By Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, ISRAEL — Speaking to an often-cheering group of about 400 people in Jerusalem, Governor Mitt Romney gave a speech less notable for what he said that for the fact that the audience believed he was sincere in saying it. At a beautiful outdoor setting with the Old City in the background, […]
What did Romney say between the lines in Jerusalem? Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — A popular song that we have heard from time to time for at least 20 years says that the Messiah has not come. And he has not even telephoned. The Messiah didn’t come this week. He may have telephoned, but there was no great impact. Romney arrived on Sunday, and
Romney stumbles during Jerusalem visit Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — One of the responses received to my recent columns (Some ideas for my American friends) deserves a column of its own. “I am still trying to understand why it is that Americans and Israelis both seem to believe that the US is responsible for Israel’s future (isn’t Israel a sovereign
By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Elections instill panic. What should we do in order to solve the problems? Wrong strategy. There are not any solutions for the stickiest of the problems. The point is to select a candidate with the greatest chance of making things a little bit better, or only a little bit worse.
Reasons for Israeli misgivings about Obama AND Romney Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USA
By Gary Rotto SAN DIEGO — The question is “How should the International Olympic Committee commemorate and remember the slaying of 11 Israeli Olympic Athletes at the Munich Olympics?” The conversation has focused on one answer, which, of course, is not the question, but only one answer. Whether on Facebook or via the petition
Remembering Israel’s athletes on their yahrzeits Read More »
Middle EastBy Daniel Halper WASHINGTON, D.C — No intellectually honest individual could examine the vast array of evidence and believe there has not been a spate of high-level national security leaks over the past months. Intimate details of the SEAL team raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan have been consumed by
Independent investigator needed to probe security leaks Read More »
USA
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Governor Romney continues overseas travel that includes Israel, he doesn’t have to be ready to solve the problems of the region, or have a “peace plan” in his pocket. A few basic principles — previously observed by both Republican and Democratic presidents — will serve him well. 1.
Some tips for Romney’s Israel visit Read More »
Shoshana Bryen, USA
By David Brin ENCINITAS, California –Folks have been writing in, ever since I posted the latest version of my “Names of Infamy” essay. In fact, during just the last few days there has been a noticeable media swell – – a growing movement not to mention the name of the Aurora/Batman shooter. As reported by
Gun control, no! Machine gun control is another matter Read More »
USA
By Gary Rotto MONTREAL, Canada — Sometimes you find the Jewish community when you’re not really looking for it. We were to arrive in Montreal on Friday and I thought it would be nice to attend services. As a member of a Reconstructionist congregation, I contracted Congregation Dorchei Emet, but discovered that the congregation held
Mon Dieu! The bagels of Montreal Read More »
International
By Bruce Kesler ENCINITAS, California — When students return to University of California classes in the Fall, those who are involved in or interested in the debates about Israel or Palestinians will have two new reports to chew on. Similarly, faculty who may be affected by the reports will have to face tensions between
UC reports clarify, cloud campus controversies over Middle East Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansksy JERUSALEM — Whenever the news described something troublesome, Grandma would wring her hands and ask God that it not be a Jew who was responsible. Life was placid and protected in Fall River, but that was not the case in Bialystok which still fit somewhere in Grandma’s conception of home. It’s been close
Squeamish about Sheldon Adelson? Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USA
By Corinne Sauer JERUSALEM– Israel’s modern history is defined by its ability to overcome existential challenges. Today Israel’s very identity faces precisely one such defining moment of tremendous historical import. The ongoing battle over drafting the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF is approaching a crescendo (along with the less publicized efforts to also induct Israeli Arabs).
Should the IDF be volunteer only? Read More »
Middle East
By Isaac Yetiv, Ph.D. LA JOLLA, California — In a prior article, I wrote with dismay about the U.S.Secretary of Defense “leaking” to the world that “Israel would attack Iran” in this (now past) Spring, and about others in the Obama administration leaking that “Azerbaidjan had agreed to allow Israel to use its territory
Re-election campaign prompts some diplomatic blunders Read More »
USABy Rhonda Spivak WINNIPEG, Canada — The biggest piece of news that emerged from Israel this month (July 3) is one you may have heard nothing about–but it is a game changer in terms of elevating Israel’s economic/strategic position in the Middle East. For decades, Egypt has been able to potentially isolate Israeli and strangle trade
High-speed train will enable Israel shipping to bypass Suez Canal Read More »
Middle East