If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The political atmosphere surrounding Iran's nuclear developments has become palpably more alarmist over the last year, influencing foreign policy pundits to increasingly view diplomatic negotiations as a check-the-box exercise on the purportedly inevitable road to war.
The head administrator of NASA made a surprise landing on Jan. 28 in an unusual place to promote the farfetched idea of bringing the Jewish and Arab communities of Israel together -- through research into outer space.
The similarities between the leverage of the American tea party movement on the Republican party and the growing influence of the religious nationalist ideologues in Israel is striking.
With growing unrest in Egypt and renewed Israeli fears of a threat from Syria, it is refreshing that a superbly harmonious delegation from the Middle East is visiting New York this week. But its members are not holding forth at the United Nations. Instead they're performing at Carnegie Hall.
The United States should insist on negotiations toward a two-state solution now and that means applying pressure on Israel and the Palestinians to start talking.
If Judaism cannot offer wisdom and guidance as to how we might make a small contribution to heal a broken world, then it has little to no relevance at all.
As Tu Bishvat approaches, I would encourage people to learn more about SodaStream and its positive impact on the environment.
While US. President Barack Obama may be starting his own new term with a Congress no more cooperative than its predecessor, over in Israel he's going to find a few more friends than he did in the outgoing Knesset.
The current combination of factors -- the centrist tilt of the Israeli election, the reelection of President Obama and the recognition by the United Nations of Palestine as an observer-state -- makes this a propitious time for negotiations.
The United States must support collective acts of civil disobedience by making every effort to facilitate peace. This is what the Israeli and Palestinian silent majority needs and hopes for, but they must first do their share by going to the streets and making their voices heard.
Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud/Beitenu right wing slate limped across the Israeli electoral finish line, leaving a trail of lost Knesset seats in its wake and the loss of incalculable political fortune. It will surely represent a personal rebuke and a vote of popular no confidence in Netanyahu's leadership.
Today's election result in Israel is not just a personal humiliation for Netanyahu, it may be the beginning of a realignment of Israeli politics, and with it the end of the Likud party as we have known it until now.
In 2008, Israel responded with a brutal aerial bombardment and ground invasion that left more than 1,000 Palestinians dead. November's conflict left about 150 Palestinians dead. How do you explain the stark difference in the death toll?
It is imperative for the Palestinians to begin to develop a culture of civil disobedience and collective nonviolent resistance. They must demand the truth from their leaders, and no longer fall prey to the cynicism and double-talk of militant leaders who have been riding on their backs in the name of national salvation.
President Obama has a choice of two options and two potential legacies. He can act decisively and save the two-state solution, or, he can take shelter in well-worn excuses and let it die.
Obama no longer has the luxury of non-engagement in the Middle East. Without firm and decisive action to reignite a meaningful peace process and to push for a swift deal, the two-state option may disappear forever, leaving Israelis and Palestinians alike facing a future of endless conflict.
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