« July 2008 | Main | September 2008 » Kissinger's Secrets
By Micah Halpern
Monday September 1, 2008 I've Been Thinking: New papers and documents have just come to light that are damning to US foreign policy under the leadership of then National Security Advisor, the venerable Henry Kissinger. According to these papers Kissinger sent CIA representative Robert Ames into meetings with Fatah murderers. Specifically, into meetings with Ali Hassan Salameh, head of Black September. Kissinger wanted Ames to dialogue with Arafat's people in order to get information about potential attacks against Americans. One piece of information these discussions did reveal was Arafat's intention to topple Jordan's King Hussein. The most important and very damning piece of information in the newly released papers is a telegram dated July 5, 1973 sent to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger from CIA Chief Richard Helms revealing that the Jordanians had uncovered plans that Syria planned on attacking Israel and coordinating the attack with Egypt and Iraq. Now we know that Henry Kissinger told the CIA to continue contacts with Arafat's PLO people before the 1973 Yom Kippur War. And now Kissinger is selling his services to China. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Monday September 1, 2008 I've Been Thinking: National political conventions are still big, very big. More Americans tuned in to watch the final night of the Democratic National Convention than the 34.2 million who watched the opening of the Beijing Olympics. There will be no fair way to compare the numbers watching the Republican National Convention with those who watched the Democratic Convention, nature has other plans. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Russia Selling to Iran
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 31, 2008 I'm Predicting: For months I have been predicting a missile deal between Russia and Iran. My info says that the delivery of the S-300 missiles will take place in late September. The light bulb has finally gone off for the Americans. And the Russians have a plan to put the screws to the US for their involvement in Russia's world. Russia is saying to the US you mess with us we mess with you. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 31, 2008 I'm Predicting: Americans aren't the only people caught up in convention fever. The Russian leadership team of Putin and Medvedev is plotting new challenges and trials for the new US president. Iran and Russia have a very close relationship. We are looking at a potential redo of the Kruschev-Kennedy story, a conflict that nearly brought the two strongest powers in the world to war. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Russia and Syria
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 30, 2008 I've Been Thinking: When it came to the Russian invasion of Georgia, most international analysts and commentators got it wrong. Russia cannot and does not want a return of the Cold War. Syria's total failure to see the reality of Russia's behavior was the greatest example of the fallout from this erroneous analysis. Moscow does not need or want a base in Syria. That's what Russia wants. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 30, 2008 I've Been Thinking: In some ways selecting Sara Palin is a case of John McCain out Obama-ing Barack Obama. The timing of the announcement was obvious and effective. If all the Republicans wanted to accomplish was to steal the post convention thunder from the Democrats - it was a good choice. She looks good and she sounds good. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Russia in Georgia
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 29, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The dust has settled and we are able to gauge the true result of Russia's invasion into Georgia. Most commentators have focused on Russia's desire to return to the era of the Cold War as a way of explaining the behavior of the aggressive Russians. Russia is dependent on the world for its economy. The private economic pain that Russia is suffering from their invasion far outstrips any powerless diplomatic condemnations than any other country can heap on them. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 29, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The Democratic National Convention in Denver was an enormous success for the Democratic Party. The organizers wanted to show openness, excitement, creativity. The question of the moment is this: Now we will see if the Democratic Convention was as successful with the voters as it was for the planners. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
By Micah Halpern
Thursday August 28, 2008 Column: A recent poll shows that 63 percent of Americans favor a military strike against Iran should diplomacy fail. Sixty three percent, that's a whopping big number. It's an important number. It's a number that speaks not of an America that is fed up, tired or weary. It speaks of a spirited and vibrant America. And it's a number that shows that Americans are not gun shy, that Americans have not become weakened by the experience of Iraq and Afghanistan. Americans do not like injustice, Americans do not like evil and Americans are not afraid of bullies. And for Americans, Iran is all of those. But there's a problem with the results of this poll. The problem is that the people of America are not the government of America. Americans are not afraid, but the government of America is afraid, or at least, wary. The results of this survey come at a very important time, they come only days after the conclusion of the conflict between Russia and Georgia, a conflict during which the United States of America chose to stand on the sidelines rather than stand up for freedom and democracy. Interestingly, this poll was commissioned by the Israel Project, an unabashedly pro Israel advocacy program in Washington DC - and proud of it. To give this study credibility, and to guarantee objectivity, the Israel Project went to both Democratic and Republican pollsters and jointly they produced the study. On the Republican side the poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies. On the Democratic side it was conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research. They also took the poll to Germany and Great Britain. 85 percent of Democrats and 97 percent of Republicans see Iran as a serious threat to the United States. That is about as close as one can get to a bi-partisan agreement on anything, let alone a call to war. These conclusions are enormously important for the presidential candidates. They are also important for those countries around the world who hoping to continue to receive infusions of support for their burgeoning democracies from the United States. Right now, right when the results of this poll are being released countries like Israel and Georgia are trying to integrate the lessons learned during the conflict between Russia and Georgia. They are trying to understand the how could they and the why did they not of the American response. Now they have an answer, the American people will support them, even if the American government does not. They know it because 55 percent of the Americans polled said that they viewed positively a strike against the Iranian nuclear facilities. They know it because they know that 57 percent of Americans actually understand Iran better than most American politicians do. 57 percent of those Americans polled responded that they believe that the reason the Iranians want to attain nuclear power and nuclear weapons is to maximize their own, personal, regional authority and world power. Americans attribute an actual motive to Iran's nuclear pursuits. And they are not afraid to admit it. Take heed, that is the American way. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Rice in Jerusalem Again #2
By Micah Halpern
Wednesday August 27, 2008 I've Been Thinking: US Secretary of State Condi Rice finished her second day in Jerusalem. They did not talk about the state of mass transit. Rice and Mofaz spoke about Iran and about imposing new sanctions upon Iran. Mofaz stated his concerns clearly. If that happens it would be disastrous. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Wednesday August 27, 2008 I've Been Thinking: We saw a glimpse of him as he walked into the convention hall. He may have written several best selling books, but don't expect to see too much of this former president. Jimmy Carter will be kept far away from the limelight for several good reasons. He may be a former president but right now, Jimmy Carter is persona non grata. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Rice In Israel Again
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 26, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Yesterday the US Secretary of State arrived in Jerusalem. Rice's mission is to urge on Israelis and Palestinians towards a real agreement. The Israelis are just being polite. Keep the pressure on Iran. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 26, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The big news will be yesterday's kick-off of the Democratic Convention and the Michelle Obama speech. What makes it even more of a shame is that the big news should be the comments made yesterday by the husband of Michelle Obama. Obama came away from his trip to Israel thinking that Israel is preparing to bomb Iran. But at this stage in his career Obama should be able to distinguish between developing defense scenarios and contingences and actual policy and planning. Israel is developing and thinking and training for the worst scenario but that does not mean that Israel is trigger happy. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Ahmadinejad Will Lead Iran Again
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 25, 2008 I've Been Thinking: In Iran all elections are determined by the Supreme Leader. There was no ambiguity in Iran yesterday about how the Ayatollah views Ahmadinejad. The Supreme Leader made a very public pronouncement. He said that Ahmadinejad was doing a wonderful job of leading Iran and advised him to continue leading as if there were four more years ahead - not as if he was leaving power at the end of this four year term. This was such a ringing endorsement by the Supreme Leader that the people hoping to challenge Ahmadinejad were sent into a state of shock. No such luck. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 25, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Obama has named a VP and the Democrats are going in Convention mode. Why did Obama choose Biden? Expect that along the way the vice presidential candidate will make some serious gaffs opening himself and Obama and the campaign to criticism. I would say the answer is a clear no. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Will The US Stand With Israel?
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 24, 2008 I'm Predicting: Will the United States be there for us in the event of a crisis? Israel is not alone, other US allies are asking the same question. After studying the US response in Georgia and analyzing the thinking behind the National Intelligence Estimate that suggests that Iran is not a significant threat Israel has been able to draw significant conclusions: Expect Israel to maximize the supply side of their relationship with the United States. http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595550739 About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 24, 2008 I've Been Thinking: And Joe Biden it is. Biden is a safe choice. Do not think for a second that this will be a team effort. But it will be Obama, by himself, who will have to convince the voter in Middle America that he has what it takes to lead America in prosperity and in crisis. http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595550739 Ghaddifi's Son
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 23, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Muammar Ghaddafi's son Saif al- Islam Ghaddafi has always been seen as successor to the dictator. But yesterday in a televised speech from the southern Libyan city if Subha, the young Ghaddafi resigned form any current and future politics. The positive changes that have been taking place in Libya have mostly been attributed to young Ghaddafi's influence on his father and his pressure to open Libya to the West. Considering that the United States just concluded an important settlement with Libya this resignation will send a shockwave throughout the Arab world. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 23, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Today the Democrats announce their candidate for vice president. No one ever votes for a President because of the Vice President on the ticket. The Democrats are hoping to extend that bump by announcing the VP just before their convention. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Russia & Syria
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 22, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Bashar Assad's trip to Russia has created some international ripples. Ripple # 1: Assad offered to let Russia establish a missile base in Syria in order to counter balance the gesture made by the Poles permitting US missile in Poland. Ripple # 2: Syria intends to purchase more Russian-made, medium range, surface-to-air missiles, and new MIG fighter jets to use as protection from Israel. Ripple # 3: Syria supported Russia against Georgia. The only other state that publicly supported Russia on this was Belarus. Israel is watching this entire meeting and monitoring the results very carefully - but very quietly. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 22, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The polls. Yes, the gap between Obama and McCain in the polls is closing. That is why we must not only look at polls, we must also interpret trends. To the casual observer it looks as if McCain is gaining in the polls-he is not. Sometimes, slow but steady really does win the race. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. THE ZIONIST DREAM REVISITED
By Micah Halpern
Thursday August 21, 2008 Column: The Zionist dream is alive and well. Refugees are once again abandoning their place of birth, enduring great physical hardship and risking their lives to enter the Land of Israel. These are not the Jews of Europe, fleeing anti-Semitism, yearning for their ancestral home. They are not the Jews of Iraq, expelled from their homes and hiking across borders to take refuge in the land of their biblical forefathers. They are not the Jews of Ethiopia who walked for hundreds of miles and hundreds of days to escape persecution before they were, finally, airlifted to safety in Israel. They are Muslims. They are survivors from Darfur. And only the lucky ones make it. Since January of this year nineteen people have been shot to death at the border between Egypt and Israel. Hundreds of others have illegally but safely and successfully crossed the border into Israel. Egyptian policy is to use lethal force, that's the way they do things. Israeli policy is to offer medical plans. Despite all the horrific anti-Israel vitriol than pervades the Muslim world, despite the lessons of hate that children are taught from their earliest years in schools and in places of worship, these people fleeing for their lives know that escape to Israel is one of their only chances of survival. They risk danger in order to enter the Land of Zion, in order to achieve their own dreams of coming to Israel. Persecuted Jews came to Israel in order to transform their Jewish experience from one of being the victim to one of being the defender. They came to be a part of a society that is new, vibrant and free of oppression. So, too, with today's refugees entering Israel. What makes Israel so exciting to the people of Darfur and other parts of Africa, what makes Israel so enticing, so worth the risk of getting there is the life they will lead once there. Freedom is a hard commodity to come by in most of the world, even today. The story of the miracle of Israel has taken hold in the hearts and minds of oppressed people - even oppressed Muslims in far away Africa. In Israel, the Jews made the desert bloom. And in Israel they provide health care and offer education to everyone regardless of religion or color or citizenship. The Darfur Muslims now entering Israel are given a home and a haven. When Jews were in trouble the gates of the world were shut to them. Israel will never shut the gates - not to Jews and not to any peoples in need. Just like the stranded Boat People of Viet Nam who entered Israel in 1978 when the world was willing to let them die and few other countries were granting refuge, most of the Darfur refugees who made it to Israel will find their place in Israeli culture and society. It is still unclear how Israel will process the new population illegally entering the country. Some have been arrested and some have been granted refugee status, some have been granted citizenship and some are living in tent camps. But a solution will be found, the process has begun and the refugees are still attempting to make their way to freedom in the State of Israel. One thing is for sure, they are not being shot at at the border - not as they enter and not if they choose to one day leave. So how do these Muslims fit into the Zionist dream? They don't. But Israel will see to it that they will. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Russia Points Finger At Israel
By Micah Halpern
Wednesday August 20, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The Russians are fuming. The Russians held a press conference yesterday where they assert that 8 varieties of important military equipment were given to Georgia by Israel. Syrian President Bashar Assad will be in Moscow on Thursday. My fear is that the Russians might not properly estimate Israel. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Wednesday August 20, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Daniel B. Shapiro was just appointed the Jewish front man for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Shapiro has a very difficult yet simple job. Shapiro has experience. We'll see what happens. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Hamas in Jordan
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 19, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Khaled Mashaal, the true leader of Hamas, is going to visit Jordan this week. Until now Mashaal has not been permitted to even enter Jordan. What does Mashaal get out of this visit? What do the Jordanians get out of this visit? Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 19, 2008 I've Been Thinking: We are all caught up in Olympic fever. Condi Rice said she hopes that, in the near future, Saudi women will be able to compete in the Olympics. The Saudi royal family is in charge and Saudi women are prohibited from wearing anything approaching Western dress let alone athletic outfits. Forget about the amount of practice it would take to qualify. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Iran's Announcements
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 18, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Iran made 2 important announcements yesterday. Announcement # 1: Announcement # 2: In 2005 Iran launched a satellite using Russian technology and the satellite disappeared. Now they are doing it all themselves. That proves how far the Iranians have come when it comes to space technology. It means that spy satellites and weapons satellites are right around the corner for Iran. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 18, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Expect to see and hear rabbis at the Democratic National Convention. Rabbi David Sapperstein, a reform rabbi from DC and head of the Reform Action Center which champions social action causes, will deliver the invocation. Rabbi Mark Schneier, an orthodox rabbi from the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Westhampton who champions many causes including Muslim Jewish dialogues, will deliver a speech. Rabbi Amy Schwartzman, a reform rabbi from Falls Church Virginian who has worked passionately against poverty and for the homeless and has tried to make her causes into significant Jewish issues, will deliver a speech. Barack Obama has peppered his podium with dynamic and powerful Jewish leaders who have used their communal leadership positions to build bridges with the greater community. It is an interesting move on Obama's part. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Syria & Lebanon A New Era
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 17, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Last week Syria and Lebanon agreed to establish and normalize diplomatic relations. Syria and Lebanon have organized committees in the past and they have all failed. But the world is different and Syria is actually feeling world pressure. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 17, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Last night Rev. Rick Warren hosted an hour long discussion on the candidates. I saw an almost total reversal of character. McCain spoke movingly about almost everything including personal failures. Obama was much less personal. McCain was punching away, answering even before the question was finished. He bantered, he was congenial. In short, Obama was laid back and McCain was pumped up. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Funny Things Happen
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 16, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The truth is often stranger than fiction. The story: The snag: The result: Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Saturday, August 16, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The United States blew it when it came to intelligence on Russia and Georgia. The signs were there: # 2: the Russians made it obvious to everyone just how threatened they were over the possibility of Georgia (and the Ukraine) joining NATO # 3: Russia was seriously distraught that not one but two pipelines, one for gas and one for oil, bypass Russia and go through Georgia # 4: the Western-style approach of Georgian President Saakashvilli was a direct slap in the face to Russia. Not to see these things means that people were asleep at the wheel. If Georgia falls Western intell will effectively be shut out of the Caucasus'. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Iran Fires the Friend of Israel
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 15, 2008 I've Been Thinking: By now most people know about Iranian vice president Mashai. As I wrote several weeks ago, he is the Iranian official who said that Iran is friends with all people in the world, even the US and Israel. Mashai tried to say that he had been misheard and misunderstood. Mashai's career is shot. But in truth, he is really not far off the mark. The people of Iran do not dislike Israel or the US, it's just that Iranian leaders are not supposed to say it aloud and publicly. To complicate matters a bit, I should point out that Mashai was a real insider. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 15, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Russia has threatened the United States. The Russians masterfully played their hand by invading Georgia at a time when they knew the US would really do nothing. Russia thinks they understand the United States. Russia is a quickly shrinking democracy. Russia can threaten, but the United States is committed to aiding, assisting and supporting Georgia now and in the near future. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Israel & Georgia
By Micah Halpern
Thursday August 14, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Israel anticipated the Russian-Georgia conflict late in 2007. Israel squelched an arms deal with Georgia. Russia took serious umbrage over the impending sale. Over the years, whenever Israel challenged Russia about selling weapons to Syria saying that those weapons would fall into the hands of terrorists the Russians would throw it back in the face of the Israelis. Israel stopped selling arms to Georgia. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Thursday August 14, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The United States holds no leverage over Russia in their conflict in Georgia. The bad guys, the rogue nations, can see how the United States has done nothing to aid a friend and to stop Russia. What can the United States do short of a military strike? The United States can stand on its head, but Russia will end this conflict when Russia wants it to end. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. THE WORST CASE SCENARIO
By Micah Halpern
Wednesday August 13, 2008 Column: The biggest military threat Israel faces is not Iran, the biggest threat is a combined attack against Israel involving Iran, Syria and Hezbollah. What we call in sports a pile on. I have been analyzing this potential threat for many months now. That specific attack is a worst case scenario - a coordinated effort during which Iranian, Syrian and Hezbollah missiles and rockets come pummeling into Israel all at the same time. The result would be more devastating than any war Israel has been involved in since the creation of the state. On Tuesday August 5, 2008 the Strategic Air Command in Israel conducted an exercise that precisely simulated my worst predictions and fears. The exercise was not intended to be kept a secret. It was made public and was filmed by Israel's Channel 10 News and reported on by the popular Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The exercise was an overwhelming success. Of course, certain elements will require tweaking but should Israel become the target of a three pronged attack by Iran, Syria and Hezbollah, Israel will mount a successful defense. Yes, the Israeli military will be able to defend the citizens of Israel in a worst case scenario attack. The further Israel gets from the worst case scenario, the fewer enemy players involved in the attack, the better the odds are for Israel. Fewer enemy nations translates into higher odds. How does Israel stay out of the worst case scenario? By managing their own three pronged, non-military, attack - threats, disincentives and classic cold war tactics. The ultimate objective is to frighten Israel's enemies and aggressors. Those countries intent on destroying Israel must know that if they were ever to attack Israel or join forces with Iran, Syria or Hezbollah in order to destroy Israel, their own potential for loss would be significantly greater than the internal, Muslim and Arab world glory they would gain for attacking the Zionist infidel state. The Arab world is struggling under the weight of a double message about Israel. Message one perpetuates the conspiracy theory of the greatness of Israel and Israel's military might. Message two speaks to a growing sense that Israel's army has faltered and its former glory is fast fading. Israel's military prowess and capability as proved by this latest exercise, combined with Israel's non-military actions, should set the record straight. Over the past year defense and strategy groups in Israel, Washington and London have spent a great deal of time debating Iran's potential for attacks and the West's ability to counter attacks. Some DC policy planners are of the opinion that Iran's capability is really irrelevant, that Iran will not take the initiative and initiate an attack. The thinking is that Iran has a thousand year history of non-aggression and that history is not about to be altered now. These same people assert that while the real fear is not an Iranian initiated attack, the real fear is an Iranian counter-attack. They are of the belief that if Iran is pushed, if Iran interprets Western actions as insults, that may well trigger what the Iranians will view as a counter attack. Is it a game of semantics? It is. Is it a game of perceptions? It is. Either way, it is a dangerous situation. Israel does not have the luxury of banking on a historical precedent. Semantics and perceptions are no longer relevant when an attack is launched. Israel must prepare for the worst possible scenario if only to repel the bluster that Iran is perpetually spouting. Iran is trying desperately to become the epicenter of the world. Iran wants all eyes on Iran. And that explains why, for example, in response to an ultimatum and deadline calling for Iran to cease and desist in the development of uranium the Iranians arrogantly, conceitedly and openly proclaimed that they had no plans of the sort. The Iranians were playing to the Muslim world. They were hoping to galvanize the Muslim world against the West under the leadership of Teheran. The head of the Iranian Revolutionary Mohammad Ali Jafari, held a press conference and announced that Iran had just tested a new anti-ship missile that could sink "enemy ships" at a range of more than 200 miles. http://www.nysun.com/foreign/iran-threatens-to-shut-strait-of-hormuz/83142 Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Humor at the Olympics
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 12, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Israeli Olympic swimmer Guy Barnea broke an Israeli record in his heats on Sunday. The swimmer thought it was a teammate imitating the president's very distinctive voice and cadence. After the confusion, they both had a good laugh. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
August 12, 2008 I'm Predicting: Relations between Russia and Georgia have been strained ever since the Soviet Union was taken apart. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union South Ossetia has been in Georgia, but South Ossetia has always wanted independence. In 1992 the Russians were appointed peacekeeping observers of Ossetia. They were there to maintain the status quo and to protect Ossetia from dominance by Georgia. The entire world ignored their call for independence - including Georgia. Russia will not back down until the Russian objective has been achieved. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. New Neo Nazis in Germany
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 11, 2008 I've Been Thinking: German police shut down an adventure camp near Rostock in Northern Germany on Sunday. The police sent 39 campers, children and teenagers, home. This should not come as a shock. The new Neo-Nazi movements are independent, but they have international support - especially internet and web support. Beware. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 11, 2008 I've Been Thinking: South Ossetia, Georgia and Russia. What a hornet's nest. The United States is preparing a resolution for the United Nations Security Council that will condemn Russia for its involvement in this conflict. Let me make it really simple: Then the situation began to escalate: Finally, Russia gives a damn about something other than money - but at what price? Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Iranians Shake Israeli's Hand
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 10, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The Olympics is about sports, about competition, about triumph and tears and about touching moments. The Iranians have put a damper on the games by insisting that no Iranians see, compete or touch an Israeli. But on Sunday Iran played Russia in basketball and Russia easily won 71-49. Blatt is one of the most popular identifiable Israelis in the world of sports. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 10, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Politicians come in all shapes and characters - seldom are they perfect. The NYTimes has a front page piece about McCain and his gold cell phone. Is that an imperfection or an attribute? Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. New Info From Gaza
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 9, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Remember the events of last week when internal tensions in Gaza forced Fatah members to bolt and seek refuge in Israel? Well yesterday the London based Arabic newspaper Al Hayat reported that Israel interrogated all the Fatah members before relocating them. Israel got up to the minute details of Hamas' capabilities and arms - it was all part of the deal that saved the Fatah clan. Israel has been out of Gaza for three years now, Fatah has been officially out for a year, but some small groups remained behind as a stronghold. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 9, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Campaigns sometimes allow a candidate to over-speak. So it is with John McCain when he condemned Russia for the aerial attack against Georgia. McCain was much more forceful than the White House in his criticism of Russia. As a candidate he does not have to weather a diplomatic storm or a backlash if his comments are too pointed. A president has people who compose statements and comments that send out a clear message that is also diplomatic - that is why it is called "the art of diplomacy." Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Iranian Diplomat in an Israeli Paper
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 8, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The press attache from the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Majid Bashtestani, granted an interview to an Israeli Arabic paper published in Nazareth. The official warned Israel not to attack saying: "If Israel were to do something stupid - it will face a shocking response the likes of which it has never encountered before." About Israel negotiating with Syria he said: "Syria has every right to regain its plundered land, the occupied Golan Heights, and therefore it has the right to negotiate and try to regain what belongs it." And about nuclear technology he said: "Iran will never fully give up on its rights, which are set in international law, granting it the right to possess nuclear power for peaceful purposes." While the fact that this interview even took place is significant, the interview itself was without significant insight. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 8, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The new CCN poll posted last night has the presidential race much tighter than one would think. Obama leads McCain 48 to 43 with 9% undecided and a 3% margin of error. It looked as if the race was Obama's to win, but that has changed. Now Obama is off on a long trip to Hawaii. He's hoping to "book 'em." Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. No Sanctions For Iran Yet
By Micah Halpern
Thursday August 7, 2008 I'm Predicting: A fourth round of sanctions against Iran will happen, but it will take some time. Churkin is suggesting that Iran has quite a bit of wiggle room. Put it all together and this is what you get: Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Thursday August 7, 2008 I'm Predicting: The main issue guiding the US election right now is the price of gas. Americans are visceral people. We are highly emotional and we have knee jerk reactions for our immediate needs and wants. And right now, Americans are ticked off at the pump. The candidates are trying to put together policy but they won't succeed because neither McCain nor Obama understands the real issue. It is very simple: The price of gas will not drop to what it was a year ago, but it will drop to about $100 a barrel and level off to about $100 - $110 per barrel. I know the candidates went to the best schools we have in the country, but it would have helped had they paid attention in Economics 101. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Israel Needs the Phalanx
By Micah Halpern
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Column Ehud Barak, Israel's Defense Minister, returned to Israel from a visit to Washington, D.C. In an almost revolving door scenario, Barak arrived on the coattails of Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel's Chief of Staff. They were there to talk about Iran. Iran has been the most important topic in every conversation between Israel and the United States for the past eighteen months. Iran is the most critical challenge to Israel and the most significant factor impacting the region. Iran is the most problematic force in the world today according to the thinking of the most powerful country in the world today, the United States of America. And then they discussed terror. They discussed Hamas and Hezbollah generated terror. They discussed the role of Iran in sponsoring the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations. Towards the end of that agenda item the United States and Israel probably shared insight and information on the status of world terror. Finally, they discussed the Palestinians and the inability of the Palestinians to reign in terror even in the West Bank, let alone in Gaza. Those were the discussions. Then came the crux of the visits. Then came the request. Ashkenazi and Barak came to ask the United States for help in putting a stop to the acts of almost daily terror Israel is subjected to by Hamas. They came to brainstorm and to investigate. Israel is thinking of either borrowing or purchasing an American made weapon called the Phalanx CIWS Cannon. CIWS stands for Close-in Weapons System. Both Barak and Ashkenazi are experienced in the military needs and demands of Israel. Like Ashkenazi, Barak once held the position of Israel's Chief of Staff. During his tenure as Israel's senior military official he was often touted as the most highly decorated officer in Israel's history. He was a prime minister once before and hopes to become his country's prime minister once again. In Israel right now defense officials are frowning on buying the Phalanx or any new military equipment, for that matter. They want to concentrate all their investment energy and resources in one direction. They want to complete development on their own, new, weapon - a weapon that will protect Israel and be available for export around the world. It is called the Iron Dome. The Iron Dome will probably meet all of Israel's expectations. The only thing the Iron Dome cannot meet is Israel's needs now. The Iron Dome system is not scheduled for completion until 2011. Israel needs help now. Actually, the city of Sderot, the city most in need of protection from the daily onslaught of missiles, needed protection yesterday and the day before that and the months and months before that. There is no doubt that the Phalanx will improve the defense of Sderot and of other communities that abut Gaza. But the Phalanx alone will not work. The Phalanx is nicknamed R-2 D-2 because it looks like the droid from Star Wars. This cannon system works like a hi-tech gatling gun. It shoots 3,000 to 4,500 twenty millimeter rounds a minute. It is designed to hit missiles and rockets and mortars that fly in low. Every United States Navy fighting ship is equipped with this system. The Phalanx uses two sets of radar, the first set tracks and the second, much more powerful and precise, guides the shot. There is also a Phalanx designed for the ground. If the Phalanx was used together with an advanced radar system the people of Sderot would be able to sleep quietly at night - in their own beds, not in shelters. If the Phalanx was in Israel today the entire country would be safer. If the Phalanx was in Israel today Hamas would be one large step further away from destroying the lives and weakening the morale of Israel's citizens. Buy it or borrow it. Go back to Washington. Israel needs protection now. And now, only the United States has the equipment capable of providing that protection. Some things are not worth waiting for. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Hamas Fatah Fighting in Gaza
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 5, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The conflict that took place this past weekend in Gaza is more significant than it at first appears. Hilless was the final group of Fatah-affiliated armed fighters in Gaza. It was the last military stand of Fatah in Gaza, but it is not the end. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Tuesday August 5, 2008 I've Been Thinking: The US is in the final stages of deciding whether to open an interest section in Iran. It is an official diplomatic posting and even though it is below the level of ambassador, an interest section is still a diplomatic presence. All of this leaves the presidential candidates in a strange limbo-like situation. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Arabs v Arabs in Gaza
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 4, 2008 I've Been Thinking: In Gaza over the weekend 11 people were killed, over 80 were wounded and 8 are in critical condition. The exchanges were co heavy and so heated that 188 Fatah members sought refuge in Israel. Both Egyptian and Palestinian representatives contacted Barak's office to make certain that these Fatah members would be permitted to enter Israel. 32 of the Fatah members returned to Gaza. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Monday August 4, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Let me put it bluntly: American voters do not cast their presidential vote because of the candidate's vice president. The biggest issue in choosing a running mate is finding someone who will work best with the presidential candidate. The current VP has reshaped the position, but believe me, that is only temporary. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Syrian Iran Nexus
By Micah Halpern
Sunday August 3, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Last week the Syrian Foreign Minister Wllid al Muallem visited Iran. Syria wants to be brought in from the frozen diplomatic tundra that they have been kept in by the United States and the West. Iran needs to make Syria understand how much there is to lose by abandoning Iran and embarking on a pro-Western joy ride. Assad must decide. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Nazi Hero?
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 2, 2008 I've Been Thinking: I was shocked to read of a funeral that took place in Croatia. The Nazis created a puppet state in Croatia and called it The Nazi Allied Ustasha Regime. Dinko Sakic was buried in his Ustasha uniform. Dinko Sakic was a mass murdered. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Saturday August 2, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Of course race is an issue in this election. The first black candidate with a real shot at the title is running against a white bread American. The biggest question of the election is the race question: If the Barack campaign can answer that question then the campaign pollster can actually create a poll which has some real veracity. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Polls Are Tricky
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 1, 2008 I've Been Thinking: Olmert made his announcement, now the pollsters take over. According to a poll taken yesterday and released this morning: That means several things: There are a lot of "if"s in this poll. So let's wait and see. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. About Politics
By Micah Halpern
Friday August 1, 2008 I've Been Thinking: It was nothing short of thrilling to hear yesterday's announcements that both parties were taking their electioneering up a notch. Things have been pretty slow - make that boring - until now. Politics is a rock 'um sock 'um game. Read my new book THUGS. It's easy. Just click. Powered by Movable Type Site design by Sekimori
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