Chinese Pres to Visit Mar-a-Lago

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit President Trump in Mar-a-Lago on April 6th and 7th.

This will be their first meeting between these presidents. It is important to note that while the visit will take place in the United States, not in China, it will be taking place in the president's Florida residence, not at the White House.

During the campaign Trump often made reference to the unfair money manipulation that China engaged in against the US. But campaign rhetoric and promises quickly fade away after the candidate assumes the presidency and faces the priorities of leadership.

No doubt they will discuss North Korea. They will only mention, if not skirt around, trade issues. The need to work with China to stop North Korea is essential for the US. The potential danger that North Korea poses is top priority.

China is right there, China is North Korea's neighbor and North Korea cares what China thinks. They fear China.

The US and China need to be on the same page now, as North Korea tries to flex its muscles.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Arab Summit Recognizes Israel-- Sort Of

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

The Arab Summit finished up this week. It was agreed that the only solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict is a two-state solution.

The Arab Summit finished up this week. It was agreed that the only solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict is a two-state solution.

King Abdullah of Jordan said in his Summit address that a Palestinian state cannot be created without a two-state solution.

This is groundbreaking.

The idea that the vast majority of Arab leadership publicly recognized two states is noteworthy.

To put it bluntly: Two states means --- Israel and the Palestinian state.
This was official recognition of Israel by Arab leadership.

This is nothing short of historical.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com

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Carlos the Jackel Convicted Again

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Before ISIS and al Qaeda - there was Carlos aka The Jackal.

Carlos was the greatest terrorist of the 70's and 80's. He was a terrorist for hire. His "employers" were mostly Palestinians, Soviets and other communist leaders and their states.

Yesterday Carlos was convicted by a French court and sentenced to life in prison for blowing up a shopping mall in Paris in 1974.

This was Carlos' third life sentence for murder and terror.

Carlos called the entire trial absurd and that is exactly what he shouted after the sentencing. He made fun of the trial convened for a 42 year old crime.

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ISIS Member Arrested in Israel

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

An Israeli Arab was indicted yesterday for sending money to an ISIS fighter in Iraq

Fadel Tzaber Knaneh is a 25 year old man whose brother Mohammed joined ISIS in Syria. Fadel's brother Mohammed was killed. Fadel found out about his brother's death via a message which came from a mutual friend named Muhammed Keilani - who is also fighting for ISIS either in Syria or in Iraq.

In early March of 2017, Keilani told Fadel Knaneh that he was injured and needed money. Knaneh went to a money changer in Jenin who transferred 5000 NIS, which equals $1300, to Keilani in Iraq.
And for that he was arrested.

This is just one of many examples of Israelis who have been arrested for helping ISIS. It is not a trend, but it is troubling.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Iran Puts Sanctions On Pro Israel Companies

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Iran is sanctioning companies that are doing business with Israel.

The companies include Bent Tal, United Technologies Products, ITT Corporation, Raytheon, Re/Max Real Estate, Magnum Research Inc, Oshkosh Corporation, Kahr Arms and Elbit System.
Iran is responding to the US sanctions imposed against them after a series of missile tests. Iranian media covered the decision by the foreign ministry to ban these companies from doing business in Iran.

Iran has also threatened to declare the CIA and the US army as terrorist organizations.

The Iranians are barring these companies from doing business in Iran. In truth, it will have very little impact on the targeted companies or on their industries - Iran is making a statement, they are responding. Many of these companies are Israel oreinted with major Israeli sections.

The Iranians are responding in order to make themselves feel relevant. The reality, however, is that in this case, the Iranians are overreaching.

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Egypt Defends Christians

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Egypt has finally started protecting their Christians.

When an anti-Christian incident took place in the ancient city of Luxor, police stepped in to control the mob. Eight of the protesters were arrested and seven protesters were injured. Four police were also injured.

Here's what happened: Muslims were marching on a Christian home and the police found out about it and stepped in to protect the family inside their home. The motivation for the protest was a rumor that a Christian teenager converted to Islam. It was rumored that his parents were holding him and punishing him for the conversion and trying to influence him to change back.

The family denies all of this.

Had police not stepped in, the crowd would have lynched the family.

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Ukraine Bans Russia Eurovision Singer

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:
Ukraine has announced that the Russian contestant in the Eurovision music festival will not be permitted entry into Ukraine. Eurovision is an annual music festival that functions as a creative cultural competition between nations.

According to Eurovision rules, the winning country hosts the next year's competition. Last year Ukraine won. This year the music contest will take place in Kiev on May 11-13.

Ukrainian officials say that Yulia Samoylova, a 27 year old Russian woman who is confined to a wheelchair may not enter their country.

Eurovision is traditionally non-political. This year is different. Why? Because in 2014, after the Russian land grab, Yulia toured Crimea. Ukrainian law does not permit any entry into Crimea except through a Ukrainian border crossing. Anyone who violates that law may be refused entry into Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials take this very seriously.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Ted Allen Was Wrong

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect is calling on actor Tim Allen to apologize for his comments on the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

Allen likened the atmosphere in Hollywood to Germany in the 1930's. He paralleled the being a conservative in Hollywood to Jews under Hitler. Allen his audience to imagine that life in LA is as bad as was life in Berlin. He said that "you've got to be real careful around here or you'll get beat up."

He added, "If you don't believe what everybody believes, this is like thirties Germany."

Steven Goldstein, the director of the Anne Frank house, said "apologize to the Jewish people." He told Allen that "no one in Hollywood today is subjecting you or anyone else to what the Nazis imposed on Jews in the 1930s."

Goldstein is correct and Allen should apologize. There is no parallel. Allen could have said that it is uncomfortable being a conservative in Hollywood - he did not have to be so melodramatic and theatrical and invoke the Holocaust to make his point.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Egypt and Palestinians Reconcile

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:
Palestinians and Egyptians are in talks in an effort to reconcile their tensions.

Palestinian leaders are now meeting in Egypt with their Egyptian counterparts. This is a good sign, for some time now there was almost no interaction between these two parties.

There are several reasons for this division.

The first reason is that Egypt had begun reaching out to the leaders of Gaza and tried to work with them in order to protect their border and stop the back and forth movement of weapons and drugs.
Tensions between Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are nearly beyond repair.

The second reason is that Egypt withdrew their anti-Israeli settlement resolution at the United Nations Security Council due to pressure from the US and Israel. Never mind that the resolution passed the next day after being proposed by another country.

Tensions between Egypt and the Palestinian Authority can be resolved. Egypt is a regional power and it is in the best interests of Palestinians to be able to count on al Sisi and his government.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Israel 8th Most Powerful

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

US News and World Report has published its yearly list of the most powerful nations of the world.

Israel was named number 8 in the most powerful category. Number one was the United States, followed by Russia, China, UK, Germany, France, Japan and then Israel.

Israel was listed as #19 in the movers and shakers category and #25 in entrepreneurship.

Israel's standing is impressive by any standard. Israel, a country with about 8 million people, is competitive in power with countries like China with a billion and half people and the United States with 325 million.

Israel truly is extremely powerful. And so are Saudi Arabia, which was rated as #9, the United Arab Emirates which came in at #10 and South Korea and Canada, # 11 and #12, respectively.

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IDF Drills Near Gaza

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Israel has called up army reservists for drills in southern Israel.

The drills, which will prepare the IDF for a variety of scenarios that may arise, were stimulated by increased tensions along the border with Gaza.

Over the past few weeks five rockets have been launched into Israel and three other border security incidents have occurred.

This does not mean that a battle is imminent, it means that Israel wants to be as well prepared as possible for potential threats and for an intensification of attacks coming from Gaza.

Bringing the IDF reservists to the Gaza border sends a signal to the leadership in Gaza. It says that Israel is preparing and that an increased number of launched missiles into Israel could result in a series of Israeli operations and strikes against Gaza.

That was not a part of the Gazans plan.

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Strange Sports in Israel

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

People have written about the Israeli national baseball team and how the team made it to the world baseball championships beating Cuba, Netherlands South Korea and Taiwan.

In the end they lost to Japan. But their performance was inspirational and certainly impressive.
Commentators around the world wrote about how the well the team did, only Israel seemed not to be paying attention. Israel just wasn't paying attention.

Israelis themselves were blase. That's because Israelis don't understand baseball.

They don't understand yo-yo either. Tal Mordoch, a 16 year old 10th grade high schooler from Ramat Hasharon, won second place in the European Yo Yo Championships which took place in Krakow, Poland.

He is now training for the international championships taking place in August in Tokyo. At last year's competition in Prague, Mordoch placed 30th.
Congratulations. Sports is big news.

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Frankfurt Wants to Stop BDS

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

The mayor of Frankfurt is working hard to squash a Boycott Divestment and Sanctions, known as BDS, group that is planning a conference and protest in his city.

The mayor, Uwe Becker, asserts that BDS is anti-Semitic, even Nazi-styled, and therefore BDS protests would be illegal. He says that the proof of his assertion is BDS slogans, ads and posters.

Their slogans are based on the principles of: "Don't Buy From Israel" and "Don't Buy From Jews."

The event is scheduled for June 9-10 and the speaker list is an all-star team of anti-Semites. An earlier protest is scheduled to take place in Bonn at the end March.

There, too, efforts are underway to squash the protest.

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US Extraditing Palestinian Terrorist

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:
The US Department of Justice has asked for Ahlam al Tamimi to be extradited from Jordan to the United States to stand trial for bombing the Sbarro Pizzeria in Jerusalem on August 9, 2001. Two of the fifteen people murdered in the attack were US citizens.
122 people were wounded in this terror attack.

Al Tamimi was convicted after pleading guilty. She scouted the pizzeria and she drove the suicide bomber there on the day of the attack.

Al Tamimi was released from prison in an exchange for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Since her release she has been the host of a very popular TV show in Jordan that regularly interviews terrorists. On her shows she often speaks about terrorism and has even admitted to other terrorist activities.

This is the first time the United States has is engaged in prosecuting a terrorist for attacking Americans abroad.

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Iran Expamds Oil Exports

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:
There is big news in the world of oil.

Iran is now the second largest supplier of oil to India. They overtook Iraq over the past few months.

India is the second largest importer of oil in the world. And now Iran is in the very same position they were in before sanctions began.

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria and Venezuela are the primary exporters of oil to India and not surprisingly the order has been disrupted. The order was not just disrupted by Iran - Nigeria also overtook Venezuela.

What this all means is that that Iran is becoming more and more powerful. With this new market growth comes money and with money comes power .... power and, especially influence.

Welcome to the natural outgrowth of Iran's new status.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Europe Upset by PA Hate Education

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Europe has a long standing history of siding with the Palestinians against Israel.

It's not that Europeans are anti-Israel, it is just that they believe that there is an injustice at the heart of the conflict.

European leaders as well as the European masses actually embrace Israel and Israelis. In fact, most are repulsed by the anti-Semitism and hateful rhetoric of the Palestinians. That is certainly the case for the leaders of Europe.

It sounds counter intuitive. The European psyche rejects any kind of anti-Jewish behavior and thought - but they side with the Palestinians.

A British weekend paper, the Mail on Sunday, ran an investigative story about Palestinian schools which get European funds and still teach hatred and glorify terror.

The paper brought video and photos and interviews that show Palestinian children playing games with the objective of murdering Israeli soldiers. They highlight the Facebook page of a school which posted videos and pictures of these games.

When interviewed, one teacher acknowledged that he would urge students to become suicide bombers if and when students approached him for advice.

The report in the Mail also pointed out that schools are named after terrorists. Sporting events are named after terrorists. Faculty and administration admit to taking European money and not following the conditions of the international aid.

This is deeply troubling for Europeans - as it should be -- it means that their money is going towards teaching hatred.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Trump and Abbas

Sunday March 12, 2017

I've Been Thinking:

Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority are embarking on a new strategy -they are on the offensive.

The Palestinian Authority is now aggressively pursuing the White House and Jewish communities in the US.

On Friday President Donald Trump spoke to Abbas for the first time since assuming office. 

Trump spoke about his desire to get a resolution between Israel and the Palestinians. Abbas spoke about two states.

Trump also extended an invitation to Abbas to come to the White House.
Also it appears that Trump might be organizing a Peace Conference.

This week Trump's special negotiator, Jason Greenblatt, will arrive in Israel and meet with Israelis and Palestinians.

In addition, Abbas has opened a new aggressive PR front. He is approaching Jewish communities in the US. He is reaching out to Jewish communities about speaking at temples and synagogues.

This will be very important - it may result in a shift in momentum in US Jewish communities vis a vis the Palestinians.

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Putin Holds Summit w Turkish Erdogan Too

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Turkish President Erdogan is in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Putin.

The Turkish president arrived in Russia on the same day that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu came and met with Putin.

Putin is creating a series of summits. The purpose of the summits is to cement his role in the region.

Both Israel and Turkey are regional players. Russia wants to make certain that everyone is on the same page in dealing with ISIS. He also wants to make certain that there is agreement on Assad of Syria.

Israel said they don't care about Syrian leadership - all they want is stability and Iran as far away as possible. Turkey wants their border to be quiet and the ability to cross when needed in order to pursue and to punish terrorists who seek refuge by crossing the border.

Iran is the elephant in the room. No one wants them in Syria. But they have been and still support Hezbollah and have significant troops and advisers in Syria all to defend Assad and keep him in position.

Putin has power and he knows how to wield it.

Micah@MicahHalpern,com 

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3 Teens Apologize for Swastika

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:
On Friday three teens in Pennsylvania sprayed a swastika on the parking lot of the parking lot of the Exeter Community Library.

The teens stuck a note and $50 in the book return slot. The apology was found by library workers on Monday. The note said the youths were "three stupid teenagers apologizing for our heinous acts." The note explained that the teens didn't intend to offend or hurt anyone.

The teenagers explained that they "all have religious roots and did not intentionally mean this as any form of hate speech or dislikeness towards any culture."

This act of anti-Semitism is not typical. There is sincere contrition on the part of the teenagers. They had no idea of the magnitude of the their deed and they have since corrected their mistake.

Most of these acts are perpetrated by real hateful people.

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Ahmadinejad Opens a Twitter Account

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was leading the country when it banned Twitter in 2009, finally joined the social media platform.

He was President from 2009 - 2013. In 2011 there was a groundswell against him called the Green revolution. The members used twitter to communicate and organize.

Ahmadinejad's first tweet was "In the name of God, Peace be upon all the freedom loving people of the world #Imontwitter".

He then posted a video message, in which he said: "In the name of God, the most merciful and most compassionate. Follow me at Ahmadinejad1956. That's me. Peace and love, and best wishes." The year Ahmadinejad used in his username is his year of birth.

His Twitter bio reads: "Husband, Dad, Grandfather, University Professor, President, Mayor, Proud Iranian."

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US Backpedaling on Israel

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

The Trump administration is backpedaling on its original positions on Israel. The administration now seems to be adopting a more traditional US point of view on settlements and on the West Bank.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that he has received direct messages from the United States that should Israel annex any part of the West Bank it would trigger an "immediate crisis" between the two nations.

To quote Lieberman: "We received a direct message—not an indirect message and not a hint—from the United States. Imposing Israeli sovereignty on the West Bank would mean an immediate crisis with the new administration."

Israel's defense minister also said that he received dozens of messages from leaders around the world about the traditional US stance which became an international issue after annexation was again raised by a junior member of the ruling Likud party named Miki Zohar.

Lieberman and Netanyahu have tried to calm the bluster and defuse the storm that has erupted. But world leaders are concerned about annexation - and that includes the Trump White House.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 

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Russia Arrests ISIS Cell

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

The Associated Press reports that Russian authorities have arrested three terrorists and killed one
other. The terrorists were all members of an ISIS cell.

According to the report these four terrorists were part of a sleeper cell in the southern region of Dagestan, in the city of Derbent, which is on the Caspian Sea very close to the Azerbaijan border.

The Russian anti-terrorism unit approached a home where one of the terrorists was hiding out. A shoot out ensued and the terrorist was killed. The other three were arrested afterwards in other locations.

ISIS is expanding their reach and Russia is one of their primary targets - the Russian presence in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, does not please ISIS at all.

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Baharin Arrests 25 Terorists

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Bahrain arrested 25 people suspected of terror. The police say that the 25 were part of a 54 person group. The police seized weapons, explosives, cars, a boat and a drone.

The group is charged with going to Iran and Iraq and receiving training from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Iran has been trying to destabilize Bahrain since 2011.

Bahrain is controlled by Sunnis who compose about 15% of the country - but the majority of Bahrainis, about 85% of the country, are Shiites.

There continues to be a low level, constant movement by Shiites to overthrow Sunni leadership in Bahrain and this group is another example of that endeavor.

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Hamas Israel Tensions Rising

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

Hamas is increasing their attacks against Israel.

Tensions along the Gaza- Israeli border are heating up and could continue to escalate.

Numerous rockets have been launched from Gaza into Israel. Israeli military units are being targeted as they patrol the Israeli side of the border. Israel is striking back using drones and helicopters.

Hamas has said they will strike back at Israel because Israel has attacked Hamas' nerve centers.

This is not merely a repeating cycle of violence. It is an escalation in the number and intensity of attacks by Hamas against Israel.

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US Takes A Stand

I've Been Thinking:

Iran has been testing ballistic missiles. They shot two cruise style missiles, called Nasir missile, from a submarine. The missiles hit their targets.

The United States and other Western nations say this behavior violates UN Security Council 

Resolution 2331 which was passed in the aftermath of the famous nuke deal. The resolution, passed in July of 2015, says that Iran is "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology."

Iran says that they are not in violation of any resolution.

Iran claims that they do not have a nuclear program so they cannot be in violation of anything nuclear-related. They say the resolution only deals with issues in connection to nuclear development.

Of course the Iranians want to expand their nuclear technology. They say that they are engaging in energy and research - not in weapon development.

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A King Travels in Style

By Micah Halpern

I've Been Thinking:

King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdul Aziz is making a trip to Indonesia. Kings don’t travel the same way you and I do.

Salman bin Abdul Aziz will be travelling with an entourage of between 900 and 1500 people - including 100 security personnel. He will be bringing over 500 tons of luggage - including two Mercedes S600 limousines and two freestanding elevators. Yes, two freestanding elevators
10 ministers and 25 princesses are joining the king on this 9 day trip. In addition to Indonesia, they will visit China, Japan, Maldives and Jordan.

In 2015, when the King of Saudi Arabia visited Washington, DC, the royal entourage took over the entire Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown - all 222 rooms.

When a king travels, he comes complete with an entire crew and all the trappings of the monarchy.
The king of Saudi Arabia will sacrifice none of the comforts of home even when hitting the road.

Micah@MicahHalpern.com 
 
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