Negotiations with Iran are stuck because Trump has run out of cards. Every red line has been crossed, and Iran is dictating the rules. Against the backdrop of all the chatter about "love for Israel," the president continues to throw his greatest ally under the bus. There will be those who again portray the grim reality as an achievement, but the truth is that this is a terrifyingly weak president.
There is probably no way to sugarcoat the pill after the diplomatic circus we were subjected to on Sunday: Israel is being led by a sophisticated but blackmailable prime minister, trapped by his gamble from way back to put all his chips on Donald Trump; he himself is being led by that same Trump, who never ceases to surprise with the scale of his amateurism, his impatience and the fact that he is, quite simply, a terrifyingly weak president. Because what was in his post about the ceasefire? Fabrications (IDF forces were not on their way to Beirut), a deal that sells the fabrication in exchange for a real concession (the use of IDF force in response to Hezbollah's endless violations of the ceasefires), and above all, throwing an ally under the bus for the sake of "very good talks" with Hezbollah. Oh, how Ukraine understands us now.
This, incidentally, is an opportunity to recall: Beware of leaders who repeatedly remind us how much they love Israel. That simply has to set off warning lights. Why? Because at least some of them will use that card to turn an embrace into a chokehold. As one of the French marshals of the 17th century put it, although the line has been attributed elsewhere as well: "Lord, protect me from my friends. I can take care of my enemies myself."
Yes, this was always anticipated. Trump would love Israel until it got in the way of one of his grand plans. We expected this.
ReplyDeleteThe point is: Until now Trump has been completely supportive. Harris, from the moment she took power, would've cut Israel's weapon shipments and forced it into a terrible ceasefire with both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Reagan was a great friend of Israel, until Begin went into Beirut, and then they withheld delivery of F15s to Israel.
DeleteGeorge Bush and James baker were harsh on Israel.
Clinton was forcing Bibi to sign an agreement with yemach shmo Arafat harasha.
W was also tying Israel's hands in fighting back. Obama was obysmal .
The point is that at some point in all their presidencies they were pro-Israel when it suited them.
Deletegenerally pro Israel, as in giving military and political support. But when interests diverge, then they get harsh.
DeleteThe love trap: How the relationship with Trump went from gift to farce. Daf Hayomi today Chullin 33a: MISHNA: In the case of one who slaughters a domesticated animal, an undomesticated animal, or a bird, and blood did not emerge from them during the slaughter, all of these are permitted for consumption and do not require the ritual washing of the hands as they may be eaten with ritually impure [mesoavot] hands, because they were not rendered susceptible to ritual impurity through contact with blood, which is one of the seven liquids that render food susceptible to impurity. Rabbi Shimon says: They were rendered susceptible to ritual impurity by means of the slaughter itself. GEMARA: The reason that they may be eaten with ritually impure hands is that blood did not emerge from the animals or birds during the slaughter; but if blood emerged from them during slaughter, they may not be eaten with ritually impure hands. The Gemara asks: Why not? Ordinary hands are impure with second-degree ritual impurity and an item of second-degree impurity cannot impart third-degree impurity to non-sacred items with which it comes into contact.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. My theory. There are Torah and Rabbinic requirements of washing hands before eating, just touching, or even just swallowing meat. Very complicated Gamara discussions. I say Gamara Sages knew of modern health dangers (germs, viruses etc) of unwashed hands before eating, just touching, or even just swallowing meat. The Gamara talks of first degree second degree third degree impurity. So simple, ordinarily, just wash hands always, unless on a trip, in prison whatever.
Allow me my letter today trying to free my pension (TIAA pays me in 2026 monthly only 45% my TIAA pension I paid for college teaching 17 years in NYC last 3 at Lehman College 1988-1991): 2. Simply lies: (a) THE COURT [PRUS]: He still owes money? MS. SERLIN: Oh, yes. In '07, she was awarded a money judgment for $144,000. There were six children. He never paid a single payment for since 1991 when he left.