It is mind-boggling to think that the US military’s pier in Gaza is going to cost a whopping $320 million and involve about 1,000 US service members. When I first heard about this project, I couldn’t help but question the rationale behind such a significant investment in an area that seems to be fraught with complexities and potential dangers. The fact that Hamas even mortared the site over the weekend speaks volumes about the challenges and risks involved in providing aid to the Palestinians.
The senior Biden administration official’s statement about humanitarian aid needing to pass through Israeli checkpoints on land, despite already being inspected by Israel in Cyprus, raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of this operation.… Continue reading
In a world where conflicts seem never-ending and aid delivery is far from simple, the recent news of the US building a floating base off the Gaza coast to boost aid is a perplexing development. The concept of a floating dock for humanitarian aid in Gaza feels like a page out of a history book, reminiscent of the Mulberry Harbors used during World War II. The U.N. official’s notion of dividing the port into three zones controlled by various entities, raises questions about the nature of aid delivery and control in the region.
The idea that the pier will be operational by early May without any US boots on the ground in Gaza highlights a cautious approach by the Biden administration.… Continue reading
Biden has just signed a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The speed at which this aid package was approved and signed seems to suggest that the US Military/Pentagon had everything ready to go at a moment’s notice. The package includes a significant amount of re-supply and ammunition, which can be quickly dispatched to the regions in need. While Russia may dismiss this aid as useless, it is clear that the sheer magnitude of this assistance rivals Russia’s yearly defense budget.
It is interesting to note the inclusion of a TikTok ban in this bill.… Continue reading
This recent news about Israel blasting the UN for excluding Hamas from the sexual violence blacklist has left me feeling disturbed and frustrated. When I think of the atrocities that have taken place in Gaza, it’s hard to comprehend how Hamas could be left off such a list. The reports of sexual assaults, rapes, and killings that have been documented seem undeniable. The fact that Israel even went so far as to show UN officials videos of these horrifying acts speaks volumes.
The UN’s decision to exclude Hamas due to a lack of credible evidence is perplexing at best. How much evidence is needed to recognize the heinous crimes that have been committed?… Continue reading
It’s truly disheartening to see the current stance that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken in regard to rejecting any potential US sanctions on specific army units. The fact that Netanyahu is willing to flat out refuse any repercussions for army units involved in gross human rights violations is not only alarming but also sets a dangerous precedent.
The Leahy Law, established in 1997 by then-Senator Patrick Leahy, aims to prevent US funding or training from being utilized by foreign military units involved in severe human rights abuses. The fact that the Netzah Yehuda battalion, an ultra-orthodox Haredi unit, has come under scrutiny for allegations of unaddressed human rights violations should be cause for concern, not outright denial.… Continue reading
The recent revelation from Bloomberg regarding the elimination of the entire IRGC command wing in Syria through an Israeli strike has sparked a wave of reactions and responses across various platforms. The attack, which took place at the Iranian consulate in Damascus, resulted in the deaths of prominent IRGC generals like Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Rahimi. These officers, who believed the consulate was a safe location, were taken by surprise by the Israeli strike.
The aftermath of this attack has raised questions about the involvement of Syrian intelligence in enabling the operation through espionage. It has also led to suspicions of high-level Syrian political cover-ups in previous assassinations of IRGC personnel.… Continue reading
The news of Israel carrying out a strike inside Iran, as reported by a US official to CNN, has stirred up a lot of speculation and discussion. Reports of explosions near a military base in Isfahan, where fighter jets are located, have raised eyebrows and created a sense of tension in the region.
Iranian semi-official FARS news reported that the defense system was activated in response to a potential drone threat, adding to the intrigue surrounding the incident. Israel had reportedly informed the US of its plans to retaliate against Iran, setting the stage for the recent events.
It is interesting to note that the US did not endorse or green light the attack, suggesting a level of complexity and nuance in the relationships between these countries.… Continue reading
The United States’ decision to oppose the Palestinian bid for full UN membership comes as no surprise, given the current state of affairs within Palestine. It is quite evident that the most expeditious path toward statehood for the Palestinian people is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with the backing of the United States and other partners. In order for Palestine to even be considered for full UN membership, it is imperative that they establish a legitimate government that is not a front for a band of violent extremists. The UN cannot afford to have another terrorist faction as a member, as it would only further destabilize the already volatile situation in the region.… Continue reading
As I deeply reflect on the recent news of Google firing 28 employees for protesting the Israel cloud deal, I can’t help but consider the complexities of the situation. On one hand, protesting is a fundamental right in a democratic society, and standing up for what you believe in is commendable. However, the manner in which these employees chose to protest, by disrupting work, entering the CEO’s office, and trespassing on private property, raises questions about the appropriateness of their actions.
While I may not have a stake in the Israel/Palestine conflict, I can appreciate the passion these employees felt for their cause.… Continue reading
Explosions heard in Isfahan, the home of Iran’s largest nuclear facility, along with simultaneous strikes on targets in Syria and Iraq. The news of airstrikes targeting air bases in Syria, including radar and air defense sites, as well as reports of explosions in Iran, has sparked curiosity and concern. The idea that Israel may have eliminated Iran’s aerial defense layer, potentially paving the way for further actions, raises the stakes in an already volatile region.
Iran’s response, or lack thereof, to these reported explosions is telling. Claiming that the explosions were just air defense firing at an unknown object seems like a strategic move to downplay the severity of the situation.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker