Wow. I'll have to admit, I certainly didn't see this one coming. But it's been a phenomenal turn for the better from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Just weeks after pledging to withdraw from most of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and days after appearing wobbly in his resolve against Israel's enemies, Olmert has finally changed course to a far tougher direction. Enough is enough, he has declared, Israel must eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas.
Way to go Mr. Prime Minister! Israel has long desired and offered peace, but these terror groups have never accepted it and have always aimed to destroy the Jewish state. For years, Israel wishfully ignored this reality and allowed terrorism to fester. But finally the naivety is no more. As Olmert stated,
"It is of regional and international interest to control and dismantle the terror organizations and remove this threat from the Middle East. We intend to do so....We will attack every terrorist staging area, destroy every terrorist base and liquidate members of the terror groups. Israel will not agree to live in the shadow of the threat of missiles and rockets on its citizens."
Now there's a workable plan. For the first time in his tenure, I'd like to raise many cheers to Israel's Prime Minister! With this type of attitude, Israel is in great shape!
And I'm sure many Israelis also agree with Olmert's firm conclusion:
"I am more proud today than any other day in my life to be a citizen of the State of Israel. We will not surrender and we will not back down."
L'Chaim!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Weekend News Update
Just reported today, Israel's Air Force has destroyed the home of Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah. While perhaps not quite as satisfying as lighting a Menorah in Saddam Hussein's captured palace, the operation was highly justified and Nasrallah absolutely deserved it. Let's hope this is just the tip of the iceberg in Israel's offensive; Hezbollah needs to learn as firsthand as possible that attacking Israel is always a losing proposition.
Meanwhile, Israel has also discovered that the rockets launched on Haifa were made in Iran. No surprise there, of course; it's been clear that Iran has supported the terrorists from the beginning. But this should also directly signal America that Iran's ambitions include the entire Middle Eastern region, which is yet more evidence of the danger its nuclear program poses to the world.
Israel is also all over the blogosphere:
Columnist Tammy Bruce slams international critics of Israel for their weakness and hypocrisy.
The Pink Flamingo Bar & Grill (that's the name of the blog) explains the Islamic impetus behind Israel's attackers' intentions. I disagree with the post's contention that the jihadists' aims would be different were Israel not a Jewish state -- fundamentalist Muslims hate everyone else, but Jews in particular -- but overall it very astutely analyzes the situation.
Front Page Magazine's David Horowitz tells why the Western world should absolutely support Israel. (Technically this is a regular article and not part of his blog, but it's highly worth reading in all shapes or forms.)
Blogger MadZionist lays down the truth: Disengagement and appeasement have failed, and now it's time to unite and support Israel together.
And briefly, in other news:
Check out Victor Davis Hanson's new piece on President Bush and "Cowboy Diplomacy." As per Dr. Hanson's usual output, this essay is par exellence.
Meanwhile, Israel has also discovered that the rockets launched on Haifa were made in Iran. No surprise there, of course; it's been clear that Iran has supported the terrorists from the beginning. But this should also directly signal America that Iran's ambitions include the entire Middle Eastern region, which is yet more evidence of the danger its nuclear program poses to the world.
Israel is also all over the blogosphere:
Columnist Tammy Bruce slams international critics of Israel for their weakness and hypocrisy.
The Pink Flamingo Bar & Grill (that's the name of the blog) explains the Islamic impetus behind Israel's attackers' intentions. I disagree with the post's contention that the jihadists' aims would be different were Israel not a Jewish state -- fundamentalist Muslims hate everyone else, but Jews in particular -- but overall it very astutely analyzes the situation.
Front Page Magazine's David Horowitz tells why the Western world should absolutely support Israel. (Technically this is a regular article and not part of his blog, but it's highly worth reading in all shapes or forms.)
Blogger MadZionist lays down the truth: Disengagement and appeasement have failed, and now it's time to unite and support Israel together.
And briefly, in other news:
Check out Victor Davis Hanson's new piece on President Bush and "Cowboy Diplomacy." As per Dr. Hanson's usual output, this essay is par exellence.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Israel's Mission Must Be To Win
Good news on the technical front - Typepad recovered part of my erased post, and I reconstructed the remainder and posted it all a few moments ago. (I also set it to display the date it was written, July 12.)
Unfortunately, though, that's been only a small personal ray of light in what has become a very difficult day for Israel and the entire free world. Hezbollah rockets have struck Haifa, Tzfat, and many smaller towns and kibbutzes in northern Israel. Several soldiers and two civilians have been killed, with hundreds more wounded. Furthermore, Iran and Syria have all but admitted their roles in sponsoring the terrorists.
Israel has thankfully responded with more force, but I'm still concerned that it's not nearly enough. Recent events (and those not-so-recent) have clearly proved that appeasing terrorism never works and instead only further encourages the perpetrators. But instead of unleashing the full might of the IDF, Israel still seems so concerned with international opinion that it practically fights with one hand tied behind its back.
To this, I say screw the EU, the Arab nations, and the UN. (Pardon my choice of verb, but it's necessary.) They always condemn Israel regardless of circumstances, and Israel should just flat-out ignore them and concentrate on the task at hand.
Israel didn't want this war, but Iran, Syria, and their terrorist proxies have handed it over. These enemies cannot be appeased, only defeated, and Israel must be willing to act on this notion. Failure is not an option.
For more on how we can all help, two excellent resources are the Simon Wiesenthal Center on the political side, and Rabbi Lazer Brody from a more spiritual perspective. (Rabbi Brody, a former IDF commando who lives in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, has also been providing regular Israel news updates; here is his frontpage link.)
Unfortunately, though, that's been only a small personal ray of light in what has become a very difficult day for Israel and the entire free world. Hezbollah rockets have struck Haifa, Tzfat, and many smaller towns and kibbutzes in northern Israel. Several soldiers and two civilians have been killed, with hundreds more wounded. Furthermore, Iran and Syria have all but admitted their roles in sponsoring the terrorists.
Israel has thankfully responded with more force, but I'm still concerned that it's not nearly enough. Recent events (and those not-so-recent) have clearly proved that appeasing terrorism never works and instead only further encourages the perpetrators. But instead of unleashing the full might of the IDF, Israel still seems so concerned with international opinion that it practically fights with one hand tied behind its back.
To this, I say screw the EU, the Arab nations, and the UN. (Pardon my choice of verb, but it's necessary.) They always condemn Israel regardless of circumstances, and Israel should just flat-out ignore them and concentrate on the task at hand.
Israel didn't want this war, but Iran, Syria, and their terrorist proxies have handed it over. These enemies cannot be appeased, only defeated, and Israel must be willing to act on this notion. Failure is not an option.
For more on how we can all help, two excellent resources are the Simon Wiesenthal Center on the political side, and Rabbi Lazer Brody from a more spiritual perspective. (Rabbi Brody, a former IDF commando who lives in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, has also been providing regular Israel news updates; here is his frontpage link.)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Israel - Time To Forcefully Strike Back
It's time for Israel to quit restraint and strike hard to devastate Hamas and Hezbollah. Both terror organizations have all but declared war on the Jewish State, and quite frankly, enough is enough. Israel clearly prefers peace with its neighbors (as it should), but when you are repeatedly attacked, sometimes you just have no choice. Restraint and appeasement have only emboldened Israel's enemies, and now Israel must respond with appropriate force.
Olmert's government has held back for far too long, even limiting its recent military incursions. But no nation should have to live under a constant cloud of terror, especially one that is so utterly preventable.
Israel has reached a crossroads. No more empty "tough" promises. No more appeasement. No more naively wishful thinking. Hamas and Hezbollah have left Israel with little alternative, and now it's time for action. Defeat these evil terrorists once and for all.
Olmert's government has held back for far too long, even limiting its recent military incursions. But no nation should have to live under a constant cloud of terror, especially one that is so utterly preventable.
Israel has reached a crossroads. No more empty "tough" promises. No more appeasement. No more naively wishful thinking. Hamas and Hezbollah have left Israel with little alternative, and now it's time for action. Defeat these evil terrorists once and for all.
Friday, July 7, 2006
News From The Mexico Election
In news from Mexico, conservative presidential candidate Felipe Calderon narrowly won the presidential election over leftist rival Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Center-left candidate Roberto Madrazo placed a distand third.
This victory is excellent news for both Mexico and the United States. As a center-rightist from current president Vicente Fox's National Action Party, Calderon has pledged to support business and free trade, two primary drivers for lifting Mexico further out of poverty. Calderon also intends to broaden relations with the U.S. and form a stable coalition government. Lopez Obrador, on the other hand, favors heavy government social spending and turning farther away from American relations. He is no Hugo Chavez or Evo Morales, but nevertheless his populist governing approach seems almost straight out of the welfare-state playbook that has failed so many European nations in recent years.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, meanwhile, Lopez Obrador has alleged election fraud and resultingly is threatening street protests. This, despite a recount which once again confirmed Calderon as the victor. Lopez Obrador may be understandably upset, but publicly becoming a sore loser is, in my opinion, a poor way to respond. Al Gore acted similarly in 2000 and his career has yet to recover. Calderon has offered his rival a place in his cabinet; unless Lopez Obrador has a soft spot for politicians-turned-global-warming-advocates, I think he'd be smart to drop the protests and accept it.
This victory is excellent news for both Mexico and the United States. As a center-rightist from current president Vicente Fox's National Action Party, Calderon has pledged to support business and free trade, two primary drivers for lifting Mexico further out of poverty. Calderon also intends to broaden relations with the U.S. and form a stable coalition government. Lopez Obrador, on the other hand, favors heavy government social spending and turning farther away from American relations. He is no Hugo Chavez or Evo Morales, but nevertheless his populist governing approach seems almost straight out of the welfare-state playbook that has failed so many European nations in recent years.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, meanwhile, Lopez Obrador has alleged election fraud and resultingly is threatening street protests. This, despite a recount which once again confirmed Calderon as the victor. Lopez Obrador may be understandably upset, but publicly becoming a sore loser is, in my opinion, a poor way to respond. Al Gore acted similarly in 2000 and his career has yet to recover. Calderon has offered his rival a place in his cabinet; unless Lopez Obrador has a soft spot for politicians-turned-global-warming-advocates, I think he'd be smart to drop the protests and accept it.
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
North Korea's Missile Test and Stopping Kim Jong-Il
Another day, another missile. That's apparently what Kim Jong-Il and the fanatics in North Korea want the rest of the world to fear, having just launched seven Taepodong 2 test missiles into the Sea of Japan.
As such, both East Asia and the United States are on high alert, with the U.N. Security Council (who somehow found time away from their disgustingly continuous Israel-bashing) condemning the launch and America scrambling to activate its missile-defense system.
Given North Korea's confirmed possession of nuclear weapons, this is a clearly a serious issue. But also given the nation's small size and limited non-nuclear offensive capabilities, we must ask ourselves - just what are their intentions? The Communist state's strength is miniscule compared to both the U.S. and its surrounding neighbors (China, Japan, South Korea, Russia), and even a dictator as unstable as Kim likely favors self-preservation enough to avoid tempting bigger powers with a nuclear exchange.
So why the missile launch? Could Kim merely be delusionally overconfident like Iran's President Ahmadinejad? Is he genuinely just bonkers as many have claimed? Perhaps he pines to recapture Communism's glory days of the Soviet Union years? Or does he have something truly sinister in mind, such as an EMP attack over the American heartland?
North Korea's government has hinted at very little, but I believe the answer is actually none of the above. Rather, Kim's regime feels pressured by the capitalistic successes surrounding it (particularly South Korea and Japan), and merely wishes to remain in power via nuclear deterrent. Hence, unlike with Iran (where any nuclear possesion is a grave danger that must not be allowed), the North Korean threat to America (and everyone else) can be minimized if properly managed. But poorly handled, it could become disastrous.
Now I know this conclusion may sound naively optimistic, and certainly it is not ideal. (An exponentially better situation would have been Bill Clinton stopping a pre-nuclear Kim when he had the chance.) But after examining the range of possibilities, I do feel it is likely. First, while Kim clearly rules the state fanatically, he is not insane and indeed appears to quite intelligent and rational. Wikipedia reports, for example, that Kim holds an economics degree, systematically consolidated his hold on power, and controls every major detail of North Korea's government operations. Furthermore, he probably doesn't overconfidently aim to defeat the U.S.; unlike Ahmadinejad, Kim is no Muslim utopian (nor, by most accounts, a religious person at all), and as such would not likely risk his life for a war or nuclear brinksmanship. Finally, as the ruler of a small nation surrounded by larger powers, Kim surely must realize that he has virtually no chance of replicating the Soviet Union's past success.
So what's left as an explanation? Protecting his hold on power. Kim is an international pariah, his state is dirt-poor, and his people despise him. What better way to stay on top than with nuclear weapons? North Korea's missile tests, then, are Kim's attempt to remind the world that he's still in charge.
Knowing this, I believe the conflict can be managed the same way the U.S. deterred the Soviets - via mutually assured destruction. America must give Kim an ultimatum that if he launches (or gives to terrorists) a single nuclear missile, we will bomb him back to the stone age. At the same time, just as with the Soviets, we must pressure Kim with economic incentives to free his people. These strategies together can help stabilize North Korea's offensive capabilities while gradually enticing it towards capitalism and democracy.
The bad news, of course, is that Kim has already developed nukes, which presents an instant inherent risk. For this reason, appealing to the U.N. Security Council is a terribly wrong response. China and Russia regularly support Kim specifically to oppose the U.S., and including them in discussions will only prolong the crisis and perhaps even embolden Kim to pull further stunts.
America has one clear way to solve this standoff: Force North Korea to play by our rules rather than playing by theirs. The sooner we do it, the safer we'll be and the sooner the North Korean people will finally receive their much needed freedom.
As such, both East Asia and the United States are on high alert, with the U.N. Security Council (who somehow found time away from their disgustingly continuous Israel-bashing) condemning the launch and America scrambling to activate its missile-defense system.
Given North Korea's confirmed possession of nuclear weapons, this is a clearly a serious issue. But also given the nation's small size and limited non-nuclear offensive capabilities, we must ask ourselves - just what are their intentions? The Communist state's strength is miniscule compared to both the U.S. and its surrounding neighbors (China, Japan, South Korea, Russia), and even a dictator as unstable as Kim likely favors self-preservation enough to avoid tempting bigger powers with a nuclear exchange.
So why the missile launch? Could Kim merely be delusionally overconfident like Iran's President Ahmadinejad? Is he genuinely just bonkers as many have claimed? Perhaps he pines to recapture Communism's glory days of the Soviet Union years? Or does he have something truly sinister in mind, such as an EMP attack over the American heartland?
North Korea's government has hinted at very little, but I believe the answer is actually none of the above. Rather, Kim's regime feels pressured by the capitalistic successes surrounding it (particularly South Korea and Japan), and merely wishes to remain in power via nuclear deterrent. Hence, unlike with Iran (where any nuclear possesion is a grave danger that must not be allowed), the North Korean threat to America (and everyone else) can be minimized if properly managed. But poorly handled, it could become disastrous.
Now I know this conclusion may sound naively optimistic, and certainly it is not ideal. (An exponentially better situation would have been Bill Clinton stopping a pre-nuclear Kim when he had the chance.) But after examining the range of possibilities, I do feel it is likely. First, while Kim clearly rules the state fanatically, he is not insane and indeed appears to quite intelligent and rational. Wikipedia reports, for example, that Kim holds an economics degree, systematically consolidated his hold on power, and controls every major detail of North Korea's government operations. Furthermore, he probably doesn't overconfidently aim to defeat the U.S.; unlike Ahmadinejad, Kim is no Muslim utopian (nor, by most accounts, a religious person at all), and as such would not likely risk his life for a war or nuclear brinksmanship. Finally, as the ruler of a small nation surrounded by larger powers, Kim surely must realize that he has virtually no chance of replicating the Soviet Union's past success.
So what's left as an explanation? Protecting his hold on power. Kim is an international pariah, his state is dirt-poor, and his people despise him. What better way to stay on top than with nuclear weapons? North Korea's missile tests, then, are Kim's attempt to remind the world that he's still in charge.
Knowing this, I believe the conflict can be managed the same way the U.S. deterred the Soviets - via mutually assured destruction. America must give Kim an ultimatum that if he launches (or gives to terrorists) a single nuclear missile, we will bomb him back to the stone age. At the same time, just as with the Soviets, we must pressure Kim with economic incentives to free his people. These strategies together can help stabilize North Korea's offensive capabilities while gradually enticing it towards capitalism and democracy.
The bad news, of course, is that Kim has already developed nukes, which presents an instant inherent risk. For this reason, appealing to the U.N. Security Council is a terribly wrong response. China and Russia regularly support Kim specifically to oppose the U.S., and including them in discussions will only prolong the crisis and perhaps even embolden Kim to pull further stunts.
America has one clear way to solve this standoff: Force North Korea to play by our rules rather than playing by theirs. The sooner we do it, the safer we'll be and the sooner the North Korean people will finally receive their much needed freedom.
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Happy 4th Of July!!
Hope everyone has been enjoying a great 4th of July! It's fantastic to celebrate 230 years of the USA! Got to love a day off work, fireworks, barbecues, and fun!
In addition, I'd like to discuss the holiday's deeper meaning. Often it's all too easy to take for granted our uniquely American freedoms, successes, and opportunities, and each year our nation's birthday happily reminds us of these wonderful privileges. So along with today's celebrations, let's also feel thankful that we live in what our national anthem so excellently defines as the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
Much excellent writing about this day has also surfaced on the Internet, and here are some of the best that I have enjoyed:
Celebrate the Majesty of America
Enjoy Memories of the 4th
Salute the Troops
And to put things into perspective, imagine A World Without America.
I'd also like to relate a personal note by quoting one of my wife's favorite songs. More than anything else, her experiences as an immigrant from a third-world country have shown me just how privileged Americans stand compared to most everyone else on the globe. We really should be ever-more thankful indeed.
G-d Bless the U.S.A.
By Lee Greenwood
© MCA Music
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land G-d bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:
I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land G-d bless the U.S.A.
In addition, I'd like to discuss the holiday's deeper meaning. Often it's all too easy to take for granted our uniquely American freedoms, successes, and opportunities, and each year our nation's birthday happily reminds us of these wonderful privileges. So along with today's celebrations, let's also feel thankful that we live in what our national anthem so excellently defines as the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
Much excellent writing about this day has also surfaced on the Internet, and here are some of the best that I have enjoyed:
Celebrate the Majesty of America
Enjoy Memories of the 4th
Salute the Troops
And to put things into perspective, imagine A World Without America.
I'd also like to relate a personal note by quoting one of my wife's favorite songs. More than anything else, her experiences as an immigrant from a third-world country have shown me just how privileged Americans stand compared to most everyone else on the globe. We really should be ever-more thankful indeed.
G-d Bless the U.S.A.
By Lee Greenwood
© MCA Music
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land G-d bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:
I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land G-d bless the U.S.A.
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