Excellent essay pointing out the failure and weakness of Biden and his administration, as well as the preposterous manipulation used by Qatar and Iran. When I first read Biden's speech, I had to go back and reread to be sure he said what he said. Of course, it was written for him, but as president he gets no passes because like those before him, he has final say over what his speech should sound like. Obama has been the puppeteer from the beginning, never a friend of Israel, and always a friend to Iran. Biden continues to use his playbook which is why the soft glove on Iran, send money, no sanctions, so afraid to do anything to upset the apple cart. In his 50 years in government, Biden has never learned Leadership 101, take responsibility for his spineless leadership and feeble decisions, and know that a leader will never be liked by everyone. Your precise point about the US giving advice to Israel when they failed so miserably in Afghanistan and Iraq was indeed accurate. Did Biden forget that the US initiated the war in Iraq and that money was spent and lives were lost for 8 years in Iraq and 20 years in Afghanistan? Just some minor details for a US president to recall and yet so eager to tell Israel how to fight its war. Please continue to remind us of the immense hypocrisy that is out there and the cowardice of the West.
Yes, spineless. Where is the goddamn leadership these days?
We need a Churchill or an FDR. In a 1936 speech 3 days before the election, referring to those who were adamantly opposed to his New Deal policies, FDR said, "They are unanimous in their hate for me — and I welcome their hatred." That's how it should always be.
In western countries today, there's no leadership. They all sing the same chorus. FDR, that's a leader who was not afraid to say the quiet part out loud.
An incisive and accurate commentary. It was very clear with that miserable speech Biden gave on Friday that he has reached even lower depths of desperation and hypocrisy. And Hamas can see it clearly, which means that they have even less reason to compromise. I truly believe that Biden is morally responsible for what has happened to the hostages, even if he isn’t the only one. It was remarkable that they brought Obama out to pat Biden and Blinken on the head and tell them “good job” but this was a campaign event and I suppose they wanted the big guns. Israel needs to hold fast and keep fighting in Gaza. I understand the hostage families’ desperation but their protests are not helping their cause now. Just showing more weakness to Hamas and weakness is the wrong choice.
I live in Florida, which will undoubtedly go for Trump, so my vote for the Prez doesn't much matter, but at this point I can't see myself voting for either candidate. I keep hoping one or both will suffer some debilitating medical issue keeping him from running, so that I can at least vote for someone younger -- and hopefully smarter.
I agree that our presidential choices are awful. But as Americans we will all have to make a choice and there will be tradeoffs. The important thing is to be clear-eyed about our choices. I see too many American Jews extolling Biden as a friend of the Jews when he is certainly not (except in his own mind perhaps). If people want to vote for Biden that is their choice. They just should do it with full recognition of the consequences for Israel. As I told my brother days past about some personal matter “Everyone will lie to you. Just make sure you don’t lie to yourself “.
Kol Hahavod, you hit the nail on the head with this essay. Outlines all of the parameters in this unfortunate mess in which Israel finds itself. Only Jewish self determination and sufficiency will move this situation to a better place, with outside, irrelevant interference kept to a minimum. The problems in Gaza are mostly of the palestinians' own making, based upon unrealistic perceptions and goals, funded and encouraged by 3rd parties, including the naive west.
Gaza is like a house on fire and the world idiots want to put it out without putting the arsonists - Hamas- in prison. It's a failed set up for another fire
There are many who, while we have no power, do support Israel and understand that a negotiated peace like this is not an answer. Hamas cannot be allowed to continue to exist. Of course, history has shown time and again that another entity will step forward in the 'hateJews' campaign, but that doesn't mean Israel should roll over for Hamas.
Unfortunately the Qataris and Iranians’ money is more significant in swaying Western politicians than whatever benefits the Israelis and Jews can provide them. Thus, Hamas wins (by being badly bruised but alive and kicking) and Israel has to go back to the drawing board.
You write: 'Thus, Hamas wins'. No so. At the very beginning of the current war between Israel and terrorist Hamas, very highly placed people in The West said the Hamas surprise attack was a mistake. Why? Because Terrorist Arab Palestinians cannot be given States to continue their Genocidal War against The Jewish People and The Christian Peoples of The West. Hamas has shown itself as what it is. Thus the rump force of Hamas in Gaza and The West Bank cannot be given statehood. Ever. And Israel wins. Am Chai.
Hamas does not want statehood. That would come with too much responsibility. They are perfectly fine with the way they are, even if they are battered but still alive and kicking after this war (a victory in their eyes).
Either way, War in The Middle East Region is a PERMANENT and re-occurring feature here anyway. Hamas wrecked Gaza, and Hezbollah wrecked The Lebanon. Iran supports these Terror Militias, and more. 100,000 dead and 10 Million displaced and about to starve in Darfur, Sudan and the Militias there are backed by Saudi. 10,000 years of Arab War, and the region has been like this since the Assyrians of 8000 BCE. That is the Reality Liberals in The West must now understand about The Middle East. Certainly Israel does! Am Chai.
What a brilliant essay this is! The complete liar is Biden! His speech was a self centred ploy to the world! Look at how appalling he dealt with Afghanistan, look at how he deals with the Ukraine war. He is so weak and lacking his faculties he can’t control anything. The correct course would have been to condemn Hamas and demand the release of the Hostages. As well as putting in place immediate visits by the Red Cross to assure their welfare. What has happened here is so dreadfully wrong, it is unbelievable. This shows that Biden has no grasp over what is going on. He and the UN are responsible for the most appalling miscarriage of justice. They should hang their heads in shame!!
Josh, I understand that the IDF is and has been moving slowly with restraint through Gaza, trying to avoid civilian casualties and doing a great job of that. But I don’t see in your article a really clear statement of what the operational brilliance is so that I can explain it to the more poorly Informed. ‘What we are seeing in Gaza is not a failure. It’s a quite brilliant IDF operational design, within the bounds of what is realistically possible.” Can you back that blanket statement with facts re: why it’s so brilliant? Thank you.
Because the IDF has been forced (for international political reasons) to proverbially fight with two hands behind its back and has achieved an unprecedented civilian-to-combatant Palestinian death ratio, while significantly degrading Hamas to this point.
I thought there was something more that I was missing, but I guess not. Yes, certainly it has been ridiculously and unfairly hamstrung and is still doing a competent and humane job of it.
400 judicial murders in Iran every year: over 600,000 dead in Assad's Civil War in Syria: 300,000 dead in Yemen in War there backed by Iran, Saudi and The UK: Over 800,000 dead in Iraq by War and Civil War since the War to remove Saddam Hussein. And Silence from the West's Shrill Left on each of these. We can conclude that the motive of the Left is Anti-Semitism, motivated by shrill jealousy doubtless, and jealousy too of The Jewish People's ability to now defend ourselves. Jealousy was always the motive. And now this is plain for all to see! So **** them. Am Chai.
I agree with you, the hypocrisy is real but it won’t change the cynical fact that the world revolves around money and leverage. It’s best we play that game and not overly quibble about facts and numbers.
No one in the West falls for the Arab or the Iranian Schtick any more. The Middle East is in permanent crisis and war, with arms, training, and most importantly religious instruction coming from both Saudi and Iran. This is the reality of this region. Islamism is the reality of this region. As I have said before, check out the Genocides of Antiquity, documented in The British Museum: a third of the region murdered in genocides in Assyria, from 8000 BCE. Israel stops all that coming West into Europe barely 1000 miles away, the equivalent distance New York is to Chicago. Israel Am Chai.
All these misinformed ignorant pro Palestinian American women would be ravaged, sold as sex slaves or killed if they lived over there. No school or protests allowed. These hypocritical left women don’t even stand up for women here as Biden & gang stripped women of their ID & entitlements as women.
VERY informative. When I read that Iran threatens a proxy war in the Middle East, with nothing on Iran's soil, I can't help wonder why the U.S. does not immediately shoot back, "Oh, it will be on Iran's soil. Read my lips. Iran's soil." Where, I ask you, is the CIA when you need them?
Maybe, but not sure what assets Iran has that would hurt others in the world, like China, meaning a war against Iran could be a war against China effectively (for example). American leaders might be weary of regime change too, fearing that it could lead to worse than the current Islamist regime there. These are just a few of many hypotheticals.
Only real way to retrieve them is through a negotiated agreement. They are likely out of reach of an Israeli operation and would probably be killed in one by Hamas and/or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
And since Israel considers it a win even to retrieve the body of hostages (or is at least mandated to do so by the US), even a negotiated agreement would not stop Hamas, etc. from killing the hostages.
I understand it's very difficult to uproot Hamas after all those years of undisturbed (!) preparation - but on the other hand, Gaza is only half the size of Stalingrad.
Does the IDF know what they are doing or is a perpetual war the way to stay in power for Nethanyahu?
Just as a people and a country can be targeted for demonization, so can a person and head of state. There are so many similarities in the assault on Jews/Israel and the hate campaign against Bibi. Where negativity is desired, it can surely be conjured. Bibi is not the problem. Israel will never be brought into the community of nations. There’s nothing we can do to make those who hate us, not hate us. We have 2,000+ years of history to prove it. Secular Israelis who want Israel to be just another country like any other have to face reality. Are Jews perceived as just a people like any other? Enough with the Bibi demonization. Israelis and Israel supporters need to show a united front. Division spells weakness, and weakness spells demise.
Excellent essay pointing out the failure and weakness of Biden and his administration, as well as the preposterous manipulation used by Qatar and Iran. When I first read Biden's speech, I had to go back and reread to be sure he said what he said. Of course, it was written for him, but as president he gets no passes because like those before him, he has final say over what his speech should sound like. Obama has been the puppeteer from the beginning, never a friend of Israel, and always a friend to Iran. Biden continues to use his playbook which is why the soft glove on Iran, send money, no sanctions, so afraid to do anything to upset the apple cart. In his 50 years in government, Biden has never learned Leadership 101, take responsibility for his spineless leadership and feeble decisions, and know that a leader will never be liked by everyone. Your precise point about the US giving advice to Israel when they failed so miserably in Afghanistan and Iraq was indeed accurate. Did Biden forget that the US initiated the war in Iraq and that money was spent and lives were lost for 8 years in Iraq and 20 years in Afghanistan? Just some minor details for a US president to recall and yet so eager to tell Israel how to fight its war. Please continue to remind us of the immense hypocrisy that is out there and the cowardice of the West.
Yes, spineless. Where is the goddamn leadership these days?
We need a Churchill or an FDR. In a 1936 speech 3 days before the election, referring to those who were adamantly opposed to his New Deal policies, FDR said, "They are unanimous in their hate for me — and I welcome their hatred." That's how it should always be.
In western countries today, there's no leadership. They all sing the same chorus. FDR, that's a leader who was not afraid to say the quiet part out loud.
Israel should both reject this plan which reeks of moral equivalence and keep on leveling Ramah You don’t negotiate with two legged animals
Yes!
An incisive and accurate commentary. It was very clear with that miserable speech Biden gave on Friday that he has reached even lower depths of desperation and hypocrisy. And Hamas can see it clearly, which means that they have even less reason to compromise. I truly believe that Biden is morally responsible for what has happened to the hostages, even if he isn’t the only one. It was remarkable that they brought Obama out to pat Biden and Blinken on the head and tell them “good job” but this was a campaign event and I suppose they wanted the big guns. Israel needs to hold fast and keep fighting in Gaza. I understand the hostage families’ desperation but their protests are not helping their cause now. Just showing more weakness to Hamas and weakness is the wrong choice.
I live in Florida, which will undoubtedly go for Trump, so my vote for the Prez doesn't much matter, but at this point I can't see myself voting for either candidate. I keep hoping one or both will suffer some debilitating medical issue keeping him from running, so that I can at least vote for someone younger -- and hopefully smarter.
I agree that our presidential choices are awful. But as Americans we will all have to make a choice and there will be tradeoffs. The important thing is to be clear-eyed about our choices. I see too many American Jews extolling Biden as a friend of the Jews when he is certainly not (except in his own mind perhaps). If people want to vote for Biden that is their choice. They just should do it with full recognition of the consequences for Israel. As I told my brother days past about some personal matter “Everyone will lie to you. Just make sure you don’t lie to yourself “.
Incredibly well said!
Kol Hahavod, you hit the nail on the head with this essay. Outlines all of the parameters in this unfortunate mess in which Israel finds itself. Only Jewish self determination and sufficiency will move this situation to a better place, with outside, irrelevant interference kept to a minimum. The problems in Gaza are mostly of the palestinians' own making, based upon unrealistic perceptions and goals, funded and encouraged by 3rd parties, including the naive west.
Keep up the good work.
Gaza is like a house on fire and the world idiots want to put it out without putting the arsonists - Hamas- in prison. It's a failed set up for another fire
Great analogy.
There are many who, while we have no power, do support Israel and understand that a negotiated peace like this is not an answer. Hamas cannot be allowed to continue to exist. Of course, history has shown time and again that another entity will step forward in the 'hateJews' campaign, but that doesn't mean Israel should roll over for Hamas.
Unfortunately the Qataris and Iranians’ money is more significant in swaying Western politicians than whatever benefits the Israelis and Jews can provide them. Thus, Hamas wins (by being badly bruised but alive and kicking) and Israel has to go back to the drawing board.
You write: 'Thus, Hamas wins'. No so. At the very beginning of the current war between Israel and terrorist Hamas, very highly placed people in The West said the Hamas surprise attack was a mistake. Why? Because Terrorist Arab Palestinians cannot be given States to continue their Genocidal War against The Jewish People and The Christian Peoples of The West. Hamas has shown itself as what it is. Thus the rump force of Hamas in Gaza and The West Bank cannot be given statehood. Ever. And Israel wins. Am Chai.
Hamas does not want statehood. That would come with too much responsibility. They are perfectly fine with the way they are, even if they are battered but still alive and kicking after this war (a victory in their eyes).
Either way, War in The Middle East Region is a PERMANENT and re-occurring feature here anyway. Hamas wrecked Gaza, and Hezbollah wrecked The Lebanon. Iran supports these Terror Militias, and more. 100,000 dead and 10 Million displaced and about to starve in Darfur, Sudan and the Militias there are backed by Saudi. 10,000 years of Arab War, and the region has been like this since the Assyrians of 8000 BCE. That is the Reality Liberals in The West must now understand about The Middle East. Certainly Israel does! Am Chai.
What a brilliant essay this is! The complete liar is Biden! His speech was a self centred ploy to the world! Look at how appalling he dealt with Afghanistan, look at how he deals with the Ukraine war. He is so weak and lacking his faculties he can’t control anything. The correct course would have been to condemn Hamas and demand the release of the Hostages. As well as putting in place immediate visits by the Red Cross to assure their welfare. What has happened here is so dreadfully wrong, it is unbelievable. This shows that Biden has no grasp over what is going on. He and the UN are responsible for the most appalling miscarriage of justice. They should hang their heads in shame!!
Amen
"Just a matter of opinion"
They all lie!
Josh, I understand that the IDF is and has been moving slowly with restraint through Gaza, trying to avoid civilian casualties and doing a great job of that. But I don’t see in your article a really clear statement of what the operational brilliance is so that I can explain it to the more poorly Informed. ‘What we are seeing in Gaza is not a failure. It’s a quite brilliant IDF operational design, within the bounds of what is realistically possible.” Can you back that blanket statement with facts re: why it’s so brilliant? Thank you.
Because the IDF has been forced (for international political reasons) to proverbially fight with two hands behind its back and has achieved an unprecedented civilian-to-combatant Palestinian death ratio, while significantly degrading Hamas to this point.
I thought there was something more that I was missing, but I guess not. Yes, certainly it has been ridiculously and unfairly hamstrung and is still doing a competent and humane job of it.
400 judicial murders in Iran every year: over 600,000 dead in Assad's Civil War in Syria: 300,000 dead in Yemen in War there backed by Iran, Saudi and The UK: Over 800,000 dead in Iraq by War and Civil War since the War to remove Saddam Hussein. And Silence from the West's Shrill Left on each of these. We can conclude that the motive of the Left is Anti-Semitism, motivated by shrill jealousy doubtless, and jealousy too of The Jewish People's ability to now defend ourselves. Jealousy was always the motive. And now this is plain for all to see! So **** them. Am Chai.
I agree with you, the hypocrisy is real but it won’t change the cynical fact that the world revolves around money and leverage. It’s best we play that game and not overly quibble about facts and numbers.
No one in the West falls for the Arab or the Iranian Schtick any more. The Middle East is in permanent crisis and war, with arms, training, and most importantly religious instruction coming from both Saudi and Iran. This is the reality of this region. Islamism is the reality of this region. As I have said before, check out the Genocides of Antiquity, documented in The British Museum: a third of the region murdered in genocides in Assyria, from 8000 BCE. Israel stops all that coming West into Europe barely 1000 miles away, the equivalent distance New York is to Chicago. Israel Am Chai.
All these misinformed ignorant pro Palestinian American women would be ravaged, sold as sex slaves or killed if they lived over there. No school or protests allowed. These hypocritical left women don’t even stand up for women here as Biden & gang stripped women of their ID & entitlements as women.
VERY informative. When I read that Iran threatens a proxy war in the Middle East, with nothing on Iran's soil, I can't help wonder why the U.S. does not immediately shoot back, "Oh, it will be on Iran's soil. Read my lips. Iran's soil." Where, I ask you, is the CIA when you need them?
Maybe, but not sure what assets Iran has that would hurt others in the world, like China, meaning a war against Iran could be a war against China effectively (for example). American leaders might be weary of regime change too, fearing that it could lead to worse than the current Islamist regime there. These are just a few of many hypotheticals.
What are your thoughts about how Israel might retrieve any live hostages assuming they exist? A negotiated solution seems unlikely.
Only real way to retrieve them is through a negotiated agreement. They are likely out of reach of an Israeli operation and would probably be killed in one by Hamas and/or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
And since Israel considers it a win even to retrieve the body of hostages (or is at least mandated to do so by the US), even a negotiated agreement would not stop Hamas, etc. from killing the hostages.
I understand it's very difficult to uproot Hamas after all those years of undisturbed (!) preparation - but on the other hand, Gaza is only half the size of Stalingrad.
Does the IDF know what they are doing or is a perpetual war the way to stay in power for Nethanyahu?
The IDF is the most competent army on this planet, and there will be no perpetual war. The war will end sooner than later.
Just as a people and a country can be targeted for demonization, so can a person and head of state. There are so many similarities in the assault on Jews/Israel and the hate campaign against Bibi. Where negativity is desired, it can surely be conjured. Bibi is not the problem. Israel will never be brought into the community of nations. There’s nothing we can do to make those who hate us, not hate us. We have 2,000+ years of history to prove it. Secular Israelis who want Israel to be just another country like any other have to face reality. Are Jews perceived as just a people like any other? Enough with the Bibi demonization. Israelis and Israel supporters need to show a united front. Division spells weakness, and weakness spells demise.
Bibi has good, bad, and ugly like all politicians.
Exactly. But he is continually singled out for hate and blame and demonized as evil. Sound familiar?