I've read the other comments and see that I am focussed on one tree branch and not seeing the forest at all. Definitely, there is so much in this article to think about. But here is my singular focus - it is the world uproar about the tragedy of the deaths of the seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen. I'm actually furious that the world is accusing Israel of a targeted attack. Mistaken killings by friendly fire occur in War - all the time. The IDF accidentally killed 3 Israeli hostages. Wasn't there just news from the U.S. about a female taken hostage, and as she was being released from the car, by the abductor, a SWAT team failed to stand down and shot her repeatedly? But for Israel, tragic mistakes are always called out as wilfully planned and malicious. If it was viewed as the tragedy that it was, there would not have been such a complicated chain of events forcing Biden to turn on Israel.
Actually, I am most disturbed by the entire world "throwing Israel under the bus". Unfortunately, my biggest fear that I did not want to express, is coming to roost... The principle of never voicing things is that if you paint the devil on the wall it will appear... Did not work this time... Israel is still not good enough at "propaganda". Hamas are past master
Israel has no choice. It must go into Rafah and do so soon or suffer a grave strategic defeat (That will also be a strategic defeat for the US and entire West and a victory for Iran). Biden has made it black letter clear that this is out. Therefore he is prepared to see Israel and the US suffer this defeat. If Israel wishes to avoid it, then it must openly rupture the relationship with the Biden administration and hope it can be repaired later. In any event it is clear that Israel can no longer plan its future security around American support. The Democratic Party (which will inevitably take power with regularity) is openly hostile to Israel with promise of worse to come.
Good analysis. Despite all the twists and turns for domestic consumption, Biden will remain supportive of Israel. That is not where my concern is, although it is painful to watch. No, the bigger question is how Biden will handle Iran. His record on this is mixed and that applies to most of his party as well. Failure to adequately deal with Iran will have much further consequences.
Biden is clearly in favor of a two state solution at any cost : Nevada & Michigan
I've read the other comments and see that I am focussed on one tree branch and not seeing the forest at all. Definitely, there is so much in this article to think about. But here is my singular focus - it is the world uproar about the tragedy of the deaths of the seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen. I'm actually furious that the world is accusing Israel of a targeted attack. Mistaken killings by friendly fire occur in War - all the time. The IDF accidentally killed 3 Israeli hostages. Wasn't there just news from the U.S. about a female taken hostage, and as she was being released from the car, by the abductor, a SWAT team failed to stand down and shot her repeatedly? But for Israel, tragic mistakes are always called out as wilfully planned and malicious. If it was viewed as the tragedy that it was, there would not have been such a complicated chain of events forcing Biden to turn on Israel.
Actually, I am most disturbed by the entire world "throwing Israel under the bus". Unfortunately, my biggest fear that I did not want to express, is coming to roost... The principle of never voicing things is that if you paint the devil on the wall it will appear... Did not work this time... Israel is still not good enough at "propaganda". Hamas are past master
Great article, Dave! Sincere thanks.
Israel has no choice. It must go into Rafah and do so soon or suffer a grave strategic defeat (That will also be a strategic defeat for the US and entire West and a victory for Iran). Biden has made it black letter clear that this is out. Therefore he is prepared to see Israel and the US suffer this defeat. If Israel wishes to avoid it, then it must openly rupture the relationship with the Biden administration and hope it can be repaired later. In any event it is clear that Israel can no longer plan its future security around American support. The Democratic Party (which will inevitably take power with regularity) is openly hostile to Israel with promise of worse to come.
Good analysis. Despite all the twists and turns for domestic consumption, Biden will remain supportive of Israel. That is not where my concern is, although it is painful to watch. No, the bigger question is how Biden will handle Iran. His record on this is mixed and that applies to most of his party as well. Failure to adequately deal with Iran will have much further consequences.