By Ira Sharkansky OSLO, Norway — This city is one of Europe’s historic cities, having begun about the time William sailed to England. And a cool and damp respite from Jerusalem’s summer, where midday is only for mad dogs and Englishmen. This trip is part of my on-going project to compare other old cities with
A success story from the Oslo peace process Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Others can accuse Israel of bringing the world to the edge of disaster over Iran, but not for doing it without discussion. It’s been going on sporadically for several years, and may be reaching a crescendo. Israel Hayom dedicated its weekend supplement to the subject, and gave it the headline “Before
Talk of Israel-Iran war reaching a crescendo Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Mitt Romney and his crew were not at their best during the campaign trip outside of the United States. The candidate insulted the British in London, raised hackles of Palestinians and the politically correct everywhere with comments about the superiority of Jewish culture in Israel, and his press secretary lost
Friedman rebukes Romney for seeking ‘Jewish money’ Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — When the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, unsuccessfully pleaded for a state at the UN last year, many of us in the Jewish community noted with some bitterness: he failed to even mention either the historic Jewish association with the region of Palestine or the horrific Jewish suffering of
When politics erases basic human compassion Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. –Mitt Romney is being castigated for praising the culture that has allowed a democratic, (mainly) free market Israel, operating under the rule of law, to thrive amid decades of threat and periodic open warfare and a heavy defense burden. Actually, he’s being castigated for what his praise of Israel implies
Palestinian mindset: better to slap Israel than to improve self Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana BryenBy Ira Sharkansky SAN DIEGO — Americans who identify with Israel, and who are looking for another reason to vote against Barack Obama, can find it in Monday’s headlines. “The White House: Romney must explain why he said that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.” Palestinians responded even more forcefully. Not only did they object
White House questions Romney on status of Jerusalem Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Palestinians face an economic crisis more severe than the World Bank had anticipated; the Bank fears that the territories may become “ungovernable.” This is not actually new, but since the Bank in its panic is considering bypassing restrictions on money to Hamas, it is worth looking at the
Palestinians can blame themselves for shattered economy Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen
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 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 East
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 EastBy 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 EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Opportunism and politics go together. Some call it dirty. Some say that it is the essence of civilization. One way to decide on important issues is the way they are doing it in Syria. On the other side of the border (wherever it is) is the way we do it
Israeli politicians maneuver domestically and internationally Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East