Israel may soon be forced to choose between the Turks and the Kurds. In this week's column, I will compare and contrast two developments of great significance for Israel's regional future: the Kurdish question and the development of the offshore … [Read more...] about Israel’s Kurdish Conundrum*
All Posts
Russian Base in Iran – A Strategic Asset for Moscow*
Left: Russian Air Force Su-34 The new Russian base in Iran is a strategic asset for Moscow and may be a game changer in the power balance in the Middle East. The United States and Russia are competing for influence on a global basis. In this … [Read more...] about Russian Base in Iran – A Strategic Asset for Moscow*
Palestinian Terrorism Funding
The news that the Israeli government charged Mohammed el-Halabi, the Gaza director of World Vision, a major international evangelical Christian aid organization, with funneling millions to fortify Hamas government’s terrorist capabilities has … [Read more...] about Palestinian Terrorism Funding
US Presidential Election’s Media Disaster*
Perhaps not since 1936 has there been such a failing through prejudicial media reporting of a presidential election. Then, of course, the enormously popular weekly, The Literary Digest, predicted a strong victory for the Republican conservative … [Read more...] about US Presidential Election’s Media Disaster*
The Cyber Security Delusion
Left: The Maginot Defense Line along the French border with Germany, (built 1929-1938; named after Andre Maginot, the French Minister of War, 1915–1920s). Twenty-five years of fast evolving cyber communication had made us more efficient. But as … [Read more...] about The Cyber Security Delusion
The Corrupting effects of the very bad deal with Iran
Nothing seems to deter the administration’s determination to satisfy Iran’s Supreme Leader. Clearly, the U.S. cannot hold Iran accountable for a sham deal presented by Obama, which Iran did not sign. At a press conference in Argentina, on August … [Read more...] about The Corrupting effects of the very bad deal with Iran
Misplaced Charity*
Pres. Barack Obama’s proposal for what would be a substantial new entry of Syrian refugees is a major miscalculation of traditional American morality and generosity. It is true that the 13.5 million Syrian refugees, half of them expelled or hounded … [Read more...] about Misplaced Charity*
The Middle East: Through a Glass, Darkly*
Since the onset of the so-called “Arab Spring” in April of 2011, most of what had seemed understandable in the area was turned upside-down. Some would argue that what had been considered the norm was overturned earlier, with the U.S.-led invasion of … [Read more...] about The Middle East: Through a Glass, Darkly*
Shame on Us!
The almost total absence of public mourning for an 85-year-old Christian priest whose throat was slit by Islamist terrorists while he led prayer in a small church in Normandy, France, is a scandal. Even the French have demonstrated less feeling for … [Read more...] about Shame on Us!
Father Hamel Didn’t Have to Die
Right: Father Jacques Hamel, at his church in St-Etienne-du-Rouvray, Rouen, Normandy. When priests have their throats slit while celebrating Mass, no one is safe in France. Father Jacques Hamel was murdered because the French security services … [Read more...] about Father Hamel Didn’t Have to Die