American liberal Jews -- along with the fake-news media from which they get their misinformation --hate Donald Trump more than they love America or Israel. They would gladly see Iran obtain a nuclear weapon if it meant that Mr. Trump was denied the Presidency.
Frankly, I think that these people -- and this includes several of my extended family members -- are absolutely, bat-s**t crazy nuts. But you cannot change someone's opinion using logic and evidence if they have previously embraced that opinion using emotion.
"But you cannot change someone's opinion using logic and evidence ..."
How does logic and evidence support a U.S. invasion of Iran? What happened when Bush Jr. tried that in Afghanistan and Iraq? Iran's endgame is a Shiite occupation of Jerusalem and nuking Israel makes no logical sense because the Holy City and the sacred Dome of the Rock are in the crosshairs as well. Logic seems in short supply on all sides...
Trump proved that and had bankrupted and isolated Iran throughout his 4 years in office. A lot can be accomplished without having to engage in a kinetic war.
But timing is critical, and the constant appeasement and outright protection the current administration has literally lavished upon m them is only making circumstance far more dangerous and deadly than they ever should have been, by their relieving them of all sanctions, giving them billions of dollars and denying they are fomenting the current war in Israel through their proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Elections really do matter. Let’s just hope there’s still time to turn things around and prevent further unthinkable disaster by showing the Biden administration the door.
"But timing is critical, and the constant appeasement and outright protection the current administration has literally lavished upon them is only making circumstance far more dangerous and deadly than they ever should have been, by their relieving them of all sanctions, giving them billions of dollars and denying they are fomenting the current war in Israel through their proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis."
This, of course, is not accurate...
"Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel. Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.
The sanctions target leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defense Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone program that enabled this brazen assault. As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs.
This is pinprick policy. The US has done next to nothing to curtail the Houthis from terrorizing the Mediterranean Sea shipping lanes, not to mention their direct assaults on Israel, even going so far as to remove them from the list of designated terrorists.
They have coddled the Lebanese Govt. and literally bankroll their military, which merely provide cover for the actual power there, Hezbollah, Iran’s most prized proxy.
They even practically green lighted Iran’s direct attack on Israel, meekly requesting that they please “use some restraint”. That is reprehensible behavior toward one of our most valued Allies.
They also coddle Qatar and work feverishly to aid and abet efforts to bring about the downfall of the democratically elected government of Israel.
They hate Israel, and BiBi especially, and everything they do reveals that.
Why is the U.S. responsible for policing the Red Sea? Where are all the local Arab governments who are directly affected by the Iranian-backed Houthis? We have sent aircraft carriers and their strike forces and intercept drones daily. We also intercepted a bunch of Iranian domes and misses in their attack on Israel. Other than Israel, we don’t have a dog in this fight. Let the Saudis clean up this mess in their backyard. I am sure the Egyptians would be glad to help since their revenues from the Suez Canal shipping is affected. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3665898/us-uk-launch-strikes-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-to-protect-red-sea-shipping/
For better or worse, the US Navy is the global policeman of the high seas, including the Red one. Has been for decades. World economy and US economy depends on it.
The US has no interest in the security of international shipping? As for the Democrat lies that it is checking Iran, the flow of money to Iran has been immense, and American military action strictly defensive, never offensive to reduce the attacker. Democrat policy is a joint Middle East condominium between the US and Iran, with Israel a handcuffed dependent unable to defend its interests.
Totally agree. same within my family and friends. I'd add that their TDS equals their hatred for Netanyahu -- all visceral with negligible examples. Now what?
The Iranian monster is destabilizing the Middle East and threatening Israel’s existence, but Biden, like Obama before him, is unwilling to confront the monster it helped create. Biden told Iran and its proxies “don’t,” but they did anyway with no consequences. The Houthis, with Iran’s backing, shut down maritime traffic in the Red Sea, and Biden looks on with indifference. Biden, like Obama, postures and pontificates, but has no red lines. Iran sees this weakness and acts accordingly. The Democrat’s policy is to appease and placate Iran to the detriment of Israel, the Saudis, Emiratis and to the benefit of Russian and China. If the US fears a confrontation with a conventionally-armed Iran, how will the US react to a nuclear-armed Iran? What deals with the devil will Biden or a future President Harris make?
Yes, the Shiite Iranian theocracy is using Sunni Arab proxies to spread radical Islamism thereby weakening their Arab/Turk traditional enemies. Israel as a symbol of the West is being using as a rallying cause, but the actual target is the Sunni Middle East nations. Involvement by the West (Israel included) is part of the problem, not the solution. The Arabs have to stand up for themselves and unite against this existential threat. "Help us help you..."
The “peace train” left a long time ago. It was called “Oslo”, and it became a total wreck when the Israelis discovered that their “peace partners” were never really interested in peace at all if it meant the continued existence of a Jewish state.
How many years has Netanyahu been talking about Iran? When Iran launched all those projectiles and drones at central Israel, that should have been the green light for Israel to launch a major attack on Iran with devastating firepower. Instead we get more of the same ineffectual policies.
Iran knows that the U.S. is weak and they know that we know that the U.S, is weak. Harris is even worse that Biden, another decrepit, pro-Hamas apologist like half of the Democrats.
In this disarray , Israel needs to do what needs to be done. Now. If Trump gets elected, the Calvary will come. If Harris gets elected, Israel will be on its own I think.
Just as in the 1930's, the opportunity is probably lost to stop the impending cataclysm. Iran was on the ropes and this administration let up. IRAN and the islamists have stated their desire to eliminate all infidels. The sooner we act to stop Iran, the less likely the consequences of doing nothing.
Explain to me why Pres. Obama is "the cause of this mess." "The JCPOA Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reached in Vienna on 14 July 2015, between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany) together with the European Union." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Comprehensive_Plan_of_Action
This was a multilateral international solution and certainly not Obama's show. Was it doomed from the start or did Trump in pulling the U.S. out antagonize Iran and empowering the radical elements? There is no easy fix to the threat of Iran's Islamist theocracy and any solution will require multilateral cooperation and longterm commitment. "Perilous" is perhaps not a strong enough adjective for the situation.
Obama's JCPOA required Iran only to put off nuclear weapons, until the late 2020s, if I recall correctly, then they would be fine. Of course, there were no teeth in enforcement, and in any case international inspections were forbidden by the Iranians. JCPOA was a complete sell-out of Israel and America's interests. What did you expect from an antisemitic and anti-American president?
The JCPOA was an international agreement, not Obama's. Yes, there were sanctions teeth in enforcement which Trump unilaterally enforced to the dismay of the other countries attempting to hold the agreement together. President Obama is not antisemitic and it was Trump who instigated the Capitol Insurrection and earned the title of anti-American president.
"The JCPOA, which went into effect in January 2016, imposes restrictions on Iran’s civilian nuclear enrichment program. At the heart of negotiations with Iran were the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and Germany—collectively known as the P5+1. The European Union (EU) also took part."
JINOs, Jews in Name Only, have abandoned Israel, and subscribe to the new idolatry, much like Hellenistic Jews during the amaccabean period. Their idols are not of stone but party loyalty, Neo Marxist belief system, and power. They believe Israel us an oppressor in their paradigm, and most don't believe in God, let alone the covenant. Marx, the grandson of a Rabbi, hated Judaism and his Neo Marxist acolyte like most of the radical left are happy to work with Hamas and other radical Islamic organizations. It is a form of self loathing or out of fear. JINOs!
See the Ashamed Jews of british satirist Howard Jacobson.....if not now and execrable jvp are examples....their Jewishness extends only as far as hating Israel, Jews and Judaism.....free free palestine.
The situation is perilous. The United States will not do anything under the Democrats. Not even imposed serious sanctions let alone take military action. Netanyahu's biggest failure has been believing that it would. Even after the Obama administration. Deterrence has been lost. Iran doesn't believe Israel can or will strike it hard. So war is coming. I don't know if Bibi has the stones to do it though.
We're not one issue voters, Ambassador Oren. (At least I'm not.) As much as I love and support Israel, the thought of a Trump presidency in the US is horrifying. I am a religious Jew who places priority on one's moral character. Trump is a bullying, narcissistic liar, a sexual predator held liable for sexual assault, and a conman who has cheated his way to the "top." He advocated and planned an insurrection to overthrow a free and fair election. He idolizes Putin, Xi, and Kim Jung Un -- all autocrats/dictators who are responsible for the deaths of many political opponents. Not surprisingly, none of his former cabinet members support his re-election -- not to mention his own former VP. Are you not paying attention, sir?
I am no Trump booster but I don’t find your point persuasive. There aren’t many people who would disagree that Trump has character flaws. But we all do in one way or another. And you’d have a hard time convincing me that there are many politicians without moral blemishes.
For me, the more relevant issue is the state of the world under the last two presidents. Before the Biden presidency, I have not, in my lifetime, witnessed circumstances in which the prospect of world war seemed greater. And I suspect the projection of weakness on the part of the world’s one great superpower is contributing significantly to that. Would I like to see a better candidate than Trump? Absolutely. But I believe Kamala Harris would continue, and likely make worse, the disastrous state of the world should she be elected.
Any neural energy spent on even imagining a Kamala White House needs to be spent instead on reading Michael Schellenberger's outstanding reporting HERE:
"As much as I love and support Israel, the thought of a Trump presidency in the US is horrifying." Now is not the time to nurture one's tender feelings, Mr. Levine. Jews in the United States need to make a conscious choice - a personal sacrifice of sorts - and focus on the most important issue right now, the security and wellbeing of Israel, because it is inextricably connected to Israel's standing and reputation on the world stage. It does not matter that Trump is perceived as a sexual predator and is not the most eloquent speaker, to put it mildly, but some of his policies were excellent. He is a conman who cheated his way to the top? How did he cheat? He won one election and lost the next one. He is now on a campaign trail, and he won the Republican primary, while your favored Democratic party establishment literally manufactured "Kamala Harris" as a presidential nominee without her doing any work, bypassing completely all the customary steps of the electoral process. The only issue she is truly passionate about is abortion.
Is she a candidate you prefer because you are not a one issue voter? Your priority is moral character, so what moral qualities of the current Democratic party nominee are important to you? In the years she was on Team Biden, VP Harris proved to be an insignificant, shallow, inexperienced functionary who was only put in the White House because she is a woman of color. Not to mention she clearly knew Biden was not fit to be president yet did nothing, but that does not bother you at all?
As for Trump's former cabinet members, Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state, said long ago he will be honored to serve the country if asked.
Outstanding Julia. I am Jewish and I don't know how any Jew can vote for the Democratic Party these days after witnessing how their MidEast policies have directly led to the mess in which Israel finds herself. It's wonderful that Schumer allows Israel to defend herself after allowing Iran to enrich itself monetarily which then simply results in Iran's arming of its terror proxies in Lebanon Syria Iraq and now Yemen. Secondly (and maybe even more disturbing) is how the Dems kneel to the Dearborn, MI crowd simply to hold onto more POWER! And the way the dems failed to respond to all of the college campus protests! (Their lust for power and appeasing these bastards) undermines the US' firm commitment and stance to one of its greatest allies, Israel.
I used to vote Democratic but the party has gradually became literally insane, putting some very unserious people running foreign policy. Their policies endanger the daily lives of Americans (our crime rates in Chicago are increasing while our wonderful mayor encourages HS kids to “walk out for Gaza”) and put the world on edge. And now they replaced a senile old man with the most inexperienced, progressive CA Democrat. Well, this can’t go wrong, can it?
You see many in the Democrat Party support the subhumans in the Middle East. I'll take Trump with his narcisstic personality (which by the way all politicians have). Can the world survive another 6 months of this ineffectual Presidency? Speaking of insurrection what do you call what has done at the Capital by Hamas supporters?
Mark, I agree with you 100% ,Donald Trump is a dysfunctional narcissistic hot mess the sooner our country gets rid of this guy the better the world will be he’s a menace along with his Supreme Court to our democracy. It’s time for somebody some of the moderates in Israel and the moderate Palestinians to get on the peace train and get it rolling.
Moral character and a religious Jew. I'm Jewish too but any Jew who votes Democratic has to have his/her examined!
Middle East policy towards Iran
Anti-Semitic element within the Democratic Party.
All time high amount of blatant antisemitism in the US (and in Canada and Europe).
Anti-Israel protestors (just like BLM rioters) who destroy and occupy private property and threaten fellow Jewish students staff and faculty. Only called out by Elise Stefanik in Congress. That this administration seeks to appease Iran, the Dearborn, MI crowd, and the campus anti-Israel protestors (solely to get their vote to do that they (the Dems) can remain in power (not Iran of course) at the expense of the Jewish State is beyond shameful! Whether democrat or republican we must stand side by side with Israel (morally and militarily) in her (and ours too) war against "pure evil!"
You talk about moral character and spew talking points my fellow Jew. I'm also Jewish and I find most of what the Dems say about Trump to simply be proven projections of themselves. For example, how did Joe Biden garner 80 million votes while running the most pathetic presidential campaign in my lifetime. Why does the MSM along with Big Tech need to censor conservative viewpoints? Why does the DOJ go after conservatives (ie Trump, J-6ers, pro-lifers, parens at school board meetings while doing close to nothing with BLM and college campus protestors who occupy private property, destroy private property and attack and even murder other people?
If you think that a staged J-6 riot is a greater threat to democracy
Folks wake up. Prior to 1947 there was no talk of Palestinians. In fact, if you recall, prior to the Six Day War it was the Arab countries against Israel. In the British Mandate going back to the 20s, 30s and 40s, there were Arabs slaughtering Jews in 'Palestine'. So let's get real; it's got nothing to do with Israel. It's all about Jew hatred. They're openly telling you that. Any Jew who still believes it's Israeli policy is delusional.
Great article, Michael Oren! The OBiden/Harris MidEast doctrine was/is and will always be flawed. As others have already stated, Iran has been and continues to be the primary bank-roller of most of the conflict in the Middle East today (through itself and its terror proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza and now Yemen.) Our current govt gives them $$ and allows Iran to sell its oil.
Secondly, the US govt doesn't really understand Israel's position re: war in Gaza; that it's TWO fold - 1) destroy Hamas (ie EVIL) and 2) get all of the hostages back (dead or alive.) The US govt simply wants there to be a ceasefire without the complete dismantling of Hamas. Instead of standing side by side with Israel in defecting pure EVIL, the Democratic Party has to appease those bastards in Dearborn, MI and its progressive left wing. Despite all of their anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric, the dems simply want to hold onto the power (even if it means subverting its only true ally in the MidEast!)
This bully PM with his tough talk to Congress while the Dems sat with fabissneh faces and bitch priestsses PEelosi and Harris would n't deign to attend....he of the cartoonish bomb picture at the UN, couldn't even protect the "Negev envelope" from hang glider invasion. Does he ever evince shame. ? Nontheless, glad he came. Harris will be a disaster for this country and it's scary to me she is now tied with Trump in polls. Iran 's mullahs live in an eschatological fantastical world in which apperently "Palestine" will be saved from radiation if they drop the bomb on the Zionist entity and murder most of the 7 million Jews there. Then they and Erdogan and mabye HRH of Arabia will all gather in Jerusalem and build a new mosque on the "Barak Plaza" and Allahu Akbar all over the place. Just like in DC where no police intervene while monuments are deface....can they really get the Hamas death inverted death triangle removed? No police intervention besides a slight scuffle with the jihadists who invaded Union Station to clai m it as free free Palestine. Were in dangerous times indeed. No ....I think the good residents of Minnesota are clamoring for IRan to have the bomb...after all Israel has it. Can Israel get back its hostages....thanks to Harris's repgugnant post conference comments....very unlikely unless Israel surrenders.
With a theocracy that believes martyrdom is the ultimate reward for pursuing religious edicts to eliminate unbelievers, who among us today could possibly believe Iran won't use their soon-to-be realized nuclear ability against Israel?
Yes there are Muslim holy sites there, but what would that matter if this worldly realm we inhabit together isn't as important to believers as what comes after?
A theocracy that supports flying airliners full of innocents into skyscrapers full of more innocents, to further their religious aims, I somehow very much doubt would stop short of nuking one or more of their Earthbound holy sites if it furthered their aim to eliminate unbelievers amongst them.
American liberal Jews -- along with the fake-news media from which they get their misinformation --hate Donald Trump more than they love America or Israel. They would gladly see Iran obtain a nuclear weapon if it meant that Mr. Trump was denied the Presidency.
Frankly, I think that these people -- and this includes several of my extended family members -- are absolutely, bat-s**t crazy nuts. But you cannot change someone's opinion using logic and evidence if they have previously embraced that opinion using emotion.
I know too many people you are speaking about.
It boggles the mind how blinded they are by their emotions.
"But you cannot change someone's opinion using logic and evidence ..."
How does logic and evidence support a U.S. invasion of Iran? What happened when Bush Jr. tried that in Afghanistan and Iraq? Iran's endgame is a Shiite occupation of Jerusalem and nuking Israel makes no logical sense because the Holy City and the sacred Dome of the Rock are in the crosshairs as well. Logic seems in short supply on all sides...
You don’t have to invade.
Trump proved that and had bankrupted and isolated Iran throughout his 4 years in office. A lot can be accomplished without having to engage in a kinetic war.
But timing is critical, and the constant appeasement and outright protection the current administration has literally lavished upon m them is only making circumstance far more dangerous and deadly than they ever should have been, by their relieving them of all sanctions, giving them billions of dollars and denying they are fomenting the current war in Israel through their proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Elections really do matter. Let’s just hope there’s still time to turn things around and prevent further unthinkable disaster by showing the Biden administration the door.
Your reply is precise and succinct. Thank you for contributing this wisdom.
"But timing is critical, and the constant appeasement and outright protection the current administration has literally lavished upon them is only making circumstance far more dangerous and deadly than they ever should have been, by their relieving them of all sanctions, giving them billions of dollars and denying they are fomenting the current war in Israel through their proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis."
This, of course, is not accurate...
"Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel. Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.
The sanctions target leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defense Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone program that enabled this brazen assault. As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs.
During my Administration, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities—including Iran and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah. And we will keep at it. I’ve directed my team, including the Department of the Treasury, to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran’s military industries." https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/18/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-iran-sanctions/#:~:text=And%20today%2C%20we%20are%20holding,that%20enabled%20this%20brazen%20assault.
This is pinprick policy. The US has done next to nothing to curtail the Houthis from terrorizing the Mediterranean Sea shipping lanes, not to mention their direct assaults on Israel, even going so far as to remove them from the list of designated terrorists.
They have coddled the Lebanese Govt. and literally bankroll their military, which merely provide cover for the actual power there, Hezbollah, Iran’s most prized proxy.
They even practically green lighted Iran’s direct attack on Israel, meekly requesting that they please “use some restraint”. That is reprehensible behavior toward one of our most valued Allies.
They also coddle Qatar and work feverishly to aid and abet efforts to bring about the downfall of the democratically elected government of Israel.
They hate Israel, and BiBi especially, and everything they do reveals that.
To believe otherwise is sheer self-delusion.
Any credible sources for any of these statements?
Why is the U.S. responsible for policing the Red Sea? Where are all the local Arab governments who are directly affected by the Iranian-backed Houthis? We have sent aircraft carriers and their strike forces and intercept drones daily. We also intercepted a bunch of Iranian domes and misses in their attack on Israel. Other than Israel, we don’t have a dog in this fight. Let the Saudis clean up this mess in their backyard. I am sure the Egyptians would be glad to help since their revenues from the Suez Canal shipping is affected. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3665898/us-uk-launch-strikes-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-to-protect-red-sea-shipping/
For better or worse, the US Navy is the global policeman of the high seas, including the Red one. Has been for decades. World economy and US economy depends on it.
The US has no interest in the security of international shipping? As for the Democrat lies that it is checking Iran, the flow of money to Iran has been immense, and American military action strictly defensive, never offensive to reduce the attacker. Democrat policy is a joint Middle East condominium between the US and Iran, with Israel a handcuffed dependent unable to defend its interests.
Totally agree. same within my family and friends. I'd add that their TDS equals their hatred for Netanyahu -- all visceral with negligible examples. Now what?
Love your handle! Sac a main!
(You speak the truth, btw.)
The Iranian monster is destabilizing the Middle East and threatening Israel’s existence, but Biden, like Obama before him, is unwilling to confront the monster it helped create. Biden told Iran and its proxies “don’t,” but they did anyway with no consequences. The Houthis, with Iran’s backing, shut down maritime traffic in the Red Sea, and Biden looks on with indifference. Biden, like Obama, postures and pontificates, but has no red lines. Iran sees this weakness and acts accordingly. The Democrat’s policy is to appease and placate Iran to the detriment of Israel, the Saudis, Emiratis and to the benefit of Russian and China. If the US fears a confrontation with a conventionally-armed Iran, how will the US react to a nuclear-armed Iran? What deals with the devil will Biden or a future President Harris make?
Yes, the Shiite Iranian theocracy is using Sunni Arab proxies to spread radical Islamism thereby weakening their Arab/Turk traditional enemies. Israel as a symbol of the West is being using as a rallying cause, but the actual target is the Sunni Middle East nations. Involvement by the West (Israel included) is part of the problem, not the solution. The Arabs have to stand up for themselves and unite against this existential threat. "Help us help you..."
Perhaps they (Israel & USA) were gathering intel as now Houthis have been struck fairly severely.
The “peace train” left a long time ago. It was called “Oslo”, and it became a total wreck when the Israelis discovered that their “peace partners” were never really interested in peace at all if it meant the continued existence of a Jewish state.
How many years has Netanyahu been talking about Iran? When Iran launched all those projectiles and drones at central Israel, that should have been the green light for Israel to launch a major attack on Iran with devastating firepower. Instead we get more of the same ineffectual policies.
Iran knows that the U.S. is weak and they know that we know that the U.S, is weak. Harris is even worse that Biden, another decrepit, pro-Hamas apologist like half of the Democrats.
In this disarray , Israel needs to do what needs to be done. Now. If Trump gets elected, the Calvary will come. If Harris gets elected, Israel will be on its own I think.
cavalry
Maybe she meant Calvary. She capitalized it. Trump did come close to dying for our sins, figuratively.
See the context: If Trump gets elected, the cavalry - as in the Wild Wild West - will come. We hope so!
Just as in the 1930's, the opportunity is probably lost to stop the impending cataclysm. Iran was on the ropes and this administration let up. IRAN and the islamists have stated their desire to eliminate all infidels. The sooner we act to stop Iran, the less likely the consequences of doing nothing.
He who hesitates is lost. Kicking the Iran Nuke down the street is over. We have reached a dead end. So sad, so avoidable.
Very sobering.
Obama is the cause of this mess.
All I can do is prey to Hashem for the safety of my cousins in Israel.
This was part of Obamas’s foreign policy from the get-go. Basically, he announced it on his very first Middle Eastern trip and never looked back.
I was manipulated in the beginning, but no more
Correct.
Explain to me why Pres. Obama is "the cause of this mess." "The JCPOA Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reached in Vienna on 14 July 2015, between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany) together with the European Union." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Comprehensive_Plan_of_Action
This was a multilateral international solution and certainly not Obama's show. Was it doomed from the start or did Trump in pulling the U.S. out antagonize Iran and empowering the radical elements? There is no easy fix to the threat of Iran's Islamist theocracy and any solution will require multilateral cooperation and longterm commitment. "Perilous" is perhaps not a strong enough adjective for the situation.
Obama's JCPOA required Iran only to put off nuclear weapons, until the late 2020s, if I recall correctly, then they would be fine. Of course, there were no teeth in enforcement, and in any case international inspections were forbidden by the Iranians. JCPOA was a complete sell-out of Israel and America's interests. What did you expect from an antisemitic and anti-American president?
Well I don’t think Obama was antisemitic or antiAmerican so I am left puzzled by this Iranian business. Supposedly was going to empower the moderates?
When the moderates in Iran went out in streets in opposition to the regime, Obama-Biden and Biden-Harris ignored them.
The JCPOA was an international agreement, not Obama's. Yes, there were sanctions teeth in enforcement which Trump unilaterally enforced to the dismay of the other countries attempting to hold the agreement together. President Obama is not antisemitic and it was Trump who instigated the Capitol Insurrection and earned the title of anti-American president.
"The JCPOA, which went into effect in January 2016, imposes restrictions on Iran’s civilian nuclear enrichment program. At the heart of negotiations with Iran were the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and Germany—collectively known as the P5+1. The European Union (EU) also took part."
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-iran-nuclear-deal
Perilous.
I agree 100%.
No one in the midEast needs nuclear power. Certainly not unstable islamo fascist and theocratic regimes. Let them use solar!!
JINOs, Jews in Name Only, have abandoned Israel, and subscribe to the new idolatry, much like Hellenistic Jews during the amaccabean period. Their idols are not of stone but party loyalty, Neo Marxist belief system, and power. They believe Israel us an oppressor in their paradigm, and most don't believe in God, let alone the covenant. Marx, the grandson of a Rabbi, hated Judaism and his Neo Marxist acolyte like most of the radical left are happy to work with Hamas and other radical Islamic organizations. It is a form of self loathing or out of fear. JINOs!
See the Ashamed Jews of british satirist Howard Jacobson.....if not now and execrable jvp are examples....their Jewishness extends only as far as hating Israel, Jews and Judaism.....free free palestine.
Unfortunately all too true.
The situation is perilous. The United States will not do anything under the Democrats. Not even imposed serious sanctions let alone take military action. Netanyahu's biggest failure has been believing that it would. Even after the Obama administration. Deterrence has been lost. Iran doesn't believe Israel can or will strike it hard. So war is coming. I don't know if Bibi has the stones to do it though.
We're not one issue voters, Ambassador Oren. (At least I'm not.) As much as I love and support Israel, the thought of a Trump presidency in the US is horrifying. I am a religious Jew who places priority on one's moral character. Trump is a bullying, narcissistic liar, a sexual predator held liable for sexual assault, and a conman who has cheated his way to the "top." He advocated and planned an insurrection to overthrow a free and fair election. He idolizes Putin, Xi, and Kim Jung Un -- all autocrats/dictators who are responsible for the deaths of many political opponents. Not surprisingly, none of his former cabinet members support his re-election -- not to mention his own former VP. Are you not paying attention, sir?
I am no Trump booster but I don’t find your point persuasive. There aren’t many people who would disagree that Trump has character flaws. But we all do in one way or another. And you’d have a hard time convincing me that there are many politicians without moral blemishes.
For me, the more relevant issue is the state of the world under the last two presidents. Before the Biden presidency, I have not, in my lifetime, witnessed circumstances in which the prospect of world war seemed greater. And I suspect the projection of weakness on the part of the world’s one great superpower is contributing significantly to that. Would I like to see a better candidate than Trump? Absolutely. But I believe Kamala Harris would continue, and likely make worse, the disastrous state of the world should she be elected.
Policy not personality. It’s not complicated
Any neural energy spent on even imagining a Kamala White House needs to be spent instead on reading Michael Schellenberger's outstanding reporting HERE:
https://open.substack.com/pub/public/p/indifference-and-ambition-behind?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1hhgqj
Thanks for the tip.
At this point the only alternative is Trump.
"As much as I love and support Israel, the thought of a Trump presidency in the US is horrifying." Now is not the time to nurture one's tender feelings, Mr. Levine. Jews in the United States need to make a conscious choice - a personal sacrifice of sorts - and focus on the most important issue right now, the security and wellbeing of Israel, because it is inextricably connected to Israel's standing and reputation on the world stage. It does not matter that Trump is perceived as a sexual predator and is not the most eloquent speaker, to put it mildly, but some of his policies were excellent. He is a conman who cheated his way to the top? How did he cheat? He won one election and lost the next one. He is now on a campaign trail, and he won the Republican primary, while your favored Democratic party establishment literally manufactured "Kamala Harris" as a presidential nominee without her doing any work, bypassing completely all the customary steps of the electoral process. The only issue she is truly passionate about is abortion.
Is she a candidate you prefer because you are not a one issue voter? Your priority is moral character, so what moral qualities of the current Democratic party nominee are important to you? In the years she was on Team Biden, VP Harris proved to be an insignificant, shallow, inexperienced functionary who was only put in the White House because she is a woman of color. Not to mention she clearly knew Biden was not fit to be president yet did nothing, but that does not bother you at all?
As for Trump's former cabinet members, Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state, said long ago he will be honored to serve the country if asked.
Outstanding Julia. I am Jewish and I don't know how any Jew can vote for the Democratic Party these days after witnessing how their MidEast policies have directly led to the mess in which Israel finds herself. It's wonderful that Schumer allows Israel to defend herself after allowing Iran to enrich itself monetarily which then simply results in Iran's arming of its terror proxies in Lebanon Syria Iraq and now Yemen. Secondly (and maybe even more disturbing) is how the Dems kneel to the Dearborn, MI crowd simply to hold onto more POWER! And the way the dems failed to respond to all of the college campus protests! (Their lust for power and appeasing these bastards) undermines the US' firm commitment and stance to one of its greatest allies, Israel.
I used to vote Democratic but the party has gradually became literally insane, putting some very unserious people running foreign policy. Their policies endanger the daily lives of Americans (our crime rates in Chicago are increasing while our wonderful mayor encourages HS kids to “walk out for Gaza”) and put the world on edge. And now they replaced a senile old man with the most inexperienced, progressive CA Democrat. Well, this can’t go wrong, can it?
Trump is the problem. Sorry, you're delusional. Look at the state of the world since the Harris-Biden regime has been in power.https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2024/07/27/all-out-war-looms-as-hezbollah-rocket-kills-9-israeli-druze-arabs-including-kids/.
You see many in the Democrat Party support the subhumans in the Middle East. I'll take Trump with his narcisstic personality (which by the way all politicians have). Can the world survive another 6 months of this ineffectual Presidency? Speaking of insurrection what do you call what has done at the Capital by Hamas supporters?
Mark, I agree with you 100% ,Donald Trump is a dysfunctional narcissistic hot mess the sooner our country gets rid of this guy the better the world will be he’s a menace along with his Supreme Court to our democracy. It’s time for somebody some of the moderates in Israel and the moderate Palestinians to get on the peace train and get it rolling.
Who are the moderate Palestinians and what are they proposing?
There are almost no moderate Palestinians.
You are one of many American Jews who drank the cool aid! Dumb and dumber!
Hi Mark,
Moral character and a religious Jew. I'm Jewish too but any Jew who votes Democratic has to have his/her examined!
Middle East policy towards Iran
Anti-Semitic element within the Democratic Party.
All time high amount of blatant antisemitism in the US (and in Canada and Europe).
Anti-Israel protestors (just like BLM rioters) who destroy and occupy private property and threaten fellow Jewish students staff and faculty. Only called out by Elise Stefanik in Congress. That this administration seeks to appease Iran, the Dearborn, MI crowd, and the campus anti-Israel protestors (solely to get their vote to do that they (the Dems) can remain in power (not Iran of course) at the expense of the Jewish State is beyond shameful! Whether democrat or republican we must stand side by side with Israel (morally and militarily) in her (and ours too) war against "pure evil!"
You talk about moral character and spew talking points my fellow Jew. I'm also Jewish and I find most of what the Dems say about Trump to simply be proven projections of themselves. For example, how did Joe Biden garner 80 million votes while running the most pathetic presidential campaign in my lifetime. Why does the MSM along with Big Tech need to censor conservative viewpoints? Why does the DOJ go after conservatives (ie Trump, J-6ers, pro-lifers, parens at school board meetings while doing close to nothing with BLM and college campus protestors who occupy private property, destroy private property and attack and even murder other people?
If you think that a staged J-6 riot is a greater threat to democracy
You certainly drank the cool aid!! Dumb and Dumber!! Unfortunately, all or most of the American Jewish Democrats have drank the same poison!
https://open.substack.com/pub/public/p/indifference-and-ambition-behind?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1hhgqj
Folks wake up. Prior to 1947 there was no talk of Palestinians. In fact, if you recall, prior to the Six Day War it was the Arab countries against Israel. In the British Mandate going back to the 20s, 30s and 40s, there were Arabs slaughtering Jews in 'Palestine'. So let's get real; it's got nothing to do with Israel. It's all about Jew hatred. They're openly telling you that. Any Jew who still believes it's Israeli policy is delusional.
Great article, Michael Oren! The OBiden/Harris MidEast doctrine was/is and will always be flawed. As others have already stated, Iran has been and continues to be the primary bank-roller of most of the conflict in the Middle East today (through itself and its terror proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza and now Yemen.) Our current govt gives them $$ and allows Iran to sell its oil.
Secondly, the US govt doesn't really understand Israel's position re: war in Gaza; that it's TWO fold - 1) destroy Hamas (ie EVIL) and 2) get all of the hostages back (dead or alive.) The US govt simply wants there to be a ceasefire without the complete dismantling of Hamas. Instead of standing side by side with Israel in defecting pure EVIL, the Democratic Party has to appease those bastards in Dearborn, MI and its progressive left wing. Despite all of their anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric, the dems simply want to hold onto the power (even if it means subverting its only true ally in the MidEast!)
I think they already have it
This bully PM with his tough talk to Congress while the Dems sat with fabissneh faces and bitch priestsses PEelosi and Harris would n't deign to attend....he of the cartoonish bomb picture at the UN, couldn't even protect the "Negev envelope" from hang glider invasion. Does he ever evince shame. ? Nontheless, glad he came. Harris will be a disaster for this country and it's scary to me she is now tied with Trump in polls. Iran 's mullahs live in an eschatological fantastical world in which apperently "Palestine" will be saved from radiation if they drop the bomb on the Zionist entity and murder most of the 7 million Jews there. Then they and Erdogan and mabye HRH of Arabia will all gather in Jerusalem and build a new mosque on the "Barak Plaza" and Allahu Akbar all over the place. Just like in DC where no police intervene while monuments are deface....can they really get the Hamas death inverted death triangle removed? No police intervention besides a slight scuffle with the jihadists who invaded Union Station to clai m it as free free Palestine. Were in dangerous times indeed. No ....I think the good residents of Minnesota are clamoring for IRan to have the bomb...after all Israel has it. Can Israel get back its hostages....thanks to Harris's repgugnant post conference comments....very unlikely unless Israel surrenders.
With a theocracy that believes martyrdom is the ultimate reward for pursuing religious edicts to eliminate unbelievers, who among us today could possibly believe Iran won't use their soon-to-be realized nuclear ability against Israel?
Yes there are Muslim holy sites there, but what would that matter if this worldly realm we inhabit together isn't as important to believers as what comes after?
A theocracy that supports flying airliners full of innocents into skyscrapers full of more innocents, to further their religious aims, I somehow very much doubt would stop short of nuking one or more of their Earthbound holy sites if it furthered their aim to eliminate unbelievers amongst them.
MAD with the Soviets required brinksmanship. Mad with Putin requires ice in the veins. MAD with Iran requires prayer.