Biden won't stop Iran. He has been actively pursuing Obama's pro-Iran policies throughout his term.
Now the anti-Israel Leftists are pissed at him because he's appeared too pro-Israel since Oct7.
Even if Biden *wanted* to get serious about the threat of Iran (and I'm not convinced he still has the brainpower for such an independent thought), his handlers would not allow it.
And by "anti-Israel Leftists" you mean, basically, all the Leftists. The Dem party couldn't even bring itself to condemn Rashida Tlaib for clearly antisemitic remarks.
Yup, only 22 of them voted to condemn her. That tells you a lot about where they really stand.
Evidently Chuck Schumer made pro-Israel noises at the Pro-Israel March yesterday, but he (along with all other Democrats in the Senate) voted against emergency aid to Israel.
I read through Twitter comments on Schumer's pro-Israel noises, and they consisted almost universally of Democrats saying, "You support genocide of Gazans and I'll never vote for you again."
Their own activists have provided clear proof that their old claim "anti-Zionism isn't antisemitism" is a lie. So they no longer have that to hide behind.
But most of them are old enough that they find the idea of *openly* admitting their antisemitism too horrifying a PR mistake to contemplate.
And with universities losing donations from wealthy people who will not support antisemitism, those Democrats have to be terrified that wealthy people will withhold campaign contributions as well.
So they have to try to *pretend* to support Israel with their words--which pisses off their young and openly Israel-hating voters--while quietly voting (as they have been for years) against Israel.
The real question being, what is in the water that college professors and students openly support a group that has openly stated that once Israel is gone, we will be next? Do these people actually believe when the terrorist come here they will say let them live they supported us? Will they ever realize they will be murdered just becasue who they are? And are all the bad things said and wondered about the LGBTQ+ society in this country being proven true because they support groups that, if they lived with them, would throw them off a roof or even worse? How much dumber can college make these morons? Oh question 2, isn't providing aid and comfort to our enemies a treason offense? Isn't Hamas our enemy? I guess it just doesn't rise to level of being a parent and fighting for one's child in this country. By her posted admissions, Tlaib is a traitor and should be dealt with as such. Can we get a vaccine to eliminate progressiveness and Democrat philosophy from their minds?
I am quite confident that the Marxists in charge of their movement realize that they will eventually have to defeat the Islamic world, once they have gotten rid of their other enemies.
But that's a battle to be worried about in the future. For now, Islamists make very useful allies in the war against Western civilization.
As for these campus idiots, they've embraced the unicorn utopia idea so fully that they think they just have to wish hard enough (and kill or imprison enough conservatives) that everyone will magically live in peace. Delusional thinking.
This is all related to the Marxist principle that the world is populated neatly and exclusively divided into “oppressors and oppressed.” If you are successful, regardless of how you got there, you are an oppressor (read bad). If you are not successful, even if that is because of lack of effort at any point in your life, you are oppressed (read good and noble). While this sounds simplistic, it is the root of all these conflicts. Israel has been, against all odds, spectacularly successful, ergo they must be oppressors and deserving of attempted extermination. The people of Gaza live a wretched life, ergo they must be oppressed by the successful Israelis and authorized to kill the oppressor Israelis. This, by the way, is the root foundation of America’s current education (indoctrination?) system. The nauseating demonstrations, condemnations, and attacks on Jews. Viewed through this lens, it all makes sense.
Exactly right, Celia. Tyrannical governments like Iran respect and respond only to power and the will to use it. The Eisenhower Carrier Group now on station off Yemen has the the means and capability of removing Iran’s military capabilities completely in a day or two. The Iranian people, along with the majority of countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, would cheer. What’s lacking is the will to use this power while we mindlessly pursue Obama’s pipe dream of Iran as a benevolent leader in the Middle East.
How many times have Democrats dismissed the actual words coming from Iran and it's proxies to the detriment of the world? If they think their words are false,, why would deal with such liars. If you can't figure out what they say is true and and accurate prediction for the future, then our president and Sec. of State are both the biggest fools since Chamberlain. They should be charged with treason, at the least terminal stupidity that needs to be reigned in before they screw all of up so bad it can't be fixed. But then, it is God's plan, isn't it.
where is Robert Malley and why isn't this the biggest story of the year?There is something so rotten in the the National Security Agency that even the right doesn't wish to touch it.Where is Robert malley and why don't we know what he compromised going back to 2015.Malley was also a big proponent of Hamas going back to 2007 with several articles he wrote .There is a far bigger story here then the powers that be wish to reveal
Just read his Wikipedia info. I heard a rumor that Yassir Arafat was his godfather? His father was expelled from France “ due to his hostility towards French policies in Africa.” This guy worked at the NSC during the Clinton and Obama administrations. It is chilling that his security clearance was just RECENTLY revoked. https://www.thefp.com/p/inside-iran-influence-operation
Dan--thanks but I fail to see the conspiracy but I appreciate your qualifier and I am not thin skinned to be bothered---if I am WRONG please state as to why I am mistaken but I have read most everything malley has written for many years ---17 for sure and it was interesting that Obama pushed him out of the election team in 2008 and I appreciate your anti-conspiracy words because I give conspiracies short shrift but this Malley situation has political rot all over it.
Take a look at a map, Bill. Iran is three times the size of Iraq, along with close to a million armed forces personnel (active and reserves). You think it can be done in a day or two?
An eminently reasonable question. First, Iran is crawling with Mossad as witnessed by their ability to steal a warehouse full of documents on Iran's nuclear plans and schedules without being detected. Point being that we would have very detailed targeting information of their military assets and leadership locations. This would allow us to be very precise in what we destroyed. Second, the massive power of an advanced carrier and her destroyer and rocket launcher vessels is almost beyond comprehension. Third, for all the damage that Iran inflicts, it has, at best, third rate, antiquated conventional military assets - getting better but still not even close to matching what they Eisenhower can throw at them. Finally, the people of Iran have been trying to get rid of the ruling regime for years and have appealed to the US for help. Taking out Iran's capabilities could be accomplished with minimal civilian casualties and would be a cause for celebration and gratitude among the Iranian people.
Would there be consequences? Of course. We have had no Southern Border for three years. It is widely accepted among the intelligence community that there are multiple terrorist cells here in America and agreement that a direct attack on Iran would most likely trigger multiple 9/11 attacks simultaneously her at home. But the question must be asked: what is the alternative? Do we wait for Iran to get operational nukes? Wait for our only true ally in the ME to undergo another Holocaust? Allow Iran to get stronger and ever more lethal?
In terms of strategy, an air attack(s)on Iran could achieve much of what you say. Over time. But in my opinion it won't achieve regime change, which is basically the end game you're talking about. That will take boots on the ground. And who in America now would want to do that, after Iraq and Afghanistan? No one in either party.
It is hopeful but in the end only wishful thinking that a crippling war will infuse the teeming Iranian masses to overthrow a ruling class. It might happen, but it also might not.
A surgical strike on their multiple nuclear facilities, the 'one night' strike proposed by Mr. Barak in the article, sounds plausible on paper, but Top Gun this ain't. There is no guarantee of destroying their nuclear aims once and for all. I can only think that the reason why a strike of this nature hasn't been done in the last four or five Administrations is because the odds of success have been deemed too poor.
Your point is a good one. However, my guess (and preference) would not be to repeat the errors of Iraq. I think step two would be to offer logistical support to the Iranians, who are bravely demonstrating their desire to get rid of the mullahs and let them determine their own fate. The people of Iran are very intelligent and sophisticated and can determine what should happen post-mullahs. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t. It couldn’t be any worse that it is today. As far as why this hasn’t happened by now is, imho, a demonstration of moral cowardice.
I slightly disagree with your last paragraph. It could very well be worse than it is now. Ruling class aside, Iranians on the ground like the West, and would enjoy what we have, if given full access to it. If we attack Iran to take out their military capability and infrastructure, there will be collateral damage. People who are not combatants will die. How do we still have their support? It gets complicated when you attack a country. Civilians more often than not want vengeance, before they go after their own leadership. Which is precisely what we're seeing now in Israel today. By and large, Netanyahu is vilified by a majority of Israelis, for a variety of reasons. But will he remain in power while defending his country? Yes.
That's why I said the Ayatollahs and their lackeys need to be destroyed. As long as the ruling religious class is in place, Iranians have no nope of succeeding.
No need to destroy their infrastructure and oil fields that is needlessly punishing to the Iranian people, who are supportive of Western values. We have the capability to be far more surgical.
Those killed by the theocracy in Iran are all victims, regardless of who or where they are. The only way to end the victimization of innocents is to remove the source of the victimhood.
If it came to lighting up the night sky with shock and awe, which is very serious business, then if I had a choice I would go after a concentrated target 1/1000 the size of the entire country of Iran: go after Hezbollah on Israel's northern flank. We help Israel and send a strong signal to Iran. We have enough power offshore now to eviscerate them if they make a move.
So, are you saying, "Let's not cut off the head of the snake?" If you don't destroy the Iranians will to fund terrorism, thousands more will die with Islamic acts of terrorism.
If I remember correctly, and please tell me I'm wrong if I am - you come from a military background. We go in to win. So I say go for an achievable result. Right?
That would be more Hezbollah, less Iran.
How can you be sure that bombing Iranians till kingdom come, knocking out ports, oil fields, rail, infrastructure, power etc will yield the desired result? I would not be sure. You just might inflame the population against us for a long long time. More like a guarantee. And would you want to put boots on the ground to counter that? No.
Yes exactly. Surely Michael Oren knows Biden will never betray his puppet master? Is he just being hopeful? He seems to smart to think Biden will do the right thing here.
I believe Biden actually does support Israel overall. He has been around long enough to understand they are not an insane volatile threat but rather an ally I the region if not more. Biden in his younger sharper years could have been counted on - that’s my impression. But his admin and his party also contains people who don’t share that - either they naively believe that Iran can be dealt with as if they were acting in good faith or they are too young to remember how power used to be used for peace - firmly. I’m not a Republican or American but the only person I see who understands this clearly and articulates it with realism is Nikki Haley. And it’s not just about Israel at all - she understands what this means for the US globally.
"Biden in his younger sharper years could have been counted on"
Maybe it's not too late, I'll bet if Netanyahu offered to set Hunter up with a bagel franchise in Gaza old Joe would strap on his Aviator sunglasses, grab the controls of a B-2 and drop a bunker buster on the Ayatollah himself.
“I’m not a Republican or American but the only person I see who understands this clearly and articulates it with realism is Nikki Haley”
You mean Dick Chaney in 3-inch heels? Iran wasn’t much of a threat until Chaney convinced Georgie Jr. to basically assassinate Saddam Hussein and destroy Iraq as an effective deterrent to Iran. Georgie and his neocon pals ignored that Hussein killed tens of thousands of Iranian fanatics back in the 80’s. But hey, if you want perpetual war, you get rid of anyone who might impede your goal. If Haley gets to be president, Vivek will have to change his moniker for her to George Bush with a vagina.
Btw, the only person I see who understands how to use power for peace is Donald Trump. There is no need for esoteric claims because he In fact did it. He crushed Iran's economy and it's terrorist dogs without firing a shot, except for that message sending missile that took out Soleimani and the good people of Iran responded with massive protests against not the US but the mullahs who have deprived them of their liberty and freedom. All it took was imposing and ENFORCING crippling sanctions on Iran. The Biden/Obama regime reversed all of that along with all the other things Trump did to Make America Great Again (MAGA) and turned it into an epithet.
I agree with you 100% that the US attack on Iraq erased the one counterweight to Iran in the region. Extremely shortsighted, never mind a waste of blood and treasure.
Has Biden ever been that sharp? That's not my impression.
I would vote for Nikki if I had no better choice, but she's a true war hawk--interested in perpetuating wars globally, not merely acting swiftly and decisively to get rid of threats.
Don’t know how smart Joe was at his peak but I’m referring to the fact that he’s been in the trenches for so long - Cold War years, etc. I’d like to think he’d have enough real experience with serious adversaries that he would support Israel fully as an ally. But again, I mean a fully cognizant version of him, not the cognitively weakened man we see.
I don’t know enough about Nikki Haley but she does speak the language that some of these adversarial freaks understand and fear. When you are dealing with freaks you can’t assume that diplomacy, good faith and normal incentives will work. The serious threat of force tends to work - not aggravating them or provoking them - just serious consequences applied quickly when out of line - like you say , quickly and decisively. I see your point and I am not a war hawk, but war-hawk “tendencies” would be effective messaging. These are adversaries who use terror proxies, poisoning, “accidents,” aggression, without batting an eye.
I don’t know Haley personally, but I’m inclined to disagree. She’s a practitioner of realpolitik. Weakness never brings peace historically. Obama’s and Biden’s tilt to peace has cost the world dearly.
Our problem is we no longer have the resources to do what’s needed at home plus be the world’s policeman. Do we encourage countries like Japan and Germany to have nuclear weapons to distribute the responsibility somewhat? Their neighbors would be opposed for sure. Do we become a global military for hire? That sounds rather unsavory. Should we just cede, say, Europe to Russia or Asia to China? Our economy would be halved. There are no easy choices I see, but I favor Haley’s worldview over Obama’s or Ramaswamy’s.
Nikki Haley's financial entanglements with the military-industrial complex make me suspicious of her war views. And we DON'T have the resources (or the moral right) to be the world's policeman. Our Founders never intended America to take that role--indeed, they were adamantly opposed to our doing so.
I personally prefer an America First foreign policy. But over the last couple of months it has become clear that *we* have caused messes (specifically our handling of Iran) that have resulted in the kind of Islamic terrorism that exploded into Israel on Oct7. I don't think it's fair--or safe, frankly--for us to leave that mess for others to deal with.
Tell me your views on Haley’s entanglements with the military-industrial complex. What does that mean? Can a candidate not serve on a corporate board? What about a Leftie non-profit board? What about Union participation and money? In the rough and tumble of public life, there are no virgins. The question is, what has the candidate learned? What is their current worldview? And, in particular, who’s better and why, given our choices?
I agree about America First. Every other country is “( ) first. We should be no different. The question becomes “what does that mean?”. Dios mío, look at the mess in Afghanistan - millions of girls dreams and futures are erased so we can remove 2500 troops who were able to keep the Taliban at bay. The best anti-American arguments I’ve heard center around our utterly incompetent foreign policy. It goes way back. Yes, America has an underclass - it’s our political class.
That's exactly the problem: our political class is utterly corrupt. One has only to look at a politician's wealth before and after their term of "service" to see that they are enriching themselves, getting around the laws designed to stop them from doing so.
I think those laws ought to be a lot stronger. And that would include requiring candidates to completely cut all wealth or power ties to any organization or company that could possibly benefit from their being in office.
As for Haley, from what I understand, she has investments in military-related companies. I haven't looked into the details, because my decision to vote or not vote for her isn't based on that. But when someone will make money from war, they are likely to pursue war.
Maybe - but he’s survived in politics a long time - I like to think he knows how to identify his allies. I still think if he were in full control of his faculties and admin, he would not be a promoter of cozier ties with Iran and recognize the clear threat - I think his support for Israel would be stronger, too.
"Biden won't stop Iran". You're right. What I find interesting is that the ex Ambassador's narrative doesn't include the obvious - that the Trump Administration didn't do what Barak suggested Obama do either - bomb the hell out of Iran's nuclear facilities. He could have, but didn't.
The reason is that there would be zero guarantee of success.
“What I find interesting is that the ex Ambassador's narrative doesn't include the obvious - that the Trump Administration didn't do what Barak suggested”
In fairness, he did mention Trump’s successful strategy. What I find interesting is the Ex-Ambassador’s effusive praise of Biden:
"Joe Biden has proven himself no ordinary leader. His courage in the face of domestic criticism, his willingness in an election year to defy parts of his own party, is immense. Israel and the Jewish people will always cherish him"
What a suck up. And what a fool if Oren really believes the Biden/Obama regime will do anything courageous to help Israel.
My opinion is that Oren was using Ambassador speak. Just like we’re herd yesterday at the rally. Publicly, Jews cannot attack Biden because we depend on US assistance. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. I was very pleased with Oren in that he was clear eyed in criticizing Obama. This is a refreshing refrain.
If Hezbollah answers the call of Allah and opens up a northern front with a missile barrage - we'll soon see how courageous the Biden/Obama people are.
I believe that is why the extra carrier group is there. We will know exactly where they stand if that happens. I would guess that through back channels the Biden administration has strongly warned Iran. If they don't open a front Biden will most likely not get credit where he should. I say this as a person who thinks Biden should never have been allowed to run to begin with.
I think Trump took the first option. Sanctions. And they were working very well. When Biden moved into the White House, the first thing he did was remove the sanctions. If I’m Trump, I go the sanctions root before I bomb Iran into tomorrow.
I disagreed with Biden loosening sanctions on Iran. Then again, Iran was doing quite well selling petroleum out from under the Trump sanctions to the likes of China, India and North Korea. If there is a buyer, there will be a way..
If memory serves, the Israelis blew up an Iranian nuclear facility, like smothering a baby in a crib. It was a precision strike and set the Iranian nuclear program back a good ten plus years. But of course, they’ve reconstituted it since then.
Actually, there have been two Israeli airstrikes on unfinished nuclear sites. The first was on the facility in Arak, Syria '81. The second was on the facility in Osirak, Iraq 07. At this point, the distance to Iran's nuclear facilities and the fact that they are buried deep underground are problematic. Israel needs in-flight refueling capability and "Bunker Bomb" ordnance, which it doesn't have and the US has refused to supply for reasons you can probably figure out.
This is exactly true. It’s a sad state of affairs when the feeble minded man who bent himself into pretzels trying to appease Iran is expected to stand up to them now? And in the middle of him seeking re-election? I hope I’m wrong and he finally does the right thing after 50 years in politics but it seems so incredibly unlikely.
But Oren is right - the Israelis blindly love Biden. They refuse to see that he helped make this monster.
I don't disagree with the assessment of the true threat. And, I've long wondered whether the Obama approach was motivated by dangerous naivete...or something worse. I do question Biden's long-term resolve, however, because I don't think he's entirely in control of his own administration.
My guess is that, in addition to naivete, hubris and ambition played major roles. Obama was really in love with himself and I think part of him thought that just the sheer force of his personality (Mr. Nobel Prize Winner) could change people's minds. But I also think that the vehicle for Obama's naivete and hubris were his ambition. He reminded me of Clinton at Oslo and Sharm al-Shaykh: so desperate for diplomatic accomplishment that self-deception became even easier.
I think that’s being really kind. I do think he is all the things you mention but was also weak - easily influenced by words and ideas that on some level he knew weren’t good but just could not stand up to it.
Actually, Clinton’s Taiba Accords just before he left office (what you call Sharm al-Shayk) were the high water mark; it could have brought peace at last. The Israelis bought it; Arafat (afraid of being unseated or even assassinated) dithered, blinked and eventually said No. Thus was an historic opportunity lost.
Really? Here’s a hint. Other than Woodrow Wilson, who could not leave Washington after his term due to physical capacity, Obama is the only ex-President in US history to remain in Washington after his term was up. He has a mansion in Kalorama and is a frequent visitor to the WH Executive Office, where policy is developed. It is staffed almost entirely by individuals who were on the White House Staff when he was in office. Probably all a big coincidence.
Biden is simply irresolute, craven and foolish, and ultimately concerned only with trying to enhance his own position. Obama, on the other hand, like his Rasputin, Valerie Jarratt, is an anti-Semite and actively working for Iran.
Two words: Community Organizer. Foreign affairs were far beyond Barry's ken. Too bad the Republicans campaigned making fun of his CV rather than pointing out the very real dangers such inexperience made possible.
Biden is a trojan horse who needs to be removed before he does anymore damage to America and the world. Let's not mince words about this. Whether through malice or his cognitive haze, Biden is a clear menace to our freedom and security.
Why isn't John Kerry's name mentioned in all of these Iranian articles? Has his supposed "climate work" whitewashed his jonesing for an Iranian deal? To me, he is the most complicit American in our blind eye to this terrorist state.. i suspect personal enrichment for him and Biden clan is at play.
Thank you Ambassador Oren ! I have read so much about this issue and appreciate your perspective.
Your essay has confirmed my worst suspicions about Mr. Obama and JCPOA. So much so that when he recently tweeted his “nuanced” press release about 10/7, I tweeted back and informed him that he was “complicit in seeking JCPOA and in appeasing our enemies.” I feel vindicated after many years of reading various Tablet articles, and other sources as well as arguing with my Jewish friends who supported Obama. I too am upset with Biden, but I really like the way you spoke about this (of course, that is why you were an ambassador) in the context of 10/7. That is: thank you Mr. Biden for standing strong along side of Israel and please eliminate the threat of a nuclear Iran. I couldn’t agree more. My hope is that with the recent events in the Middle East since 10/7 by Iranian proxies, the Biden Administration sees clearly that Iran will never be a “responsible global citizen” and do what it must do once and for all.
I’d be remiss if I did not point out that Obama’s motivation for pivoting to Iran, and away from Israel, as you noted, was the fact that Israel had expanded settlements in Judaea & Samaria. This is where the pestilential child cannot contain his anger and vindictiveness. In my opinion, this is such a stupid reason for making such a catastrophic mistake in pursuing JCPOA. The British Mandate for Palestine clearly has Jewish Palestine sovereignty over Judaea & Samaria. Nothing since has changed this fact. We all can acknowledge that a future Palestinian state may include some of this land, but only if Israel agrees to cede such land in exchange for peace, a security guarantee that it can live with and other items.
Biden is not your friend. Wake up. He gave Iran billions, restored American support of Hamas and is on the verge of giving Iran many more billions. The very definition of treason.
He has supported Israel publicly Brian, but there is suspicion in my mind as to what he is saying and doing behind closed doors. If he has the power to negotiate the release of $10 billion in sanction relief and he has decided to hand it over right now, while we know Iran is funding Hamas, then I think his timing should be questioned. Biden still thinks American conservatives are the biggest threat to world tranquility and reminds us weekly how terrible we are. I think he and his administration are waiting for Israel to make one wrong strategic move in this war and soon after will be free to chastise Israel and abandon their virtuous public support. I know I sound cynical but this administration despises half of its own country’s citizens, why would it invest in caring for all of Israel? Especially since Obama tells them Israel doesn’t deserve their attention. This is all so wrong and frustrating to me.
Brian, I know your heart's in the right place. But treating Biden as if he is either in his right mind or cares about the United States is ignoring reality.
I genuinely believe Biden actually does support Israel and a younger stronger version of him would actually be leading this. But Biden isn’t the decision maker here fully - he’s just in no shape and is too weakened to stand up to any ideas or policies that he fundamentally recognizes as bad. Biden isn’t operating the decision making levers so I’m not sure he isn’t Israel’s friend - he just has little sway or real influence.
The correlated truth is that political will is toothless unless backed by military power, or as the Prussian staff officer, Karl von Clausewitz put it three hundred years ago, "War is merely a continuation of policy by other means." The US has amassed abundant military might but lacks clear policy and political direction to effectively deal with the Jihadists of Iran. So, we fight an endless defensive battle against terrorists constantly probing for weaknesses. This war can never be won playing defense.
There was nothing heroic about Biden standing up to the Hamas crowd. As is becoming apparent, the loudest mouths at the beginning did not represent the American people or their mainstream leaders. As usual, Biden went with the flow, even if the flow was temporarily hidden. Unfortunately, this means he will go with the flow of whatever propaganda next becomes fashionable. Israel and Saudi are on their own until the next administration.
Remember when Republicans said the JCPOA was wrong-headed? Instead of arguing it on its merits, Dems called them racists. There was no public defense of the JCPOA, really. And of course, the press didn't dig into the details or question the underlying assumptions, it parroted the bigot line. Far easier and more fun than doing journalism.
When GAZA was first established in 1948 it had a population of 200,000 people. That number has doubled every 20 years since then, reaching 2,300,000 in 2022.
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1968 – 400,000
1988 – 800,000
2008 – 1,600,000
2028 – 3,200,000 (projected)
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If the land area of GAZA were to be doubled next week, 20 years from now the population density would be the same as it is today.
• The number of Christians in the Middle East is 10 percent of what it was a century ago.
• India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1948.
• China maintains re-education camps for its Muslim Urghur population.
• France has numerous Muslim-only No Go Zones, where even police cannot enter without a well-armed escort.
• Toronto is home to North America’s largest Muslim population.
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This is not uniquely an Israeli problem. Can you see where things are headed?
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National wealth is very closely linked to a country’s average IQ scores. Google ‘Average IQ by Country’ and note how many of the scores for Islamic countries are 83 or less. The Palestinians do not need to have more children, they need to have smarter children.
Biden will never do that. Though I don't understand why he would not, I do understand that he will continue to fund both sides of the war with the effect of prolonging it to "forever" class. Trump was right. Obama and Biden are wrong.
Mr. Oren writes, "But Joe Biden has proven himself no ordinary leader. His courage in the face of domestic criticism, his willingness in an election year to defy parts of his own party, is immense. Israel and the Jewish people will always cherish him." While I respect Mr. Oren's position and experience, that comment is laughable. Yes, Mr. Biden is not an ordinary leader; actually, he is no leader at all. He is a demented old man who doesn't know what is going on from one hour to the next. Anyone who has dealt with a loved one with dementia sees what is going on with the president. A person with dementia can fake it for 15 minutes with someone not personally connected to the individual. Beyond that, it becomes apparent that the person must be reminded of everything currently happening. They cannot process multiple ideas at the same time. They cannot remember things in the short-term (an hour ago, yesterday, last week). They must constantly be reminded of the current situation. They become hostile and frustrated with trying to process unfamiliar surroundings and people. Those characteristics are painfully obvious EVERY time he is shown on TV. Everyone who is participating in this charade should be tried for treason because they are "materially aiding our enemies". I realize that I have strayed from the point of Mr. Oren's essay. Let me jump off my soapbox.
Otherwise, I found Mr. Oren's essay to be full of important information and insight.
All good points. Mr. Oren is obligated to be kind and praise Biden. Same thing happened yesterday at the rally in Washington DC. Jews cannot bite the hand that feeds them.
Privately, I am confident Mr. Oren is fuming about Biden’s Iran policy. And very concerned too.
Biden and Obama are cut from the same cloth. Obama thinks he is smarter than everyone and is ten steps ahead. Joe thinks he’s smarter because he was VP for Obama. They are both fools thinking that they can chage the culture rooted in two thousand years of hate.
I read everything I can from Michael Oren, who is a fount of wisdom and truth. I never fell for the naiveté explanation for Obama's attitude towards Iran. It was contagious and Biden and his people have pursued the same deeply misdirected approaches. I do not want WWIII but Iran must be met with more effective resistance. Sadly, our European allies have been more tempted by potential economic profits and less by clear moral reasoning. Iran has emerged as the most evil of the pack of evildoers. However, the seamless interplay of China, Russia, and North Korea with Iran is obvious. Our young people must be educated on this. Fat chance in today's universities.
Biden won't stop Iran. He has been actively pursuing Obama's pro-Iran policies throughout his term.
Now the anti-Israel Leftists are pissed at him because he's appeared too pro-Israel since Oct7.
Even if Biden *wanted* to get serious about the threat of Iran (and I'm not convinced he still has the brainpower for such an independent thought), his handlers would not allow it.
And by "anti-Israel Leftists" you mean, basically, all the Leftists. The Dem party couldn't even bring itself to condemn Rashida Tlaib for clearly antisemitic remarks.
Yup, only 22 of them voted to condemn her. That tells you a lot about where they really stand.
Evidently Chuck Schumer made pro-Israel noises at the Pro-Israel March yesterday, but he (along with all other Democrats in the Senate) voted against emergency aid to Israel.
I read through Twitter comments on Schumer's pro-Israel noises, and they consisted almost universally of Democrats saying, "You support genocide of Gazans and I'll never vote for you again."
I was blessed to be able to attend the demonstration yesterday. Schumer is a cartoon.
I think the proper term is not cartoon but asshole.
You say tomato.....
Words are cheap. And as we all know actions speak louder than words.
Political Democrats are in a real bind.
Their own activists have provided clear proof that their old claim "anti-Zionism isn't antisemitism" is a lie. So they no longer have that to hide behind.
But most of them are old enough that they find the idea of *openly* admitting their antisemitism too horrifying a PR mistake to contemplate.
And with universities losing donations from wealthy people who will not support antisemitism, those Democrats have to be terrified that wealthy people will withhold campaign contributions as well.
So they have to try to *pretend* to support Israel with their words--which pisses off their young and openly Israel-hating voters--while quietly voting (as they have been for years) against Israel.
The real question being, what is in the water that college professors and students openly support a group that has openly stated that once Israel is gone, we will be next? Do these people actually believe when the terrorist come here they will say let them live they supported us? Will they ever realize they will be murdered just becasue who they are? And are all the bad things said and wondered about the LGBTQ+ society in this country being proven true because they support groups that, if they lived with them, would throw them off a roof or even worse? How much dumber can college make these morons? Oh question 2, isn't providing aid and comfort to our enemies a treason offense? Isn't Hamas our enemy? I guess it just doesn't rise to level of being a parent and fighting for one's child in this country. By her posted admissions, Tlaib is a traitor and should be dealt with as such. Can we get a vaccine to eliminate progressiveness and Democrat philosophy from their minds?
I am quite confident that the Marxists in charge of their movement realize that they will eventually have to defeat the Islamic world, once they have gotten rid of their other enemies.
But that's a battle to be worried about in the future. For now, Islamists make very useful allies in the war against Western civilization.
As for these campus idiots, they've embraced the unicorn utopia idea so fully that they think they just have to wish hard enough (and kill or imprison enough conservatives) that everyone will magically live in peace. Delusional thinking.
This is all related to the Marxist principle that the world is populated neatly and exclusively divided into “oppressors and oppressed.” If you are successful, regardless of how you got there, you are an oppressor (read bad). If you are not successful, even if that is because of lack of effort at any point in your life, you are oppressed (read good and noble). While this sounds simplistic, it is the root of all these conflicts. Israel has been, against all odds, spectacularly successful, ergo they must be oppressors and deserving of attempted extermination. The people of Gaza live a wretched life, ergo they must be oppressed by the successful Israelis and authorized to kill the oppressor Israelis. This, by the way, is the root foundation of America’s current education (indoctrination?) system. The nauseating demonstrations, condemnations, and attacks on Jews. Viewed through this lens, it all makes sense.
And we all know votes take priority over genocide.
We are in Obama's third term.
Exactly right, Celia. Tyrannical governments like Iran respect and respond only to power and the will to use it. The Eisenhower Carrier Group now on station off Yemen has the the means and capability of removing Iran’s military capabilities completely in a day or two. The Iranian people, along with the majority of countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, would cheer. What’s lacking is the will to use this power while we mindlessly pursue Obama’s pipe dream of Iran as a benevolent leader in the Middle East.
How many times have Democrats dismissed the actual words coming from Iran and it's proxies to the detriment of the world? If they think their words are false,, why would deal with such liars. If you can't figure out what they say is true and and accurate prediction for the future, then our president and Sec. of State are both the biggest fools since Chamberlain. They should be charged with treason, at the least terminal stupidity that needs to be reigned in before they screw all of up so bad it can't be fixed. But then, it is God's plan, isn't it.
where is Robert Malley and why isn't this the biggest story of the year?There is something so rotten in the the National Security Agency that even the right doesn't wish to touch it.Where is Robert malley and why don't we know what he compromised going back to 2015.Malley was also a big proponent of Hamas going back to 2007 with several articles he wrote .There is a far bigger story here then the powers that be wish to reveal
Just read his Wikipedia info. I heard a rumor that Yassir Arafat was his godfather? His father was expelled from France “ due to his hostility towards French policies in Africa.” This guy worked at the NSC during the Clinton and Obama administrations. It is chilling that his security clearance was just RECENTLY revoked. https://www.thefp.com/p/inside-iran-influence-operation
Thanks for that information, Bryant. This is definitely an under-reported story.
Are you gasp, putting forward a conspiracy theory? Is their a difference between a conspiracy nut and being just plain stupid?
To be perfectly clear, this is not about you Yra:)
Dan--thanks but I fail to see the conspiracy but I appreciate your qualifier and I am not thin skinned to be bothered---if I am WRONG please state as to why I am mistaken but I have read most everything malley has written for many years ---17 for sure and it was interesting that Obama pushed him out of the election team in 2008 and I appreciate your anti-conspiracy words because I give conspiracies short shrift but this Malley situation has political rot all over it.
Couldn't agree more, although I think that's an insult to Chamberlain....
RFLMBO!!!!
OK, I give. I have no idea what that means.
Rolling on the floor laughing my butt off.
Yes, perhaps "terminal stupidity" or, to paraphrase the philosopher Hannah Arendt, "the banality of stupidity".
I agree.
Take a look at a map, Bill. Iran is three times the size of Iraq, along with close to a million armed forces personnel (active and reserves). You think it can be done in a day or two?
An eminently reasonable question. First, Iran is crawling with Mossad as witnessed by their ability to steal a warehouse full of documents on Iran's nuclear plans and schedules without being detected. Point being that we would have very detailed targeting information of their military assets and leadership locations. This would allow us to be very precise in what we destroyed. Second, the massive power of an advanced carrier and her destroyer and rocket launcher vessels is almost beyond comprehension. Third, for all the damage that Iran inflicts, it has, at best, third rate, antiquated conventional military assets - getting better but still not even close to matching what they Eisenhower can throw at them. Finally, the people of Iran have been trying to get rid of the ruling regime for years and have appealed to the US for help. Taking out Iran's capabilities could be accomplished with minimal civilian casualties and would be a cause for celebration and gratitude among the Iranian people.
Would there be consequences? Of course. We have had no Southern Border for three years. It is widely accepted among the intelligence community that there are multiple terrorist cells here in America and agreement that a direct attack on Iran would most likely trigger multiple 9/11 attacks simultaneously her at home. But the question must be asked: what is the alternative? Do we wait for Iran to get operational nukes? Wait for our only true ally in the ME to undergo another Holocaust? Allow Iran to get stronger and ever more lethal?
We have only one option.
And time is running very short.
Iran is too close to having a nuke.
Thanks for responding.
In terms of strategy, an air attack(s)on Iran could achieve much of what you say. Over time. But in my opinion it won't achieve regime change, which is basically the end game you're talking about. That will take boots on the ground. And who in America now would want to do that, after Iraq and Afghanistan? No one in either party.
It is hopeful but in the end only wishful thinking that a crippling war will infuse the teeming Iranian masses to overthrow a ruling class. It might happen, but it also might not.
A surgical strike on their multiple nuclear facilities, the 'one night' strike proposed by Mr. Barak in the article, sounds plausible on paper, but Top Gun this ain't. There is no guarantee of destroying their nuclear aims once and for all. I can only think that the reason why a strike of this nature hasn't been done in the last four or five Administrations is because the odds of success have been deemed too poor.
Your point is a good one. However, my guess (and preference) would not be to repeat the errors of Iraq. I think step two would be to offer logistical support to the Iranians, who are bravely demonstrating their desire to get rid of the mullahs and let them determine their own fate. The people of Iran are very intelligent and sophisticated and can determine what should happen post-mullahs. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t. It couldn’t be any worse that it is today. As far as why this hasn’t happened by now is, imho, a demonstration of moral cowardice.
I slightly disagree with your last paragraph. It could very well be worse than it is now. Ruling class aside, Iranians on the ground like the West, and would enjoy what we have, if given full access to it. If we attack Iran to take out their military capability and infrastructure, there will be collateral damage. People who are not combatants will die. How do we still have their support? It gets complicated when you attack a country. Civilians more often than not want vengeance, before they go after their own leadership. Which is precisely what we're seeing now in Israel today. By and large, Netanyahu is vilified by a majority of Israelis, for a variety of reasons. But will he remain in power while defending his country? Yes.
We could shut Iran down in two or three days without putting one troop on the ground.
Two options:
1.Bbomb them back to the stones age.
2. From the air, take out their infrastructure and oil fields. Bomb their bridges, railroads and their port facilities.
This would choke them literally to death.
They would have no income to finance terror attacks.
The most useful approach to Iran would be to destroy the Ayatollahs.
Seriously, the Persian people of Iran are not the enemy. They are under the heel of Islamist extremists.
If we take out the Islamic extremists, Iran has a good chance of becoming a secular (or at least semi-secular) democracy.
If we take actions that punish the common people, we only push them into the arms of the extremists.
Cecilia is 100% correct.
You're correct..again.
Yes,Celia, but HOW? Courageous Iranians have tried for years.
That's why I said the Ayatollahs and their lackeys need to be destroyed. As long as the ruling religious class is in place, Iranians have no nope of succeeding.
No need to destroy their infrastructure and oil fields that is needlessly punishing to the Iranian people, who are supportive of Western values. We have the capability to be far more surgical.
If you don't punish the people there is no revolution and change of government.
The Iranians don't give a damn about the thousands of people they have killed over the last 60 years through their sponsored terrorism.
Have you no feelings for them?
Those killed by the theocracy in Iran are all victims, regardless of who or where they are. The only way to end the victimization of innocents is to remove the source of the victimhood.
If it came to lighting up the night sky with shock and awe, which is very serious business, then if I had a choice I would go after a concentrated target 1/1000 the size of the entire country of Iran: go after Hezbollah on Israel's northern flank. We help Israel and send a strong signal to Iran. We have enough power offshore now to eviscerate them if they make a move.
So, are you saying, "Let's not cut off the head of the snake?" If you don't destroy the Iranians will to fund terrorism, thousands more will die with Islamic acts of terrorism.
If I remember correctly, and please tell me I'm wrong if I am - you come from a military background. We go in to win. So I say go for an achievable result. Right?
That would be more Hezbollah, less Iran.
How can you be sure that bombing Iranians till kingdom come, knocking out ports, oil fields, rail, infrastructure, power etc will yield the desired result? I would not be sure. You just might inflame the population against us for a long long time. More like a guarantee. And would you want to put boots on the ground to counter that? No.
We would be no further ahead.
Hezbollah can be reconstituted anywhere, anytime. LP is right - you have to go for the source. Iranians themselves are more than ready for a change.
Thanks, Sea.
Good plan, I agree.
That would do serious damage to the population long term. You would have to consider that.
Yes exactly. Surely Michael Oren knows Biden will never betray his puppet master? Is he just being hopeful? He seems to smart to think Biden will do the right thing here.
I agree and am flabbergasted that Biden Administration Iranian policy is not changing as a result of the past five weeks.
You might have missed daily news reports of his party's base expressing their views on campuses and in the streets.
I’ve seen all of it.
Can you provide a link, please?
I'm not sure why you would expect it to change. This is who Democrats are.
I have no expectations.
Only hope.
I believe Biden actually does support Israel overall. He has been around long enough to understand they are not an insane volatile threat but rather an ally I the region if not more. Biden in his younger sharper years could have been counted on - that’s my impression. But his admin and his party also contains people who don’t share that - either they naively believe that Iran can be dealt with as if they were acting in good faith or they are too young to remember how power used to be used for peace - firmly. I’m not a Republican or American but the only person I see who understands this clearly and articulates it with realism is Nikki Haley. And it’s not just about Israel at all - she understands what this means for the US globally.
"Biden in his younger sharper years could have been counted on"
Maybe it's not too late, I'll bet if Netanyahu offered to set Hunter up with a bagel franchise in Gaza old Joe would strap on his Aviator sunglasses, grab the controls of a B-2 and drop a bunker buster on the Ayatollah himself.
🤣🤣
Preach!
“I’m not a Republican or American but the only person I see who understands this clearly and articulates it with realism is Nikki Haley”
You mean Dick Chaney in 3-inch heels? Iran wasn’t much of a threat until Chaney convinced Georgie Jr. to basically assassinate Saddam Hussein and destroy Iraq as an effective deterrent to Iran. Georgie and his neocon pals ignored that Hussein killed tens of thousands of Iranian fanatics back in the 80’s. But hey, if you want perpetual war, you get rid of anyone who might impede your goal. If Haley gets to be president, Vivek will have to change his moniker for her to George Bush with a vagina.
Btw, the only person I see who understands how to use power for peace is Donald Trump. There is no need for esoteric claims because he In fact did it. He crushed Iran's economy and it's terrorist dogs without firing a shot, except for that message sending missile that took out Soleimani and the good people of Iran responded with massive protests against not the US but the mullahs who have deprived them of their liberty and freedom. All it took was imposing and ENFORCING crippling sanctions on Iran. The Biden/Obama regime reversed all of that along with all the other things Trump did to Make America Great Again (MAGA) and turned it into an epithet.
I agree with you 100% that the US attack on Iraq erased the one counterweight to Iran in the region. Extremely shortsighted, never mind a waste of blood and treasure.
Love it "George Bush w/ a vagina"! You can quit your day job and go write for Vivek!!
Has Biden ever been that sharp? That's not my impression.
I would vote for Nikki if I had no better choice, but she's a true war hawk--interested in perpetuating wars globally, not merely acting swiftly and decisively to get rid of threats.
Don’t know how smart Joe was at his peak but I’m referring to the fact that he’s been in the trenches for so long - Cold War years, etc. I’d like to think he’d have enough real experience with serious adversaries that he would support Israel fully as an ally. But again, I mean a fully cognizant version of him, not the cognitively weakened man we see.
I don’t know enough about Nikki Haley but she does speak the language that some of these adversarial freaks understand and fear. When you are dealing with freaks you can’t assume that diplomacy, good faith and normal incentives will work. The serious threat of force tends to work - not aggravating them or provoking them - just serious consequences applied quickly when out of line - like you say , quickly and decisively. I see your point and I am not a war hawk, but war-hawk “tendencies” would be effective messaging. These are adversaries who use terror proxies, poisoning, “accidents,” aggression, without batting an eye.
The Dick Cheney in heals joke is accurate in my opinion.
I don’t know Haley personally, but I’m inclined to disagree. She’s a practitioner of realpolitik. Weakness never brings peace historically. Obama’s and Biden’s tilt to peace has cost the world dearly.
Our problem is we no longer have the resources to do what’s needed at home plus be the world’s policeman. Do we encourage countries like Japan and Germany to have nuclear weapons to distribute the responsibility somewhat? Their neighbors would be opposed for sure. Do we become a global military for hire? That sounds rather unsavory. Should we just cede, say, Europe to Russia or Asia to China? Our economy would be halved. There are no easy choices I see, but I favor Haley’s worldview over Obama’s or Ramaswamy’s.
Nikki Haley's financial entanglements with the military-industrial complex make me suspicious of her war views. And we DON'T have the resources (or the moral right) to be the world's policeman. Our Founders never intended America to take that role--indeed, they were adamantly opposed to our doing so.
I personally prefer an America First foreign policy. But over the last couple of months it has become clear that *we* have caused messes (specifically our handling of Iran) that have resulted in the kind of Islamic terrorism that exploded into Israel on Oct7. I don't think it's fair--or safe, frankly--for us to leave that mess for others to deal with.
Tell me your views on Haley’s entanglements with the military-industrial complex. What does that mean? Can a candidate not serve on a corporate board? What about a Leftie non-profit board? What about Union participation and money? In the rough and tumble of public life, there are no virgins. The question is, what has the candidate learned? What is their current worldview? And, in particular, who’s better and why, given our choices?
I agree about America First. Every other country is “( ) first. We should be no different. The question becomes “what does that mean?”. Dios mío, look at the mess in Afghanistan - millions of girls dreams and futures are erased so we can remove 2500 troops who were able to keep the Taliban at bay. The best anti-American arguments I’ve heard center around our utterly incompetent foreign policy. It goes way back. Yes, America has an underclass - it’s our political class.
That's exactly the problem: our political class is utterly corrupt. One has only to look at a politician's wealth before and after their term of "service" to see that they are enriching themselves, getting around the laws designed to stop them from doing so.
I think those laws ought to be a lot stronger. And that would include requiring candidates to completely cut all wealth or power ties to any organization or company that could possibly benefit from their being in office.
As for Haley, from what I understand, she has investments in military-related companies. I haven't looked into the details, because my decision to vote or not vote for her isn't based on that. But when someone will make money from war, they are likely to pursue war.
You give Biden too much credit. He’s never accomplished much of anything except re-election and, it appears, personal enrichment.
Maybe - but he’s survived in politics a long time - I like to think he knows how to identify his allies. I still think if he were in full control of his faculties and admin, he would not be a promoter of cozier ties with Iran and recognize the clear threat - I think his support for Israel would be stronger, too.
We will see.
"Biden won't stop Iran". You're right. What I find interesting is that the ex Ambassador's narrative doesn't include the obvious - that the Trump Administration didn't do what Barak suggested Obama do either - bomb the hell out of Iran's nuclear facilities. He could have, but didn't.
The reason is that there would be zero guarantee of success.
“What I find interesting is that the ex Ambassador's narrative doesn't include the obvious - that the Trump Administration didn't do what Barak suggested”
In fairness, he did mention Trump’s successful strategy. What I find interesting is the Ex-Ambassador’s effusive praise of Biden:
"Joe Biden has proven himself no ordinary leader. His courage in the face of domestic criticism, his willingness in an election year to defy parts of his own party, is immense. Israel and the Jewish people will always cherish him"
What a suck up. And what a fool if Oren really believes the Biden/Obama regime will do anything courageous to help Israel.
My opinion is that Oren was using Ambassador speak. Just like we’re herd yesterday at the rally. Publicly, Jews cannot attack Biden because we depend on US assistance. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. I was very pleased with Oren in that he was clear eyed in criticizing Obama. This is a refreshing refrain.
“Jews cannot attack Biden”
Unfortunately, Muslims have no such problem
If Hezbollah answers the call of Allah and opens up a northern front with a missile barrage - we'll soon see how courageous the Biden/Obama people are.
I believe that is why the extra carrier group is there. We will know exactly where they stand if that happens. I would guess that through back channels the Biden administration has strongly warned Iran. If they don't open a front Biden will most likely not get credit where he should. I say this as a person who thinks Biden should never have been allowed to run to begin with.
I think Trump took the first option. Sanctions. And they were working very well. When Biden moved into the White House, the first thing he did was remove the sanctions. If I’m Trump, I go the sanctions root before I bomb Iran into tomorrow.
I disagreed with Biden loosening sanctions on Iran. Then again, Iran was doing quite well selling petroleum out from under the Trump sanctions to the likes of China, India and North Korea. If there is a buyer, there will be a way..
Probably true. Biden didn’t repeal the sanctions, he just stopped enforcing them.
Is that the reason? Was Barak wrong about being able to destroy those facilities quickly and easily?
Or is it that the Left would have instantly accused Trump of trying to start WWIII?
Barak was wrong.
Wasn't a similar strike successful in the '80s?
If memory serves, the Israelis blew up an Iranian nuclear facility, like smothering a baby in a crib. It was a precision strike and set the Iranian nuclear program back a good ten plus years. But of course, they’ve reconstituted it since then.
Actually, there have been two Israeli airstrikes on unfinished nuclear sites. The first was on the facility in Arak, Syria '81. The second was on the facility in Osirak, Iraq 07. At this point, the distance to Iran's nuclear facilities and the fact that they are buried deep underground are problematic. Israel needs in-flight refueling capability and "Bunker Bomb" ordnance, which it doesn't have and the US has refused to supply for reasons you can probably figure out.
Looking back at the apparent success Iran has had in the Obama/Biden and Biden/Obama regime years, the clear answer is no.
I would say Barack was far more right than wrong. Bill Emerson explains nearby.
This is exactly true. It’s a sad state of affairs when the feeble minded man who bent himself into pretzels trying to appease Iran is expected to stand up to them now? And in the middle of him seeking re-election? I hope I’m wrong and he finally does the right thing after 50 years in politics but it seems so incredibly unlikely.
But Oren is right - the Israelis blindly love Biden. They refuse to see that he helped make this monster.
Lol. Stop them for what?
Israel already has nukes. They'll be fine.
Do you REALLY want to see nukes deployed? Or is this just another of your troll moments?
MAD only works on white people....
Iranians don't want to get wiped out. I don't care what Netanyahu says. They're not going obliterate their entire existence over Israel.
Hell, they're not even pushing back on what's going on now.
42
666
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I don't disagree with the assessment of the true threat. And, I've long wondered whether the Obama approach was motivated by dangerous naivete...or something worse. I do question Biden's long-term resolve, however, because I don't think he's entirely in control of his own administration.
My guess is that, in addition to naivete, hubris and ambition played major roles. Obama was really in love with himself and I think part of him thought that just the sheer force of his personality (Mr. Nobel Prize Winner) could change people's minds. But I also think that the vehicle for Obama's naivete and hubris were his ambition. He reminded me of Clinton at Oslo and Sharm al-Shaykh: so desperate for diplomatic accomplishment that self-deception became even easier.
Obama's recent calculated and subtle "no one's hands are clean" speech was called out for what it was by Bill Maher on "Real Time" this past Friday.
Yes, I saw that. I called it out as well: https://marcusherzberg.substack.com/p/live-from-chicago-obamas-duplicity
I think that’s being really kind. I do think he is all the things you mention but was also weak - easily influenced by words and ideas that on some level he knew weren’t good but just could not stand up to it.
Actually, Clinton’s Taiba Accords just before he left office (what you call Sharm al-Shayk) were the high water mark; it could have brought peace at last. The Israelis bought it; Arafat (afraid of being unseated or even assassinated) dithered, blinked and eventually said No. Thus was an historic opportunity lost.
"not in control of his administration." Understatement of the year. Biden is just the figurehead.
We have no idea who is making the decisions.
Really? Here’s a hint. Other than Woodrow Wilson, who could not leave Washington after his term due to physical capacity, Obama is the only ex-President in US history to remain in Washington after his term was up. He has a mansion in Kalorama and is a frequent visitor to the WH Executive Office, where policy is developed. It is staffed almost entirely by individuals who were on the White House Staff when he was in office. Probably all a big coincidence.
I agree.
Yes. Thats is the problem.
What president actively, using public funds, seeks to interfere in the elections of an ally to oust an incumbent prime minister?
Obama's contempt for Israel and Netanyahu in particular was pretty obvious.
I think we can add malice to the list of motivations.
Biden is simply irresolute, craven and foolish, and ultimately concerned only with trying to enhance his own position. Obama, on the other hand, like his Rasputin, Valerie Jarratt, is an anti-Semite and actively working for Iran.
At this point I think we can just call it, President Blinken is running the show on foreign policy.
Two words: Community Organizer. Foreign affairs were far beyond Barry's ken. Too bad the Republicans campaigned making fun of his CV rather than pointing out the very real dangers such inexperience made possible.
What do you think the "something worse" may have been?
John Kerry’s baleful influence lives on in the Biden administration.
Biden is a trojan horse who needs to be removed before he does anymore damage to America and the world. Let's not mince words about this. Whether through malice or his cognitive haze, Biden is a clear menace to our freedom and security.
I agree.
Why isn't John Kerry's name mentioned in all of these Iranian articles? Has his supposed "climate work" whitewashed his jonesing for an Iranian deal? To me, he is the most complicit American in our blind eye to this terrorist state.. i suspect personal enrichment for him and Biden clan is at play.
His next book will be; Selling Kethup to Iran.
Thank you Ambassador Oren ! I have read so much about this issue and appreciate your perspective.
Your essay has confirmed my worst suspicions about Mr. Obama and JCPOA. So much so that when he recently tweeted his “nuanced” press release about 10/7, I tweeted back and informed him that he was “complicit in seeking JCPOA and in appeasing our enemies.” I feel vindicated after many years of reading various Tablet articles, and other sources as well as arguing with my Jewish friends who supported Obama. I too am upset with Biden, but I really like the way you spoke about this (of course, that is why you were an ambassador) in the context of 10/7. That is: thank you Mr. Biden for standing strong along side of Israel and please eliminate the threat of a nuclear Iran. I couldn’t agree more. My hope is that with the recent events in the Middle East since 10/7 by Iranian proxies, the Biden Administration sees clearly that Iran will never be a “responsible global citizen” and do what it must do once and for all.
I’d be remiss if I did not point out that Obama’s motivation for pivoting to Iran, and away from Israel, as you noted, was the fact that Israel had expanded settlements in Judaea & Samaria. This is where the pestilential child cannot contain his anger and vindictiveness. In my opinion, this is such a stupid reason for making such a catastrophic mistake in pursuing JCPOA. The British Mandate for Palestine clearly has Jewish Palestine sovereignty over Judaea & Samaria. Nothing since has changed this fact. We all can acknowledge that a future Palestinian state may include some of this land, but only if Israel agrees to cede such land in exchange for peace, a security guarantee that it can live with and other items.
Biden is not your friend. Wake up. He gave Iran billions, restored American support of Hamas and is on the verge of giving Iran many more billions. The very definition of treason.
I am wide awake Bruce. I see what is happening. Just yesterday Biden released another $10 billion to Iran in sanction relief. It makes me furious.
All I am saying is that we can acknowledge, as does the Ambassador, that Biden has supported Israel in the recent conflict and ask him to do more.
So basically, Biden has said nice things about Israel while enabling and funding the architects of their destruction. Got it.
The cognitive dissonance of the Left never fails to amaze me. Actions speak a lot louder than words.. unless you’re a democrat.
Absolutely correct Josh.
He has supported Israel publicly Brian, but there is suspicion in my mind as to what he is saying and doing behind closed doors. If he has the power to negotiate the release of $10 billion in sanction relief and he has decided to hand it over right now, while we know Iran is funding Hamas, then I think his timing should be questioned. Biden still thinks American conservatives are the biggest threat to world tranquility and reminds us weekly how terrible we are. I think he and his administration are waiting for Israel to make one wrong strategic move in this war and soon after will be free to chastise Israel and abandon their virtuous public support. I know I sound cynical but this administration despises half of its own country’s citizens, why would it invest in caring for all of Israel? Especially since Obama tells them Israel doesn’t deserve their attention. This is all so wrong and frustrating to me.
Hmmm, interesting: Biden is waiting for Israel to make a mistake.
Frustrating is an understatement.
I can’t find the words.
Wow. So he gets praised for doing what any American president should at least mouth. But his subsequent actions are belieing his words
Yes, correct.
At the pro-Israel rally in Washington DC yesterday, Biden was a Saint.
It made me sick.
Brian, I know your heart's in the right place. But treating Biden as if he is either in his right mind or cares about the United States is ignoring reality.
I see the reality that you see and it scares the shit out of me.
And I am happy to rest the blame on Biden and the Democrats.
I genuinely believe Biden actually does support Israel and a younger stronger version of him would actually be leading this. But Biden isn’t the decision maker here fully - he’s just in no shape and is too weakened to stand up to any ideas or policies that he fundamentally recognizes as bad. Biden isn’t operating the decision making levers so I’m not sure he isn’t Israel’s friend - he just has little sway or real influence.
Biden is a puppet.
I agree.
Obama is the puppet master.
Sadly, America must continually relearn the lessons of the past. Military power is useless unless married with political will.
The correlated truth is that political will is toothless unless backed by military power, or as the Prussian staff officer, Karl von Clausewitz put it three hundred years ago, "War is merely a continuation of policy by other means." The US has amassed abundant military might but lacks clear policy and political direction to effectively deal with the Jihadists of Iran. So, we fight an endless defensive battle against terrorists constantly probing for weaknesses. This war can never be won playing defense.
I have to watch that movie again.
There was nothing heroic about Biden standing up to the Hamas crowd. As is becoming apparent, the loudest mouths at the beginning did not represent the American people or their mainstream leaders. As usual, Biden went with the flow, even if the flow was temporarily hidden. Unfortunately, this means he will go with the flow of whatever propaganda next becomes fashionable. Israel and Saudi are on their own until the next administration.
Remember when Republicans said the JCPOA was wrong-headed? Instead of arguing it on its merits, Dems called them racists. There was no public defense of the JCPOA, really. And of course, the press didn't dig into the details or question the underlying assumptions, it parroted the bigot line. Far easier and more fun than doing journalism.
Oh jeez, the democrats response to any political argument is “racist” or some new variant of “phobe”.
And American Jews remained silent.
The larger point being missed is that we no longer have a POTUS making mean tweets about Rosie O'Donnell at 3:00 AM.
When GAZA was first established in 1948 it had a population of 200,000 people. That number has doubled every 20 years since then, reaching 2,300,000 in 2022.
.
1968 – 400,000
1988 – 800,000
2008 – 1,600,000
2028 – 3,200,000 (projected)
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If the land area of GAZA were to be doubled next week, 20 years from now the population density would be the same as it is today.
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https://www.worlddata.info/iq-by-country.php
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• The number of Christians in the Middle East is 10 percent of what it was a century ago.
• India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1948.
• China maintains re-education camps for its Muslim Urghur population.
• France has numerous Muslim-only No Go Zones, where even police cannot enter without a well-armed escort.
• Toronto is home to North America’s largest Muslim population.
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This is not uniquely an Israeli problem. Can you see where things are headed?
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National wealth is very closely linked to a country’s average IQ scores. Google ‘Average IQ by Country’ and note how many of the scores for Islamic countries are 83 or less. The Palestinians do not need to have more children, they need to have smarter children.
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654
I see that the globalist are winning.
Diluting humanity.
How could we have gotten it SO WRONG ?
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Apparently, the Oct 7th Hostages were actually Hamas’ GUESTS > > > https://rumble.com/v3vzztv-bbc-on-hamas-guests-.html
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Hamas arranging transport for its GUESTS > > > https://rumble.com/v3vrk81-sex-slave-capture.html
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LIVE Nov 15th – Hamas’ Political Branch HQ in Gaza > > > https://rumble.com/v3w0be4-hamas-hq-of-its-political-branch.html
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Biden will never do that. Though I don't understand why he would not, I do understand that he will continue to fund both sides of the war with the effect of prolonging it to "forever" class. Trump was right. Obama and Biden are wrong.
One of the politically useful things about a war, during an election year, is that people don;t want to change horses in the middle of the stream.
The Iranians or their allies could end Biden's presidency by flooding the world with documents proving his corruption. He is compromised.
Their allies? Such as the very country's leader with which Biden will be meeting? These people are our enemies. This is madness.
Mr. Oren writes, "But Joe Biden has proven himself no ordinary leader. His courage in the face of domestic criticism, his willingness in an election year to defy parts of his own party, is immense. Israel and the Jewish people will always cherish him." While I respect Mr. Oren's position and experience, that comment is laughable. Yes, Mr. Biden is not an ordinary leader; actually, he is no leader at all. He is a demented old man who doesn't know what is going on from one hour to the next. Anyone who has dealt with a loved one with dementia sees what is going on with the president. A person with dementia can fake it for 15 minutes with someone not personally connected to the individual. Beyond that, it becomes apparent that the person must be reminded of everything currently happening. They cannot process multiple ideas at the same time. They cannot remember things in the short-term (an hour ago, yesterday, last week). They must constantly be reminded of the current situation. They become hostile and frustrated with trying to process unfamiliar surroundings and people. Those characteristics are painfully obvious EVERY time he is shown on TV. Everyone who is participating in this charade should be tried for treason because they are "materially aiding our enemies". I realize that I have strayed from the point of Mr. Oren's essay. Let me jump off my soapbox.
Otherwise, I found Mr. Oren's essay to be full of important information and insight.
All good points. Mr. Oren is obligated to be kind and praise Biden. Same thing happened yesterday at the rally in Washington DC. Jews cannot bite the hand that feeds them.
Privately, I am confident Mr. Oren is fuming about Biden’s Iran policy. And very concerned too.
Biden and Obama are cut from the same cloth. Obama thinks he is smarter than everyone and is ten steps ahead. Joe thinks he’s smarter because he was VP for Obama. They are both fools thinking that they can chage the culture rooted in two thousand years of hate.
I read everything I can from Michael Oren, who is a fount of wisdom and truth. I never fell for the naiveté explanation for Obama's attitude towards Iran. It was contagious and Biden and his people have pursued the same deeply misdirected approaches. I do not want WWIII but Iran must be met with more effective resistance. Sadly, our European allies have been more tempted by potential economic profits and less by clear moral reasoning. Iran has emerged as the most evil of the pack of evildoers. However, the seamless interplay of China, Russia, and North Korea with Iran is obvious. Our young people must be educated on this. Fat chance in today's universities.