Counterterrorism expert Philip Giraldi refutes the claims made by Sec’y of State Mike Pompeo about Iran, Syria, Yemen, Gaza etc. during Pompeo’s whirlwind visit to the Middle East
Israel’s callous disregard for Palestinian freedom to worship grows even more brazen than usual this Easter, adding to an already long list of human rights abuses. It’s business as usual under occupation.
The place where Christianity was born is defiled by a brutal military occupation that has turned a beautiful, very special historic region, precious to three religions, into a swamp of racial hatred resulting in unspeakable crimes against the indigenous population… In Britain the usual suspects again tried to destabilize Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and damage his prospects of becoming prime minister by firing another ‘anti-Semitism’ broadside…
Richard Falk discusses critical Middle East topics, including the legality of Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem, Iran and Trump’s “special relationships” with Israel and Saudi Arabia, the future of Syria, and hope for justice in Israel-Palestine.
President Trump’s “ultimate deal” is said to be nearly ready for unveiling, but will Palestinians even look at it? The climate is not conducive to success, with Palestinians in boycott mode, Netanyahu looking at fraud charges, Kushner on shaky ground, and Trump himself already busy with North Korea.
Israel’s army has reached a level at which it can do no wrong. The “most moral army in the world,” worshiped and exceptional, is in a place in which anti-Arab racism is so normal that it has become invisible (at least to itself), and this has put the IDF in a very precarious position indeed.
Trump has now put Operation Jerusalem Embassy into hyperdrive: it should open May 15, 2018 – the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel (known to Palestinians as “Nakba Day” – The Catastrophe). Billionaire Sheldon Adelson appears ready to help bankroll the project (although this may be illegal). JTA’s editor satirizes the “The Sheldon & Miriam Adelson Embassy,” featuring on-site catering…
Israel has been outsmarting the West, says Israeli economist Shir Hever, making a profit on the occupation instead of paying its bills. The international community has so incentivized the occupation, that Israelis – not Palestinians – have become “the most aid-dependent people in the world.”
Israel has begun to tax churches and UN properties in occupied East Jerusalem – reversing a policy that has been in place since 1967. (This will not apply to buildings used for worship.) The government imposed restrictions on the bank accounts of evangelical, Armenian and Roman churches on the grounds of non-payment of property taxes. Trump’s decision last month to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has encouraged the Israeli government to annex large swathes of the city and force its laws on it…
Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian protesters and injured 767… Trump signed waiver to postpone moving embassy, just like previous presidents (see video)…. Original legislation to move US embassy was passed with bipartisan support, including Biden, Kerry, etc… JTA says all major mainstream Jewish groups support Trump announcement, some smaller ones oppose the timing… This post will be UPDATED as events occur…