Blog Archives
What’s going to happen with Iran?
There’s a really great article, Some Straight Talk About Iran by Joshua Pollack, which gets into the political impact of Iran having nuclear capability and the likelihood of the U.S. or Israel attacking Iran (also read comments). Very understandable and clear, Joshua Pollack makes a convincing argument for the unlikelihood of an attack on Iran.
Then I read articles like ‘Russia helps Iran load fuel into its first nuclear reactor’ and ‘Iran unveils long-range drone bomber’. It makes me queasy.
With Iran’s blatant anti-Israel and anti-U.S. rhetoric I can’t help but wonder how we will respond to these threats. I know that there’s information only available to the upper levels of government which shapes policy and tactical decisions, and I hope that our governments are doing the right thing. I would enjoy seeing information from us and Israel showing that we know Iran’s leadership is not trustworthy and we are prepared for anything Iran may dish out.
When Ahmadinejad says about his new drone bomber, “The jet, as well as being an ambassador of death for the enemies of humanity, has a main message of peace and friendship… The main message of Karar bomber is to prevent any kind of aggression and conflict.” I have a difficult time believing Ahmadinejad’s sincerity simply because his words and actions towards the U.S. and Israel have not been peaceful.
Referenced articles & images
Joshua Pollack • Some Straight Talk About Iran
The Washington Post • Russia helps Iran load fuel into its first nuclear reactor
JTA • Iran unveils long-range drone bomber
Photo Credit • Ghost of a Flea • Worth 1000 words
Obama Administration Urges Israel to Sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
So much for electricity
Practically moments before Netanyahu is to make a reconciliatory visit to Obama in Washington, he cancels because of the recent problems in Gaza. That certainly has its own problems and is reason enough for Netanyahu to return home, but I do believe there’s another reason for it as well.
The RubinReports reported last night that the U.S. is urging Israel to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. As many problems with Gaza and Israel’s attack on the aid ship (which is another article in and of itself), this action by the Obama administration sets a new precedent in our dealings with Israel.
Take a moment to read the article here, but here’s a quote to which you should pay attention,
Are Americans in general and American Jews in particular going to persist in believing that this administration really does view Israel as a good friend and a close ally? It’s hard to believe, though of course many will. Perhaps the next round or the one after that will convince them otherwise.
This administration has not been friendly towards Israel from the beginning. The Obama’s relation with Israel is like that of a schoolyard bully. If there’s one thing we all learned in elementary school is that a bully is not to be trusted. Do not believe that this administration is friends with Israel—everything it does should tell you otherwise, not what you hear in conferences!
I don’t want to hear the U.S. say we’re allies with Israel anymore—it’s time this administration repents for its treatment of Israel and restore relations to what they have been.
Italian P.M.: Stop West Bank building
Reading this article from JTA this morning made me think of something new pertaining to Israel.
Have you ever had an opinion or conviction that was contrary to the majority? Whether it was school, work, family… whatever… have you ever had to go it alone when it comes to doing what you believe is the right thing? Chances are you have, and when you did I’m sure it was incredibly uncomfortable. But you stood against the tide somehow and held true to what you believed to be the right course of action. It was still hard.
Reading this article made me think of this. I picture Israel as a kid on a playground being bullied and picked on because she’s different. It’s not quite the right imagery I’m looking to portray, but I think you get the idea of what I’m referring to. Shame on Italy for calling Israel to do this. Shame on the U.S. for calling for similar action.
How much pressure has she withstood in her short existence? How many times have the Arab countries tried to destroy her? How many times have her allies pressured her to give up the land she was given and earned from self-defense?
Even if Israel were to go back to its pre-1967 borders there would be no peace with the Arab countries. They don’t want their land back, they want Israel gone. Until that happens there will be no peace. It’s not about land. It’s not.
I love the statement P.M. Netanyahu made about Jerusalem last week,
The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 years ago and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today. Jerusalem is not a settlement. It is our capital.
I think that sums it up pretty well. If we’re going to be pressured until the last one of us jumps into the sea, then we may as well stick to our guns. Way to go, Netanyahu.
Tensions Mount Between the U.S. and Israel
In response to this article from The Atlantic, I ask you to watch this short movie, I Am Israel.
