By Micah Halpern
I'm Predicting:
There is a serious escalation in the tension between Gaza and Israel.
Tens of rockets have rained down on Israel from Gaza. And now Israel is responding.
Israel has begun intercepting rocket launch crews as they launch their rockets. They hit the Islamic Jihad cell that has claimed responsibility for the rocket launches.
Egypt introduced a cease fire that was supposed to start at 3AM - but it only lasted 8 hours.
These attacks were aimed at the big cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon.
Expect a much stronger response from Israel.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Libya Says They Will Try Ghadaffi Killers
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
In Libya the National Transition Council, aka the NTC, announced that they will investigate and prosecute the people who executed Col. Moammar Ghadaffi.
I do not believe they will follow through with this announcement. I think that what they are doing is throwing the West a proverbial bone.
The NTC has been hit very hard for having created an atmosphere of vengeance - not justice. during the rise of the opposition and in its aftermath, after Ghadaffi was deposed and in hiding.
The Ghadaffi killing is the most glaring example, but it is just one example of many.
It is clear from the video that Ghadaffi gave himself up. It is clear that he should have been arrested and not killed.
It is clear that that did not happen - and very few Libyans see the injustice or immorality of that act.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
In Libya the National Transition Council, aka the NTC, announced that they will investigate and prosecute the people who executed Col. Moammar Ghadaffi.
I do not believe they will follow through with this announcement. I think that what they are doing is throwing the West a proverbial bone.
The NTC has been hit very hard for having created an atmosphere of vengeance - not justice. during the rise of the opposition and in its aftermath, after Ghadaffi was deposed and in hiding.
The Ghadaffi killing is the most glaring example, but it is just one example of many.
It is clear from the video that Ghadaffi gave himself up. It is clear that he should have been arrested and not killed.
It is clear that that did not happen - and very few Libyans see the injustice or immorality of that act.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Rockets Fly from Gaza Again
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
For several weeks Gaza was quiet. No shots were fired from Gaza into Israel.
The quiet has now been shattered.
Hamas had been treading very carefully during the final stages of the Shalit prisoner exchange. They did everything they could to preserve the quiet and make certain that their 1,027 prisoners would be released. And they were.
Even when there was a rocket attack during that period, Hamas proved that they handled the rogue activists and that they were neither Hamas operatives nor were they operating under the orders or auspices of Hamas.
Now that the prisoners are home, long range rockets - even longer than before the period of quiet, are being launched into Israel. Recently launched rockets landed in the port city of Ashdod and alarms have been sounded in the city of Kiryat Malachi.
This is called a serious escalation in rocket attacks.
We must watch and see how Israel responds.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
For several weeks Gaza was quiet. No shots were fired from Gaza into Israel.
The quiet has now been shattered.
Hamas had been treading very carefully during the final stages of the Shalit prisoner exchange. They did everything they could to preserve the quiet and make certain that their 1,027 prisoners would be released. And they were.
Even when there was a rocket attack during that period, Hamas proved that they handled the rogue activists and that they were neither Hamas operatives nor were they operating under the orders or auspices of Hamas.
Now that the prisoners are home, long range rockets - even longer than before the period of quiet, are being launched into Israel. Recently launched rockets landed in the port city of Ashdod and alarms have been sounded in the city of Kiryat Malachi.
This is called a serious escalation in rocket attacks.
We must watch and see how Israel responds.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Friday, October 28, 2011
Israel FM and Abbas
By Micah Halpern I've Been thinking:
The Palestinian Authority has submitted a letter to the United Nations Security Council complaining about Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's foreign minister.
The complaint says that Lieberman is threatening the life of PA President Mahmoud Abbas.
How is he threatening him? By saying that Abbas is "an obstacle to peace" and by saying that any leader would be better than Abbas for the peace process.
This is especially funny because not long ago - when the peace negotiation were working and when there was real progress, there were real and significant threats to Abbas' life. Those outright and direct threats, however, were never brought to the Security Council even though the threats were real enough and people were actually arrested for plotting the assassination of the president of the Palestinian Authority.
These are not threats at all, not real and not veiled. Lieberman is simply pointing out that Abbas is either ineffective or nonchalant about peace. Choose one. Neither leads to viable negotiations.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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The Palestinian Authority has submitted a letter to the United Nations Security Council complaining about Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's foreign minister.
The complaint says that Lieberman is threatening the life of PA President Mahmoud Abbas.
How is he threatening him? By saying that Abbas is "an obstacle to peace" and by saying that any leader would be better than Abbas for the peace process.
This is especially funny because not long ago - when the peace negotiation were working and when there was real progress, there were real and significant threats to Abbas' life. Those outright and direct threats, however, were never brought to the Security Council even though the threats were real enough and people were actually arrested for plotting the assassination of the president of the Palestinian Authority.
These are not threats at all, not real and not veiled. Lieberman is simply pointing out that Abbas is either ineffective or nonchalant about peace. Choose one. Neither leads to viable negotiations.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Israel Accepts PA Declines
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
The Quartet has put together a plan to jump start negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel officially accepted.
The Palestinians said "maybe."
Saeb Erakat, speaking on behalf of the PA, said that they will come back to the negotiating table only if Israel first stops all building in post '67 areas.
Erakat then said that negotiations must resume on the basis of the pre '67 borders.
Once again, the Palestinians have set pre-conditions to the start of the talks.
Behind the scenes, the United States is furious with the Palestinians.
Israel's far-right, hawkish foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, has never been in favor of negotiating with the Palestinians. So when Liberman began shouting about Abbas' most recent intransigence, Israelis did not take him too seriously.
It seems that Lieberman was correct.
Anyone but Abbas.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
The Quartet has put together a plan to jump start negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel officially accepted.
The Palestinians said "maybe."
Saeb Erakat, speaking on behalf of the PA, said that they will come back to the negotiating table only if Israel first stops all building in post '67 areas.
Erakat then said that negotiations must resume on the basis of the pre '67 borders.
Once again, the Palestinians have set pre-conditions to the start of the talks.
Behind the scenes, the United States is furious with the Palestinians.
Israel's far-right, hawkish foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, has never been in favor of negotiating with the Palestinians. So when Liberman began shouting about Abbas' most recent intransigence, Israelis did not take him too seriously.
It seems that Lieberman was correct.
Anyone but Abbas.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Turks Want Help
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
In the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey some very interesting issues have emerged.
Two days after the earthquake Turkey has asked Israel for aid - but only in the form of mobile homes.
Nearly 500 Turks are now dead and many more will be discovered. The cold in the Van region is bitter and people are fighting for tents and shelter and fire for warmth.
Turks are questioning the actions of their prime minister and attacking him for the decisions he has been making. There has been little central coordination and aid. AND he has rejected international assistance.
"The prime minister runs for help when it's Palestine or Somalia, sends ships to Palestine, almost goes into war with Israel for the sake of Palestinians, but he doesn't move a muscle when it comes to his own people," said Emrullah , an 18 year-old Turk from Van.
It seems that this is the consensus from the hard hit earthquake region.
The government cares more about the Palestinians than it cares about its own citizens.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
In the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey some very interesting issues have emerged.
Two days after the earthquake Turkey has asked Israel for aid - but only in the form of mobile homes.
Nearly 500 Turks are now dead and many more will be discovered. The cold in the Van region is bitter and people are fighting for tents and shelter and fire for warmth.
Turks are questioning the actions of their prime minister and attacking him for the decisions he has been making. There has been little central coordination and aid. AND he has rejected international assistance.
"The prime minister runs for help when it's Palestine or Somalia, sends ships to Palestine, almost goes into war with Israel for the sake of Palestinians, but he doesn't move a muscle when it comes to his own people," said Emrullah , an 18 year-old Turk from Van.
It seems that this is the consensus from the hard hit earthquake region.
The government cares more about the Palestinians than it cares about its own citizens.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Syria Pulls US Ambassador
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
The Syrians have recalled their ambassador to the United States.
Officially, he was recalled for "consultations."
The ambassador was recalled at a time when tensions between Syria and the United States continue to rise. For their part, the US State Department has said that there are no plans to recall their ambassador to Syria... Although US Ambassador Ford has left fue to threats against his life.
Recalling an ambassador for consultations can be a diplomatic gesture or it can be an internal, very practical move. The latter is, without a doubt, the case here.
Syria needs to improve its standing in the Western world, to strategize and to unify their message.
This was neither a gesture nor a statement about the tensions between the two countries. It was a necessary, practical, move.
I expect that the ambassador will soon be returned to Washington.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
The Syrians have recalled their ambassador to the United States.
Officially, he was recalled for "consultations."
The ambassador was recalled at a time when tensions between Syria and the United States continue to rise. For their part, the US State Department has said that there are no plans to recall their ambassador to Syria... Although US Ambassador Ford has left fue to threats against his life.
Recalling an ambassador for consultations can be a diplomatic gesture or it can be an internal, very practical move. The latter is, without a doubt, the case here.
Syria needs to improve its standing in the Western world, to strategize and to unify their message.
This was neither a gesture nor a statement about the tensions between the two countries. It was a necessary, practical, move.
I expect that the ambassador will soon be returned to Washington.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Arabs Do not Support Palestinian Budget
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Ron Prosor, the Israeli Ambassdor to the United Nations, offered some compelling insight yesterday.
Prosor said that Arab countries have abandoned the Palestinian Authority. He explained that the contributions of Arab countries to the Palestinian Authority amount to 20% of the PA's budget.
His point was best illustrated by saying that the entire Arab world's contribution to the Palestinian Authority amounts to about half the price of the Saudi Prince's new private luxury airplane. That is a mind boggling piece of information and insight.
When you crunch the numbers you discover that while many countries pledge monetary support to the Palestinians, the few countries that actually come through on their pledges and dole out cash and dole it out on time - are the Western democracies.
And that explains why a Congressional threat to withhold aid to the Palestinians is so powerful a threat.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Ron Prosor, the Israeli Ambassdor to the United Nations, offered some compelling insight yesterday.
Prosor said that Arab countries have abandoned the Palestinian Authority. He explained that the contributions of Arab countries to the Palestinian Authority amount to 20% of the PA's budget.
His point was best illustrated by saying that the entire Arab world's contribution to the Palestinian Authority amounts to about half the price of the Saudi Prince's new private luxury airplane. That is a mind boggling piece of information and insight.
When you crunch the numbers you discover that while many countries pledge monetary support to the Palestinians, the few countries that actually come through on their pledges and dole out cash and dole it out on time - are the Western democracies.
And that explains why a Congressional threat to withhold aid to the Palestinians is so powerful a threat.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Sunday, October 23, 2011
Kidnap More Israelis
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Samir Kuntar was quoted all over the Arabic press saying that kidnapping Shalit was a success and that more Israelis must be kidnapped.
Kuntar was himself exchanged in 2008 as part of the deal between Israel and Hezbollah that returned the dead bodies of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. Kuntar was found guilty and admitted to a brutal terror attack that killed five people in 1979. The attack included the murder of four year old baby Einat Haran.
Since his release form Israel Kuntar has proclaimed the need to continue attacking and kidnapping Israelis and exploit them as leverage to gain freedom for prisoners in Israeli jails.
He is not alone. Many voices in the Arab world are calling for more kidnappings. Hamas is the first among them.
As a result of this exchange Hamas has catapulted itself way over Abbas and the Palestinian Authority in the eyes of the Arabic world.
We will see if that lasts.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Samir Kuntar was quoted all over the Arabic press saying that kidnapping Shalit was a success and that more Israelis must be kidnapped.
Kuntar was himself exchanged in 2008 as part of the deal between Israel and Hezbollah that returned the dead bodies of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. Kuntar was found guilty and admitted to a brutal terror attack that killed five people in 1979. The attack included the murder of four year old baby Einat Haran.
Since his release form Israel Kuntar has proclaimed the need to continue attacking and kidnapping Israelis and exploit them as leverage to gain freedom for prisoners in Israeli jails.
He is not alone. Many voices in the Arab world are calling for more kidnappings. Hamas is the first among them.
As a result of this exchange Hamas has catapulted itself way over Abbas and the Palestinian Authority in the eyes of the Arabic world.
We will see if that lasts.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Freed Terrorist Tell Kids Go Kill
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
The Egyptian interview with Gilad Shalit was a propaganda piece. It was designed by Egypt to position themselves as central to the entire exchange. And, by extension once again, to reposition them as leaders in the Arab world.
The interviewer, Shahira Amin, is unyielding in her defense of the interview. She has said that she did not want to be a propaganda tool. She has bolstered her defense by saying that she resigned from state TV during the riots against Mubarak so as not to be part of the propaganda.
There is a serious flaw in the entire episode. Putting the questions asked of Gilad Shalit aside, putting his health aside, the flaw lies with the interview itself.
Conducting an interview, any interview, went against the agreement that Egypt signed. To complicate the issue even further, Amin claims Hamas was not involved in her interview --- but they were and the pictures prove it. Why lie?
We all know that Shalit was brought into the room by armed Hamas men. In the room itself there were only Egyptian intelligence people. They did not intervene, and neither did the Hamas men. I say this with complete authority and responsibility
http://honestreporting.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/shalithamasinterview.jpg
The translator/minder was not from Hamas as has been claimed, but behind Gilad Shalit in the still picture is a Hamas man in a mask with a camera. Shahira Amin hopes that this interview will be the big break in her career and take her international. But she interviewed a captive with his captors in the room - and then lied about it.
Say what she wants, that is propaganda, not journalism.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
The Egyptian interview with Gilad Shalit was a propaganda piece. It was designed by Egypt to position themselves as central to the entire exchange. And, by extension once again, to reposition them as leaders in the Arab world.
The interviewer, Shahira Amin, is unyielding in her defense of the interview. She has said that she did not want to be a propaganda tool. She has bolstered her defense by saying that she resigned from state TV during the riots against Mubarak so as not to be part of the propaganda.
There is a serious flaw in the entire episode. Putting the questions asked of Gilad Shalit aside, putting his health aside, the flaw lies with the interview itself.
Conducting an interview, any interview, went against the agreement that Egypt signed. To complicate the issue even further, Amin claims Hamas was not involved in her interview --- but they were and the pictures prove it. Why lie?
We all know that Shalit was brought into the room by armed Hamas men. In the room itself there were only Egyptian intelligence people. They did not intervene, and neither did the Hamas men. I say this with complete authority and responsibility
http://honestreporting.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/shalithamasinterview.jpg
The translator/minder was not from Hamas as has been claimed, but behind Gilad Shalit in the still picture is a Hamas man in a mask with a camera. Shahira Amin hopes that this interview will be the big break in her career and take her international. But she interviewed a captive with his captors in the room - and then lied about it.
Say what she wants, that is propaganda, not journalism.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
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Ghadaffi Could Have Been Tried
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Ghadaffi is dead - killed, after he surrendered.
The rules of war as well as the rules of Islam require that the Libyan thug him be taken prisoner. But that is not what happened.
He was killed - murdered in cold blood.
Was this the best outcome?
Was it best to drag him, beat him and kill him or should he have been arrested and tried?
Any established democracy would respond by saying bring the tyrant to trial - but Libya was not and still is not a democracy.
Had Ghadaffi been brought to trial his trial could have been an educational tool and a historical catharsis for a country that suffered under a brutal tyrant. A public trial would have inscribed the many atrocities perpetrated by Muammar Ghadaffi on the public record.
But these Libyans were not interested in history. These Libyans were out for revenge. And that is just what they got.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Ghadaffi is dead - killed, after he surrendered.
The rules of war as well as the rules of Islam require that the Libyan thug him be taken prisoner. But that is not what happened.
He was killed - murdered in cold blood.
Was this the best outcome?
Was it best to drag him, beat him and kill him or should he have been arrested and tried?
Any established democracy would respond by saying bring the tyrant to trial - but Libya was not and still is not a democracy.
Had Ghadaffi been brought to trial his trial could have been an educational tool and a historical catharsis for a country that suffered under a brutal tyrant. A public trial would have inscribed the many atrocities perpetrated by Muammar Ghadaffi on the public record.
But these Libyans were not interested in history. These Libyans were out for revenge. And that is just what they got.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Freeing Shalit
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
The exchange has happened.
1 Israeli for 1027 Palestinian prisoners.
The numbers are numbing
The lesson to be learned is crucial.
Israel made a painful and very costly deal for the life of a single citizen. The cost of letting convicted terrorists go free is enormous. Freeing even one of them makes life more dangerous for Israelis. Multiply that 1027 times.
Israelis are torn about the deal, the families of terror victims are up-in-arms.
Gazans are celebrating.
What will happen next?
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
The exchange has happened.
1 Israeli for 1027 Palestinian prisoners.
The numbers are numbing
The lesson to be learned is crucial.
Israel made a painful and very costly deal for the life of a single citizen. The cost of letting convicted terrorists go free is enormous. Freeing even one of them makes life more dangerous for Israelis. Multiply that 1027 times.
Israelis are torn about the deal, the families of terror victims are up-in-arms.
Gazans are celebrating.
What will happen next?
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Remarkable Shalit is As He Is
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Gilad Shalit is alive - and that is a miracle. There was no proof of life until he walked, on his own two legs, out of the nightmare he has endured for the past five years and four months and into freedom.
For someone who has endured these long years of Hamas sponsored confinement - in solitude, in a dark closet - like hole that allowed for no sun, with almost no human interaction, he has been declared in reasonably good condition. Sunken eyes, ashen complexion, weak and extremely thin - but able to see, hear, speak and respond.
Now - as so many people are doing, compare Gilad Shalit's condition to that of the prisoners released from Israeli prisons.
The 280 Palestinians already released by Israel came out healthy, strong and feeling secure. They were given three squares a day and fresh air and sunlight. They had access to doctors and regular contact with their family. They had their day in court and then were convicted.
Ethics, morality and the Geneva Convention separate the world inhabited by Gilad Shalit and the world inhabited by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Gilad Shalit is alive - and that is a miracle. There was no proof of life until he walked, on his own two legs, out of the nightmare he has endured for the past five years and four months and into freedom.
For someone who has endured these long years of Hamas sponsored confinement - in solitude, in a dark closet - like hole that allowed for no sun, with almost no human interaction, he has been declared in reasonably good condition. Sunken eyes, ashen complexion, weak and extremely thin - but able to see, hear, speak and respond.
Now - as so many people are doing, compare Gilad Shalit's condition to that of the prisoners released from Israeli prisons.
The 280 Palestinians already released by Israel came out healthy, strong and feeling secure. They were given three squares a day and fresh air and sunlight. They had access to doctors and regular contact with their family. They had their day in court and then were convicted.
Ethics, morality and the Geneva Convention separate the world inhabited by Gilad Shalit and the world inhabited by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Monday, October 17, 2011
Shalit Prisoner Exchange
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
The deal is supposed to go through tomorrow.
I am referring to the prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, the deal that was negotiated by Egypt and Germany.
There are many hiccups still to come and many that have already come over the past 24 hours. The deal may still breakdown. Debates and discussions and demonstrations have swelled as the time nears.
Whatever happens, it should be clearly understood that this is an extremely painful adventure, an agonizing exchange of prisoners, for Israelis.
Rabbis and ethicists line up on both sides. One side says that the life of Gilad Shalit is more important than the punishment of prisoners convicted of murder. Another side asks how is Shalit's blood redder than the blood of any other victim killed or maimed by the terrorists being released. Others say this is a clear victory for the terrorists who will have achieved their intended goal in kidnapping a soldier and holding him hostage in exchange for prisoners held in Israeli jails.
There is no simple answer.
If the release does go through one family's nightmare will end - but nothing else will change. Nothing at all.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
The deal is supposed to go through tomorrow.
I am referring to the prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, the deal that was negotiated by Egypt and Germany.
There are many hiccups still to come and many that have already come over the past 24 hours. The deal may still breakdown. Debates and discussions and demonstrations have swelled as the time nears.
Whatever happens, it should be clearly understood that this is an extremely painful adventure, an agonizing exchange of prisoners, for Israelis.
Rabbis and ethicists line up on both sides. One side says that the life of Gilad Shalit is more important than the punishment of prisoners convicted of murder. Another side asks how is Shalit's blood redder than the blood of any other victim killed or maimed by the terrorists being released. Others say this is a clear victory for the terrorists who will have achieved their intended goal in kidnapping a soldier and holding him hostage in exchange for prisoners held in Israeli jails.
There is no simple answer.
If the release does go through one family's nightmare will end - but nothing else will change. Nothing at all.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
AntiSemites: Wall St Protesters
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Tempers are rising in the "Occupy Wall Street Campaign."
Not just because the number of arrests have increased but because the tone has become very hateful.
I just finished watching a series of interviews with protesters and here are 2 clips from the Daily Caller
http://dailycaller.com/2011/10/07/anti-semitism-at-occupy-wall-street/
The clips depict virulent anti-Semitic feelings by the protesters.
One speaker could best be described as wild and crazed while the second is more stayed and rational in his presentation. Both are, frighteningly, filled with the echoes of medieval hatred of Jews.
Not, I repeat, not anti-Israel or anti-Zionist ideology... just outright anti-Semitism.
The film clips are edited by the Emergency Committee for Israel and are up on their front page. The Committee's board is composed of neo- con William Kristal and religious conservative leader Gary Bauer.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Tempers are rising in the "Occupy Wall Street Campaign."
Not just because the number of arrests have increased but because the tone has become very hateful.
I just finished watching a series of interviews with protesters and here are 2 clips from the Daily Caller
http://dailycaller.com/2011/10/07/anti-semitism-at-occupy-wall-street/
The clips depict virulent anti-Semitic feelings by the protesters.
One speaker could best be described as wild and crazed while the second is more stayed and rational in his presentation. Both are, frighteningly, filled with the echoes of medieval hatred of Jews.
Not, I repeat, not anti-Israel or anti-Zionist ideology... just outright anti-Semitism.
The film clips are edited by the Emergency Committee for Israel and are up on their front page. The Committee's board is composed of neo- con William Kristal and religious conservative leader Gary Bauer.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Friday, October 14, 2011
Clinton Says No to Palestinian State
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Hillary Clinton has told Reuters that the plan for full Palestinian membership in the UN and a declaration of Statehood is "going nowhere."
The Secretary of State said that many countries are telling the Palestinians that the formal letter presented to the Secretary General of the United Nations has not advanced their goals. She recounted that those countries are saying that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way to create a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
It appears that the momentum has swung away from the Palestinians in the Security Council. No doubt, the threat of a US veto as well as the recent vetoes by Russia and China on Syrian sanctions has left the Palestinian question quite simply - hanging.
Unlike in the General Assembly, member states of the Security Council are not likely to push a unilateral declaration knowing that in the end, it will result in nothing more than a large waste of their time in the Security Council.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Hillary Clinton has told Reuters that the plan for full Palestinian membership in the UN and a declaration of Statehood is "going nowhere."
The Secretary of State said that many countries are telling the Palestinians that the formal letter presented to the Secretary General of the United Nations has not advanced their goals. She recounted that those countries are saying that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way to create a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
It appears that the momentum has swung away from the Palestinians in the Security Council. No doubt, the threat of a US veto as well as the recent vetoes by Russia and China on Syrian sanctions has left the Palestinian question quite simply - hanging.
Unlike in the General Assembly, member states of the Security Council are not likely to push a unilateral declaration knowing that in the end, it will result in nothing more than a large waste of their time in the Security Council.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Exchange Shalit for 1027
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
In a vote of 26 for and 3 against, Israel's cabinet approved the deal with Hamas to free Gilad Shalit. Hamas has also agreed to the deal. That is no small accomplishment.
Shalit, an Israeli with dual French citizenship was kidnapped and has been held by Hamas for nearly five and half years. He is being exchanged for 1,027 prisoners.
Anything can happen - but it looks like the deal will proceed in stages.
The head of Israel's internal clandestine agency, the Shin Bet, said that 90% of the deal was agreed upon three years ago. The only real question was which prisoners would stay and which could leave their Israeli prisons.
Some of the people on the list to be freed in exchange for Shalit include terrorists involved in vicious attacks. The names of Marwan Barghouti and the terrorist responsible for the kidnapping and death of another Israeli soldier, Nachshon Wachsman, have been on and off the list too many times to count. Until all the prisoners are released, we will not know their fate.
These debates are never easy. Getting Gilad Shalit back home while he is still alive is a priority. But each and every one of the 1,027 people who stand to be released is responsible for horrific attacks against Israelis.
Yesterday Halid Mashaal, the head of Hamas, praised the deal and congratulated the squad that kidnapped Shalit. He said it was a successful operation that will lead to the release of over 1,000 prisoners.
That is the Palestinian point of view and we must never lose sight of that mindset.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
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I've Been Thinking:
In a vote of 26 for and 3 against, Israel's cabinet approved the deal with Hamas to free Gilad Shalit. Hamas has also agreed to the deal. That is no small accomplishment.
Shalit, an Israeli with dual French citizenship was kidnapped and has been held by Hamas for nearly five and half years. He is being exchanged for 1,027 prisoners.
Anything can happen - but it looks like the deal will proceed in stages.
The head of Israel's internal clandestine agency, the Shin Bet, said that 90% of the deal was agreed upon three years ago. The only real question was which prisoners would stay and which could leave their Israeli prisons.
Some of the people on the list to be freed in exchange for Shalit include terrorists involved in vicious attacks. The names of Marwan Barghouti and the terrorist responsible for the kidnapping and death of another Israeli soldier, Nachshon Wachsman, have been on and off the list too many times to count. Until all the prisoners are released, we will not know their fate.
These debates are never easy. Getting Gilad Shalit back home while he is still alive is a priority. But each and every one of the 1,027 people who stand to be released is responsible for horrific attacks against Israelis.
Yesterday Halid Mashaal, the head of Hamas, praised the deal and congratulated the squad that kidnapped Shalit. He said it was a successful operation that will lead to the release of over 1,000 prisoners.
That is the Palestinian point of view and we must never lose sight of that mindset.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Obama and the Jews
By Micah Halpern
Column:
No one person, neither a president nor a prime minister, can destroy the relationship between the United States and Israel.
The relationship is, simply put, complicated. It is a relationship deeply connected by history and shared values. The relationship is so unique that these two countries, vastly separated by continents, have often been likened to siblings. As so often happens between older brothers and younger brothers, tensions arise some more significant, some less significant, than others.
Part of that relationship has to do with the Jewish Community that lives in the US, a community that is very well organized, very protective of Israel and while admittedly less blind to Israel's faults than they once were, still extremely pro-Israel.
Jews make up about two percent of the population of the United States and account for roughly three percent of the vote. Jewish votes are important only in a very few swing states, like Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio. A high percentage of Jews come out to vote each election day and historically, they have voted Democratic overwhelmingly Democratic.
So when politicians and their handlers begin to smooth over relations and lobby the Jewish community for support, it is not about getting their vote. It is about getting their money.
The Jewish community is extremely generous. They make up anywhere between thirty and sixty percent of Democrat fund raising dollars. And anyone who has been part of an election will tell you - the person with the biggest war chest, usually wins.
The Obama Administration has earned a reputation for having put undue pressure on Israel. As a result Jewish money is not as quick to flow into the president's war chest as it did four years ago. That's not to say that Jewish donors aren't giving. They are giving, but much less. Much less to the Democratic party and much less to the Republican party. No donor wants to completely shut the door in the face of a politician.
Donors want access even if they disagree with the policies, decisions and voting patterns of the politician.
They show their displeasure by not being as free with their monetary gift. They give enough to maintain access, not so much that they can be counted upon for unwavering support.
This time around, no one is certain that Barack Obama is slated to return for a second term. And since no one wants to back a losing candidate, donors are being extremely cautious in allocating their funds.
The president knows all that and his carefully worded speech before the General Assembly of the United Nations was a very important step in the proper direction for many Jewish contributors.
And then, continuing his policy of gentle appeasement of the Jews, the Obama Administration sent Vice President Joe Biden to speak to a select group of fifteen rabbis in Boca Raton. Biden has an iron clad history of support for Israel. He is the perfect choice to send to a friendly crowd of rabbis in Southern Florida, a crowd that unabashedly loves and supports him. The objective of the meeting was to smooth over differences with the White House and to secure more donors, in essence, to free up the flow of money into Democratic election funds.
Biden spoke about how the Obama Administration had made some mistakes. That's a gross understatement when it comes to Israel and the Jewish community, but it broke the ice and showed that Washington is ready for a reality check.
And then the subject turned to Jonathan Pollard, the Jewish American analyst was convicted of spying for Israel.
Biden told the group that President Obama was considering clemency for the spy who was sentenced to life in prison in 1987. And then the man of too many words said that he, Joe Biden, friend of the Jews, had advised the president, even using the term 'over my dead body" not to allow Pollard to get out before his sentence is up.
Considering that Biden was sent by the White House to smooth over issues with the Jewish community and to pave the road for campaign funds to come rolling in, this was an unfortunate admission.
The question of Pollard's actions and his early release are hot buttons within the American Jewish community. The Jewish community is very sensitive about Pollard. His early release has been on and off the table during the tenure of several presidents. While the best method of dealing with the issue is to confront it directly, Biden took it to the extreme.
The first rule of diplomacy is exactly the same as the first rule of medicine. It is the rule brought down through history by the great Greek philosopher Hippocrates and known as the Hippocratic Oath: First do no harm.
Joe Biden, though he later softened his remarks about Pollard, did great harm to the relationship between the Jewish community and the man who wants to remain president of the United States. Unlike the relationship between the United States and Israel, the relationship between a politician and the Jews of the United States can be easily destroyed.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
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Column:
No one person, neither a president nor a prime minister, can destroy the relationship between the United States and Israel.
The relationship is, simply put, complicated. It is a relationship deeply connected by history and shared values. The relationship is so unique that these two countries, vastly separated by continents, have often been likened to siblings. As so often happens between older brothers and younger brothers, tensions arise some more significant, some less significant, than others.
Part of that relationship has to do with the Jewish Community that lives in the US, a community that is very well organized, very protective of Israel and while admittedly less blind to Israel's faults than they once were, still extremely pro-Israel.
Jews make up about two percent of the population of the United States and account for roughly three percent of the vote. Jewish votes are important only in a very few swing states, like Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio. A high percentage of Jews come out to vote each election day and historically, they have voted Democratic overwhelmingly Democratic.
So when politicians and their handlers begin to smooth over relations and lobby the Jewish community for support, it is not about getting their vote. It is about getting their money.
The Jewish community is extremely generous. They make up anywhere between thirty and sixty percent of Democrat fund raising dollars. And anyone who has been part of an election will tell you - the person with the biggest war chest, usually wins.
The Obama Administration has earned a reputation for having put undue pressure on Israel. As a result Jewish money is not as quick to flow into the president's war chest as it did four years ago. That's not to say that Jewish donors aren't giving. They are giving, but much less. Much less to the Democratic party and much less to the Republican party. No donor wants to completely shut the door in the face of a politician.
Donors want access even if they disagree with the policies, decisions and voting patterns of the politician.
They show their displeasure by not being as free with their monetary gift. They give enough to maintain access, not so much that they can be counted upon for unwavering support.
This time around, no one is certain that Barack Obama is slated to return for a second term. And since no one wants to back a losing candidate, donors are being extremely cautious in allocating their funds.
The president knows all that and his carefully worded speech before the General Assembly of the United Nations was a very important step in the proper direction for many Jewish contributors.
And then, continuing his policy of gentle appeasement of the Jews, the Obama Administration sent Vice President Joe Biden to speak to a select group of fifteen rabbis in Boca Raton. Biden has an iron clad history of support for Israel. He is the perfect choice to send to a friendly crowd of rabbis in Southern Florida, a crowd that unabashedly loves and supports him. The objective of the meeting was to smooth over differences with the White House and to secure more donors, in essence, to free up the flow of money into Democratic election funds.
Biden spoke about how the Obama Administration had made some mistakes. That's a gross understatement when it comes to Israel and the Jewish community, but it broke the ice and showed that Washington is ready for a reality check.
And then the subject turned to Jonathan Pollard, the Jewish American analyst was convicted of spying for Israel.
Biden told the group that President Obama was considering clemency for the spy who was sentenced to life in prison in 1987. And then the man of too many words said that he, Joe Biden, friend of the Jews, had advised the president, even using the term 'over my dead body" not to allow Pollard to get out before his sentence is up.
Considering that Biden was sent by the White House to smooth over issues with the Jewish community and to pave the road for campaign funds to come rolling in, this was an unfortunate admission.
The question of Pollard's actions and his early release are hot buttons within the American Jewish community. The Jewish community is very sensitive about Pollard. His early release has been on and off the table during the tenure of several presidents. While the best method of dealing with the issue is to confront it directly, Biden took it to the extreme.
The first rule of diplomacy is exactly the same as the first rule of medicine. It is the rule brought down through history by the great Greek philosopher Hippocrates and known as the Hippocratic Oath: First do no harm.
Joe Biden, though he later softened his remarks about Pollard, did great harm to the relationship between the Jewish community and the man who wants to remain president of the United States. Unlike the relationship between the United States and Israel, the relationship between a politician and the Jews of the United States can be easily destroyed.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Lashings in Iran
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Peyman Aref is a student at Tehran University.Aref was recently released from an Iranian prison. He was in prison after being found guilty of anti-government political activity.
Aref was lashed 74 times when he was released. It was for a completely different crime. That crime was the crime of insulting President Ahmadinejad.
Aref had written a letter to the president and did not begin in the customary manner by writing "Salaam," which means "peace upon you."
Because he did not use the proper greeting or salutation he was given 74 lashes - with a whip.
Crime and punishment in Iran are incomprehensible to the Western mind.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Peyman Aref is a student at Tehran University.Aref was recently released from an Iranian prison. He was in prison after being found guilty of anti-government political activity.
Aref was lashed 74 times when he was released. It was for a completely different crime. That crime was the crime of insulting President Ahmadinejad.
Aref had written a letter to the president and did not begin in the customary manner by writing "Salaam," which means "peace upon you."
Because he did not use the proper greeting or salutation he was given 74 lashes - with a whip.
Crime and punishment in Iran are incomprehensible to the Western mind.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
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Monday, October 10, 2011
Egypt Kills More Christians
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Last night was deadly for Christians in Egypt. Nineteen Christians were killed and well over a hundred hospitalized from injuries caused by plain clothes and riot police.
It began when Christians gathered and marched to sit in at the
National TV building in Cairo. They were protesting the terrible burning and riots against churches in Aswan, located in southern Egypt. The riots started even though local Christian leaders agreed to take down the crosses and bells from the church, Christian symbol that had incensed Muslims in the area.
What began as a peaceful protest turned violent when locals threw rocks and shot pellets at the Christian marchers. Cars were torched and people were arrested. The night ended with a curfew instituted for all of Cairo.
Christians compose about 10% of the Egyptian population -- 8 million out of 80 million people.
Nerves are very raw right now in Egypt. At this point any little incident can set off a large explosion.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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I've Been Thinking:
Last night was deadly for Christians in Egypt. Nineteen Christians were killed and well over a hundred hospitalized from injuries caused by plain clothes and riot police.
It began when Christians gathered and marched to sit in at the
National TV building in Cairo. They were protesting the terrible burning and riots against churches in Aswan, located in southern Egypt. The riots started even though local Christian leaders agreed to take down the crosses and bells from the church, Christian symbol that had incensed Muslims in the area.
What began as a peaceful protest turned violent when locals threw rocks and shot pellets at the Christian marchers. Cars were torched and people were arrested. The night ended with a curfew instituted for all of Cairo.
Christians compose about 10% of the Egyptian population -- 8 million out of 80 million people.
Nerves are very raw right now in Egypt. At this point any little incident can set off a large explosion.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
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Sunday, October 9, 2011
Der Sturmer Like Cartoons in The Arabic Press
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
There has been a huge increase in anti-Semitic, almost medieval, depictions of Jews and Israel in the Arabic press. This is particularly the case with editorial cartoons.
Since the UN hosted the General Assembly these cartoons have become so ugly that some of them actually parallel the infamous Nazi newspaper Der Sturmer which unabashedly depicted Jews as evil beings.
ADL ( the Anti-Defamation League) collected a significant set of the cartoons and posted them online late last week. I have pasted a link to their collection.
What is so telling is that almost all the cartoons depict Israel controlling the United States through the use of the veto they cast in the Security Council. Many smack of the conspiracy theory that says Jews control the world.
http://www.adl.org/anti_semitism_arab/cartoons-in-arab-press-demonize.asp
Remember these cartoons are current, they are not part of a historical archive, they were published just a short few days and weeks ago.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
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I've Been Thinking:
There has been a huge increase in anti-Semitic, almost medieval, depictions of Jews and Israel in the Arabic press. This is particularly the case with editorial cartoons.
Since the UN hosted the General Assembly these cartoons have become so ugly that some of them actually parallel the infamous Nazi newspaper Der Sturmer which unabashedly depicted Jews as evil beings.
ADL ( the Anti-Defamation League) collected a significant set of the cartoons and posted them online late last week. I have pasted a link to their collection.
What is so telling is that almost all the cartoons depict Israel controlling the United States through the use of the veto they cast in the Security Council. Many smack of the conspiracy theory that says Jews control the world.
http://www.adl.org/anti_semitism_arab/cartoons-in-arab-press-demonize.asp
Remember these cartoons are current, they are not part of a historical archive, they were published just a short few days and weeks ago.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Iran Dip Sits in Israeli's Seat
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
There was an amazing picture on the Ynet site. It showed the Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency sitting in the Israel chair.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4132525,00.html
In the photo the Iranian ambassador is joined by two aides and they are all speaking to the Irish ambassador.
Under normal circumstances this would not be an issue. It is here because Iranian policy is not even to mention the name of Israel no less be caught in a picture sitting in a seat with the sign in front of you reading "Israel" which Iran refers to only as the "Zionist entity."
Diplomats have been recalled, fired and publically humiliated for far less. Iranian diplomats have been recalled for being in a room with Israelis where they were photographed in the same picture or broadcast together. The policy of Iran is that there is to be neither informal nor formal interaction and no appearance of such interaction.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
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To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
I've Been Thinking:
There was an amazing picture on the Ynet site. It showed the Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency sitting in the Israel chair.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4132525,00.html
In the photo the Iranian ambassador is joined by two aides and they are all speaking to the Irish ambassador.
Under normal circumstances this would not be an issue. It is here because Iranian policy is not even to mention the name of Israel no less be caught in a picture sitting in a seat with the sign in front of you reading "Israel" which Iran refers to only as the "Zionist entity."
Diplomats have been recalled, fired and publically humiliated for far less. Iranian diplomats have been recalled for being in a room with Israelis where they were photographed in the same picture or broadcast together. The policy of Iran is that there is to be neither informal nor formal interaction and no appearance of such interaction.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Friday, October 7, 2011
Abbas Increases PR Spin
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the European Parliament yesterday. The speech was extremely problematic.
Abbas spoke about the Palestinian spring. He explained that the Palestinians must cast off the oppressive Israeli leadership and control over their own lives.
What Abbas did was to create a metaphor which is totally inappropriate. The force preventing Palestinian statehood is the lack of negotiations, not Israel's oppressive tactics.
The Palestinian president then compared the 6000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel cells to Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier being held by Hamas. That was just plain offensive.
Palestinian prisoners in Israel have beds, heat and air conditioning. They get 3 square meals a day and have access to doctors, calling time to speak to family, visits with family and even conjugal visit.
Gilad Shalit is held in a subterranean cave. He has not seen light and there has been no interaction with anyone including Red Cross since his abduction on June 25, 2006. His parents have no idea if he is even alive.
The rhetoric and the untruths, the use of metaphor and similes is just irresponsible. It is propaganda. If I were being irresponsible, I would say that Goebels would be proud.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
I've Been Thinking:
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the European Parliament yesterday. The speech was extremely problematic.
Abbas spoke about the Palestinian spring. He explained that the Palestinians must cast off the oppressive Israeli leadership and control over their own lives.
What Abbas did was to create a metaphor which is totally inappropriate. The force preventing Palestinian statehood is the lack of negotiations, not Israel's oppressive tactics.
The Palestinian president then compared the 6000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel cells to Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier being held by Hamas. That was just plain offensive.
Palestinian prisoners in Israel have beds, heat and air conditioning. They get 3 square meals a day and have access to doctors, calling time to speak to family, visits with family and even conjugal visit.
Gilad Shalit is held in a subterranean cave. He has not seen light and there has been no interaction with anyone including Red Cross since his abduction on June 25, 2006. His parents have no idea if he is even alive.
The rhetoric and the untruths, the use of metaphor and similes is just irresponsible. It is propaganda. If I were being irresponsible, I would say that Goebels would be proud.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
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Thursday, October 6, 2011
Biden - ism Again
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Last night Vice President Joe Biden hosted an annual event at the vice president's residence in honor of Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year.
Biden said that "Israel is America's closest, dearest, and most morally-based friend."
Even though I would agree in many ways with the sentiment expressed by the vice president, this is just another in a series of "Biden-isms."
There are several other countries in the world that would like to claim those titles he bestowed upon Israel.
The vice president got it backwards. He should have said: "Israel and America are the closest and the dearest of friends. They are bound by a mutual sense of values and morals."
Adding the words "and the" in place of "is" makes all the difference in the world.
These speeches are matter of public record. The corrected form would not diminish the friendship between the United States and Israel. Rather, it speaks of their bond from a more mature and realistic point of view - a POV the VP should have.
Micah@MicahHalpern
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I've Been Thinking:
Last night Vice President Joe Biden hosted an annual event at the vice president's residence in honor of Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year.
Biden said that "Israel is America's closest, dearest, and most morally-based friend."
Even though I would agree in many ways with the sentiment expressed by the vice president, this is just another in a series of "Biden-isms."
There are several other countries in the world that would like to claim those titles he bestowed upon Israel.
The vice president got it backwards. He should have said: "Israel and America are the closest and the dearest of friends. They are bound by a mutual sense of values and morals."
Adding the words "and the" in place of "is" makes all the difference in the world.
These speeches are matter of public record. The corrected form would not diminish the friendship between the United States and Israel. Rather, it speaks of their bond from a more mature and realistic point of view - a POV the VP should have.
Micah@MicahHalpern
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Al Qaeda Condemns Iran
By Micah Halpern
Column:
Sometimes, truth comes from the most unexpected, unlikely source. And that source almost always offers not only unimpeachable information but also clear, sharp and most important, revealing, insight.
The latest source in this category is al Qaeda. That's right, I am referring to the al Qaeda condemnation of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The condemnation that came after Ahmadinejad delivered his speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The speech was long and rambling typical of the Irania president. The part that really irked al Qaeda was when Ahmadinejad spoke about 9-11 and said that the attacks were part of a conspiracy perpetrated by the CIA and other Western groups, including the Israeli Mossad.
Al Qaeda was not the only party to be upset by this theory. As soon as Ahmadinejad began to spout his anti-Western rhetoric the United States walked out of the great hall. When Ahmadinejad began his diatribe against 9-11 many other countries left as well. The United States bristled at the accusation. Israel, for their part, has gotten used to false accusations and hateful tirades from Ahmadinejad.
The essence of his presentation was that 9-11 was fabricated in order to make an excuse for the United States to invade Iraq and continue their colonial Western presence in Islamic lands. In this new chronicle of history as imagined by Ahmadinejad, al Qaeda pays no role -- and that they find extremely offensive.
9-11 put al Qaeda on the map in the Islamic world. To take that away relegates them to a miror organization.
In their most recent edition of Inspire, the al Qaeda English language web zine they call Ahmadinejad's assertions ridiculous, wrong and a fabrication, nothing more than a simple conspiracy theory. "The Iranian government has professed on the tongue of its president Ahmadinejad that it does not believe that al Qaeda was behind 9/11 but rather, the U.S. government."
"So we may ask the question: why would Iran ascribe to such a ridiculous belief that stands in the face of all logic and evidence?"
The author of the piece than explains that the reason Ahmadinejad chose to alter history is because al Qaeda and Iran are battling for the same Muslim souls and explains that: "For them, al Qaeda was a competitor for the hearts and minds of the disenfranchised Muslims around the world." Al Qaeda's PR agent goes on to outline the dramatic differences between their organization and Iran and then takes the gloves off: "Al Qaeda ... succeeded in what Iran couldn't. Therefore it was necessary for the Iranians to discredit 9/11 and what better way to do so? Conspiracy theories." For the Iranians, he exclaims, jihad is just an idea while for Al Qaeda it is a physical war.
An interesting aside is that a footer on the article asks for volunteers to help out. Al Qaeda, it turns out, is looking for people "with any skills - be it writing, research, editing, or advice" and ask that they volunteer for the cause.
In the end, it's all about jihad. Jihad under the Iranian flag or Jihad under the al Qaeda flag. Let them battle it out amongst themselves. They are both dangerous and they are both enemies of the West. But for now they both hate one another.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Column:
Sometimes, truth comes from the most unexpected, unlikely source. And that source almost always offers not only unimpeachable information but also clear, sharp and most important, revealing, insight.
The latest source in this category is al Qaeda. That's right, I am referring to the al Qaeda condemnation of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The condemnation that came after Ahmadinejad delivered his speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The speech was long and rambling typical of the Irania president. The part that really irked al Qaeda was when Ahmadinejad spoke about 9-11 and said that the attacks were part of a conspiracy perpetrated by the CIA and other Western groups, including the Israeli Mossad.
Al Qaeda was not the only party to be upset by this theory. As soon as Ahmadinejad began to spout his anti-Western rhetoric the United States walked out of the great hall. When Ahmadinejad began his diatribe against 9-11 many other countries left as well. The United States bristled at the accusation. Israel, for their part, has gotten used to false accusations and hateful tirades from Ahmadinejad.
The essence of his presentation was that 9-11 was fabricated in order to make an excuse for the United States to invade Iraq and continue their colonial Western presence in Islamic lands. In this new chronicle of history as imagined by Ahmadinejad, al Qaeda pays no role -- and that they find extremely offensive.
9-11 put al Qaeda on the map in the Islamic world. To take that away relegates them to a miror organization.
In their most recent edition of Inspire, the al Qaeda English language web zine they call Ahmadinejad's assertions ridiculous, wrong and a fabrication, nothing more than a simple conspiracy theory. "The Iranian government has professed on the tongue of its president Ahmadinejad that it does not believe that al Qaeda was behind 9/11 but rather, the U.S. government."
"So we may ask the question: why would Iran ascribe to such a ridiculous belief that stands in the face of all logic and evidence?"
The author of the piece than explains that the reason Ahmadinejad chose to alter history is because al Qaeda and Iran are battling for the same Muslim souls and explains that: "For them, al Qaeda was a competitor for the hearts and minds of the disenfranchised Muslims around the world." Al Qaeda's PR agent goes on to outline the dramatic differences between their organization and Iran and then takes the gloves off: "Al Qaeda ... succeeded in what Iran couldn't. Therefore it was necessary for the Iranians to discredit 9/11 and what better way to do so? Conspiracy theories." For the Iranians, he exclaims, jihad is just an idea while for Al Qaeda it is a physical war.
An interesting aside is that a footer on the article asks for volunteers to help out. Al Qaeda, it turns out, is looking for people "with any skills - be it writing, research, editing, or advice" and ask that they volunteer for the cause.
In the end, it's all about jihad. Jihad under the Iranian flag or Jihad under the al Qaeda flag. Let them battle it out amongst themselves. They are both dangerous and they are both enemies of the West. But for now they both hate one another.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Congress Halts PA Aid
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
The US Congress has frozen $200 million promised as aid to the Palestinians.
Congress is holding the feet of the Palestinians to the fire. By stopping the funding Congress is saying that the Palestinians must embrace negotiations without preconditions with Israel in order to continue getting money from the United States.
The Obama administration is lobbying Congress to keep the money flowing. The White House thinks that stopping aid will do irrevocable damage to the Palestinian infrastructure.
The Palestinians, for their part, are convinced that they will continue to get the US aid.
Popular thought is that the difference in the funding would be picked up by petrol rich Arab countries. That is not clear or guaranteed.
This year alone the United States is scheduled to give $900 million to the Palestinians and only a fraction of that money will be picked up by the Saudis and other Arab countries.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
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To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
I've Been Thinking:
The US Congress has frozen $200 million promised as aid to the Palestinians.
Congress is holding the feet of the Palestinians to the fire. By stopping the funding Congress is saying that the Palestinians must embrace negotiations without preconditions with Israel in order to continue getting money from the United States.
The Obama administration is lobbying Congress to keep the money flowing. The White House thinks that stopping aid will do irrevocable damage to the Palestinian infrastructure.
The Palestinians, for their part, are convinced that they will continue to get the US aid.
Popular thought is that the difference in the funding would be picked up by petrol rich Arab countries. That is not clear or guaranteed.
This year alone the United States is scheduled to give $900 million to the Palestinians and only a fraction of that money will be picked up by the Saudis and other Arab countries.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Monday, October 3, 2011
Jewish Leaders & Biden
By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Vice President Biden was quoted in Saturday's New York Times as having spoken to 15 rabbis. The subject was Jonathan Pollard.
Biden told the group that President Obama was considering clemency for the convicted spy, sentenced to life in prison in 1987.
Biden reported that he advised Obama --- using the term "over my dead body" - not to allow Pollard to get out before his sentence is up.
Considering that Biden was sent by the White House to smooth over issues with the Jewish community and to pave the road for campaign funds to come rolling in, this was an unfortunate admission. .
The Pollard question is a very sensitive for the Jewish community. It has been on the table during the tenure of several presidents. The best method of dealing with the issue is to confront it directly. Biden took it to the extreme.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
I've Been Thinking:
Vice President Biden was quoted in Saturday's New York Times as having spoken to 15 rabbis. The subject was Jonathan Pollard.
Biden told the group that President Obama was considering clemency for the convicted spy, sentenced to life in prison in 1987.
Biden reported that he advised Obama --- using the term "over my dead body" - not to allow Pollard to get out before his sentence is up.
Considering that Biden was sent by the White House to smooth over issues with the Jewish community and to pave the road for campaign funds to come rolling in, this was an unfortunate admission. .
The Pollard question is a very sensitive for the Jewish community. It has been on the table during the tenure of several presidents. The best method of dealing with the issue is to confront it directly. Biden took it to the extreme.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
Sunday, October 2, 2011
US Has Talks w Muslim Brotherhood
By Micah Halpern
I'm Predicting:
The United States has conducted formal diplomatic contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt. This is the same Brotherhood that was banned by both Hosni Mubarak and Anwar Sadat. The same Brotherhood that was responsible for the assassination of Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.
The Muslim Brotherhood is the inspiration for al Qaeda and Hamas and Hezbollah and a host of other Islamic terror movements around the world.
Direct talks with the Brotherhood shows a radical shift in US policy.
The United States is trying to move the Muslim Brotherhood into the mainstream of politics and not just in popularity - they are already popular with about 20% support. The US wants them to liberalize their political persona - to emphasize the social and communal aspects of who they are. The US wants to help them be contributors to Egyptian society.
Despite the wishes and wants of the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt has threatened to boycott the recently announced November elections in Egypt. The boycott is based on the predetermined stacking of the election.
It is confusing.
I predict that there will be no elections in November and if the elections do take place as planned they will be neither free nor democratic
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
I'm Predicting:
The United States has conducted formal diplomatic contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt. This is the same Brotherhood that was banned by both Hosni Mubarak and Anwar Sadat. The same Brotherhood that was responsible for the assassination of Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.
The Muslim Brotherhood is the inspiration for al Qaeda and Hamas and Hezbollah and a host of other Islamic terror movements around the world.
Direct talks with the Brotherhood shows a radical shift in US policy.
The United States is trying to move the Muslim Brotherhood into the mainstream of politics and not just in popularity - they are already popular with about 20% support. The US wants them to liberalize their political persona - to emphasize the social and communal aspects of who they are. The US wants to help them be contributors to Egyptian society.
Despite the wishes and wants of the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt has threatened to boycott the recently announced November elections in Egypt. The boycott is based on the predetermined stacking of the election.
It is confusing.
I predict that there will be no elections in November and if the elections do take place as planned they will be neither free nor democratic
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
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