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
By Rabbi Ben Kamin COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho–While visiting here, I came across the news that out along the plains of Kansas, a grandiose vision of the pro-life movement is taking shape—on the backs of Jewish history and anguish. Pastor Mark Holick, who speaks for the proposed International Pro-Life Memorial and National Life Center, scheduled for
Pro-life ‘Wailing Wall’ insults Holocaust victims Read More »
USABy 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
By Barry Rubin HERZLILYA, Israel — The tide seems to be turning in Syria. While the civil war is far from over, the regime is clearly weakening; the rebels are expanding their operations and effectiveness. There have also been more high-level defections. What does this mean and why is this happening? There are three main
Some Syrian scenarios for after the fall of Assad Read More »
Middle East
By Danny Bloom CHIAYI CITY, Taiwan — While almost all earlier news reports of the tragic terrorist bus bombing in Bulgaria that killed Israeli tourists last week noted that the suicide bomber whose image was allegedly caught on security cameras at the airport was sporting ”long hair, a t-shirt and Bermuda shorts,” few if
Did Bulgaria bus bomber wear a ‘Star of David’ t-shirt? Read More »
Middle East
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — The Aurora massacre ought to shock us out of our collective lethargy. Among the questions we are asking, we wonder: How can a young a brilliant medical student, who originally dedicated his life to helping people turn into a killing machine? What happened to his concern
Aurora tragedy shows being ‘educated’ is not enough Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USA
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson LA CREUSE, France –The village where we are currently spending our summer is a place where almost all its inhabitants are either retired, absent or dead. The memorial plaque in the centre of the village commemorating those who died in the two world wars lists 37 names for WWI and 5 for
When Jews go to a church, and vice versa Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International
By David Brin ENCINITAS, California — Now it’s “James Eagan Holmes,” another name we’d rather not know. Opening fire at a crowded Colorado movie theater during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises” Holmes killed twelve and injured dozens — seizing world attention and far more than his fair share of our collective memories.
Deny mass killers the fame they crave! Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Coming only a day apart, the tragedies of Burgas and Aurora point to the different vulnerabilities of Israel and the United States. With all its goods and not-so-goods, one feature of the United States that keeps it from full membership among civilized countries is the rampant freedom of acquiring weapons. The
Burgas and Aurora: Different causes but similar results Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO–It was midnight at the Century 16 “Cineplex” in Aurora, Colorado—an eerie time of night ghoulishly in sync with the conceit of the latest in the Batman movie franchise. Also in mode: the maddening theme of “ambivalence” in terms of good / evil that is trademark of these Dark Knight
Cineplex massacre demonstrates need to fight guns Read More »
USA
By James Colbert WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Obama administration’s intention to shift military resources to the Pacific satisfies American objectives, including enhancing stability and bilateral relations, and, perhaps most importantly, expanding economic opportunities. Broadening the scope of this shift, or “pivot,” as it is often called, to encompass the Arctic region furthers U.S. interests and
U.S. must counter Russian claims to defrosting Arctic Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The first news about the bombing of a tourist bus in Burgas, a resort in Bulgaria, came at about 7:15 PM on Wednesday. From then on we returned to the routine of the intifada. Piece by piece bits of information about a bus full of young Israelis who arrived on a recent flight.
Burgas bus bombing brings back Intifada nightmares Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East