By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Somewhere in the American side of my brain is a memory of hearing that America is safe only when Congress is on vacation. The feeling may not be appropriate this week, when Members of Congress are trying to do something along with the White House to loosen their collective hands […]
Democracy in Israel: not always pretty Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It should be no surprise that we are hearing another round of Israeli oy gevalt about Jews who leave the Promised Land, and thereby endanger the Zionist dream. The subject erupts every so often, currently provoked by yet another former Israeli who has won a Nobel Prize, at least partly
Nobel Prize renews debate over Israeli emigration Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Aryeh Savir The Palestinians, according to a recent study by the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, have received 25 times more aid (per capita) than did the Europeans to rebuild war-torn Western Europe under the Marshall plan after the Second World War. Most of these funds, according to the study, reach the Palestinians through the
UNRWA may be prolonging Israel-Palestine conflict Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The police had estimated that half a million would participate in the funeral procession of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. When it was over, the police estimate was that 800,000 jammed the streets alongside the yeshiva where the ceremonies began as well as along and near the route of the funeral procession.
Massive crowds turn out for Rabbi Ovadia’s funeral Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Palestine is not yet a state, except in its own propaganda and the proclamations of enthusiasts. If born, with or without the agreement of Israel, it may be a failed state from the get go. Signs are that it won’t be able to support itself economically, especially if those who choose themselves
Independent Palestine will be a failed state Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Politicians lie, do not tell all the truth, or exaggerate. One of the first lessons that a child in a politically alert family may learn is not to believe campaign promises. Years later that child may learn that politicians have to stretch the truth, or hide their intentions, in order to
Interpreting Obama and Netanyahu Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — We are at one of those junctions in policymaking–and maybe at a larger place in history–when officials and commentators are filling the inner offices and the media with their predictions about what is going to happen. Some of you may think I am talking about the financial hang-ups between Barack
Many scenarios possible in Israel, U.S., Iran Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Ben Kamin TACOMA, Washington–So nice of Iranian president Hassan Rouhani to have actually acknowledged the Nazi Holocaust of six million Jews and six million other innocents, including Gypsies, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholic priests, and assorted other subversives. This is noted on the Sept. 29 anniversary of the 1938 Munich Agreement, when European leaders
On the threshold of another Munich Agreement? Read More »
Middle EastBy Aryeh Savir TEL AVIV –A Belgian citizen spying for Iran was arrested on September 11th 2013 in Tel Aviv, this according to a statement released by Israel’s General Security Service (GSS). The man, named Alex Menes, aged 55, was arrested as he tried to leave Israel via Ben Gurion airport. In his interrogation it
Israel announces capture of Iranian spy Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It’s been almost 40 years since I moved from the US to Israel. I still write about the country where I was born, had my formal education, and spent about one-third of my professional career. Internet friends, some of them not so friendly, attack me from both left and right,
Obama is learning but still is no expert on Middle East Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy J. Zel Lurie DELRAY BEACH, Florida — Chautauqua is a remarkable, unique institution. Lying on the shore of 18-mile-long Lake Chautauqua between the cities of Buffalo and Erie, it is not easy to get to, but I have managed to spend a few weeks there every summer. Elsewhere in the summer months, one can
Who is responsible for Jewish settlements? Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Politics is not an arena for participants or observers who insist on clear decisions. It requires judging the quality of grays, rather than the clarity of black or white, or demanding one’s concept of the good. The condition reflects the complexities of interests and perspectives. Shifting alliances are more likely
Many gray areas in domestic politics and foreign policy Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –It is too early to comment with any certainty about the policy of the United States, or any other country with respect to Syria’s chemical weapons or its civil war. There are likely to be twists and turns before us heavy thinkers can pass on to other topics. Nonetheless, there are
Obama’s waffling may in fact be sign of maturity Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jewish organizational support for President Obama’s temporary determination to enforce international norms and his own red line on Syrian use of chemical weapons brought out the nasty legions. DavidDuke.com and Blacklistednews.com, among others, were vociferous in their condemnation of Jewish “warmongering.” Even Jewish media outlets — TabletMagazine, The Forward
Germany is poison gas supplier to the Mideast Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen