Friends, the much-anticipated Israeli retaliatory strikes against the homeland of Iran have now occurred -- and they were pathetic to behold. As far as we know, no one was killed, nothing of importance was destroyed, and the world and the Middle East are breathing a sigh of relief, because they believe that the cycle of escalation is complete. Indeed, Iran itself is downplaying the significance of the Israeli strikes, suggesting that no new round of retaliation is imminent. So let's review what we know: Iran, directly or indirectly, fostered an unprecedented attack against Israel via its Hamas proxies, killing more than a thousand Israelis and shaking Israeli confidence as never before, or at least not since the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Then Iran attacked Israel directly with drones and missiles, fired from Iran itself. And now we have Israel's "bold" response: a raid on Iran so measly that everyone shrugs and says: "Thank heavens that's behind us!" This is, in my view, an extraordinarily weak Israeli strategy, and one you would not at all expect from the allegedly hardline government of "ultra-conservative" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What all this tells me is that Israel, for all its might, is by and large a proxy of the United States, and its freedom of action is strictly limited by the need to maintain American support and sponsorship. Indeed, the Congress is about to authorize over $26 billion in aid to Israel -- but, as always, he who pays the bills makes the rules. Joe Biden wants a lid kept on this Israeli-Arab-Iranian conflict. In essence, he wants to staunch the bleeding that's already occurred in progressive ranks because of the acrimony between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian leftists. Does this weakness from America and Israel invite further aggression from Iran, and possibly from other countries as well? Probably. My assumption, though, is that all of that means little to an administration that is determined, above all, to win in November and ward off the cataclysm (in their eyes) that is Donald Trump. In the short term, this means that Israel and Iran will continue to play geopolitical footsie with each other, but all-out war will have to wait -- at least until the ticking time bomb of Trumpism is defused.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68861607
Speaking of that impending aid to Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson is cooperating with Democrats to formulate a process whereby Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan can all receive billions of (borrowed) U.S. dollars, and in return absolutely nothing will be done to fix the crisis at our southern border. In other words, Johnson is turning his back on GOP border hawks and making common cause with Democrats, all so that the hawks can get their treasured (and frivolously expensive) aid package for our client states overseas. I object to the cost, I object to the strategic vision underlying those costs, and I object to Speaker Johnson's decision to knuckle under to the Democrats. As usual, though, the D.C. establishment gets what the D.C. establishment wants -- and that's almost as true with a Republican-controlled House as it would be with Nancy Pelosi back in charge. Oy!
https://rollcall.com/2024/04/19/rule-for-emergency-aid-bill-adopted-with-democratic-support/
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteAt some point in the not very distant future, whether the U.S. likes it or not, and because the U.S. will probably be too weak to prevent it, the PRC is going to grab Taiwan, and Russia will absorb Ukraine. That's called "historical realities". As far as Israel is concerned, we can count on that area of real estate to be constantly attacked by the Islamic/Muslim world. Nothing new there.
As far as our southern border goes, it has NEVER been secure under any administration in DC. It has ALWAYS been an open border with the aura of security at various times under any regime in DC. The fact that Trump did some wall construction (which is very vulnerable by the way) does not mean it is secure. The border needs to be completely militarized, but it will not be, because a trillion dollar industry of drugs and related activities means a lot of politicians (local, state, and federal) are on the take. Way too much temptation!
If the above situation sounds gloomy, that's because it is.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteMike Johnson is just another "Demopublican" toady for the deep state in the "District of Communism" located on the beautiful Potomac River.
All he really cares about is his career, and surviving in the sewer of the current political system. People forget that Congress now exists for the benefit of mostly mediocre politicians who will do or say anything to stay in Congress. Power is addictive, and is said to be "better than sex" as an old saying goes. That of course depends on what kind of sex one is talking about, which in this case tends to be anal, since Congress gives a big enema to the collective population on a daily basis. The body politic in fact is taking it up the ass.
Have a presented a crude analysis of all this. That's because it is crude, and profane.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteI good question about Israel should be: Why does The U.S. support Israel? Based on what? The Bible? Guilt over The Holocaust? (which was perpetrated by Europeans by the way, and not Americans). Because the U.S. has always done it?
Why do we do business with two China's? When did that start? 1949? When Kissinger went over there? When our corporations moved our industrial base over there?
Why do we support Ukraine? To make money selling arms? What is Ukraine to our country?
Why are we still in NATO (since 1949)? Why can't Europe provide for its own defense? Is Russia a threat to Europe?
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteRegarding our Southern Border, assaults by illegals on our Border Patrol personnel, and some National Guard seem to be a regular event these days. Say what? Wonder how many assault there would be if we had a really secure border. You know, things like two fences with mine fields in the middle. Sound repugnant to delicate sensibilities? Bet a militarized border would deter that real quick after it was installed. Forget it! Not going to happen. And now there is "discussion" about letting illegals have Medicare. Say what? Hello! Not that should be a fucking mess don't you think? Why not citizenship papers handed to every illegal crossing our border? Let's get on that warp speed, and all that shit.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteWonder how many pills JB pops every day? Better yet, who are the handlers who makes sure he takes them, and on time? Can cannibals be imported from New Guinea to eat all of them, and if so, would it cause indigestion for the cannibals? Nothing serious here, just some random, stark bonkers thoughts.
What if the Rapture happens before the election in November, and the entire DC area disappears in the sky. Better yet, what if a gigantic sink hole swallows the entire DC area to include Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland. What if a super tidal wave takes out NYC just as the jury delivers the verdict on Trump?
Dr. Waddy, Ray, et al from Jack: I think it plausible that Israel carried out a well conceived, measured response . It would perhaps have been more redeeming to see them plant a few right on Iran's nuclear facilities but again, I trust the Israelis had good reason; I do not see in this any indication of timidity on their part. They are a humane, highly civilized people yet willing to do great destruction to defend their lives, as they do now, with grim necessity, in Gaza. The fundamental situation is unchanged; an Iranian leadership straight out of the middle ages continues to crow its visceral , atavistic antisemitism and its unshakeable intent to do the Nazis one better by comprehensively eradicating the loathed Jewish presence in its neighborhood. Israel remains UNWILLING to ever again submit to conquest, EVER and no matter who the aggressor is and what their motive may be. Our country does itself great credit by aiding this resolute and exemplary nation no matter what our strategic considerations in it may be. Israel is "an island of civilization in a sea of barbarity". When the always besieged Israelis defer to us we must not attribute it to pusillanimity; they have demonstrated their ability to defy much of a world seemingly determined to condemn them; they are exceedingly grateful for our support but are above obsequious pandering for it.
ReplyDeleteRAY TO JACK
DeleteMost important, Israel is an enduring friend of The United States, ever since our very own President Harry Truman (a real Democrat) recognized its sovereign existence in 1948. They are real friends too, compared to places like The Ukraine and Taiwan, and many many other countries I can name. Quite frankly, I think it would be put to good use, if we gave all the money that we give to places like Taiwan and Ukraine, to Israel instead.
RAY TO JACK
ReplyDeleteGood post. I am not a fan of John Hagee personally, nor do I particularly care for his Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. However, he is a staunch friend, promoter, defender, and supporter of Israel. I highly recommend his book "Earth's Last Empire, The Final Game of Thrones" in which in explains what has happened to Israel, and so on. Excellent book.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: Well, my boomers continue to be the gift which keeps on giving (the always destructive and ungrateful faction of the generation that is). In the '60s , in their unconquerable naivete, they let marxists lead them into unprecedented aid and comfort to our country's savage commie enemy in time of war. Today, the sociopathic spawn of the prostitution of the American academy and secondary and even elementary education to radical doctrine by anti intellectual boomer faculty and administrators is embodied in immeasurably vicious and reflexive antisemitic far left automatons who embrace by name the subhumans of Oct. 7. "We are Hamas" they spew and we had better take them at their word. They would do Charles Manson proud. My my, but they ARE well organized aren't they? They are always ready to jump off at any development which attracts their basilisk eye and prompts their depraved response. Marxists of course have a long history of cuckooing existing powerful institutions like unions and our "universities" appear to have been mostly infested by them. Columbia University's President appeared most ill at ease in "admitting" that a "symbolic" Hamas residence on her campus was well, antisemitic and OK, she called in the NYPD, all possibly because she knew better than to be as disastrously frank as her colleagues at Harvard, Penn. and M.I.T. But where is the follow-up, as in the summary permanent expulsion of all participating Columbia "students" and a very firm declaration of persona non grata to anyone expressing support for such neoNazis.?!
ReplyDeleteRay from Jack: I will follow up on your book recommendation. I venerate Israel and Judaism; their high and historic culture,combined with their transcendent , heroic resolve to defend their very justified existence against harrowing and unrelenting threat, is worthy of the most redeeming praise, I think. I venture to reiterate my conviction that support for Israel ,or murderously ill will toward that exemplary land, is a telling measure of a country's or doctrine's civilization or its atavistic degradation.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy and Ray et al from Jack: Someone has to take the House GOP by the scruff and give them a good shake. What in the blue blazes are they thinking? I don't care if Mike Johnson wears mismatched socks or bets on pickleball. UNITY is ALL just now!. Just go with the flow until after the election, Freedom Caucus; you do much good but this may be the best and conceivably last chance we have to stop the runaway neomarxist freight train! If they win in November it will be full speed ahead for them as they make maximum effort to seal the deal and make their foreseeable totalitarian takeover inevitable. Get with the program GOP; we have a real and serendipitous chance to save our civilization by bringing DJT through the worst these savages can put him to, to a restoration which would be for the antiamerican left a staggering, perhaps decisive,repulse.
ReplyDeleteRAY TO JACK
ReplyDeleteI hope you will like Hagee's book. As I said, I'm not at all a fan of his Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, or his Charismatic-Pentecostal orientation, but his writing ability is quite good, and I believe he was or is head of Christians United for Israel. The focus of his book "Earth's Last Empire....." is a history of Israel, especially since 1948, and how Israel fits into the end times scenario.
Another book I recommend, and even above Hagee's books, is "Jews in Fighter Jets" by David Cloud at his site "Way of Life Literature".
Also keep an eye on Devin Sper's blog. Sper is an Israeli-American, and I believe he holds officer's rank in the IDF. His articles are outstanding! In fact, you might want to read his articles (free) even before you consider purchasing the Hagee and Cloud books. As you can see, Sper gives a first hand account from an Israeli perspective.
Finally, just as a note of interest, did you know that the first IDF unit to respond to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas was an IDF ALL WOMEN'S TANKER outfit. Wow! There are some new clips about them. Very impressive.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: I agree with most of your objections to Speaker Johnson's present stance but I would like to see a suspension of any internecine warfare on the part of common sense America, the GOP's natural constituency, until after this monumental decision coming in November.
ReplyDeleteRay from Jack: Israel's exemplary and gallant female soldiers set a constructive and redeeming example which I'm sure is lost on the essentially vindictive man hating community. There are ways for women to assert themselves without condemning half the human race.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy from Jack: It is beyond appalling that our President stoops to toadying to the antisemitic mob in his party for fear of losing their support in this election. Is this where his sincere sympathy lies, pray? Should he win, Israel must beware.
ReplyDeleteRAY TO JACK
ReplyDeleteEVERY President we have ever had since Israel was established/founded in 1948 (with the exception of Trump) has kissed it up with the "Palestine" Muslim Arab mob. Repeat, ALL Presidents since 1948 (except Trump) have done this, and not just Biden. Don't be offended. I'm not correcting your statement in any way, but adding to it, since Biden is probably the worst on this. However, Carter probably beats him.
The U.S. could have prevented a lot of the attacks on Israel, but instead chose to legitimize that asshole Yasir Arafat back when. Repeat, EVERY president we have ever had (Trump excepted) has kissed up with the Muslim Arab (Saudi Arabia tops the list by the way) and put us and Israel in continuing great danger.
RAY TO JACK
ReplyDeleteAnother great barrier to Israel in the war with the Muslims, is the ISRAELI LEFT, which is even more of a barrier than the U.S. "dance with the devil" foreign policy regarding Israel. This barrier is huge, to include a considerable control of the movie industry in Israel, which depicts Israeli's as types of aggressors against the "Palestinians".
Ray from Jack: I don't mind having my judgement on a specific issue criticized or even discredited. You have made plausible points above. Remember in 73-4 when the name of the Saudi Oil Minister (Ahmed Zaki Yamani) was on the news every night?He was civil but his gov't was straight out of 1000AD and the deference we were forced to pay it was degrading.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy from Jack:Many of those Columbia U. Hamas supporters are empty husks bereft of civilization and any standards save those inculcated in them by antiamerican leftist savages posing as creditable academics. They bear comparison to Pol Pot, perhaps the most purely hellish of all Marxist inhuman THINGS, who was, I think educated in enlightened Paris. For him, nothing was ruled out as just recompense to foes of his "revolution". Judging by the swill expectorated by that screeching harridan at a man insolently expressing support for Israel in her exalted presence, they are faithful spawn of the demonic Cambodian. And being true believers, the substance of their cause, its effect and its sociopathic intent do not matter to them since they unimpeachably "feel" it right and spurn reason. They would have fit right in with the mesmerized multitudes who applauded the Nazi monsters.
ReplyDeleteRay from Jack: What counterintuitive obscenity is manifested by the far left; what a curse it has been. That anyone in Israel would stand with those who would eradicate Israel and Judaism is tragic. A sincere intent to better the lot of Palestinians who are very ill served by their Arab hosts is creditable. But those who inhumanly turn genuine concern for Palestinians into an immeasurably cynical vehicle for atavistic Jew hatred and hideous human violation would, should they improbably succeed in their infernal effort, make short work of such
ReplyDelete"enlightened"souls once their sad utility was past . How can anyone with a hint of common sense think any better of the ravenous jackals who have relentlessly besieged Israel since 1948!
RAY TO JACK
ReplyDeleteSince you mentioned 1948, Israel was besieged by numerous Muslim nations then, and survived against all odds, and I suspect Israel will survive this current situation as well. As far as the Left is concerned in the U.S. it has always sided with the "Palestinians" against Israel, so nothing new going on there, except more of the same.
Dr, Waddy from Jack: Murderously inspired Jew haters on campus must be confronted with resolution and utter intolerance. I heard a well intended commentator say "we must bring together people of all differing views and conduct courteous and principled conversation. One can well imagine the carnival the vicious automatons camping at Columbia would make of such a meeting, within the first five minutes. No, these people must be met with decisive firmness. But how and by whom?University security forces know what side their bread is buttered on; they know they cannot trust predominantly far left convinced or intimidated administrators. They know that in any confrontation they are consequently guilty until proven innocent. I saw this at SUNY New Paltz even in the '70s. The police? They are, with bitter necessity, also wary, (though ever dutiful)especially in far left run NYC and with NY's totalitarian AG running wild. The neonazi demonstrators must be summarily and permanently banned , by "university" decision makers employing if necessary, person physical protection, from any connection with "universities" disgraced beyond measure by their presumptuous presence. Any private campus failing this deserves pariah status and consequent abandonment by erstwhile benefactors. Any taxpayer supported school similarly invaded should be the object of overwhelming public pressure, threatening the tenure in office of any spineless lawmakers or executives. These intransigent barbarians must be met by civilized people equally intransigent in opposing their execrable actions. In Nov. we must disempower the White House apologist for the kind of spineless thinking which countenances this abomination.
ReplyDeleteRay, you're probably right about Taiwan and Ukraine, but the question is when and under what circumstances they fall. Our glorious leaders would probably be happy if they can purchase a "decent interval" with a few hundred billion of YOUR dollars...
ReplyDeleteSure, politicians seek their own advantage, but I wonder whether what Mike Johnson is currently doing will, in fact, serve his interests? I don't see his fellow Republicans staying by his side after January, and I don't see the Dems propping him up for more than a few weeks or months. And then what, from his perspective?
Ray, your searching questions are the sort that our leaders will NEVER ask about our foreign policy, because to them received wisdom is beyond question. Only a severe slap in the face -- like Vietnam -- could get them to look inward, even for a split second. Maybe Ukraine will be their new Vietnam?
Ray, I would LOVE to know what pills Joe pops, and on whose orders. I wonder if the GOP could get its hands on that kind of info. It could be explosive!
Ray and Jack, obviously I think you are much too deferential to Israel. I believe the Israeli leadership is eminently capable of error, partly for the precise reason that you stated: it is largely an extension of U.S. leadership. You don't think the Israelis are susceptible to American pressure? Come now...
I agree, Jack: what's happening in the House is trivial to what will happen in November. All that Mike Johnson and his ilk should be doing is supporting the Republican/conservative assault on Joe Biden and the Dems. Everything else can wait.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: Oh no: Israel is constrained by reality and considerable true gratitude to acquiesce to American wishes, even when they are expressed by American leaders with no empathy for the mortal threat that is daily fare for all Israelis. But the Israelis are HOMBRES, arguably the toughest people anywhere. One can well imagine that in witnessing their now 76 year continuing fight for nothing less than their national and physical lives(I mean, the monsters who besiege them would surely deny them even a new diaspora). For America to patronize Israel reflects regretably on our certainly creditable and redeeming purpose in supporting them; they deserve the highest respect. I think that in creditable dialogue hyperbole is antiintellectual because it appears to show intent to irrationally overpower, rather than to reason and I know I sometimes discreditably use it. But I submit that Israel is perhaps uniquely described by favorable superlatives. l
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