Iran and Syria’s nuclear deception verified

By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Finally. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) formally acknowledged that the target destroyed in the Syrian desert in 2007 was a covertly built nuclear reactor.  Director General Yukiya Amano publicly accepted U.S. intelligence information that identified it as a nearly completed nuclear reactor that would have been able to […]

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International, Shoshana Bryen

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, March 16, 1956, Part 2

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff Mission Bay Sportfishing Southwestern Jewish Press, March 16, 1956, Page 3 Sportsfishermen around San Diego are eagerly waiting the opening of this area’s newest fishing fleet when Mission Bay Sportfishing Landing opens on March 15. “And we’ll promise you a fishing trip, not a boat ride,” says Garric

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Adventures in SD History, Jewish History

Hamas-Fatah reconciliation counterproductive to Palestinian cause

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It looks like they lost the farm. The reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas surprised Mahmoud Abbas as well as Israelis. Fatah’s leadership had signed a draft agreement in 2009, and Hamas’ signing on this week came out of the blue. Or, on the basis of a post hoc analysis,

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

What Abbas and Haniyah may have told each other

By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hamas and Fatah have reportedly smoothed over their differences to present a united front in pursuit of a declaration of Palestinian independence from the UN General Assembly in September. [Side note: most countries declare independence, a la Thomas Jefferson or David Ben Gurion. The Palestinians prefer that someone do

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Middle East, Shoshana Bryen

Time for new Yom Kippur readings

By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — In the middle of Vayikra, the Book of Leviticus, with its long, detailed, and arcane descriptions of Israel’s ancient sacrificial rite, we are caught short by the appearance of parashat Kedoshim. Parashat Kedoshim speaks not of Priests, altars, and sacrifices, but of Godliness and holiness: “You shall be holy,

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Travel and Food

Hamas-Fatah deal augurs death of Israeli-Palestinian peace process

By Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, Israel — Suddenly, after years of persistent failure, Fatah and Hamas–which means the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas–have signed a detailed reconciliation agreement. Why now? It’s preparation for the UN and the claim that the PA is sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinians. In exchange for being able to claim it

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Middle East

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, March 16, 1956, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff UJF Campaign Opens Sunday, March 25; Senator Speaks on Israel as Israel Crisis Grows More Critical Southwestern Jewish Press, March 16, 1956, Page 1 United States Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota will be the honored guest and principal speaker at the Pace-Setters Dinner on Sunday evening, March

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Adventures in SD History, Jewish History

Obama may have Nobel Prize but in foreign policy he needs help

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — No one should claim that Barack Obama is a foreign policy sophisticate. His Nobel Peace Prize will keep historians busy speculating for generations. We might forgive his pledges to close Guantanamo and focus the American commitment in Afghanistan as electoral fluff, but Guantanamo is still active as his campaign for

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Ira Sharkansky, USA