The UN Security Council passed another rather bland resolution on the Gaza War. It calls for more aid and asks for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all hostages. Predictably, Hamas ignored the hostage release part. Hamas also attacked the resolution for not including a call for an immediate cease-fire. Could it be that Hamas … More Gaza War 24 Dec
With Christmas on the horizon there doesn’t seem to be much good will in the Middle East. Reports have it that the US ordered Israel not to conduct a preemptive strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon. The French navy is not really playing a part in Operation Prosperity Guardian. They object to playing second fiddle to … More Gaza War 23 Dec
Israeli TV spends a lot of time on the hostage situation. They interview released victims. They interview family members. And they talk with “experts” about a possible new round of hostage exchange. What they don’t do is pay much attention to what Hamas is saying (not that everything they say should be listened to). Hamas … More Gaza War 22 Dec
Israel will soon begin lowering the range of ground operations in Gaza. That’s my take on the recent series of visits by various US high level officials here. The US pressure to reduce civilian casualties, something Israel cannot ignore. But neither the US nor Israel has shown any indication of a plan for what will … More Gaza War 20 Dec
The most important thing I’ve heard this morning is the American announcement of Operation Prosperity Guardian. This will provide protection for shipping against Houthi piracy and attacks. As usual, it’s a coalition involving US, UK, French, Dutch, German, and that the US 5th fleet aircraft carrier might lend teeth to the protective force. That might … More Gaza War 19 Dec
There seem to quite a few ‘world leaders’ who have a problem understanding what they are seeing. Radical Islam is a recipe for violence and terrorism. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by many countries. But it doesn’t deter those Hamas by sending both goods and funds for “humanitarian aid”. I’ve pointed out before … More Gaza War 18 Dec
This message was sent to the Michigan Daily. I asked for a read receipt. I never received one. I do not believe my Alma Mater should be blindly supporting the cause of Hamas. I’m sure you are aware that there is ample evidence to show that the real oppressor of Palestinians in Gaza is Hamas. … More Gaza War 16 Dec
IDF troops continue to move through Sajawiya house by house. Among the things that have been discovered in this activity (besides eliminating Hamas terrorists) are: Confirmation of the deaths of more hostages (and recovery of their bodies). Weapons and ammunition Kevlar protective vests and helmets Rockets, including those big 122mm GRADs … More Gaza War 15 Dec
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution (non-binding) calling for a cease-fire. It doesn’t mention Hamas. One of the most disturbing things about this entire war has been the apparent total reluctance to condemn Hamas for what it has done. No one points out that Hamas has consistently refused to conduct face to face talks … More Gaza War 14 Dec
TASS, the Russian News Agency, reports that, contrary to what I wrote yesterday, the Russian deputy foreign minister did call on Hamas to release all hostages. Of course, Hamas ignored the request, as they have ignored almost all such requests in the past. Israeli troops in Khan Yunis may have found one of the locations … More Gaza War 12 Dec
Wetherhorn 