Donald H. Harrison

Turkey’s coup failed, but its effects may weaken the fight against the Islamic State

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The morning after a deadly failed coup in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s reaction was swift and wide-reaching. Thousands of military personnel suspected of involvement in the takeover bid were arrested. Fearing that the conspiracy had spread to the courts, almost 3,000 judges were fired, including 31 senior justices. They’re unlikely to […]

Turkey’s coup failed, but its effects may weaken the fight against the Islamic State Read More »

Middle East, USA

Cleveland police union chief: Obama has ‘blood on his hands’ after Baton Rouge, Dallas cops killed

The head of the Cleveland police union said Sunday that President Obama has “blood on his hands” after the murders of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “It is reprehensible. And the president of the United States has blood on his hands, and it will not be able to become washed off,” said

Cleveland police union chief: Obama has ‘blood on his hands’ after Baton Rouge, Dallas cops killed Read More »

USA

John Kerry, secretary of state, blames Congress for not doing more to help fight ISIS

Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Sunday that Obama administration officials are doing “everything in our power” to fight terrorism, and blamed Congress for failing to support more troops on the ground. “[W]e are doing everything in our power to put additional pressure on them [the Islamic State], and I believe their days are

John Kerry, secretary of state, blames Congress for not doing more to help fight ISIS Read More »

Middle East, USA

Police: Bomber targeted Jerusalem light rail

Following the capture Sunday morning of a Palestinian Authority resident carrying a pack of explosive devices, Jerusalem District Police Commander Yoram HaLevy confirmed to reporters that the would-be bomber had targeted the Jerusalem light rail. The terrorist was intercepted be train security guards after arousing their suspicion. During questioning by the guards, the terrorist admitted

Police: Bomber targeted Jerusalem light rail Read More »

Middle East

Alternative Jewish histories: Fun, instructive

What Ifs of Jewish History: From Abraham to Zionism edited by Gavriel D. Rosenfeld; (c) 2016 Cambridge University Press; ISBN 978110-7037625; 406 pages including notes and index; $34.99 hardback. By Mitchell J. Freedman POWAY, California –Counterfactuals or alternative histories remain controversial among historians mostly because it is an area where Literature with a capital L

Alternative Jewish histories: Fun, instructive Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History

Soldiers criticize Army’s handling of Dallas shooter after underwear incident

DALLAS — Micah Johnson left Texas for Afghanistan at 22, outgoing and eager to be a part of something important. Eight months later, Johnson returned home a different man, ostracized by many of his comrades and increasingly alone. Aside from the strain of war, Johnson’s time overseas included a pivotal episode that started with a

Soldiers criticize Army’s handling of Dallas shooter after underwear incident Read More »

USA

France – French police detain more suspects linked to Nice terrorist attack

French police detained two more people in Nice Sunday in connection with the probe into the Bastille day attack that killed at least 84 people when a truck rammed into crowds in the Riviera city, police sources said. A man and a woman were taken in for questioning, according to an official with the Paris

France – French police detain more suspects linked to Nice terrorist attack Read More »

International

Matthew Fisher: The coup failed in Turkey because mutineers didn’t capture the king

The astonishing events that gripped Turkey and fascinated the world Friday night had not been expected. Turkey had been in turmoil and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was at the centre of every drama. But the main international focus lately has been on how the country was reeling from a string of terrorist bombings by the

Matthew Fisher: The coup failed in Turkey because mutineers didn’t capture the king Read More »

Middle East

Saudi Guardian System Restricts Women’s Lives: Report

The male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia is “the most significant impediment to realizing women’s rights in the country” and effectively renders adult women legal minors, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch. Despite some small steps that have been made by the Saudi government, restriction of movement outside the home affects women

Saudi Guardian System Restricts Women’s Lives: Report Read More »

Middle East

J Street’s view of the two political platforms

By Jeremy Ben-Ami WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tomorrow (July 18), the Republican National Convention will kick off in Cleveland. The Democrats will start pouring into Philadelphia the week after. After almost a year of heated political maneuvering, we’re about to enter into the homestretch of 2016. In the lead-up to the conventions, the Democratic and Republican parties

J Street’s view of the two political platforms Read More »

Middle East, USA

Failed coup in Turkey could allow Erdogan to tighten his grip on the troubled country

ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has apparently put down a clumsy military coup, but the fallout, as he punishes those who challenged his government, will plunge Turkey’s domestic politics and its relations with the U.S. into new turmoil. A vital strategic ally to Washington, NATO member Turkey was generally calm Saturday, after a

Failed coup in Turkey could allow Erdogan to tighten his grip on the troubled country Read More »

Middle East, USA