya, which de Borchgrave has described in great detail in an article—entitled, “Global con?”—which is essential reading:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2011/09/01/Commentary-Global-con/UPI-85911314879713/
Will China, Islamic fascists and al Qaeda win the war in Libya; and once again has America’s raving narcissist and consummate demagogue—its “Hamlet on the Potomac” and “Jimmy Carter-lite”—Barack Obama, been nothing more than a fool, a buffoon, and a feckless naïf, who lost the Middle East?
LikeLike
Jeremy Ben-Ami, “A New Voice For Israel”—A Wonderful Book That Should Be Read By Anyone Who Cares About And Wants To Understand Israel’s Past, Present And Future [UPDATED]
Jeremy Ben-Ami is a gifted leader with great attention to detail, who has surrounded himself with exceptional people at J Street. His excellent book, “A New Voice For Israel,” reflects the man, the organization, the values of both, very touching personal remembrances, and lots of ideas. Hopefully these ideas will take root and help shape the debate concerning the direction of peace in the Middle East—between Israel, the Palestinians, and other states that are changing their directions as a result of the “Arab Spring” and the “Scent of Jasmine,” which have been sweeping the region.
Ben-Ami attacks the “sacred cows” of American Jewry and its “traditional pro-Israel lobbying groups,” as well as “the acceptable parameters of the Israel conversation,” the “guardians of the pro-Israel brand,” the “us-versus-them worldview” and the right-of-center “official American Jewish establishment”—such as the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). His views are considered by many as heresy and treasonous; however, as he points out, the establishment might have saved more Jews from their horrendous fate in World War II, instead of being impediments. The same thing was true of the crushing of Irgun, the patriotic Jewish underground militia with which Ben-Ami’s father served.
A fundamental issue raised by the book is why Ben-Ami seeks to shape the views of a likely one-term president, Barack Obama, American Jews and members of Congress, when it is the reactionary elements in Israel—led and epitomized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, possibly the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had—which must be changed. Why work the American side of the Atlantic when it is Israelis who must want a lasting peace in the Middle East, or perish. As Ben-Ami points out, more and more Jewish-American students are looking for ways to express concern and anger over the plight of the Palestinian people; and responses grounded in denial or worse simply deepen this anger.
Netanyahu was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and her views were prescient. Nothing has changed since Leah Rabin’s death, except Netanyahu is once again Israel’s Prime Minister. He is fully capable of igniting a conflagration in the Middle East that might end Israel’s existence, and become the first “Holocaust” of the 21st Century.
In a sense, Ben-Ami’s book is similar to Obama’s “Dreams from My Father,” except Obama concluded that his father—whom he only knew for one month of his life, at the age of 10—was a “bitter drunk,” an “abusive husband,” and a “defeated, lonely bureaucrat,” and that “[w]hatever I do, it seems, I won’t do much worse than he did.” Ben-Ami is continuing his father’s dreams; and there is reason to believe that his father would be very proud of him, albeit they might not agree completely.
In some ways, Ben-Ami and I are polar opposites. I am not Jewish; he is. His “unwritten family rule” and his own leanings were against voting for Republicans. I grew up in a devoutly Republican family, which revered Dwight Eisenhower—a German-American hero who destroyed the Third Reich—Richard Nixon and Douglas MacArthur, and thought Harry Truman was a traitor. However, when given the chance to vote, I registered as a Democrat, and never voted for Nixon. I left the party because of Lyndon Johnson and his Vietnam War; and I left the Republican Party after that, because it was too conservative and dogmatic. I voted for Reagan and the Bushes, and would do so again today, although I have been an Independent for 20 years.
Like Ben-Ami and his views of the “mainstream Jewish leadership,” I too have rebelled against the leadership of both American political parties, and look forward to the day when an Independent occupies the White House, and other major officeholders are Independents as well. My parents were not anti-Semitic; and in fact, I do not recall them mentioning Israel at all. Yet, I grew up believing it was David against Goliath; and that Israel could do no wrong. My Israeli hero was Yitzhak Rabin; and I even came to admire Sharon before his stroke, inter alia, because he recognized that Israeli settlements had become impediments to peace, and must be removed by force if necessary. I admire Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak as well.
Today, Israel is no longer viewed as “a shining city upon a hill” or the “light unto the nations”—which it once was—but as an oppressor. This perception will only grow as long as Netanyahu remains in power. He is hated, and he personifies a country that is hated; and his critics, Jews and non-Jews alike, are falsely labeled as “Israel haters,” “self-hating Jews” or anti-Semites. His removal will provide a breath of fresh air for Israel, which is long overdue, and a chance for peace between Israelis and their neighbors. In a very real sense, despite what he says publicly, there is reason to believe that Obama views Israel as the oppressor too, just as he hated Apartheid in South Africa and British colonial rule.
What is fascinating—and represents a challenge to Jewish orthodoxy—is that the Republicans, with George W. Bush being an outstanding example, have been much stronger supporters and champions of Israel than the Democrats. Yet, a failure or refusal to recognize this fact has led American Jews including Ben-Ami to embrace Democrats. What Ben-Ami has spelled out in his thoughtful and well-written book is his mission and that of J Street to complete Yitzhak Rabin’s work of achieving lasting peace, and to dedicate their efforts to ending the violence, and to “rewrite the rules” of political discourse with respect to Israel, so that moderate voices are heard—worthy goals that I support completely.
To achieve this, Ben-Ami and J Street will have to reach out to Jews and non-Jews, Republicans and Independents, members of the Tea Party movement and “disenchanted” Democrats, because far-Left and Leftist Democrats are not the solution to anything. Indeed, it is a grave mistake to tie one’s star to them, or to be exclusionary. Bush family confidant, former Reagan chief of staff and Secretary of State James Baker was correct when he observed that Jews do not vote for Republicans—and they “constitute only 2 percent of the entire American population” anyway, according to Ben-Ami—so why should Republicans help Israel or support Jewish causes at all?
Yes, right-wing evangelical Christians are rabid supporters of Israel and a force within the GOP, but their views do not reflect those of mainstream Christians. Like David Ben-Gurion and other Israelis who crushed the Jews of Irgun, the Democrats must not be permitted to dominate and skew J Street or Israel’s future; and the GOP must not be viewed as monolithic or in lock step with evangelical Christian fringe groups, such as “Christian Zionists.”
My paternal grandfather believed it was a mistake for the United States to be in the Middle East; and there is wisdom in his views. According to his logic, we would not have fought the Gulf War, or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and we would remain neutral with respect to Israel and the Palestinians, and the other countries of the Middle East as well. Any notion that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a fundamental national interest of America is nonsense. Like the views of many in the United States prior to World War II, Americans might remain neutral and let the chips fall where they may, rather than engage in any more unpopular military incursions.
Israel and the United States are not “joined at the hip,” and they have vastly different and divergent national self-interests. Presumably Ben-Ami does not agree, although he does say: “We should not ask people, organizations, or even countries to pick sides—either with us or against us.” One wonders at times, however, whether he is not attempting to push at one end of a string, regardless of how well intentioned, moralistic and idealistic he is. One wonders too whether he and the Jews with whom I grew up in Los Angeles are polar opposites. They were integrated and assimilated; and neither their parents nor they were victims of the Nazi Holocaust.
Another example comes to mind of a Jewish lawyer from the Midwest with whom I was working on a lawsuit. He came to Washington, D.C. and had never seen the Holocaust Museum, so I took him there. His family came to the United States in the 1800s, and he told me that none of his relatives were victims of the Holocaust, nor did he know anyone who was affected by it. In many ways, he did not relate to it, although he was moved emotionally after we toured the museum. He and the Jews with whom I grew up may not relate to Ben-Ami, inter alia, because neither they nor their parents are immigrant Jews. To them, Israel may be as distant and foreign as the Germany, Ireland, Scotland and England of my ancestors are to me.
I visited Dachau during a summer in Europe when I was in law school at Berkeley, so I had seen the Nazi horrors firsthand, but my lawyer-friend had not. I tried to understand how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany—the country of my father’s ancestors, who came to America in 1849. What I learned was that anti-Semitism is alive in Germany; and that “the campaign to silence dissent”—as Ben-Ami describes intimidation, fear, invective, division and discrimination in the Jewish community—is what allowed Nazism to flourish. Dissenters were viewed as traitors, hated and killed.
Contrariwise, dissent and healthy debate must be welcomed and encouraged; and they are the very essence of America’s democracy and our freedoms. Far too often, criticism—for example, of our institutions such as law enforcement or the judiciary—is equated with disloyalty toward either the United States or Israel, which it is not. “Witch hunts” and “thought police” (Ben-Ami’s terms) have no place in democratic societies.
Next, will any of Ben-Ami’s fine analysis, nuanced discussions, and logical and sober reasoning make a tinker’s dam worth of difference if Israel does not survive? I am forever reminded of what a prominent American—who is a Jew, and a strong supporter of Israel, with impeccable credentials—told me a number of years ago:
I was stunned by this person’s words, and I have reflected on them many times since.
This and the uprisings sweeping the region, which may be co-opted by Islamic fascists and engulf Israel ultimately, undergird a sense of urgency concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process; not peace at any price, but something different than the approach being taken by Netanyahu. Indeed, action by the UN General Assembly on the issue of Palestinian statehood may be the only means of moving the peace process forward, because neither Obama—in the waning days of his failed presidency—nor Netanyahu, are likely to make a positive difference.
Does Ben-Ami have the answers? His heart is in the right place; and his is a legitimate, persuasive voice. He certainly rings the alarm bells, inter alia, by soberly raising the issue of whether Israel and his great-grandparents’ Tel Aviv will be there for his offspring in 2109 at the city’s bicentennial—and implicitly, well before then. He is frank, forthright and courageous in his assessments, concerns and the stark choices ahead for Israel. While I do not agree with all of his views, one cannot discount his honesty, sincerity and integrity, which shine through in his essentially-flawless writings and hard-hitting, thought-provoking book.
Lastly, Simon Wiesenthal was a hero of mine, ever since I read his book many years ago, “The Murderers Among Us.” Later I read an article about him, in which the famous Nazi hunter spoke about the duty owed by survivors of the Nazi Holocaust to Jews and non-Jews alike to insure that other holocausts do not occur again, and of course he was correct. In many ways, Ben-Ami evokes the wisdom of Wiesenthal and the heritage of their forefathers, in asking about the treatment of Palestinians: “Is this how I wanted to be treated when I was a minority in another people’s country?”
See http://www.amazon.com/New-Voice-Israel-Fighting-Survival/dp/0230112749/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top and http://www.amazon.com/review/R2KIT50GPQDUMR/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0230112749&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=
. . .
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/ and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/the-rise-of-independents/ (“The Rise Of Independents”) and http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=25102&docId=l:1492175491&isRss=true&Em=4 (“The Obama administration has begun a last-ditch diplomatic campaign to avert a confrontation this month over a Palestinian plan to seek recognition as a state at the United Nations, but it may already be too late”) and http://news.yahoo.com/us-campaigns-avoid-palestinian-statehood-vote-045709137.html (“‘We won’t give up UN bid’: Palestinians”) and http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NachrichtenHeute/tabid/178/nid/22934/language/en-US/Default.aspx (“Jewish ‘settlers’ prepared for Palestinian onslaught”) and http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/03/us-israel-economy-protests-idUSTRE7821OS20110903 (“Biggest rally in Israel’s history presses [Netanyahu]”) and http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5idEZtPjhgTs-Ra5FXoNHhn99CL7Q?docId=c47392e7459646518d9afc2444065c0a (“Israel’s leader [Netanyahu] defiantly refused . . . to apologize to Turkey for a deadly Israeli raid on a Turkish-led flotilla bent on breaching Israel’s Gaza Strip blockade”) and http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4118220,00.html (“Senior IDF officer warns of ‘radical Islamic winter’ that may lead to regional war, could prompt use of WMDs”) and http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/opinion/06iht-edcohen06.html?_r=1&hp (“Israel Isolates Itself”)
. . .
Jeremy Ben-Ami’s grandparents were one of the founding families of Tel Aviv, and his father was an activist and leader in the Irgun, working for Israel’s independence and on the rescue of European Jews before and during World War II. His credentials are impeccable.
LikeLike
Israeli Intelligence Operations In The United States Are Quite Extensive, Ranking Just Below Those Of China And Russia
According to the New York Times, this is the conclusion of former American counterintelligence officials, and they added:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/us/06leak.html
The latest context in which this has arisen is described in the Times article as follows:
See also http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/24/AR2010052403795_pf.html (“Former FBI employee sentenced for leaking classified papers”)
LikeLike
Israel’s Options Are Limited And Poor, While An Increasingly-Impotent Netanyahu Flails About, Seemingly Oblivious To What He Has Done To Destroy Peace With His Country’s Neighbors
This was all foreseeable. Nonetheless, it is very sobering, with much worse yet to come.
In an article entitled, “Beyond Cairo, Israel Sensing a Wider Siege,” the New York Times notes:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/world/middleeast/11israel.html?_r=1&hp; see also http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/09/10/123733/israel-facing-diplomatic-tsunami.html (“When the [UN] vote happens[,] Israel will see how isolated it truly is”) and http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=TX-PAR-HVF13&show_article=1 (“Russia supports Palestinian bid to win UN statehood: envoy”) and http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4121261,00.html (“Jordan’s Abdullah: Israel’s situation today more difficult than ever”) and http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9PO05D00&show_article=1 (“Former President Carter backs Palestinian UN bid”) and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8762950/Israel-warns-of-harsh-consequences-of-Palestinian-UN-bid.html (“Israel warns of ‘harsh’ consequences of Palestinian UN bid”)
The chickens are coming home to roost. It is time to remove Netanyahu from political office once and for all.
. . .
Note: We receive all kinds of comments with respect to the articles and comments that I write. Some are very intelligent and well reasoned, while others are from “cranks,” et al. We just received this one, which is sobering and ominous:
LikeLike
Obama Is A Hypocrite, A Demagogue, and a Raving Unprincipled Narcissist
As the UK’s Financial Times has underscored:
See http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/0e21ea0a-dfe2-11e0-a820-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1YLoV5Mjk; see also http://www.naegele.com/documents/PalestinianOptionsatUNLeadtoLegalThreattoIsraelsMilitary.pdf (“Palestinian Options at U.N. Lead to Legal Threat to Israel’s Military”)
What is clear from this and so many other examples like it is that Obama is a fool, a fad and a feckless naïf, and a tragic Shakespearean figure who will be forgotten and consigned to the dustheap of history—unless he tragically alters the course of American history.
His naïveté is matched by his overarching narcissism; and he is more starry-eyed and “dangerous” than Jimmy Carter. Indeed, it is likely that his presidency will be considered a sad and tragic watershed in history; and the American people are recognizing this more and more with each day that passes.
He must be sent packing either to Chicago or Hawaii not later than January of 2013, to lick his political wounds and write his memoirs, and work full time on his golf scores and his presidential library. It cannot happen fast enough, for the good of the world, the United States and the American people, before he does even more damage!
See also http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-09-20/poll-economy-obama/50483094/1?loc=interstitialskip (“Poll: Economic pessimism deepens, and more blame Obama”)
LikeLike
Bill Clinton: Netanyahu Killed The Peace Process
While I have seldom agreed with the former American president in the past, and I did not vote for him, I agree 100 percent with this conclusion, which is discussed in a Foreign Policy article:
See http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/09/22/bill_clinton_netanyahu_killed_the_peace_process; see also http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_MIDEAST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-09-23-11-33-58 (“Palestinians submit UN statehood bid”) and http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/09/23/abbas-expected-to-push-ahead-with-bid-for-palestinian-membership-in-u-n/ (“Netanyahu Blasts UN As ‘House Of Lies'”) and http://www.economist.com/node/21530117 (“Netanyahu has been the biggest stumbling-block. . . . By his intransigence[,] Netanyahu has played into the hands of those who would destroy Israel”)
LikeLike
Panetta Warns Of Israeli Isolation
This is the title of a Wall Street Journal article, which states:
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/PanettaWarnsofIsraeliIsolation.pdf
The Palestinians would be foolish to trust Netanyahu, because he cannot be trusted. They should move ahead full speed with respect to the United Nations’ recognition of the new State of Palestine, by overwhelming votes of its members.
LikeLike
Netanyahu Bows To Palestinians
In agreeing to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, Netanyahu has bestowed a “great victory for terrorism.” This is the conclusion of Israel’s National Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau; and of course he is correct.
See http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/rightwing-minister-uzi-landau-shalit-swap-deal-is-great-victory-for-terrorism-1.389591 and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8822044/Israel-Cabinet-minister-says-Gilad-Shalit-deal-is-victory-for-terror.html; see also http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-16/israel-palestinian-swap/50788868/1 (“Hamas militants will release Sgt. Gilad Schalit in exchange for 1,027 Palestinians in Israeli prisons”)
It has always been clear that Netanyahu has no principles at all, and this is simply further confirmation of that fact.
LikeLike
Is Netanyahu’s Next Irresponsible Adventure An Attack On Iran?
This is what has been suggested in a Washington Times article entitled, “Israeli prisoner swap may be prelude to attack on Iran,” which states:
See http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/28/israeli-prisoner-swap-may-be-prelude-attack-iran/; see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1629 (“Will An Unchecked Netanyahu Act Irresponsibly, Dangerously And Disastrously?”) and http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-israel-iran-20111108,0,1547654.story (“Netanyahu . . . [is] reckless and gambling with Israel’s future”) and http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204224604577027842025797760.html?grcc=999a5383fcf0735b091f94c87c059d42Z3&mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_opinion&_nocache=1321022247721articleTabs=comments&user=welcome&mg=id-wsj#articleTabs%3Darticle (The Wall Street Journal “shills” for Netanyahu, and champions war with Iran, which is irresponsible journalism at its zenith) and http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/14/attack-on-iran-could-risk-gulf-oil-supplies/ (“Attack on Iran could risk Gulf oil supplies”) and http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/29/israeli-thuggery/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter (“Israeli Thuggery”)
There is no question that Netanyahu is the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had, and a narcissistic demagogue who is delusional.
As noted in the article and comments above, he was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and her views were prescient.
World leaders have had almost universal contempt if not hatred for Netanyahu since he became Israel’s Prime Minister, both times. For example, it has been reported:
See http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4145266,00.html (“Report: Sarkozy calls Netanyahu ‘liar'”); but see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8877203/Is-Benjamin-Netanyahu-having-the-last-laugh-at-Barack-Obamas-expense.html (“Is Benjamin Netanyahu having the last laugh at Barack Obama’s expense?”)
The United States must not go to war for Israel. This is insanity.
LikeLike
An American Tragedy: Barack Obama Lost Iraq
This is the conclusion of the Washington Post‘s Charles Krauthammer, who has written:
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/who-lost-iraq/2011/11/03/gIQAUcUqjM_story.html (emphasis in original); see also http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2011/11/07/Commentary-Grapes-of-wrath/UPI-63781320672616/ (“Grapes of wrath”) and http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/who-lost-the-arab-world-dick-morris-tv-lunch-alert/ (“Who Lost The Arab World?”)
It has been said:
This is an understatement.
Biden is a total buffoon and a pathological liar, so the results of his efforts were predictable. What is even worse is that Obama—America’s “Hamlet on the Potomac” and “Jimmy Carter-lite,” who is the United States’ worst president ever, having been raised in an Islamic country (i.e., Indonesia)—is losing Afghanistan and the Middle East as well.
What is abundantly clear is that Obama must not be simply defeated in his reelection bid. He should be impeached, and driven from the American presidency in shame and disgrace!
LikeLike
Is Israel Preparing To Attack Iran?
This is the title of a Washington Post article; and as I have written before, Netanyahu is irresponsible and ‘unhinged” enough to do it. Also, it is likely that this article reflects ever-increasing Israeli propaganda, designed to apply maximum pressure on Iran and bring the United States into another shooting war in the Middle East, if Israel’s efforts produce a calamity.
Nonetheless, the article states in pertinent part as follows:
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/is-israel-preparing-to-attack-iran/2012/02/02/gIQANjfTkQ_story.html and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1880 (“Is Netanyahu’s Next Irresponsible Adventure An Attack On Iran?”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1838 (“Bill Clinton: Netanyahu Killed The Peace Process”)
If Barack Obama cannot restrain or stop America’s ally, Israel, he should be removed from office—which is likely to happen anyway, not later than January of 2013, when he retreats either to Chicago or Hawaii to lick his political wounds and write his memoirs, and work full time on his presidential library.
Also, America should not provide any military aid or assistance to Israel, which would enable that country to precipitate another war in the Middle East. The United States is not obligated, morally or otherwise, to come to Israel’s defense or rescue if it is attacked. That is utter nonsense, and simply Israeli propaganda.
As I have written many times in the article and comments above, which are reflected in the words and actions of world leaders as well, Netanyahu is the most dangerous and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had. He is fully capable of bringing about the destruction of his own country and/or launching America into another war in the Middle East.
He is a “demonic” Narcissistic warmonger—who is perfectly willing to shed American blood—not a peacemaker; and he is no friend of the United States.
See also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1880 (“World leaders have had almost universal contempt if not hatred for Netanyahu since he became Israel’s Prime Minister, both times”)
Also, it would be very easy for Islamic fascists to begin targeting Jews worldwide, in Europe and elsewhere. There is nothing that Israel or its Mossad could do to prevent this. Indeed, it is surprising that such attacks have not begun already, creating a tragic “silent” Holocaust. These are the “fires” that Netanyahu is fanning—and has been fanning for most of his political life—which would put innocent Jews everywhere at risk.
One must never forget, as I have written in the article above:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/
LikeLike
Israel Teams With Terror Group—Which Killed Americans—To Kill Iran’s Nuclear Scientists
According to NBC News:
See http://rockcenter.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/09/10354553-israel-teams-with-terror-group-to-kill-irans-nuclear-scientists-us-officials-tell-nbc-news
Can anyone be the least bit surprised about this?
It is the way that the “demonic” Narcissistic warmonger, Netanyahu, operates—who is the most dangerous, reckless and irresponsible leader that Israel has ever had. At his behest, Israel has engaged in targeted killings in Dubai and elsewhere, which are discussed in the article and comments above.
The moral depravity that this represents is reminiscent of the brutal attack by Israel on the U.S. Navy intelligence ship, the USS Liberty, in which 34 Americans were killed and another 174 were wounded.
See, e.g., http://www.gtr5.com/index.html
Again, as I have written in the article above, Netanyahu was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and her views were prescient.
What will Netanyahu do to provoke America’s involvement in a war with Iran? Stay tuned. It is probably only a matter of time, not if or whether he will do it.
LikeLike
New Attacks On Israelis Have Begun, Which May Spread To Other Jews Worldwide
In an article entitled, “Bombs target Israeli diplomats in India, Georgia; 2 injured,” the Washington Post reported:
See http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/bombs-target-israeli-diplomats-in-india-georgia-2-injured/2012/02/13/gIQA2kDlAR_story.html
As NBC News reported, Israel teamed with a terror group—which killed Americans—to kill Iran’s nuclear scientists. And it has engaged in other targeted killings. Thus, how can anyone be shocked when Israelis are targeted as well? Or that Netanyahu has once again blamed Iran?
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1996
As I wrote in the article above:
And I added in a comment:
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1980 (“Is Israel Preparing To Attack Iran?”); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-193 (“Israel’s Shills”)
Today, Israeli diplomats are attacked. Tomorrow it may be Israeli citizens, traveling outside of their country. Then, it may be innocent Jews anywhere in the world. And the attackers may not be Iranians or their surrogates, but “faceless” Islamic fascists everywhere—like the killers in Dubai.
The war against Israel would have entered a new phase or dimension; and it might be unstoppable, even if Israel could eradicate Iran or bring about a regime change there. Indeed, the fury that such actions might spawn could be catastrophic for the Jewish State and Jews worldwide. A tragic “silent” Holocaust might in fact occur globally.
As I have written:
See http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IZNLUFAV5TJX/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
Instead of a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians being closer at hand, it is more unlikely than ever. And the madness is continuing, and taking on a life of its own.
. . .
Arnaud de Borchgrave—the distinguished editor-at-large of The Washington Times and of United Press International—has written an article about Zbigniew Brzezinski, whom he describes as “the only rival to Henry Kissinger in America’s contemporary geopolitical hall of fame.” In it, he notes:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2012/02/13/Commentary-Global-power-gone/UPI-55401329133416/
The answer, of course, is “slim-to-none.” It would represent madness, compliments of Israel’s “demonic” Narcissistic warmonger, Netanyahu. He is trying to drive the United States to war—not unlike the prelude to our war in Iraq, which cost Americans vast financial and human treasures—just when our economy is “teetering,” Europe’s economy is a basket case, and lots of Americans are suffering greatly.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-2001 (“Greece Is The Tip Of An Enormous Iceberg”) (see also the article itself, as well as the footnotes and all of the other comments beneath it)
. . .
Many people globally remember the closing scene and the famous line from the Academy Award-winning “Best Picture” and Hollywood movie classic, Casablanca. The Vichy Captain, who is in charge of the local police, tells them to “round up the usual suspects” instead of arresting actor Humphrey Bogart’s character Rick for murder.
Without trivializing the brutal attacks on Israelis or other Jews at all, Netanyahu conveniently blames Iran (or its surrogates) for fomenting all of these attacks, while Israel denies any culpability with respect to the targeted killing in Dubai and the deaths of Iranian nuclear scientists. His duplicity and demagoguery are not lost on people around the world who, at the very least, try to remain neutral with respect to Israel.
LikeLike
The Wall Street Journal And Others Shill For Netanyahu
In one of the most irresponsible pieces of war-mongering yellow journalism yet by a major American media organization, the Journal has criticized the Chairman of our Joints Chiefs of Staff, Martin Dempsey, for not saying that if Iran escalates in response to an Israeli attack, the U.S. would have no choice but to intervene on behalf of Israel. This is pure madness, brought to us by Netanyahu and his lackeys.
See http://www.naegele.com/documents/ContainingIsraelonIran.pdf
Dempsey sent precisely the right message. It is Netanyahu who must be contained.
The United States is right to oppose an attack on Iran, and that such attack isn’t likely to work in any case. Israel does not have that military capability.
Netanyahu is trying to drag us into a war with Iran, which is madness. Americans want out of the Middle East, not another war brought to us by the Israelis.
Dempsey was right not to spew Israeli propaganda. Netanyahu and his lackeys do enough of that already.
Barack Obama’s real priority must be to contain Israel first, and he is right in doing so.
We have not gone to war with North Korea, and we must not do so with Iran. Precisely the same arguments can be made for war with North Korea. Yet, our ally South Korea has not pushed us into another war on the Korean peninsula. it is Netanyahu and his lackeys who are trying to push us into a war with Iran. He is America’s enemy.
America’s strategic goals do not include making this world safe for Israel. That is utter nonsense. Israel is on its own, forever, sink or swim, period.
Many Americans will vote for Obama, precisely because he will restrain Israel. The sooner Netanyahu is gone, the better.
As discussed in my article above, he was hated by former Israeli Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin—and especially by Rabin’s wife Leah, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s assassination. She saw “only doom for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process” with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and her views were prescient.
. . .
In a hard-hitting article by Arnaud de Borchgrave—the distinguished editor-at-large of The Washington Times and of United Press International—he concludes:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2012/02/20/Commentary-Kaleidoscope-of-illusions/UPI-40681329741231/?spt=hs&or=an (emphasis added)
This will be Netanyahu’s cruel “gift” to Americans, which is why he must be stopped, by whatever means it takes!
. . .
The Netanyahu “shills” are out in full force, as always. Thus, it bears repeating—as I have stated above clearly and unequivocally—I want Israel to survive. However, most importantly, I do not want the United States drawn into another war in the Middle East, at Israel’s behest. Enough is enough. America is hated in the region and globally for supporting Israel.
As for Americans shedding blood for Israel, this has been done already, when Israel attacked the USS Liberty. And then there are the American deaths and injuries in Iraq. No more. Never again!
See, e.g., http://www.gtr5.com/index.html
The United States should never intervene on Israel’s behalf, period—any more than we are intervening to save the Syrians.
. . .
Netanyahu is Israel today, certainly in the eyes of the world. Yitzhak Rabin and even Ariel Sharon were taking Israel in one direction, toward peace through strength; and Netanyahu has taken it in an entirely different direction—after possibly having been responsible for Rabin’s assassination, which is what Leah Rabin believed.
There are many Jews and non-Jews alike who care deeply about Israel’s future and believe it will not survive. Even worse, there may be celebrations around the world when and if Israel goes, perhaps unlike any celebrations in recorded history. And innocent Israelis and other Jews may be targeted globally in a “silent” holocaust.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-2002 (“New Attacks On Israelis Have Begun, Which May Spread To Other Jews Worldwide”); see also http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4193517,00.html (“Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran”)
This is so so tragic, yet it is what Netanyahu has wrought. He has created enemies for his country that never existed before. What must not happen—which is Netanyahu’s goal—is to have the United States drawn into the abyss as well. Americans have a choice. The Israelis do not . . . unless they take steps now to oust Netanyahu and put an end to the madness before it is too late.
. . .
Lastly, in an article worth reading, Peter Beinart has written:
See http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/21/experts-say-iraq-attack-is-irrational-yet-hawks-are-winning-the-debate.html (“Experts Say Iran Attack Is Irrational, Yet Hawks Are Winning the Debate”); see also http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-intel-20120224,0,5827032.story (“U.S. does not believe Iran is trying to build nuclear bomb”) and http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-iran-20120224,0,6780170.story (“[F]ormer CIA Director Michael V. Hayden called it ‘beyond the capacity’ of Israel to launch an attack that would seriously set Iran back. What’s more, Iran’s response to such an attack could disrupt global oil shipments, unleash Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel and threaten U.S. interests worldwide”)
LikeLike
Sobering And Sad
Ever since I worked at the Pentagon as an Army officer, and then on Capitol Hill as a young lawyer—where I had a unique opportunity to see the most important U.S. governmental entities firsthand in action, in an “overview” that few people experience—I have been a strong supporter of America’s military. It is not perfect, but it is the most efficient and effective major governmental organ in the United States and probably anywhere in the world.
By and large, it has done a truly brilliant job, and served our country well. It has been an instrument of American foreign policy and our national security needs; and we remain the only superpower in the world because of it. Under Jimmy Carter, it was in decline, until Ronald Reagan came along and restored the American spirit, and ended the “Evil Empire” of the Soviet Union.
Fast forward to 2012, as our national elections approach, and we are on the verge of being back in the “malaise” that Reagan inherited from Carter. We have fought two wars, in Afghanistan and Iraq; and Americans are “bone-tired” of war, and our military forces have borne the brunt of fighting for ten years now.
Yet, Israel’s Narcissistic demagogue Netanyahu is trying to propel the United States into a third war in the region, against Iran, which is outrageous, pure madness and must be stopped. To Barack Obama’s credit—and I am not a fan is his—he has withstood enormous political pressures and thwarted Netanyahu’s reckless ambitions thus far, and hopefully that will continue.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-2015 (see also the article itself, as well as the footnotes and all of the comments beneath it)
Russia’s “dictator-for-life” Putin is pure evil too, and finally the Russian people are rising up and trying to reclaim the country’s fledgling democracy. Hopefully that succeeds, and a newfound democratic Russia emerges in the post-Putin era.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/#comment-1910 and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/#comment-2020
What is sobering though are the costs that America’s military has paid, which is underscored by the following comments—from a Russian “sympathizer”—about the decline in America’s fortunes and its military might:
Sad, but true in many ways.
The real story about Vietnam is the following, which was told to me by someone whom I know and respect greatly—who is considered by many to be one of America’s great foreign policy experts, and has dealt with essentially everyone who has been important nationally and internationally during this person’s lifetime:
And it is true too that Russia’s military today is a mere shadow of the former Soviet Union’s military might—and almost that of a Third World country. Yet, the issue is not Russia’s military power (or lack of it), but that of the United States.
As the U.S. and global economies go through even more wrenching experiences during the balance of this decade, and as this world is fraught with even greater dangers ahead, our military must be “second to none”—and we must rebuild it, not weaken it even more.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/the-economic-tsunami-continues-its-relentless-and-unforgiving-advance-globally/#comment-2024 (“Plan For An Economic 9/11”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/emp-attack-only-30-million-americans-survive/ (“EMP Attack: Only 30 Million Americans Survive”); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/china-is-americas-enemy-make-no-mistake-about-that/ and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/ and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/the-next-major-war-korea-again/
LikeLike
NETANYAHU’S MADNESS
[Note: the comments below have become the subject of a separate article, which you might wish to read: https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu]
In addition to my numerous comments on this subject, the sobering assessment of Arnaud de Borchgrave—the distinguished editor-at-large of The Washington Times and of United Press International—is worth reading and reflecting on:
See http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Analysis/de-Borchgrave/2012/03/01/Commentary-Geopolitical-maelstrom/UPI-88241330603862/ (“Geopolitical maelstrom”); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-1880 (“Is Netanyahu’s Next Irresponsible Adventure An Attack On Iran?”)
By attacking Iran, Netanyahu and Israel will stir up a hornet’s nest in the Islamic world, and achieve little or nothing militarily. Israel does not have the means of destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities; and it is likely that the mission would end in failure. Also, what Arnaud de Borchgrave neglected to mention in his fine article is that in the Middle East, in Europe and worldwide, Israelis and other innocent Jews can be targeted by Islamic fascists; and there is nothing that Israel or its Mossad can do to prevent it.
A “silent” holocaust might take place globally, which would be unstoppable. There are approximately 1.3–1.65 billion followers of Islam worldwide, while Iran’s total population is approximately 78 million; and there are 14–18 million Jews worldwide, of which approximately 6 million live in Israel.
See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_religious_groups and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-2002 (“New Attacks On Israelis Have Begun, Which May Spread To Other Jews Worldwide”)
It is the Narcissistic demagogic Netanyahu who must be stopped, before he triggers actions in the Middle East and elsewhere that might be truly catastrophic. His goal is to provoke an American attack on Iran, which is outrageous, reprehensible, and similar to the pressures that were brought to bear before the United States invaded Iraq. There are no limits to his arrogance, or the extremes to which he will go to provoke an American attack on Iran. He and Iran’s Ahmadinejad and Russia’s Putin are “moral equivalents.”
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/russias-putin-is-a-killer/; see also http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9125129/2012-is-not-1944-Netanyahu-invokes-Auschwitz-in-warning-to-Obama-over-Iran.html (“‘2012 is not 1944’: Netanyahu invokes Auschwitz in warning to Obama over Iran”)
America is not Israel’s surrogate; the two countries are not tied at the hip; and Iran is not America’s fight. The American people are bone-tired of fighting wars in the region, and want out. And our valiant and heroic military forces have been stretched far enough.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/#comment-2027; see also http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/opinion/iran-israel-and-the-united-states.html?_r=1 (“[T]here must be no illusions about what it would take to seriously damage Iran’s nuclear complex, the high costs and the limited returns”)
The New York Times has reported:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/02/world/middleeast/for-obama-and-netanyahu-wariness-on-iran-will-dominate-talks.html
Not a single drop of American blood should ever be spilled to protect or defend Israel, period. It is on its own, sink or swim. It is a pariah state worldwide because of Netanyahu, who continually seeks to dictate and distort American foreign and national security policies. Barack Obama was right in reaching out to the Islamic world—and he must block all warmongering actions by Netanyahu. An Israeli attack would undoubtedly draw fury from Islamic nations and the followers of Islam around the world. America is not at war with Islam; and Netanyahu must not be allowed to provoke this.
As I have written above, on some level Obama views the Israelis as the oppressors, or the “enemy,” and the Palestinians as the oppressed—reflecting his deep-seated beliefs about Apartheid in South Africa, which he viewed as pure evil. Hence, there is no kinship whatsoever between Obama and Netanyahu; and it is not surprising that Obama would treat him with outright disdain and contempt. If one has any doubts, read his book, “Dreams from My Father.” Viewed in this context, one can understand what Obama is doing and why he is doing it. To him, it is likely that Netanyahu personifies that oppression.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/is-barack-obama-a-racist/
What I wrote in the article above—and in other comments beneath it—bears repeating:
What is perhaps most surprising—and disturbing—is that the Israeli people have not ousted Netanyahu before now, despite the warnings of Sharon, the Rabins and others.
. . .
In advance of Obama’s meeting with Netanyahu, the Los Angeles Times reported:
See http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-obama-interview-iran-20120302,0,7234351.story (“Obama on Iran: ‘I don’t bluff'”)
This is absurd, and simply political theater. Obama has cut and run from Iraq, like a dog with his tail between his legs; he is in the process of doing the same thing in Afghanistan, and losing the Middle East to Islamic fascists; and he is trying to “gut” our great nation’s military might. The idea that America’s “Hamlet on the Potomac”—and “Jimmy Carter-lite”—would all of a sudden reverse course and launch the United States into a potentially devastating war with Iran and the Islamic world is nonsensical. He is an actor, pure and simple, and not much more.
See, e.g., https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/#comment-2028 and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/#comment-1959 and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/barack-obama-is-a-lame-duck-president-who-will-not-be-reelected/#comment-1883
. . .
The path on which Netanyahu is leading the Israelis is fraught with peril for their tiny Jewish nation . . . and potentially for Jews worldwide. He is determined to take the United States and the American people on the “joy ride” with him, which is utter madness.
LikeLike
At times I offer the comments of others here, not necessarily because I agree with them, but because they are interesting and provoke discussion. The following is an example:
See http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/opinion/iran-israel-and-the-united-states.html?_r=1 (“Iran, Israel and the United States,” comments)
LikeLike
The United States Is Not Responsible For Israel’s Fate
The UK’s Telegraph has reported:
See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9124552/Israel-must-remain-master-of-its-fate-Benjamin-Netanyahu-tells-Barack-Obama.html
If the United States is considered the “Great Satan,” it is because of our support for Israel at the expense of our Islamic friends.
Also, Israel does not have the military capability to achieve successful raids on and the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. What it does have is the ability to ratchet up the hatred of Israelis and Jews globally to unprecedented levels, and to create chaos in the Middle East and beyond.
LikeLike
The Spymaster, Former Mossad Chief Meir Dagan, Compelled To Speak Out Because He Is So Opposed To Preemptive Israeli Strike Against Iran [UPDATED]
[Tel Aviv in ruins after Iranian attack—Drudge Report, March 11, 2012]
In a rare interview, ex-chief of Mossad Meir Dagan has spoken out in opposition to a preemptive strike by Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities anytime soon. He says the Iranian regime is rational in its own way, CBS’ Lesley Stahl reported. The following script has been edited from “The Spymaster Speaks,” which aired on March 11, 2012:
See http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57394904/the-spymaster-meir-dagan-on-irans-threat/ (emphasis added); see also https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/israels-senseless-killings-and-war-with-iran/ (“Israel’s Senseless Killings And War With Iran“) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-madness-of-benjamin-netanyahu/ (“The Madness Of Benjamin Netanyahu”) and https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/ariel-sharon-is-missed/ (“Ariel Sharon Is Missed“) (see also the comments beneath the articles)
LikeLike
ZERO American Aid Or Assistance Of Any Kind Should Be Given To Apartheid Israel
See, e.g., https://www.the-sun.com/news/7232185/america-largest-show-of-force-with-israel-powerful-helicopter/
Years ago, Benjamin Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors’ Nazi oppressors. He should be arrested and tried by the International Criminal Court for his many crimes — in a Nuremberg-like setting — and receive the harshest punishment possible.
He was hated by Ariel Sharon and the “Lioness” Leah Rabin, who blamed Netanyahu for her husband’s tragic assassination. She believed peace was impossible with Netanyahu at Israel’s helm; and her views were prescient.
How long will it be before Israel ceases to exist?
Its raison d’etre vanished ages ago.
See also https://m.jpost.com/israel-news/article-729768 (“Who wants an Israeli civil war?”)
Netanyahu is evil incarnate.
See, e.g., https://dnyuz.com/2023/01/28/amid-spasm-of-violence-israels-far-right-government-raises-risk-of-escalation/ (“Amid Spasm of Violence, Israel’s Far-Right Government Raises Risk of Escalation”)
He is Israel’s Hitler.
LikeLike