What exactly is this concept of right of return that the Palestinians keep referring to? Does anyone really expect us to believe that Israel is going to open up their borders and allow seven million so called Palestinian refugees, the number the Palestinian negotiators are using, and the current population of Israel including their Arab citizens, to relocate anywhere they wish within the pre 1967 borders of Israel? Why do the Palestinians need their own state if they want to move to Israel? Who is going to live in the new Palestinian homeland if they all move to Israel? According to these numbers there will only be approximately 1 and half million Palestinians living in the new Palestinian state and over seven million Arabs living within the pre 1967 borders of Israel. It should seem quite obvious to even the novice observer to the Middle East situation that these numbers don't add up.
That's correct the numbers don't add up. Those of us who are of sound mind and body must come to the following conclusion the Palestinians don't want to live side by side with the Jewish state. They want all of current Israel as their new Palestinian homeland. We all have seen maps produced by the Palestinian Authority that depict Palestine as stretching from the Jordan River until the Mediterranean. There is no depiction of the state of Israel anywhere on the map. There is even a tourist advertisement in the British issue of National Geographic that invites people to visit Palestine. The ad depicts tThe ad depicts westward to the m of Return from the negotiations , there is no reason to try to move ahead on any other obsticulhe state of Palestine to includes the entire area from the Jordan River westward to the Medditeranean. Visit Hebron, Jericho and of course the Capital of Palestine, Jerusalem. Obviously they have different plans in mind for the future landscape of the Middle East, excluding the state of Israel.
That brings us to The Israeli politicians and their unbelievable team of negotiators. Where did they get their training? They haven't got a clue. Who needs to discuss final borders, status of Jerusalem, security concerns and of course the biggest joke of all, "Right of Return". Why is opposition leader, Tizpi Livni , keep blaming Prime Minister Netanyahu and his coalition for the stalemate in the current negotiations? Wasn't she the head of the negotiating team for previous not yet convicted Prime Minister Olmert? Did they not offer the store including all of its contents to the Palestinans and was smacked right in the face with a response that Israel is not offering them enough? Why are members of the labor party who are currently in the coalition threatening to leave this month or next month or even in 4 months if there isn't any progress in the negotiations? Of course that's a joke because Barak the Defense Minister and current head of Labor knows all too well that he is in no position to walk away from his current portfolio as defense minister.
The time has come to put together a new negotiating team that perhaps can be made up of a cross section of the population that has a better understanding of how negotiating works. Mainly, you give something and you get something in return. Or, you state your position and listen to the other side's position and you try to meet somewhere in between. This isn't Nuclear Physics or sending someone to mars this is basic negotiating 101. Leaving issues like the right of return for and the division of Jerusalem and final items on the agenda is absolutely ludicrous. There shouldn't be any continued discussions with the Palestinians until the Israelis stand strong once and for all, removing this nonsensical idea of the right of return from the final status arguments. We all realize that it is a non starter and should not be allowed to be used as a negotiating ploy. Who negotiates the fine print of any deal or transaction before the price is agreed upon? If Israel cannot remove the Right of Return from the negotiations, there is no reason to try to move ahead on any other obstacles that are sure to follow.
A View from Jon's Place
01/09/2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, December 6, 2010
Happy Chanukah
The holiday of Chanukah can only be celebrated in its fullest in the land where the miracle actually took place. That of course is in the State of Israel. As we all know that the calendar in Hebrew is different than the one followed in most of the rest of the world. Chanukah is celebrated the same time every year according to Hebrew calendar that being the 25th day of Kislav. Sometimes it can fall out the same time as Christmas does, and sometimes like this year it can fall out at the beginning of December. That is when all the stress begins. Families who celebrate Chanukah in the US check their calendars to see if the 2 holidays overlap each other making it easier to plan vacations and family celebrations. Schools and businesses in the states schedule vacation time from the 25th of December thru January 1st. That’s all fine and good when Chanukah falls out in the same period, but what does one do when they don't? Inevitably, Chanukah usually takes a back seat to the other holiday. Even Jewish Day schools find themselves yielding to the holiday week of December 25th through the first of January.
In Israel that is not the case. The only stress experienced with the timing of the holiday is whether we can find the correct gifts that our children are hoping for. There are no date conflicts, only celebration scheduling conflicts. The local municipalities don't concern themselves , as in the US, with being politically correct as to how much they decorate their public areas. They don't have to divide space between the major holiday of Christmas , Chanukah, and even the new kid on the block , that festive holiday of Kawanza (no, I can't explain exactly what holiday that is). In Israel the lamp posts are decorated only with menorahs and driedles , the Chanuka spinning top. They don't have to count and divide the number of decorations designated for each holiday. In the US the holiday season is turned into a legal battle between those who want religious symbols on public grounds and those who believe it to be a civil rights violation if one person out of a million is offended by any show of holiday expression. The term happy and merry is also a problem. The safest term for the season is just "happy Holidays" with the hopes of keeping the lawyers at bay so that everyone can celebrate in their own way.
Chanukah in Israel is celebrated in a most enjoyable way. The secular and religious alike can enjoy the holiday without any conflict. People from all walks of life, all levels of observance and backgrounds gather around each of the eight nights, lighting the menorah, singing songs, eating potato pancakes and jelly donuts (representing the oil that the holiday is about), spending time with family and friends. They don't have to look over their shoulder to see if they are offending any of their neighbors. Each of the Eight days and nights is another opportunity for celebration. The lighting of the Menorah is meant to show off the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days after the desecration of the holy temple. What a joy it is to see specially designed Menorahs displayed outside of people's homes for everyone to see and feel a sense of pride in this beautiful holiday tradition. We all know unfortunately this is not the case outside of Israel. In some countries there is even fear in displaying t he lights inside one's home let alone outside where the lights are truly a sight for all. Menorahs on display everywhere, candles flickering in the darkness of the night. As the holiday progresses there aren't any 50%off Christmas cards and decorations, but rather big discounts on menorahs and candles.
This Chanukah in Israel has been a very difficult one as the State of Israel is experiencing their worst natural disaster in their modern history, the scorching of the Carmel Forrest. Forty-one lives have been lost in this great tragedy but this great tiny country(in land mass only) finds the place to both celebrate the Holiday while not forgetting those that have lost love ones and the many that have lost their homes and their livelihood. What a moving sight it was to see a member of a secular Kibbutz who was taking up shelter in another Kibbutz lighting the Chanukah Menorah and singing the blessings with other displaced members with a sense of pride and strength in the belief that they will rise above this difficult time in their lives and once again start over and rebuild and be able to celebrate the wonderful holiday of Chanukah with no one overlooking their shoulders whether it is politically correct or not.
Views from Jon's Place
12/5/2010 Chanukah Samayach
In Israel that is not the case. The only stress experienced with the timing of the holiday is whether we can find the correct gifts that our children are hoping for. There are no date conflicts, only celebration scheduling conflicts. The local municipalities don't concern themselves , as in the US, with being politically correct as to how much they decorate their public areas. They don't have to divide space between the major holiday of Christmas , Chanukah, and even the new kid on the block , that festive holiday of Kawanza (no, I can't explain exactly what holiday that is). In Israel the lamp posts are decorated only with menorahs and driedles , the Chanuka spinning top. They don't have to count and divide the number of decorations designated for each holiday. In the US the holiday season is turned into a legal battle between those who want religious symbols on public grounds and those who believe it to be a civil rights violation if one person out of a million is offended by any show of holiday expression. The term happy and merry is also a problem. The safest term for the season is just "happy Holidays" with the hopes of keeping the lawyers at bay so that everyone can celebrate in their own way.
Chanukah in Israel is celebrated in a most enjoyable way. The secular and religious alike can enjoy the holiday without any conflict. People from all walks of life, all levels of observance and backgrounds gather around each of the eight nights, lighting the menorah, singing songs, eating potato pancakes and jelly donuts (representing the oil that the holiday is about), spending time with family and friends. They don't have to look over their shoulder to see if they are offending any of their neighbors. Each of the Eight days and nights is another opportunity for celebration. The lighting of the Menorah is meant to show off the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days after the desecration of the holy temple. What a joy it is to see specially designed Menorahs displayed outside of people's homes for everyone to see and feel a sense of pride in this beautiful holiday tradition. We all know unfortunately this is not the case outside of Israel. In some countries there is even fear in displaying t he lights inside one's home let alone outside where the lights are truly a sight for all. Menorahs on display everywhere, candles flickering in the darkness of the night. As the holiday progresses there aren't any 50%off Christmas cards and decorations, but rather big discounts on menorahs and candles.
This Chanukah in Israel has been a very difficult one as the State of Israel is experiencing their worst natural disaster in their modern history, the scorching of the Carmel Forrest. Forty-one lives have been lost in this great tragedy but this great tiny country(in land mass only) finds the place to both celebrate the Holiday while not forgetting those that have lost love ones and the many that have lost their homes and their livelihood. What a moving sight it was to see a member of a secular Kibbutz who was taking up shelter in another Kibbutz lighting the Chanukah Menorah and singing the blessings with other displaced members with a sense of pride and strength in the belief that they will rise above this difficult time in their lives and once again start over and rebuild and be able to celebrate the wonderful holiday of Chanukah with no one overlooking their shoulders whether it is politically correct or not.
Views from Jon's Place
12/5/2010 Chanukah Samayach
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Are You Crazy
Who in their right mind could ever conceive of the Jewish holy city of Jerusalem being chopped up and splintered into sections, in order to appease the most violent and destructive people in the Middle East if not the world. One only has to wonder if this done out of the need to retool Anti-Semitism with the ever more popular politically correct display of attacking from all directions until Israel summits and commits national suicide.
When has there been a shared capital in world history. I personally don’t know of any in recent history. The fact that the division of Jerusalem is even on the table has been a major miscalculation by Israeli Governments both from the right and the left. Designating Jerusalem as a final status issue has only pushed Israel into a dangerous corner. They have given in on every other red line and now they are faced with the possibly of losing control of the Holiest site in the world for the Jewish people, and endangering the entire Jewish nation.
The Israelis always showed mixed signals as to whether they truly wanted to control the united city of Jerusalem. The Temple Mount should never have been put under foreign Muslim control. Why for so many years did the Government of Israel deny the rights of Jewish People from ascending to the holiest site on earth, the center of the Jewish spirit, the Temple Mount (Har Habayit.)
Only in recent years the Jewish Government of the state of Israel has allowed small Jewish groups to ascend the Temple Mount. They are forbidden from moving their lips as to not offend the Muslim Rulers of this holiest site for the Jewish People. Jews are escorted by Israeli Police and representatives of the Muslim Rulers. On many occasions Jews are forcefully removed because there was a possibility that a Jewish verse was being recited. Imagine that! A Jewish prayer uttered on the Temple Mount is not permitted by a Jewish Government of the Jewish state of Israel. Perhaps if the government would act as though we are a Jewish Democracy and allow for equal religious freedom between the Jews and the Muslims then other nations would recognize Israel as a Jewish state. By denying Jews their religious rights , Israel is presenting itself as a nation that is not totally convinced that it is a Jewish State.
The Muslims on the other hand have much more access to the Temple Mount. They pray! They pray! They pray! And they pray some more on the Jewish Temple Mount. They even managed to name a terrorist organization after one of the Mosques, “Al Askba Brigade. They are responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of Jews and the injuring of several thousand others in homicide bombing attacks across Israel. How is this possible?
The time has arrived for the State of Israel, world Jewish Leaders, and Jewish people from around the world to take a stand. We must stand up to the unrelenting pressures that are being applied on our Jewish nation from our friends the US, the EU, and let’s face it the entire world. Jerusalem represents the heart and soul of the Jewish people. The temple Mount is the center of Jerusalem. How can our Jewish future survive if we cut out our heart and serve it up to our sworn enemies after waiting over 2000 years to have capital of the Jerusalem back in our hands. What are we as Jews not standing up and screaming “Never Again”. Never again divided Jerusalem, Never again having our heart ripped from our souls.
Jerusalem is what makes Israel the special place it truly is. Jerusalem is represented by the lion, a source of strength and protection. The united city of Jerusalem is the protector of Jews around the world.
As we are so tolerant of other religions in the region, the time has come for the other side to show some tolerance. Jewish people must have better access to the Temple Mount. We should not be treated as guests while the Muslims are free to pray , incite, throw stones, riot, and enjoy whatever other freedoms they have been granted by the tolerant and accepting Israeli government.
Don’t the Jews deserve religious in their own home land? Why are the Muslims permitted to pray more freely than the Jews? The Israeli government needs to stop begging the enemy to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. This must be demonstrated by facts on the ground. Nothing would designate Israel more as a Jewish state than large crowds of Jews ascending up to the Temple Mount , Har Habayit, and showing the world where the heart and soul of the Jewish people resides.
A view from Jon’s place,
Jon
When has there been a shared capital in world history. I personally don’t know of any in recent history. The fact that the division of Jerusalem is even on the table has been a major miscalculation by Israeli Governments both from the right and the left. Designating Jerusalem as a final status issue has only pushed Israel into a dangerous corner. They have given in on every other red line and now they are faced with the possibly of losing control of the Holiest site in the world for the Jewish people, and endangering the entire Jewish nation.
The Israelis always showed mixed signals as to whether they truly wanted to control the united city of Jerusalem. The Temple Mount should never have been put under foreign Muslim control. Why for so many years did the Government of Israel deny the rights of Jewish People from ascending to the holiest site on earth, the center of the Jewish spirit, the Temple Mount (Har Habayit.)
Only in recent years the Jewish Government of the state of Israel has allowed small Jewish groups to ascend the Temple Mount. They are forbidden from moving their lips as to not offend the Muslim Rulers of this holiest site for the Jewish People. Jews are escorted by Israeli Police and representatives of the Muslim Rulers. On many occasions Jews are forcefully removed because there was a possibility that a Jewish verse was being recited. Imagine that! A Jewish prayer uttered on the Temple Mount is not permitted by a Jewish Government of the Jewish state of Israel. Perhaps if the government would act as though we are a Jewish Democracy and allow for equal religious freedom between the Jews and the Muslims then other nations would recognize Israel as a Jewish state. By denying Jews their religious rights , Israel is presenting itself as a nation that is not totally convinced that it is a Jewish State.
The Muslims on the other hand have much more access to the Temple Mount. They pray! They pray! They pray! And they pray some more on the Jewish Temple Mount. They even managed to name a terrorist organization after one of the Mosques, “Al Askba Brigade. They are responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of Jews and the injuring of several thousand others in homicide bombing attacks across Israel. How is this possible?
The time has arrived for the State of Israel, world Jewish Leaders, and Jewish people from around the world to take a stand. We must stand up to the unrelenting pressures that are being applied on our Jewish nation from our friends the US, the EU, and let’s face it the entire world. Jerusalem represents the heart and soul of the Jewish people. The temple Mount is the center of Jerusalem. How can our Jewish future survive if we cut out our heart and serve it up to our sworn enemies after waiting over 2000 years to have capital of the Jerusalem back in our hands. What are we as Jews not standing up and screaming “Never Again”. Never again divided Jerusalem, Never again having our heart ripped from our souls.
Jerusalem is what makes Israel the special place it truly is. Jerusalem is represented by the lion, a source of strength and protection. The united city of Jerusalem is the protector of Jews around the world.
As we are so tolerant of other religions in the region, the time has come for the other side to show some tolerance. Jewish people must have better access to the Temple Mount. We should not be treated as guests while the Muslims are free to pray , incite, throw stones, riot, and enjoy whatever other freedoms they have been granted by the tolerant and accepting Israeli government.
Don’t the Jews deserve religious in their own home land? Why are the Muslims permitted to pray more freely than the Jews? The Israeli government needs to stop begging the enemy to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. This must be demonstrated by facts on the ground. Nothing would designate Israel more as a Jewish state than large crowds of Jews ascending up to the Temple Mount , Har Habayit, and showing the world where the heart and soul of the Jewish people resides.
A view from Jon’s place,
Jon
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
THE RADICAL LEFT THREAT
After all the years of calling the "Right Wing" war mongers, murderers, nazis, occupiers and the likes,it seems to the wise that it's the radical left that is doing more to endanger our lives and destroy all that has been achieved in the free world and the great empire of the 20th century, The United States of America.
Over the years while moral nations from around the world including Britain and the US were protecting Democracies or countries whose citizen choose not to live under Fascist or communist regimes. There have always been groups of Radical Left professors, media personal authors and far left politicians always there to throw up the opposition toward any war or military confrontations even if its for the benefit of the poor, persecuted, murdered, tortured and raped. It is true that there have been wars that weren't always conducted for the best of reasons with the best results due to miscalculations and bad inelegance reports. Almost all of the time military confrontations are chosen when there isn't any reasoning with enemy.
During the "New Era" of military confrontation, we a facing world wide terrorism that can be activated from many different locations from around the world. The radical left including the president of the US believes that talking or begging or even groveling is the way to bring world peace and Kumbaya and all the utopian B. S.
The far left has learned from radical Islam that "patience is a Virtue".The Islamists have been planning their assault across the European Continent for close to 2 generations, and the radical left has slowly moved their radical agenda slowly through society using our Democratic rights and freedoms to further their beliefs.
The State of Israel is far from being immune to this phenomenon. The military has been fighting since the creation of the state in order to protect it's citizens. Surrounded by many Arab nations, they have been successful in protecting their borders and citizens. Now they are fighting the terrorist war that has replaced war between countries. The radical left within its borders have always sought to protect the terrorists and their families, while disregarding the fact that their support help breed the terrorists that kill Jews at any chance that they get.
The radical left has chosen to join forces with the other radical groups in order to bring down the successful, the proud, the leaders, the defenders and of course let us not forget the Zionist Empire, and replace it with the radical, uncivilized, violent, murderers and rapists and terrorists that are threatening the world as we know it.
View From Jon's Place
Jon
election day 11/02/2010 #11
Over the years while moral nations from around the world including Britain and the US were protecting Democracies or countries whose citizen choose not to live under Fascist or communist regimes. There have always been groups of Radical Left professors, media personal authors and far left politicians always there to throw up the opposition toward any war or military confrontations even if its for the benefit of the poor, persecuted, murdered, tortured and raped. It is true that there have been wars that weren't always conducted for the best of reasons with the best results due to miscalculations and bad inelegance reports. Almost all of the time military confrontations are chosen when there isn't any reasoning with enemy.
During the "New Era" of military confrontation, we a facing world wide terrorism that can be activated from many different locations from around the world. The radical left including the president of the US believes that talking or begging or even groveling is the way to bring world peace and Kumbaya and all the utopian B. S.
The far left has learned from radical Islam that "patience is a Virtue".The Islamists have been planning their assault across the European Continent for close to 2 generations, and the radical left has slowly moved their radical agenda slowly through society using our Democratic rights and freedoms to further their beliefs.
The State of Israel is far from being immune to this phenomenon. The military has been fighting since the creation of the state in order to protect it's citizens. Surrounded by many Arab nations, they have been successful in protecting their borders and citizens. Now they are fighting the terrorist war that has replaced war between countries. The radical left within its borders have always sought to protect the terrorists and their families, while disregarding the fact that their support help breed the terrorists that kill Jews at any chance that they get.
The radical left has chosen to join forces with the other radical groups in order to bring down the successful, the proud, the leaders, the defenders and of course let us not forget the Zionist Empire, and replace it with the radical, uncivilized, violent, murderers and rapists and terrorists that are threatening the world as we know it.
View From Jon's Place
Jon
election day 11/02/2010 #11
Monday, October 4, 2010
Gifts From Obama
Why is president Obama offering gifts to Israel at this time in exchange for another one time only 60 day building freeze in Judea and Samaria? It is perhaps because Obama and the Democrats are looking at huge loses in the November mid term elections? Is Obama looking for some sort of victory in the arena of foreign policy focusing on the Middle East where he has failed time and time again?
It seems that the only country that Obama can push around or at least try to is Israel. He has continually slammed Israel for building in Judea and Samaria and even posts 1967 Jerusalem and has called for a building freeze which he succeeded in securing from the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu agreed to a 10 month building freeze in Judea and Samaria. It took 9 months of begging by the U.S. administration to get the Palestinians lead by Mr. Abbas and the Arab League to agree finally, to face to face negotiations with the Israelis. We are now learning that despite the proclamations from the happy smiling George Mitchell, that not much had been accomplished during their highly secretive meetings which are becoming less secretive now that they are on hold. Abbas only wanted to discuss final borders where Has Netanyahu was more interested in security arrangements.
Obama now needs to save face therefore the pressure is on. First on Obama to show progress in the negotiations between Israel and Palestinians, on Israel to renew the building freeze so that the Palestinians who are being pressured by terrorist organizations such as Hamas, and their sponsors such countries like Syria and Iran won't walk away from the negotiating table.
The only problem is that once again it will be Israel that will succumb to the pressure if they renew the construction freeze. What is Israel getting in return? Their citizens whom have already been left out of their homes, schools, Synagogues and community centers, are now staring out another possible building freeze. These citizens also include many who became refugees after physically being removed from there homes in Gaza to make room for a terrorist state known as Hamastan. Israel has yet to receive anything in return for their overtures toward Obama and the Palestinians. Of course they did receive massive shelling and rocket fire from Gaza as a thank you for evacuating the area, from those same terrorists who are strangling and oppressing the people of Gaza the Hamas regime.
This time Obama is ready to deliver the goods. A promissory note, sort of, a letter of intent kind of, an understanding is exactly sure what exactly is being offered because of course everything is so secretive. Some of the points mentioned are as follows: An agreement between Obama and Israel that there will be Israeli troops stationed in the Jordan Valley. This is a very vague declaration. Does it mean that it is already assumed that Israel will give away the Jordan Valley a strategic area vital for the defense of Israel's citizens? Will they be stationed there by themselves or will they be part of a multi national force? Will they be able to operate freely or will they be handcuffed by other forces when they are fighting terrorists and forces trying to infiltrate Israel's new more dangerous borders? We now from experience that this is bound to happen. Confrontations have accord after every agreement with the Palestinians. And last but not least we all realize that there is no chance in h--l that Palestinian is ever going to agree to Israel stationing troops in the Jordan Valley as they have expressed that over and over again.
There is also the commitment to veto any unilateral Palestinian initiative in the U.N. As America’s most important ally in the Middle East if not the world, it goes without saying that the U.S. should watch Israel’s back in the U.N. This just comes to show the lack of desire on the part of Obama to appreciate the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel and the little importance he feels in regard to being there for Israel in the cesspool and stench that is otherwise known as the U.N. Thanks for nothing Mr. Obama.
There are also some promises of military superiority over the Arab states. This comes after a record arms agreement that was just concluded with the Saudi Arabians. There is also talk of“regional security architecture” between the Arab states and Israel, what ever that means. There has always been an understanding between Israel and the U.S. that the Americans would always maintain military superiority, nothing new there. And the chances of regional military cooperation with the Arab states are truly a non starter.
When all is said and done, Obama is once again showing his true naivety in the sphere of foreign policy and his lack of leadership. Or is it just perhaps that his true colors and stripes are starting to become clear. He wants to appease the Arab world and bring them closer to the White House while pushing Israel further and further away.
There are other more enticing promises that could be presented to Israel that could open some eyes, though there hardly a chance that they would be forthcoming. IRAN, IRAN, IRAN! It hasn’t been more than a couple of weeks that the president of Iran spoke at the U.N. about the need for Israel to be removed from the Middle East. Iran is getting its nuclear arsenal ready for this very possibility. Where are Obama’s and the rest of the world’s concerns about that likelihood? Where are guarantees from Obama, if not to attack Iran, then providing the necessary military support to Israel so that they may protect themselves from being annihilated? Of course this is not on Obama’s agenda. Neither is reigning in the terrorist regime Hamas, whom surely by most accounts is far larger an impediment to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, than the building of a few houses so people can go on living their normal lives.
Obama’s promises don’t bring anything new to the table that isn’t already understood by most American citizens that show their support and have a strong mutual bond with the only trustworthy and democratic country in the Middle East, Israel.
Oh, and by the way Mr. Obama, good luck on the mid term elections; you are going to need it.
A View from Jon’s Place
Jon 10/05/2010 #10
It seems that the only country that Obama can push around or at least try to is Israel. He has continually slammed Israel for building in Judea and Samaria and even posts 1967 Jerusalem and has called for a building freeze which he succeeded in securing from the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu agreed to a 10 month building freeze in Judea and Samaria. It took 9 months of begging by the U.S. administration to get the Palestinians lead by Mr. Abbas and the Arab League to agree finally, to face to face negotiations with the Israelis. We are now learning that despite the proclamations from the happy smiling George Mitchell, that not much had been accomplished during their highly secretive meetings which are becoming less secretive now that they are on hold. Abbas only wanted to discuss final borders where Has Netanyahu was more interested in security arrangements.
Obama now needs to save face therefore the pressure is on. First on Obama to show progress in the negotiations between Israel and Palestinians, on Israel to renew the building freeze so that the Palestinians who are being pressured by terrorist organizations such as Hamas, and their sponsors such countries like Syria and Iran won't walk away from the negotiating table.
The only problem is that once again it will be Israel that will succumb to the pressure if they renew the construction freeze. What is Israel getting in return? Their citizens whom have already been left out of their homes, schools, Synagogues and community centers, are now staring out another possible building freeze. These citizens also include many who became refugees after physically being removed from there homes in Gaza to make room for a terrorist state known as Hamastan. Israel has yet to receive anything in return for their overtures toward Obama and the Palestinians. Of course they did receive massive shelling and rocket fire from Gaza as a thank you for evacuating the area, from those same terrorists who are strangling and oppressing the people of Gaza the Hamas regime.
This time Obama is ready to deliver the goods. A promissory note, sort of, a letter of intent kind of, an understanding is exactly sure what exactly is being offered because of course everything is so secretive. Some of the points mentioned are as follows: An agreement between Obama and Israel that there will be Israeli troops stationed in the Jordan Valley. This is a very vague declaration. Does it mean that it is already assumed that Israel will give away the Jordan Valley a strategic area vital for the defense of Israel's citizens? Will they be stationed there by themselves or will they be part of a multi national force? Will they be able to operate freely or will they be handcuffed by other forces when they are fighting terrorists and forces trying to infiltrate Israel's new more dangerous borders? We now from experience that this is bound to happen. Confrontations have accord after every agreement with the Palestinians. And last but not least we all realize that there is no chance in h--l that Palestinian is ever going to agree to Israel stationing troops in the Jordan Valley as they have expressed that over and over again.
There is also the commitment to veto any unilateral Palestinian initiative in the U.N. As America’s most important ally in the Middle East if not the world, it goes without saying that the U.S. should watch Israel’s back in the U.N. This just comes to show the lack of desire on the part of Obama to appreciate the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel and the little importance he feels in regard to being there for Israel in the cesspool and stench that is otherwise known as the U.N. Thanks for nothing Mr. Obama.
There are also some promises of military superiority over the Arab states. This comes after a record arms agreement that was just concluded with the Saudi Arabians. There is also talk of“regional security architecture” between the Arab states and Israel, what ever that means. There has always been an understanding between Israel and the U.S. that the Americans would always maintain military superiority, nothing new there. And the chances of regional military cooperation with the Arab states are truly a non starter.
When all is said and done, Obama is once again showing his true naivety in the sphere of foreign policy and his lack of leadership. Or is it just perhaps that his true colors and stripes are starting to become clear. He wants to appease the Arab world and bring them closer to the White House while pushing Israel further and further away.
There are other more enticing promises that could be presented to Israel that could open some eyes, though there hardly a chance that they would be forthcoming. IRAN, IRAN, IRAN! It hasn’t been more than a couple of weeks that the president of Iran spoke at the U.N. about the need for Israel to be removed from the Middle East. Iran is getting its nuclear arsenal ready for this very possibility. Where are Obama’s and the rest of the world’s concerns about that likelihood? Where are guarantees from Obama, if not to attack Iran, then providing the necessary military support to Israel so that they may protect themselves from being annihilated? Of course this is not on Obama’s agenda. Neither is reigning in the terrorist regime Hamas, whom surely by most accounts is far larger an impediment to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, than the building of a few houses so people can go on living their normal lives.
Obama’s promises don’t bring anything new to the table that isn’t already understood by most American citizens that show their support and have a strong mutual bond with the only trustworthy and democratic country in the Middle East, Israel.
Oh, and by the way Mr. Obama, good luck on the mid term elections; you are going to need it.
A View from Jon’s Place
Jon 10/05/2010 #10
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
No extension to settlement freeze
First and foremost this is an incorrect term. It should be changed to resumption of construction in Judea and Samaria. These are not settlements. They are towns, cities and neighborhoods, places where people live work and raise their families just like any other group of people around the world. The huge mistake by the Israeli government was calling the areas of Judea and Samaria settlements , territories and the West bank.We can start a new P.R. initiative by referring to them by their rightful name.
Let's look at the core issue of the building freeze. In exchange for Netanyahu's call for a 10 month freeze, Israel was supposed to receive something in return from either the Palestinians or the Arab world. Whether it was allowance of air travel over Arab space or recognition of Israel as a Jewish state or the end to incitement by the Palestinians, something was to be received by the Israelis. What did Israel receive "zero" a big fat zero at that.
Now everyone is questioning whether Netanyahu is really determined to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. Netanyahu's integrity is on the line here .Everyone around the world has been doubting his honesty in declaring that he wishes to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. They don't believe that he is being sincere.They say that he his just paying lip service to the U.S. and the Palestinians. Why can't people accept his words as being genuine? He has come out for a 2 state solution. He has called Judea and Samaria the West Bank which is in conflict with his platform and that of the Likud party. He has called Abbas his partner for peace on several occasions. It order for these comments to be considered honest statements he has no choice but to end the building freeze.When he initiated the freeze they were for a period of 10 months. The 10 months have now expired. If he is to be considered a man of his word he has to return to the status quo of the previous governments led by Prime Ministers including Rabin , Barak, and Olmert, that issued permits and allowed for natural growth in towns and cities in Judea and Samaria. If he doesn't keep his word, he will be no better than those people with whom he is negotiating with at keeping their word and we know how well they keep their promises and honor their agreements.
Now let's focus on the reaction of the world toward the end of the freeze. First, our partner for peace non other than Abbas, states that Israel has to choose between peace or the settlements. What exactly does this mean? Abbas waited until the ninth month of the freeze before pressure even from the Arab league forced him to sit down for face to face negotiations. Obviously he had no intentions of sitting down with Netanyahu.He was forced against his will by countries that financially support his Palestinian Authority. Without the flow of unconditional money and hand outs from the E. U., The Arab League and even the U.S. he would not be able to make payroll even for one month. So much for striving to be an "independent
. state". Can Abbas honestly believe that areas that are currently built up into cities and large towns located in Judea and Samaria and post 1967 Jerusalem will be handed over to him in any agreement that may be reached between Israel and the Palestinians? He is being quite delusional if he thinks that will happen. It is time for a realty check for Abbas, deciding whether he is willing to choose peace with Israel. Israel has shown their attentions over and over again by the many concessions they have offered the Palestinians.
We also heard from Peace Now. Their position is that if Israel resumes construction Jewish blood will be spilled. Can you imagine that a whopping 30 activists protested the resumption of construction? how is it that when Israel builds there is bloodshed. Israel gave away Gush Katif and that didn't stop the bloodshed. Four people were murdered a few weeks ago outside of Hebron and there have been several other attacks during the freeze so that logic doesn't really hold water. The fact is Peace Now is an organization that is just trying to hold on. It is largely funded by far left wing supporters from Europe and the U.S. and it has a declining membership where it really counts, in Israel. I think all of them were present at the demonstration in front of the Prime Minister's residence. We also heard from the Human Rights Watch, President Obama, the E. U., the State Department, Hilary Clinton, British Secretary, William Hague, French President Sarcozy, U.N. secretary general ,Ban Ki-moon.So much for all the even handedness across the world in these life and death negotiations for the people of Israel. It is also very important to point out that Netanyahu who is negotiating on behalf of the citizens of Israel, has to stand his ground on this issue of the freeze. It is just the beginning of the negotiations. This was a unilateral decision by Netanyahu to implement the freeze. There are going to be many contentious issues that will come up if the negotiations continue. Israel will be forced to give in to the Palestinians over and over again. He must stand firm on the red lines that will arise and not feel pressured every time that the Palestinians and the world of public opinion is in disagreement with the Israeli position which of course is basically all the time except of course when there is the murder of Jews and Israelis by Israel's partners for peace.
There are some positive news to point out. Some projects have begun again in Judea and Samaria. Though it is the holiday of Succoth and most construction won't fully begin until after the holiday .A nursery school in Kiryat Netafim poured its foundation, homes began construction in Tekoa, work began on 50 homes in Ariel some of which will be occupied by Jewish refugees from Gush Katif. The citizens of Judea and Samaria are cautiously optimistic that more construction will resume and permits will be issued. There isn't a feeling of euphoria in these areas now that the freeze is over and fear is that new permitting may not arrive anytime soon.
View from Jon's Place
Jon
09/29/10 #9
Chag Samayach
Let's look at the core issue of the building freeze. In exchange for Netanyahu's call for a 10 month freeze, Israel was supposed to receive something in return from either the Palestinians or the Arab world. Whether it was allowance of air travel over Arab space or recognition of Israel as a Jewish state or the end to incitement by the Palestinians, something was to be received by the Israelis. What did Israel receive "zero" a big fat zero at that.
Now everyone is questioning whether Netanyahu is really determined to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. Netanyahu's integrity is on the line here .Everyone around the world has been doubting his honesty in declaring that he wishes to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. They don't believe that he is being sincere.They say that he his just paying lip service to the U.S. and the Palestinians. Why can't people accept his words as being genuine? He has come out for a 2 state solution. He has called Judea and Samaria the West Bank which is in conflict with his platform and that of the Likud party. He has called Abbas his partner for peace on several occasions. It order for these comments to be considered honest statements he has no choice but to end the building freeze.When he initiated the freeze they were for a period of 10 months. The 10 months have now expired. If he is to be considered a man of his word he has to return to the status quo of the previous governments led by Prime Ministers including Rabin , Barak, and Olmert, that issued permits and allowed for natural growth in towns and cities in Judea and Samaria. If he doesn't keep his word, he will be no better than those people with whom he is negotiating with at keeping their word and we know how well they keep their promises and honor their agreements.
Now let's focus on the reaction of the world toward the end of the freeze. First, our partner for peace non other than Abbas, states that Israel has to choose between peace or the settlements. What exactly does this mean? Abbas waited until the ninth month of the freeze before pressure even from the Arab league forced him to sit down for face to face negotiations. Obviously he had no intentions of sitting down with Netanyahu.He was forced against his will by countries that financially support his Palestinian Authority. Without the flow of unconditional money and hand outs from the E. U., The Arab League and even the U.S. he would not be able to make payroll even for one month. So much for striving to be an "independent
. state". Can Abbas honestly believe that areas that are currently built up into cities and large towns located in Judea and Samaria and post 1967 Jerusalem will be handed over to him in any agreement that may be reached between Israel and the Palestinians? He is being quite delusional if he thinks that will happen. It is time for a realty check for Abbas, deciding whether he is willing to choose peace with Israel. Israel has shown their attentions over and over again by the many concessions they have offered the Palestinians.
We also heard from Peace Now. Their position is that if Israel resumes construction Jewish blood will be spilled. Can you imagine that a whopping 30 activists protested the resumption of construction? how is it that when Israel builds there is bloodshed. Israel gave away Gush Katif and that didn't stop the bloodshed. Four people were murdered a few weeks ago outside of Hebron and there have been several other attacks during the freeze so that logic doesn't really hold water. The fact is Peace Now is an organization that is just trying to hold on. It is largely funded by far left wing supporters from Europe and the U.S. and it has a declining membership where it really counts, in Israel. I think all of them were present at the demonstration in front of the Prime Minister's residence. We also heard from the Human Rights Watch, President Obama, the E. U., the State Department, Hilary Clinton, British Secretary, William Hague, French President Sarcozy, U.N. secretary general ,Ban Ki-moon.So much for all the even handedness across the world in these life and death negotiations for the people of Israel. It is also very important to point out that Netanyahu who is negotiating on behalf of the citizens of Israel, has to stand his ground on this issue of the freeze. It is just the beginning of the negotiations. This was a unilateral decision by Netanyahu to implement the freeze. There are going to be many contentious issues that will come up if the negotiations continue. Israel will be forced to give in to the Palestinians over and over again. He must stand firm on the red lines that will arise and not feel pressured every time that the Palestinians and the world of public opinion is in disagreement with the Israeli position which of course is basically all the time except of course when there is the murder of Jews and Israelis by Israel's partners for peace.
There are some positive news to point out. Some projects have begun again in Judea and Samaria. Though it is the holiday of Succoth and most construction won't fully begin until after the holiday .A nursery school in Kiryat Netafim poured its foundation, homes began construction in Tekoa, work began on 50 homes in Ariel some of which will be occupied by Jewish refugees from Gush Katif. The citizens of Judea and Samaria are cautiously optimistic that more construction will resume and permits will be issued. There isn't a feeling of euphoria in these areas now that the freeze is over and fear is that new permitting may not arrive anytime soon.
View from Jon's Place
Jon
09/29/10 #9
Chag Samayach
Monday, September 27, 2010
SHALOM CHAVER
To all those who believe that Bill Clinton was and is a staunch supporter of Israel , please read the following headline."Russian Immigrants are an obstacle to peace'.Bill Clinton, while speaking at his Global Initiative event, told reporters that Russian speaking soldiers will not clash with settlers when they are called upon to evacuate citizens living in Judea and Samaria in order to secure a peace agreement with the Palestinians.Not only did he criticize the children of Russian Olim but he also condemned the children of settlers as well.he called both groups the hardest core people against a division of the land. For such a liberal individual and a strong supporter of human rights , this labeling of certain groups of Israeli citizens surely constitutes a major form of racism and discrimination against the Israeli people.
Clinton reminisced about a conversation with the highly respected figure head and the first Russian political party, Natan Sharansky. Sharansky did not support the peace deal that Clinton tried to ram down Israel's throat during the 2000 camp David negotiations. Time was quickly running out Clinton's time in office. This was after he lied under oath about the Monica lewinsky scandal. It order to preserve some dignity and respect as he was leaving office, Clinton tried to push then Prime Minister Ehud Barack into a deal that would have greatly diminished Israel's size and security. Arafat walked away from the deal that was offered by Barak and Clinton, and we all know the results of those collapsed talks.
The peace loving Palestinians with Arafat at the helm unleashed the worst wave of terrorist attacks since the inception of the state of Israel. It is also important to remember that Clinton was a staunch supporter of Yasser Arafat and that Arafat was the most often received guest of the Clinton White House during his 8 years in office as President of the United States.
According to Mr. Clinton, Sharansky told Clinton that he could not support the Camp David proposals because he is Russian and that he comes from one of the biggest countries in the world to one that is the smallest ." You want me to cut in half, no thank you".Oh by the way, is it possible that Clinton actually lied about this conversation?Sharansky denied having this conversation with Clinton. He said that he wasn't even present at those meetings.Now one has a choice here. Either believe an honest highly respected person who has a deep love for the state of Israel and the Jewish people in general or Bill Clinton a notorious distorter of the truth as has been proven over and over again.
To all of us both in Israel and the U.S. who remember the beautiful slogan coined by Clinton "Shalom Chaver", Goodbye my Friend in reference to Yitzhak Rabin after his assassination, should take notice by his current racist condemnation of a large portion of the Israeli population and the staunchest Zionists in Israel.
With friends like that who needs enemies.
Views from Jon's Place
09/26/10 #8
Moadim Besimcha
Clinton reminisced about a conversation with the highly respected figure head and the first Russian political party, Natan Sharansky. Sharansky did not support the peace deal that Clinton tried to ram down Israel's throat during the 2000 camp David negotiations. Time was quickly running out Clinton's time in office. This was after he lied under oath about the Monica lewinsky scandal. It order to preserve some dignity and respect as he was leaving office, Clinton tried to push then Prime Minister Ehud Barack into a deal that would have greatly diminished Israel's size and security. Arafat walked away from the deal that was offered by Barak and Clinton, and we all know the results of those collapsed talks.
The peace loving Palestinians with Arafat at the helm unleashed the worst wave of terrorist attacks since the inception of the state of Israel. It is also important to remember that Clinton was a staunch supporter of Yasser Arafat and that Arafat was the most often received guest of the Clinton White House during his 8 years in office as President of the United States.
According to Mr. Clinton, Sharansky told Clinton that he could not support the Camp David proposals because he is Russian and that he comes from one of the biggest countries in the world to one that is the smallest ." You want me to cut in half, no thank you".Oh by the way, is it possible that Clinton actually lied about this conversation?Sharansky denied having this conversation with Clinton. He said that he wasn't even present at those meetings.Now one has a choice here. Either believe an honest highly respected person who has a deep love for the state of Israel and the Jewish people in general or Bill Clinton a notorious distorter of the truth as has been proven over and over again.
To all of us both in Israel and the U.S. who remember the beautiful slogan coined by Clinton "Shalom Chaver", Goodbye my Friend in reference to Yitzhak Rabin after his assassination, should take notice by his current racist condemnation of a large portion of the Israeli population and the staunchest Zionists in Israel.
With friends like that who needs enemies.
Views from Jon's Place
09/26/10 #8
Moadim Besimcha
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