What a fantastic article. It's so smart, so clear, and so on point. The fact that it is also a fun read is a bonus. I will forward this article to friends and family.
Yes Ethan, I thought so as well. One thing that always surprises me, though, is the dearth of Zionists that show up in TI comments section. In fact, TI only has one pro-Israel guy there, I think, what do you think is up with that? Can't TI find some new blood?
I think it's great (or at least I'm hopeful) that it is finally seeping into the American public's consciousness, just how much control and influence that tiny little country half a world away exerts over us.
LOL this segment reminded of that Mad cartoon "Spy Vs. Spy" with those two little crazy birds, one white and the other black, trying to blow each other up with bombs:
Netanyahu's decisive win was depressing because it underscored how many Israelis support his racist and oppressive government.
But I know now Bibi's win was a good thing. Because Bibi's hubris is making him a target, and he's making Israel a target, and he's succeeded in making truthful honest debate about the dysfunctional relationship between Israel and the US possible. It's even happening at the NYT, where anti-Bibi sentiment is hitting new highs. That would have never happened if Hertzog won. Open your eyes folks: history is happening now.
I find this scenario implausible, and I'm not sure why - Prof Cole's little finger's fingernail knows more about the ME than I do, and he's clearly a more talented story teller.
I do feel the hazy potential of impending doom gathering in the ME right now, like a bad storm. But lacking others' creativity and expertise, I can't get any more precise than that.
The WH endorsement of J Street should signal to many diaspora Jews it is OK to drift away from the right wing, republican AIPAC: there are options out there.
J Street has been critical of Netanyahu lately - and that is helping to make a traditionally verboten topic kosher. It's a very healthy development.
Of course JVP (Jewish Voice for Peace) is still the best option for people of conscience, but it is relatively speaking a newbie organization.
Well, I hope you're right. But my father, my grandparents, etc. It's depressing. And anyway, network news? What. Like that's so much better? Gimme a break.
Sometimes I'll admit I get annoyed with how deliberately measured and even keeled Obama is. But I know that's how he has to be, because he is just treading a razor's edge here. If he starts getting emotionally reactive and angry it's going to be used against him. Remember how much better he looked than McCain when they were running against each other. McCain looked like a petulant, peevish child and Obama seemed like the adult. I think there's a similar dynamic going on now, except compounded by the power of The Lobby and all its octopus tentacles stretching throughout news media, think tanks and various political offices etc. Add that to the fact that Americans, because of the sheer volume of misinformation and shoddy reporting out there, mostly have no idea what's really going on in the ME. Most Americans get their info from Fox news, not Informed Comment or Lobelog. If Obama started describing what's happening in precise terms, most Americans would probably think it sounded crazy. It wouldn't compute.
In the end, as much as I'd like to see Obama verbally bitch slap Bibi around, I'm sure Obama's strategy is smarter: keep calm, and give Bibi just enough rope to hang himself.
OK, when I read that Operation Protective Edge was launched "at a cost of 2,104 Palestinian and 72 Israeli lives, " I kind of want to stop reading. Because, of those 72 Israeli deaths, how many occurred in Israel and how many occurred in Gaza? Important distinction, I think. Of those 2,104 Palestinian deaths, how many occurred in Gaza and how many in Israel? C'mon guys, let's get the important facts straight here.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved
What a fantastic article. It's so smart, so clear, and so on point. The fact that it is also a fun read is a bonus. I will forward this article to friends and family.
Yes Ethan, I thought so as well. One thing that always surprises me, though, is the dearth of Zionists that show up in TI comments section. In fact, TI only has one pro-Israel guy there, I think, what do you think is up with that? Can't TI find some new blood?
Thanks for posting. I just bought a copy of Ms. Mann Leverett's book, and look forward to reading it.
I think it's great (or at least I'm hopeful) that it is finally seeping into the American public's consciousness, just how much control and influence that tiny little country half a world away exerts over us.
LOL this segment reminded of that Mad cartoon "Spy Vs. Spy" with those two little crazy birds, one white and the other black, trying to blow each other up with bombs:
link to youtube.com
Netanyahu's decisive win was depressing because it underscored how many Israelis support his racist and oppressive government.
But I know now Bibi's win was a good thing. Because Bibi's hubris is making him a target, and he's making Israel a target, and he's succeeded in making truthful honest debate about the dysfunctional relationship between Israel and the US possible. It's even happening at the NYT, where anti-Bibi sentiment is hitting new highs. That would have never happened if Hertzog won. Open your eyes folks: history is happening now.
I find this scenario implausible, and I'm not sure why - Prof Cole's little finger's fingernail knows more about the ME than I do, and he's clearly a more talented story teller.
I do feel the hazy potential of impending doom gathering in the ME right now, like a bad storm. But lacking others' creativity and expertise, I can't get any more precise than that.
Pete, I read that too, and I got really steamed about it!
The WH endorsement of J Street should signal to many diaspora Jews it is OK to drift away from the right wing, republican AIPAC: there are options out there.
J Street has been critical of Netanyahu lately - and that is helping to make a traditionally verboten topic kosher. It's a very healthy development.
Of course JVP (Jewish Voice for Peace) is still the best option for people of conscience, but it is relatively speaking a newbie organization.
You're doing this on purpose. He (Obama) said that because that's what he had to say. And you know it.
Yeah Bill, I am well aware of that. Thanks. I wish everything were as simple as you want it to be. There is a long way to go.
Thxs Albie. Glad you seem more positive about POTUS... I don't think he's a bad guy...
Well, I hope you're right. But my father, my grandparents, etc. It's depressing. And anyway, network news? What. Like that's so much better? Gimme a break.
Sometimes I'll admit I get annoyed with how deliberately measured and even keeled Obama is. But I know that's how he has to be, because he is just treading a razor's edge here. If he starts getting emotionally reactive and angry it's going to be used against him. Remember how much better he looked than McCain when they were running against each other. McCain looked like a petulant, peevish child and Obama seemed like the adult. I think there's a similar dynamic going on now, except compounded by the power of The Lobby and all its octopus tentacles stretching throughout news media, think tanks and various political offices etc. Add that to the fact that Americans, because of the sheer volume of misinformation and shoddy reporting out there, mostly have no idea what's really going on in the ME. Most Americans get their info from Fox news, not Informed Comment or Lobelog. If Obama started describing what's happening in precise terms, most Americans would probably think it sounded crazy. It wouldn't compute.
In the end, as much as I'd like to see Obama verbally bitch slap Bibi around, I'm sure Obama's strategy is smarter: keep calm, and give Bibi just enough rope to hang himself.
OK, when I read that Operation Protective Edge was launched "at a cost of 2,104 Palestinian and 72 Israeli lives, " I kind of want to stop reading. Because, of those 72 Israeli deaths, how many occurred in Israel and how many occurred in Gaza? Important distinction, I think. Of those 2,104 Palestinian deaths, how many occurred in Gaza and how many in Israel? C'mon guys, let's get the important facts straight here.