September 20th was the Muslim Holiday of Ashura. It commemorates the death of the last members of the prophet Mohammed’s family. Historically they were killed in the battle of Karabala. But the Shiites have been waiting for their return (a second coming?) for some 300 years, There are some interesting aspects to the holiday according … More The Ashura Muslim holiday
This post is also about the continuing war between Hamas and Israel. The latest spasm of violence has, apparently, ended with yet another cease-fire agreement. To me, this means Hamas has achieved at least part of the objectives of going back to open combat again. All Israel has to show for this round, so far, … More Is it Over? Who won?
Last month I wrote about the situation between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. I fully expected it might turn into something more extensive. But I also am aware that the Israeli government has no interest in occupying /Gaza, and that is no one else willing to do so. This gives Hamas a much greater range … More A War by Any Other Name is Still a War
The threats and violence seem to have returned to their prior levels. Not surprising to many of us. Israel has few real options with regard to Gaza. Deposing a Hams governing body is not a realistic choice. Who would replace them? Israel left Gaza because she didn’t want the headaches associated with the job. The … More Back to Business as Usual
Yesterday I talked about strife from Gaza. Today it is time for just a few more background facts. Yesterday, Hamas launched long range rockets at Israeli cities. The one aimed at Tel Aviv landed in the Mediterranean. But the one fired at Beersheva hit a home. It destroyed most of the structure. Fortunately, the residents … More And Where is This Going?
According to Clausewitz, a Napoleonic era general, war is just a matter of attaining a political or diplomatic aim, but by using other means. This idea can be used to shed a little light on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab side is not willing to get involved in any direct negotiations with Israel. To … More Only a few casualties, But a War, Nonetheless
This is the time of the year when the Palestinians usually make another attempt to have the British Government rescind the Balfour Declaration. It’s just another way to try to keep world media focused on their problems. But it doesn’t hurt to examine the facts, Lord Arthur Balfour was the British foreign secretary during World … More Lord Balfour? Who? What?
Yesterday a 16 year old Arab boy from the village of Yata, several miles South of where we live, took a large kitchen knife and traveled North, He came to the shopping center at Gush Etzion Center. That’s where we do our regular weekly grocery shopping and often visit other stores in the complex. The … More Teen age Terrorist in the Neighborhood
UNRWA just lost financial support from the US. That decision was obviously reached only after some careful consideration, UNRWA clinics and schools are often the only source of education and medical care for a very large number of people. The humanitarian impact could be considerable. But several European countries and also other Arab states that … More UNRWA defunded!?
The news media keeps reporting about the Syrian Army, with Russian support, is recapturing the area near the borders with Israel and Jordan. The pictures show a lot of urban destruction. Well, we just spent the last weekend in some little cottages in the Israeli side of the Southern Golan Heights. I want to tell … More Surprise – 50
Wetherhorn 