Tag: israel

‘Bibi’ Votes Republican

Not since Nikita Khrushchev berated Dwight Eisenhower over Gary Powers’ U-2 spy flight over Russia only weeks earlier has an American president been subjected to a dressing down like the one Barack Obama received from Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday. With this crucial difference. Khrushchev ranted behind closed doors and, when Ike refused to apologize, blew … Continue reading “‘Bibi’ Votes Republican”

The Absurd US Stance on Israel’s Nukes: A Video Sampling of Denial

On Tuesday, at a rare joint session of Congress for a foreign leader, members of Congress will clap hands raw for Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel—a nation many members of Congress are incapable of speaking simple truths about. The upshot of the professional wrestling “fight” between Obama and Netanyahu the last several days … Continue reading “The Absurd US Stance on Israel’s Nukes: A Video Sampling of Denial”

Netanyahu and the One-State Solution

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address U.S. legislators today. He will, no doubt, tell members of Congress that he supports a two-state solution, but his support will be predicated on four negative principles: no to Israel’s full withdrawal to the 1967 borders; no to the division of Jerusalem; no to the right of return for … Continue reading “Netanyahu and the One-State Solution”

Israel in a Post-American Era

In 1918, the United States proved militarily decisive in the defeat of the Kaiser’s Germany and emerged as first power on earth. World War II, ending in 1945, produced two truly victorious nations, the Soviet Union of Joseph Stalin and the America of Harry Truman. Out of the Cold War that lasted from Truman to … Continue reading “Israel in a Post-American Era”

Some Questions for Bibi

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in the United States today for a much anticipated visit. He will do a little fund-raising, will speak before Congress and at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) annual conference, and will meet with President Barack Obama. Netanyahu can expect the visit to go smoothly, with an adoring … Continue reading “Some Questions for Bibi”

Israel Prepares to Confront Historic Shifts

JERUSALEM—Back in August 2000, just weeks after the failed Camp David peace summit and weeks before the outbreak of the second Palestinian Intifada uprising, Marwan Barghouti, leader of the Fatah armed forces, laid out his alternative strategy for ending the Israeli occupation. Haranguing a crowd of frustrated Palestinians, he declared: “We shall march with our … Continue reading “Israel Prepares to Confront Historic Shifts”

Nakba Anger Points to Third Intifada

QALANDIA, Occupied West Bank—Israeli confidence that Nakba Day, marked by the Great March on May 15 in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel, and neighboring Arab countries, would remain under control has backfired badly. Nakba, or “catastrophe,” Day on May 15 commemorates the establishment of the state of Israel, during which hundreds of thousands of indigenous … Continue reading “Nakba Anger Points to Third Intifada”

Obama vs. Reagan on AIPAC

Politico reports that President Barack Obama may attend the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) gathering in Washington, D.C. According to documents released last week by the National Archives, President Ronald Reagan had a more appropriate answer to invitations [.pdf] and party pressure to attend AIPAC’s gathering on May 15, 1988—”No, thanks” [.pdf]. Until … Continue reading “Obama vs. Reagan on AIPAC”

Fatah-Hamas Honeymoon Could Face Problems

RAMALLAH—Despite the euphoria surrounding the recent signing in Cairo of the groundbreaking unity accord between Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas, ending their four-year feud, numerous obstacles remain that could impinge on the implementation of a unity government. The Fatah-affiliated Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Islamist movement Hamas still have to overcome mutual suspicion, significant differences … Continue reading “Fatah-Hamas Honeymoon Could Face Problems”