The Middle East stands on the edge of conflagration. The world has arrived at a most dangerous hour. The American people are unprepared for this emergency at a moral, political and emotional level. Our society has been under siege from a cancerous self-indulgence that splays forth from a hundred million curated Instagram feeds, a vast “anger-tainment” industry that has merged with a “Trump industrial/media complex” that is as toxic and rancid as the man himself. Vast percentages of Americans have lost the ability to distinguish reality from delusion, or tell the difference between a truth and lie. Astounding numbers are wholly ignorant of American history and the ideas and ideals of the country, while being programmed by a ceaseless stream of dogma, idiocy and propaganda.
“The Egyptian government must open the border at Rafah, and allow the Palestinian people safe entry.
The Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Quatar and UAE — some of the wealthiest countries on Earth — could easily afford the costs of the massive humanitarian project at hand. More than one million civilians will need to be housed, fed and cared for.” Steve Shmidt
Yes a thousand time YES! This must happen and be spoken about over and over. I am so tired of hearing people decry American aid to Israel and other democracies to support and better their societies including military aid. I only hear of Arab nations perhaps arming terrorism. They need to step up and do for their poorer Arab brothers and sisters what the USA does for theirs.
The fact of the matter is that Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. don't view Palestinians as their own. They view them as "the other" or "less than." The exact same way we Americans label other Americans and the exact same way South Americans label Mexicans as less than. It's just not that simple.
Yes, that is true Pam, which is why those countries do not help the Palestinian people. My point is let the world declare this just as loudly as they declare that the fault lies with Israel and America. May it be declared over and over again. Shame those countries on a worldwide basis as those countries are loudly protesting the actions of Israel and her allies.
Right On!! Diane: "I only hear of Arab nations perhaps arming terrorism. They need to step up and do for their poorer Arab brothers and sisters what the USA does for theirs." Thanks.
Of course we think they must, Lisa. It’s the humanitarian thing. This is a point of divergence it’s important to inspect. It is not what they want to do, it’s not important to them. This is the point of so much conflict, they don’t see the value in human life the same way we do. Horrid to say, however a point that must be considered. Why after decades of mistreatment by Hamas is it incumbent on the Israeli’s to make peace or to protect the Palestinians? Believe me, they will take very precaution, they must get into the 300 miles of tunnels beneath the surface of Gaza.
The Gaza Strip will be mostly destroyed in the coming weeks because of Hamas and its existential threat against Israel. Hamas must be eradicated through terrible violence. This is the nature of war.--Steve Schmidt
Steve, I mostly agree with you in your newsletters. You are an encyclopedia of current affairs and history; a true fountain of knowledge. We both definitely agree there is no place on earth for the likes of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaeda and ISIL; they should cease to exist.
That said, I’m not sure Israel isn’t walking into a trap. This is the same play book by both parties, we see and experience over and over again.
Hamas, attacks; Israel responds harder. Israel institutes even more draconian laws in the West Bank and Gaza, and eventually Hamas attacks again; this time stronger than before. Rinse, Lather, repeat.
The status quo isn’t working. My fear is the death of innocent Palestinians will be blamed on Israel, no different than the sympathies of 9/11; evaporating after the Iraq invasion, and led to the rise of ISIL and Al Qaeda in Iraq.
What’s worse than these known terrorist organizations are the ones that don’t already exist, and then miraculously appear out of thin air; far worse than the terrorists we’re dealing with today.
I personally would prefer Israel move into a war footing; securing the borders with Syria, Gaza and Lebanon, but not invading. Israel could still use special operations forces, but as a scalpel, not a blunt instrument.
Israel can also shut down Gaza’s water and electricity, and only agree to turn the lights back on when all hostages are released, unharmed. Until then, the Palestinians will suffer greatly, but the blame can be placed solely on Hamas; where it should be.
Otherwise, where are we heading? We already have Ukraine fighting for its life, and other conflicts engulfing Eastern Europe; the Armenians and the Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. Not to mention, civil wars in Africa, and Libya still in chaos.
Is it in anyone’s interest to go to war with Iran, even if the allegations are proven? Currently, they aren’t, and Russia may be just as guilty as Iran if the allegations are true.
Does that mean that Russia is on the menu next? And what does that mean for Taiwan? Will China see this as an opportunity to strike while our attention is focused on Ukraine, Israel and Iran?
America can’t be fighting proxy wars all over the globe. Remember after 9/11 and the war on terror? We were operating in more than 80 countries around the globe and terrorism and terrorist groups just got stronger, not weaker. This world has a lot of issues to address. America has many issues to address that are tearing us apart at the seams.
Perhaps a paradigm shift is necessary, since these wars always have consequences; much of which isn’t fully understood before the fighting begins.
We, the people here have none to little clue of what’s really going on, who is playing what hand and who’s slid aces up their sleeves. Though the history books say this or that, very few really know . Maybe Biden and his staff. Maybe a few others in charge. But experience has taught me to know the mind of a criminal is absurd speculation .
Some, as most have said here, are living in a make believe world cleverly stuffed by deviant card sharks. The numbers have lessened.
Steve has great insight and knowledge , more a ‘having been there’ knowledge . But as has also been shown here much of the hatred and gossip is skewed, even taught. It was hard to distinguish who the north Vietnamese were from the South, the Taliban from civilians or any of the others versus the regular non violent peace wanting people.
It’s too complex, I’ve tried to understand or compartmentalize it. Why does it take us to be the peacekeepers, why can’t their own country or surrounding neighbors take the needed initiative?
So much chaos makes me exceptionally suspicious there’s far greater in store.
Whats the gain? Who is to gain? These dictator’s ends are bloody -well documented. The lot turn on themselves and devour the young , to a sorry end eventually. That the corrupt , the extremists , the rich aren’t a large part of this widening involvement , would be magical thinking.
I see the needs of Ukraine being swept under the rug amidst this chaos. Putin is an extreme threat to so many. I hope our country does not forsake Ukraine to help the likes of Netanyahu.
Well said, and spot on. We the US, can't keep supporting anything and everyone. See what fighting all those endless wars got us. Nothing, enemies around the world, Debt crisis with no end, they are waiting for us/US to Fail, and we are Falling/Failing Fast! Our Govt. has failed us/US, trust me on that, we're yet to see it clearly.
"Israel can also shut down Gaza’s water and electricity, and only agree to turn the lights back on when all hostages are released, unharmed. Until then, the Palestinians will suffer greatly, but the blame can be placed solely on Hamas; where it should be."
I'm not well equipped to argue any of your comments, Mr. Jaffee, except for this. The Palestinian people have been without food, water and electricity for almost a week. I very much doubt Hamas is suffering from this, themselves. If they were able to secretly come into Israel and masacre its people in such numbers, they would also have likely planned for the 'shut down' of services as a result, and planned for that ahead of time. Maybe I'm giving them too much credit, which I am loathe to do, but let's call it a hypothesis for now. The real point I want to make is that it's likely only the Palestinian people who are the ones suffering and dying from the bombings, no food, no water, etc. It is said that the Israeli bombings are to affect likely locations of arms and the terrorists, while at the same time saying Hamas and the hostages are safe in huge underground tunnels under Gaza, so the bombings seem contradictory to me. Along with Israel urging the Palestinians to flee south or be caught in a cross current of warring sides. They are not being allowed to enter Egypt, nor do they want to. All those who fled to Lebanon in some long ago incursion, and thought they'd only be there for a few short weeks, or maybe a month, are still there 78 years later. The Palestinians know this, and who could blame them for not wanting to become forever refugees. The news says they are just going to stay in their homes and die together, at least. This is so heart-breaking, and somehow seems so unjust. But that's just me. BTW, your article was very informative and helpful. I hope you don't mind my one dissenting comment. Have a good day, sir.
I know Israel already shutdown the electricity, water and food. I know they are suffering. My point was by just taking defensive positions and starving them out, Hamas gets the blame. Bombing them and a full scale invasion only changes the sympathies to the Palestinian suffering.
And we can’t say all the Palestinian people support Hamas, they don’t. This invasion to me is an emotional response. We’ve seen this movie before. Hamas attacks, Israel responders harder and institutes even more draconian laws. Rinse. Lather, repeat.
Yet this time feels different. I have a feeling that casualties on both sides will be horrific, and it’s possible Hezbollah could join the fight from the north and drawing other players into this war.
Nothing good will come of this. I don’t know what the correct response should be, I just know this one isn’t it.
What is amazing to me is that when the lights of discovery shine on these sleaze bags, they just get bolder and dig their heels in, gaslight the public to exhaustion. Absolutely no shame.
Good read. Coda: And after Hamas dies, Israel must reform its one-sided approach to peace, and allow Palestine a growing and ongoing modicum of civil rights. Israel must assume part of the blame for the idiotic behavior of Hamas.
Five sane House Republicans, if there are that many, could deliver the ultimate Fuck You to Trump and his MAGAts by going to Jeffries and saying, “Liz Cheney for Speaker!”
I’m just posting it all over the place. I’ve got a billboard version of it that calls more attention to itself. Tell me how to send that to you, and then you can spread it all over.
Yes, that one, the rare Republican who wants Trump to die in jail as much as I do. Of course she’s far from perfect, but no one would drive Trump and his ilk crazier, and the idea that this is what Gaetz’s revolution has wrought would be beyond brilliant.
Seems to me Netanyahu must go. Hie self-serving obsession with rigging the judiciary took the focus off what was brewing and I’ve read that he ignored the warnings of his military and defense people. And what about how Hamas got the secret Israeli military information?
I agree and would add that Netanyahu's overly aggressive policies favoring the Orthodoxy over Palestinians with regard to lands and local governments and his stacking the government with far rightists also fueled the rage we are now seeing. I would note that much of Israel protested Netanyahu's policies.
Yes, I agree about Bibi. He has to go. I also wish the Israeli's would put a stop to the extremist "Settlers" movement. I don't see how that can result in anything but war. Facts are stubborn - the settlements constitute an invasion.
Just a caveat to my own comment: NOTHING justifies the horror of Hamas' invasion and the brutal killing of innocents. I can't imagine what Hamas expected but nothing good is likely to come from that.
BiBi IS the Cause of most of what has happened, him and the Settlers, how do they justify stealing land and all the other crap that comes with that. Sure God will overlook it.
I realize a horrific tragedy has happened, revenge might feel good temporarily but Stop, gather intelligence, have a plan. Find where Hamas is hiding, figure out what country provided weapons and money. Be smart and don’t just react as expected. Keep the enemy guessing, have a strategy. Look at the holy hell unleashed by George Bush after 911 and let’s not repeat it.
Yes. We are watching thee axis of power being pushed for change. Once again, Nazi and Jews at the nexus. Is there not yesterday an understanding that the aggressor “picks” a target. Pointing again and again to the problem. It’s all a tool for power. War is the tool, Jews the designated target, the prize is as much about Jews as the quest for “ Pro life” the humanitarian cause of the Republican right. It’s a “play”, a story, a cover for the true nature of quest for unbridled power and if you don’t give it here you’re next, just look at those guys who crossed us.
I think that one reason that Jews are so often the historical scapegoat is. . .The Hebrews presented a volume of historical record and inspiration that later became, when paired with the Greek literate heritage, the backbone of European--and ultimately Western--literacy, culture and society.
The Jews, as a societal ethnic group, have been reading and writing--cultivating literacy--longer than most ethnic groups in the world. A result of that extremely long record of literacy is that Jews are often the first citizens to point out societal errors, deficiencies or dangers. When they identify such pitfalls--as say, Raskin or Schiff did in our House of Reps--injustice or inequality--they become targets for criticism by people who think they are troublemakers instead of just. . . what should we call it. . . legitimate critics who, like chicken little, are able to point out that the sky is falling when, when. . . may it IS actually falling, or. . . something is rotten here and we need to fix it. This Jews are seen as provocative troublemakers. when they are just trying protect themselves or some other unprivileged group from abuse or catastrophe.
You make a point. The son endeavors to grow up and supplant the father. Basis of patriarchal culture. Judaism is a matriarchal society in historical terms. And a feature of the sabbath with the blessing of the bread which opens the day of rest. An old culture which is more than the religion. I can see we will be dealing with the stereotypes you mention and more as we go forward.
About 8 decades ago, nazi Germany and fascist Italy were allied as an axis of evil.
It seems that now, in the 21st century, we are witnessing the turning of a new axis of evil aggression: Putin's Russia, Persia (Iran), North Korea and maybe even China.
Although methinks that the Chinese may have a little more sense than to actually align themselves with the 21st-century version of axis evil.
Our United States is, in this world, like it or not, the big kid on the block. . . the big kid who is called upon by the skinny kid to stand up on skinny's behalf against the neighborhood bully.
If you need to ask who were the American leaders who appointed us the good, big kid on the block, you would have to call Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, George Bush, Dick Cheney, Barach Obama and a million other Americans who are paying attention to history instead of instablob, tweetx, and the constant stream of entertainment that keeps Americans in a fog of entertainment instead of informed citizenship.
Did Hamas have a strategy? Yes (IMHO), but it is pretty short sighted: Attack and expect a response that is too much -- then use this to stir up other issues around the world and maybe benefit from it. People don't think clearly when they are angry (even in rage) and this will present opportunities as they go overboard in their response.
This, of course, is against what most religions preach. It is sad our emotions carry us away.
Just a reminder that Hamas is a terrorist organization. It’s not a human rights group. Their mission is death to Israel, to Jews. They don’t care about the Palestine people they use as human shields. They live among them for cover. They have degraded the Gaza Strip to what it is over years purposefully.
I think the UN and the world should start shaming the rich Oil Arab nations into building better societies for their poorer Arab nations. The cry for this should be much louder than the blame poured on Israel and its allies for the plight of the Palestinian people.
I usually agree with you Steve but this time I don’t. The desire for revenge, and an eye for an eye, will not bring back even one of the innocent lives lost, not only last week but over the last decade. What we witnessed was a highly planned strike at the Jewish state and the planning didn’t stop when they retreated back into Gaza, they have been armoring themselves for an IDF assault for a decade at least. Heavy armor in the ruins of Gaza won’t be nearly as effective as it is out in the open. In spite of Israel’s directive to move to the south to get out of the way of an impending invasion, thousands are still hunkered down trying to survive and not going anywhere, many among them will most certainly become casualties if an invasion begins. Hamas doesn’t care a whit about any of their lives, they will see their deaths as promoting their view that the Israeli state is evil incarnate to the rest of the world. Israel needs to catch their collective breath and really think this through, a frontal assault on Gaza is exactly what Hamas wants and has planned for from the very beginning of this sordid chapter. To my way of thinking doing what your enemy wants you to do is not a good strategy, it’s a recipe for disaster. Over the years Israel has been very effective at eliminating their enemy wherever they have tried to hide and I have no reason to think that will not continue. Perhaps more important than any of this is why so many Palestinian people chose to participate in the horrific acts they executed last Saturday. The hatred, and it had to be hatred, that they exhibited towards the truly innocent, think babies, had to have roots deeply imbedded in their experiences with the Israeli state, a frontal assault in which many more lives are lost will just feed the root system of their despair. Israel really needs to think about how much they are contributing to the hatred that they see all around them, until they do that they will just be feeding it, which has been the reason they are where they are at today. I think all of the energy that they plan on expending to kill as many of the Hamas operatives they can find can be put to better use, a byproduct will be that Hezbollah will not have a readymade excuse to start unleashing the hundred + thousands of rockets they have aimed at Israel and it’s people. This is an existential moment for Israel, for their sakes and that of the rest of the world they can’t screw it up.
I think he means the organization called Hamas must die. Maybe he does mean all members ...but I prefer to think differently. It is terrible to wish death on any single human, that is why some people struggle with the concept of the death penalty. But I see all those maimed and dead babies and children and I cannot say that it is okay in any way shape or form that Hamas should be allowed to stay on this earth.
There is a very strong point here about the media. I am a devotee of MSNBC, have been for many years. There are times when I find the constant applause for the Left to be embarrassing, but what is the choice? No media outlets match the slavish commitment to the worst of the Right than those in the pocket of Rupert Murdoch and no other has the clout. So, ironically, Fair and Balanced is as elusive to the Left as it is risible to the authors of the phrase. It is Murdoch who has created the giant seam down the middle of America and it is only the courts that are calling him on it. Would that he would run out of money. Running out of time won't do it as his son is seen to be in many ways worse. And then we have Donald, with his off and on love affair with Fox. If that combo isn't the most poisonous thing ever to attack the U.S., what is? My wish list screams for the kind of detached analysis we used to get from Cronkite, Huntley and Brinkley and Peter Jennings to keep it to television, but it was so much easier then. The Republican Party was always a pain in the ass but at least reasonable, not the 24/7 rolling freak show that we have now. America should be appalled and never forget that these stupid republicans, (they don't deserve a capital, either way), have no Speaker while the world is bursting its seams. Their selfish, ingrown, microscopic, diseased brains are flailing in their own self-obsession at the same time as Israeli families are suffering the worst agonies in three quarters of a century. The media would have to take a shower every twenty minutes to wash off the waste generated by trump and the right, as it is today. Maybe we'll get Marjorie Taylor Green two steps away from the presidency. Nobody would dare to put that in a movie no matter how deft they are at horror shows. The cleanup is not just Aisle Seven, it's every aisle, it's everywhere. Pray for effective media and be prepared to wait till the circus leaves town.
Excellent! Thank you, Bob! I'd like to add the need for proper education in history, civics, and critical thinking skills in our schools. If we can't distinguish fact from fiction, we're doomed.
Yes! And that would change everything, affecting almost all that we discuss here. The connecting of the education component and making the vote mandatory with automatic registration would likely do more to heal the United States in less time than any other choice. Citizenship should carry that responsibility at the least.
I don’t see how Hamas is going to be wiped from the face of the earth, no matter how many lives are taken and how Dresdenesque Gaza City becomes. Perhaps Israel will be more successful than we were ridding the world of the Taliban in Afghanistan. When and under what conditions will Israel declare their mission accomplished? And then what?
I have been shocked by the antisemitic outcry by so many on social media. We are being influenced by the uneducated and overwhelmed by the reposting of imbeciles on TikTok. They cannot understand Hamas’ agenda. I recently posted their goals for the world. Barely anyone read it, I have no doubt. Because it is fashionable to blame the Jews for the horrific crimes committed against them. Too many do not know that Hamas has been governing Palestine, not Israel. I was shocked by that. I recently read a post filled with outrage because “No one wants to acknowledge that Africa is the largest Country on earth.” Really? How sad to think these are the voices so many want to hear. Ignoring actual facts. I haven’t watched CNN in ages. I found it mostly insulting and dismissive of reality and truth.
“The Egyptian government must open the border at Rafah, and allow the Palestinian people safe entry.
The Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Quatar and UAE — some of the wealthiest countries on Earth — could easily afford the costs of the massive humanitarian project at hand. More than one million civilians will need to be housed, fed and cared for.” Steve Shmidt
Yes a thousand time YES! This must happen and be spoken about over and over. I am so tired of hearing people decry American aid to Israel and other democracies to support and better their societies including military aid. I only hear of Arab nations perhaps arming terrorism. They need to step up and do for their poorer Arab brothers and sisters what the USA does for theirs.
The fact of the matter is that Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. don't view Palestinians as their own. They view them as "the other" or "less than." The exact same way we Americans label other Americans and the exact same way South Americans label Mexicans as less than. It's just not that simple.
Yes, that is true Pam, which is why those countries do not help the Palestinian people. My point is let the world declare this just as loudly as they declare that the fault lies with Israel and America. May it be declared over and over again. Shame those countries on a worldwide basis as those countries are loudly protesting the actions of Israel and her allies.
Right On!! Diane: "I only hear of Arab nations perhaps arming terrorism. They need to step up and do for their poorer Arab brothers and sisters what the USA does for theirs." Thanks.
Of course we think they must, Lisa. It’s the humanitarian thing. This is a point of divergence it’s important to inspect. It is not what they want to do, it’s not important to them. This is the point of so much conflict, they don’t see the value in human life the same way we do. Horrid to say, however a point that must be considered. Why after decades of mistreatment by Hamas is it incumbent on the Israeli’s to make peace or to protect the Palestinians? Believe me, they will take very precaution, they must get into the 300 miles of tunnels beneath the surface of Gaza.
Love it Lisa ~ “Right On!” ☺️
Sorry Steve Schmidt for misspelling your name! A typo borne of passion for the subject you have addressed!
Diane, you can edit your original comment to correct the spelling of Steve's name
Thank you Shirley I would have to delete the entire comment and copy edit paste ... I don’t have that edit button that I have been hearing about
It’s not a button exactly. Edit is found if you click on the 3 “…” to the right of your own comment
Yes that is what I meant .... when I do that all I get for choices are to share link, hide comment, or report comment
The Gaza Strip will be mostly destroyed in the coming weeks because of Hamas and its existential threat against Israel. Hamas must be eradicated through terrible violence. This is the nature of war.--Steve Schmidt
Steve, I mostly agree with you in your newsletters. You are an encyclopedia of current affairs and history; a true fountain of knowledge. We both definitely agree there is no place on earth for the likes of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaeda and ISIL; they should cease to exist.
That said, I’m not sure Israel isn’t walking into a trap. This is the same play book by both parties, we see and experience over and over again.
Hamas, attacks; Israel responds harder. Israel institutes even more draconian laws in the West Bank and Gaza, and eventually Hamas attacks again; this time stronger than before. Rinse, Lather, repeat.
The status quo isn’t working. My fear is the death of innocent Palestinians will be blamed on Israel, no different than the sympathies of 9/11; evaporating after the Iraq invasion, and led to the rise of ISIL and Al Qaeda in Iraq.
What’s worse than these known terrorist organizations are the ones that don’t already exist, and then miraculously appear out of thin air; far worse than the terrorists we’re dealing with today.
I personally would prefer Israel move into a war footing; securing the borders with Syria, Gaza and Lebanon, but not invading. Israel could still use special operations forces, but as a scalpel, not a blunt instrument.
Israel can also shut down Gaza’s water and electricity, and only agree to turn the lights back on when all hostages are released, unharmed. Until then, the Palestinians will suffer greatly, but the blame can be placed solely on Hamas; where it should be.
Otherwise, where are we heading? We already have Ukraine fighting for its life, and other conflicts engulfing Eastern Europe; the Armenians and the Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. Not to mention, civil wars in Africa, and Libya still in chaos.
Is it in anyone’s interest to go to war with Iran, even if the allegations are proven? Currently, they aren’t, and Russia may be just as guilty as Iran if the allegations are true.
Does that mean that Russia is on the menu next? And what does that mean for Taiwan? Will China see this as an opportunity to strike while our attention is focused on Ukraine, Israel and Iran?
America can’t be fighting proxy wars all over the globe. Remember after 9/11 and the war on terror? We were operating in more than 80 countries around the globe and terrorism and terrorist groups just got stronger, not weaker. This world has a lot of issues to address. America has many issues to address that are tearing us apart at the seams.
Perhaps a paradigm shift is necessary, since these wars always have consequences; much of which isn’t fully understood before the fighting begins.
Just some thoughts...:)
Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts., and agree with you. This is not the time to be irrational.
We, the people here have none to little clue of what’s really going on, who is playing what hand and who’s slid aces up their sleeves. Though the history books say this or that, very few really know . Maybe Biden and his staff. Maybe a few others in charge. But experience has taught me to know the mind of a criminal is absurd speculation .
Some, as most have said here, are living in a make believe world cleverly stuffed by deviant card sharks. The numbers have lessened.
Steve has great insight and knowledge , more a ‘having been there’ knowledge . But as has also been shown here much of the hatred and gossip is skewed, even taught. It was hard to distinguish who the north Vietnamese were from the South, the Taliban from civilians or any of the others versus the regular non violent peace wanting people.
It’s too complex, I’ve tried to understand or compartmentalize it. Why does it take us to be the peacekeepers, why can’t their own country or surrounding neighbors take the needed initiative?
So much chaos makes me exceptionally suspicious there’s far greater in store.
Whats the gain? Who is to gain? These dictator’s ends are bloody -well documented. The lot turn on themselves and devour the young , to a sorry end eventually. That the corrupt , the extremists , the rich aren’t a large part of this widening involvement , would be magical thinking.
Can we clean up this mess?
It’s a tall tall order.
Yet here we are. Again.
What choice other than try is there?
I see the needs of Ukraine being swept under the rug amidst this chaos. Putin is an extreme threat to so many. I hope our country does not forsake Ukraine to help the likes of Netanyahu.
Once again I agree with the points you make Mr Jaffe
Thank you...:)
You are also correct in thinking; they should be very careful going into Gaza, this will not be like the last times. This feels different.
Well said, and spot on. We the US, can't keep supporting anything and everyone. See what fighting all those endless wars got us. Nothing, enemies around the world, Debt crisis with no end, they are waiting for us/US to Fail, and we are Falling/Failing Fast! Our Govt. has failed us/US, trust me on that, we're yet to see it clearly.
"Israel can also shut down Gaza’s water and electricity, and only agree to turn the lights back on when all hostages are released, unharmed. Until then, the Palestinians will suffer greatly, but the blame can be placed solely on Hamas; where it should be."
I'm not well equipped to argue any of your comments, Mr. Jaffee, except for this. The Palestinian people have been without food, water and electricity for almost a week. I very much doubt Hamas is suffering from this, themselves. If they were able to secretly come into Israel and masacre its people in such numbers, they would also have likely planned for the 'shut down' of services as a result, and planned for that ahead of time. Maybe I'm giving them too much credit, which I am loathe to do, but let's call it a hypothesis for now. The real point I want to make is that it's likely only the Palestinian people who are the ones suffering and dying from the bombings, no food, no water, etc. It is said that the Israeli bombings are to affect likely locations of arms and the terrorists, while at the same time saying Hamas and the hostages are safe in huge underground tunnels under Gaza, so the bombings seem contradictory to me. Along with Israel urging the Palestinians to flee south or be caught in a cross current of warring sides. They are not being allowed to enter Egypt, nor do they want to. All those who fled to Lebanon in some long ago incursion, and thought they'd only be there for a few short weeks, or maybe a month, are still there 78 years later. The Palestinians know this, and who could blame them for not wanting to become forever refugees. The news says they are just going to stay in their homes and die together, at least. This is so heart-breaking, and somehow seems so unjust. But that's just me. BTW, your article was very informative and helpful. I hope you don't mind my one dissenting comment. Have a good day, sir.
I agree with you but you missed my point.
I know Israel already shutdown the electricity, water and food. I know they are suffering. My point was by just taking defensive positions and starving them out, Hamas gets the blame. Bombing them and a full scale invasion only changes the sympathies to the Palestinian suffering.
And we can’t say all the Palestinian people support Hamas, they don’t. This invasion to me is an emotional response. We’ve seen this movie before. Hamas attacks, Israel responders harder and institutes even more draconian laws. Rinse. Lather, repeat.
Yet this time feels different. I have a feeling that casualties on both sides will be horrific, and it’s possible Hezbollah could join the fight from the north and drawing other players into this war.
Nothing good will come of this. I don’t know what the correct response should be, I just know this one isn’t it.
As soon as I heard about Menendez my first thought was, gosh, how many more sleazebags are ‘leaders’ in our government?
It seems that there is a never ending supply.
What is amazing to me is that when the lights of discovery shine on these sleaze bags, they just get bolder and dig their heels in, gaslight the public to exhaustion. Absolutely no shame.
Emulating their leader....
Shamelessness is the ultimate superpower.
We must all email Schumer and demand that he no longer protects Menendez!
Good read. Coda: And after Hamas dies, Israel must reform its one-sided approach to peace, and allow Palestine a growing and ongoing modicum of civil rights. Israel must assume part of the blame for the idiotic behavior of Hamas.
Five sane House Republicans, if there are that many, could deliver the ultimate Fuck You to Trump and his MAGAts by going to Jeffries and saying, “Liz Cheney for Speaker!”
I absolutely love this idea. How could we get it to five sane Republicans who want to save our democracy?
I’m just posting it all over the place. I’ve got a billboard version of it that calls more attention to itself. Tell me how to send that to you, and then you can spread it all over.
The same Liz Cheney who backed trump policy more than 90%of the time? That took a insurrection to cross the red line.
Yes, that one, the rare Republican who wants Trump to die in jail as much as I do. Of course she’s far from perfect, but no one would drive Trump and his ilk crazier, and the idea that this is what Gaetz’s revolution has wrought would be beyond brilliant.
Seems to me Netanyahu must go. Hie self-serving obsession with rigging the judiciary took the focus off what was brewing and I’ve read that he ignored the warnings of his military and defense people. And what about how Hamas got the secret Israeli military information?
I agree and would add that Netanyahu's overly aggressive policies favoring the Orthodoxy over Palestinians with regard to lands and local governments and his stacking the government with far rightists also fueled the rage we are now seeing. I would note that much of Israel protested Netanyahu's policies.
Yes, I agree about Bibi. He has to go. I also wish the Israeli's would put a stop to the extremist "Settlers" movement. I don't see how that can result in anything but war. Facts are stubborn - the settlements constitute an invasion.
Just a caveat to my own comment: NOTHING justifies the horror of Hamas' invasion and the brutal killing of innocents. I can't imagine what Hamas expected but nothing good is likely to come from that.
BiBi IS the Cause of most of what has happened, him and the Settlers, how do they justify stealing land and all the other crap that comes with that. Sure God will overlook it.
I realize a horrific tragedy has happened, revenge might feel good temporarily but Stop, gather intelligence, have a plan. Find where Hamas is hiding, figure out what country provided weapons and money. Be smart and don’t just react as expected. Keep the enemy guessing, have a strategy. Look at the holy hell unleashed by George Bush after 911 and let’s not repeat it.
As complex as the issues of the Gaza war and the Ukraine war are, the top/bottom line should be constantly kept in mind: Who is the aggressor here?
This world situation is not unlike 1939.
In the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, who was the aggressor that crossed borders to inflict mass destruction on innocent people? Adolf Hitler.
In Donbas, Crimea, Ukraine, who is the aggressor? Vladimir Putin.
In Gaza/Israel, who is the aggressor? Hamas.
And maybe aided by Putin too. Isn’t he an ally of Iran?
Yes. We are watching thee axis of power being pushed for change. Once again, Nazi and Jews at the nexus. Is there not yesterday an understanding that the aggressor “picks” a target. Pointing again and again to the problem. It’s all a tool for power. War is the tool, Jews the designated target, the prize is as much about Jews as the quest for “ Pro life” the humanitarian cause of the Republican right. It’s a “play”, a story, a cover for the true nature of quest for unbridled power and if you don’t give it here you’re next, just look at those guys who crossed us.
I think that one reason that Jews are so often the historical scapegoat is. . .The Hebrews presented a volume of historical record and inspiration that later became, when paired with the Greek literate heritage, the backbone of European--and ultimately Western--literacy, culture and society.
The Jews, as a societal ethnic group, have been reading and writing--cultivating literacy--longer than most ethnic groups in the world. A result of that extremely long record of literacy is that Jews are often the first citizens to point out societal errors, deficiencies or dangers. When they identify such pitfalls--as say, Raskin or Schiff did in our House of Reps--injustice or inequality--they become targets for criticism by people who think they are troublemakers instead of just. . . what should we call it. . . legitimate critics who, like chicken little, are able to point out that the sky is falling when, when. . . may it IS actually falling, or. . . something is rotten here and we need to fix it. This Jews are seen as provocative troublemakers. when they are just trying protect themselves or some other unprivileged group from abuse or catastrophe.
You make a point. The son endeavors to grow up and supplant the father. Basis of patriarchal culture. Judaism is a matriarchal society in historical terms. And a feature of the sabbath with the blessing of the bread which opens the day of rest. An old culture which is more than the religion. I can see we will be dealing with the stereotypes you mention and more as we go forward.
About 8 decades ago, nazi Germany and fascist Italy were allied as an axis of evil.
It seems that now, in the 21st century, we are witnessing the turning of a new axis of evil aggression: Putin's Russia, Persia (Iran), North Korea and maybe even China.
Although methinks that the Chinese may have a little more sense than to actually align themselves with the 21st-century version of axis evil.
Aggression comes in many forms, I hear.
Our United States is, in this world, like it or not, the big kid on the block. . . the big kid who is called upon by the skinny kid to stand up on skinny's behalf against the neighborhood bully.
If you need to ask who were the American leaders who appointed us the good, big kid on the block, you would have to call Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, George Bush, Dick Cheney, Barach Obama and a million other Americans who are paying attention to history instead of instablob, tweetx, and the constant stream of entertainment that keeps Americans in a fog of entertainment instead of informed citizenship.
Did Hamas have a strategy? Yes (IMHO), but it is pretty short sighted: Attack and expect a response that is too much -- then use this to stir up other issues around the world and maybe benefit from it. People don't think clearly when they are angry (even in rage) and this will present opportunities as they go overboard in their response.
This, of course, is against what most religions preach. It is sad our emotions carry us away.
Just a reminder that Hamas is a terrorist organization. It’s not a human rights group. Their mission is death to Israel, to Jews. They don’t care about the Palestine people they use as human shields. They live among them for cover. They have degraded the Gaza Strip to what it is over years purposefully.
??? Saudia Arabia..to build a decent society???
I think the UN and the world should start shaming the rich Oil Arab nations into building better societies for their poorer Arab nations. The cry for this should be much louder than the blame poured on Israel and its allies for the plight of the Palestinian people.
What a joke.
Will someone please help me understand why no Arab nation is willing to take up the plight of the Palestinian people?
Exactly!!
I usually agree with you Steve but this time I don’t. The desire for revenge, and an eye for an eye, will not bring back even one of the innocent lives lost, not only last week but over the last decade. What we witnessed was a highly planned strike at the Jewish state and the planning didn’t stop when they retreated back into Gaza, they have been armoring themselves for an IDF assault for a decade at least. Heavy armor in the ruins of Gaza won’t be nearly as effective as it is out in the open. In spite of Israel’s directive to move to the south to get out of the way of an impending invasion, thousands are still hunkered down trying to survive and not going anywhere, many among them will most certainly become casualties if an invasion begins. Hamas doesn’t care a whit about any of their lives, they will see their deaths as promoting their view that the Israeli state is evil incarnate to the rest of the world. Israel needs to catch their collective breath and really think this through, a frontal assault on Gaza is exactly what Hamas wants and has planned for from the very beginning of this sordid chapter. To my way of thinking doing what your enemy wants you to do is not a good strategy, it’s a recipe for disaster. Over the years Israel has been very effective at eliminating their enemy wherever they have tried to hide and I have no reason to think that will not continue. Perhaps more important than any of this is why so many Palestinian people chose to participate in the horrific acts they executed last Saturday. The hatred, and it had to be hatred, that they exhibited towards the truly innocent, think babies, had to have roots deeply imbedded in their experiences with the Israeli state, a frontal assault in which many more lives are lost will just feed the root system of their despair. Israel really needs to think about how much they are contributing to the hatred that they see all around them, until they do that they will just be feeding it, which has been the reason they are where they are at today. I think all of the energy that they plan on expending to kill as many of the Hamas operatives they can find can be put to better use, a byproduct will be that Hezbollah will not have a readymade excuse to start unleashing the hundred + thousands of rockets they have aimed at Israel and it’s people. This is an existential moment for Israel, for their sakes and that of the rest of the world they can’t screw it up.
I think he means the organization called Hamas must die. Maybe he does mean all members ...but I prefer to think differently. It is terrible to wish death on any single human, that is why some people struggle with the concept of the death penalty. But I see all those maimed and dead babies and children and I cannot say that it is okay in any way shape or form that Hamas should be allowed to stay on this earth.
There is a very strong point here about the media. I am a devotee of MSNBC, have been for many years. There are times when I find the constant applause for the Left to be embarrassing, but what is the choice? No media outlets match the slavish commitment to the worst of the Right than those in the pocket of Rupert Murdoch and no other has the clout. So, ironically, Fair and Balanced is as elusive to the Left as it is risible to the authors of the phrase. It is Murdoch who has created the giant seam down the middle of America and it is only the courts that are calling him on it. Would that he would run out of money. Running out of time won't do it as his son is seen to be in many ways worse. And then we have Donald, with his off and on love affair with Fox. If that combo isn't the most poisonous thing ever to attack the U.S., what is? My wish list screams for the kind of detached analysis we used to get from Cronkite, Huntley and Brinkley and Peter Jennings to keep it to television, but it was so much easier then. The Republican Party was always a pain in the ass but at least reasonable, not the 24/7 rolling freak show that we have now. America should be appalled and never forget that these stupid republicans, (they don't deserve a capital, either way), have no Speaker while the world is bursting its seams. Their selfish, ingrown, microscopic, diseased brains are flailing in their own self-obsession at the same time as Israeli families are suffering the worst agonies in three quarters of a century. The media would have to take a shower every twenty minutes to wash off the waste generated by trump and the right, as it is today. Maybe we'll get Marjorie Taylor Green two steps away from the presidency. Nobody would dare to put that in a movie no matter how deft they are at horror shows. The cleanup is not just Aisle Seven, it's every aisle, it's everywhere. Pray for effective media and be prepared to wait till the circus leaves town.
Excellent! Thank you, Bob! I'd like to add the need for proper education in history, civics, and critical thinking skills in our schools. If we can't distinguish fact from fiction, we're doomed.
Yes! And that would change everything, affecting almost all that we discuss here. The connecting of the education component and making the vote mandatory with automatic registration would likely do more to heal the United States in less time than any other choice. Citizenship should carry that responsibility at the least.
I don’t see how Hamas is going to be wiped from the face of the earth, no matter how many lives are taken and how Dresdenesque Gaza City becomes. Perhaps Israel will be more successful than we were ridding the world of the Taliban in Afghanistan. When and under what conditions will Israel declare their mission accomplished? And then what?
I have been shocked by the antisemitic outcry by so many on social media. We are being influenced by the uneducated and overwhelmed by the reposting of imbeciles on TikTok. They cannot understand Hamas’ agenda. I recently posted their goals for the world. Barely anyone read it, I have no doubt. Because it is fashionable to blame the Jews for the horrific crimes committed against them. Too many do not know that Hamas has been governing Palestine, not Israel. I was shocked by that. I recently read a post filled with outrage because “No one wants to acknowledge that Africa is the largest Country on earth.” Really? How sad to think these are the voices so many want to hear. Ignoring actual facts. I haven’t watched CNN in ages. I found it mostly insulting and dismissive of reality and truth.
Not only has Hamas been governing Gaza, they were elected in 2006-7 by the Gazan people.
Yes, Hamas hasn’t allowed elections since then…16years. Look at the US, we elected Trump.
And if we do again we just might have our future elections prohibited. What a mess.