More than 18,000 rockets have been fired on Israel by terrorist Hamas in the last week. That is not an accident. It is provocation. The only question is – who pushed that button? Knowing Israel defends itself, who wants conflict? Candidates are several. Implications are profound, identifiable, and dangerous. The world is edging toward a major war.
Understanding what is happening is the only way to confront those pushing war – and stop it. Mainstream media say the attack is just a resurgent Israeli-Palestinian conflict over East Jerusalem. That is shallow. Larger forces are at play.
Gaza, controlled by Hamas since the 2007 coup, is the source of the missiles, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad claiming credit. But to stop there is naïve. The source of this attack is the confluence of other moving parts – geopolitical influences that need to be candidly confronted by the Biden Administration.
First, within the Middle East, Iran is the preeminent spoiler, top terror sponsor, and sworn enemy of Western values. Iran is looking for distractions, a way to complete nuclear weapons, then take whole nations hostage, empowering radical Islam.
Iran is also desperate to break the pro-peace momentum created by President Trump through bilateral deals with Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, and progress with Oman, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia. Peace in the Middle East – centered on bilateral deals with Israel – would isolate Iran. See, e.g., https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-middle-east-peace-deals-what-to-know.
Iran is tightly tied – financially, strategically, and operationally – to anti-Western terror, including Hamas. While Biden negotiates with Iran in Vienna, Iran supports attacks by Hamas on US ally Israel.
Accordingly, the US should suspend the Vienna talks, affirm Trump’s sanctions will stay in place, and rally Europeans to the cause. This should end the folly of buying a non-nuclear Iran with US tax dollars – never going to happen. Iran does not want peace. Moreover, the Iranian people will trade sanctions for freedom. See, e.g., https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iranians-to-the-biden-administration-do-not-lift-sanctions-on-iran-opinion/ar-BB1gJi72?ocid=uxbndlbing.
But Iran is not the only reason Israel is under attack. A second reason is opportunism, the global grasp – by allies and adversaries – that Biden-Harris is weak, ill-prepared, ideologically divided, a US administration with no coherent foreign or national security strategy, more about appeasement than deterrence, unclear about geopolitical threats, and ripe for routing.
Third, China is deeply involved in the Middle East, beginning with Iran. China sees the world as a zero-sum game and wants to win. The more Western values are under attack, the greater China’s opportunity to strike while the iron is hot. China has no love for Israel or the values of democracy.
More urgently, China knows that if the US is engaged in defending Israel – if war widens – the moment is perfect to overrun Taiwan, ending 70 years of democracy and independence in that country, sweeping it into Communist China’s cave, as China is doing with Hong Kong.
China surely sees other opportunities if the Middle East explodes – a chance to take the Spratly Islands, decisively ending territorial disputes with Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, perhaps also the Senkaku islands near Japan. Nor would they stop there. China has eyes on multiple continents. See, e.g., https://airpowerasia.com/2020/07/06/chinas-serious-border-disputes-with-most-neighbours-unilateral-approach-india-the-bulwark-comprehensive-story/; https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/20/asia/china-japan-islands-dispute-hnk-intl/index.html.
Russia also is an opportunist, whether complicit in the attacks on Israel. In the Middle East, instability helps Russia, which hopes to supplant the US – and Western values – across the region, partnering with Iran, Syria, Libya, Egypt, select Gulf States, and Afghanistan. When the US pulls back, it goes weak – Russia is there. See, e.g., https://www.jpost.com/international/russias-role-in-middle-east-concerning-for-israel-and-us-667303.
Russia gains in other ways from war, isolating Israel and distracting the US. Russian troops are now massed on the border of Ukraine, contiguous with Eastern Europe, in numbers never seen before. Those troops are not sightseers, nor are others a threat to Russia. So, why are they there? Waiting – for their moment. See, e.g.,https://www.voanews.com/europe/eu-russian-troop-buildup-along-ukraine-crimea-highest-ever#:~:text=PARIS%20-%20The%20European%20Union%20says%20roughly%20150%2C000,Ukraine%20border%20and%20annexed%20Crimea%20as%20very%20worrying ; https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/05/us/politics/biden-putin-russia-ukraine.html.
Finally – most dangerously – provoking war in the Middle East forces a “support-or-abandon” decision by Biden with respect to Israel. That turn may have origins closer to home. Parts of the Administration and the anti-Israel, pro-Islamic Democratic Party would welcome the abandonment of Israel.
While this is hard to conceive – a shift of this magnitude within the Democratic Party – it is hard to deny. Just as portions of the Democratic Party shifted left to centralized government, the opposition of First, Second, and Tenth Amendment rights and alienates blue collar and minority supporters, they are shifting on foreign affairs.
Reality is that a non-trivial part of the Democratic Party is now actively anti-Israel, pro-Islamic thinking, at least in the Middle East, and seems unmoved by the prospect of terrorists overrunning Israel. This leads one to wonder – the way John Kerry secretly briefed Iran – what is going on? See, e.g., https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrats-divided-israel-hamas-biden-ocasio-cortez-ilhan-omar.
Voices that should be standing up for Israel in this White House and Congress – are not. This is shocking, given the history of Israel, our alliance, their cultural past, the importance of the Holy Land to Americans, and the nation’s physical isolation. Where is Biden? Harris? Schumer? Pelosi? Where is the counterforce within the Democratic Party saying to their radical left “stop the madness, sit down, … Western values, Israel’s existence, role in the world, defense of stability is essential”? Nowhere. Why?
Bottom line: International relations, like nature, abhors a vacuum. If no one in the Biden White House steps up, steps in, squares away this potentially devastating – lose-lose – situation in the Middle East, war will widen. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Iran, China, Russia, and some in an out-of-sync Democratic Party will celebrate. America, Europe, democracies around the world – including Israel – will lose if that happens. Biden-Harris – and all responsible Americans – should be defending Israel, period.
Robert Charles makes excellent, valid points in support of Israel. Unfortunately, no one in the Biden Administration is echoing his viewpoint. Biden has surrounded himself with Obama-era leftovers who are largely blind to the danger of the widening violence within Israel; who are more inclined to embrace appeasement of the Palestinians, as Barack Obama had done during his presidency; and worse, will do everything they can to urge Biden not to come to Israel’s defense. The Biden State Department is reportedly top-heavy with folks who are not exactly fans of Israel and who are actively engaged in seeking a renewal of the Iran Nuclear Agreement — a bad foreign policy shift which can only result in horrific consequences for Israel and the world. To ask Biden to step up and support Israel in the face of on-going rocket attacks from Hamas is rather like asking a fox to guard the henhouse.
Perhaps we should take the Obama approach and send planes filled with items to every tarmac in Iran. The items are not the same as what Obama sent. Fill in the blanks yourself on this!
Seeds for Ez 38 Nuclear War 1?? See OT Bible
Iran is trying to see how far they can push illegitimate Biden to find out how much he wants to get back into a deal with them.
The cowards in the Commie Biden Administration don’t want to defend Israel. They take their orders from their master CCP. Mr. Charles dissertation goes nowhere.
Everyday I hear someone say that something should be done about keeping the peace for Israel and defending America from the likes of China, Russia, Iran, Syria, etc. and this is well and good, but no one is doing anything about these things. I know that we must elect good Republicans and take back the House and enlarge the majority in the Senate in 2022, but what about now? I am not advocating anything illegal happening, but where are the delegations of people marching on Washington to protest their actions on this or any of the other terrible policies they are advocating? Right now, I am so angry, but at 80 years of age and being a woman, there is not much I can do to change things except at the voting booth.
A very gloomy assessment indeed.
The key phrase for me: ” the weak and ill-prepared Biden-Harris administration”. Everything proceeds from that. (Spoiler alert: I voted for Joe. (One of my recurring fits of mad cow disease).
Israel is the only entity in that part of the world that can be called a democracy, surrounded by neighbors who would like nothing more than to push the Israelis into the Mediterranean, after slitting their throats.
We must support our only friend in that part of the world.
Sorry Joe. Sitting around the campfire singing happy songs won’t work.
Temporizing with bad actors like Hamas, Iran, China, Russia will only get your *ss in a sling.
Muslim loving “Democrats” who hate Jews AND Christians WOULD LOVE to have America abandon Israel so that it would be isolated and then more easily destroyed! … Israel is NOT the enemy here, it’s the “newly” empowered far left wing of what’s left of the so-called Democratic Party! … My mother must be rolling over in her grave seeing what’s become of “her” Democratic Party that supposedly protects the Middle Class. My mother’s father lost most of his wealth and property in escaping Communist Russia to come to America. After all, there is NO MIDDLE CLASS in Socialism/Communism, ONLY Rich and Poor with the Poor being 98% of the population. The so-called “Democrats” DON’T WANT TO SERVE the people, THEY WANT TO RULE the people!
Be prepared America, the fight IS going to escalate sooner than later.
Iran is the preeminent spoiler, top terror sponsor? That’s a correct statement, but if the United States did not and would not continue giving billions of taxpayers money and aid in the form of a new nuclear deal, I seriously doubt any of this would be happening.
It appears to me that we give the Iranians money, they give the money and or weapons to Hamas and Hamas gives Israel hell via rockets sent across the border.
If we are so STUPID as to give are enemies billions of dollars in hopes that they will be friendly towards us, then we deserve everything that happens.
Iran has been at war with us ever since the seventies, were just too ignorant to realize it.
It’s no secret this administration is being tested and found wanting. More grotesque is the fact that Joe Biden was once chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. That’s akin to you asking me to perform delicate neurosurgery on you because I had a biology course in school.
Dilettantism in the Oval Office is scary.
Iran continues to be a trouble maker fueled with religious fanaticism. It’s about time for Israel and allies to give them a large dose of the terror and harm they are giving out by taking some of it on their own homeland. It seems that the Iranian brand of Islam wants to convince other Muslims that their brand of Islam (Shia) is better because it fights the Jews more vigouously. The gap of tolerance between the two competing Sunni and Shia Islamic factions has for many, many years (centuries) has created havoc that extends even past their boundaries to the point it often serves as a distraction for other foreign political ambitions held by hostile other governments worldwide. We may as a world wide consensus have reached a point to stand back and let the Israelis solve the rancor by whatever military means available.
Your comments are spot on. There will never again be peace in the Middle East because the US is imploding upon itself and the Left is becoming more and more anti-Israel, With this is mind we know that the Judeo-Christian value system is no longer the driving force of America. Good riddens to it. Once America loses its value system there is no America to defend Israel let alone America itself.
Evening news show has our ‘fearless leader’ driving a truck; as a promotional for new ‘alternative fuel’ trucks. However, isn’t it more relevant for our newly placed leader, to show some leadership ability; especially in the ‘Middle East’? Disappointed at best, with this ‘comic book’ regime.
Leading up to World War II, appeasement by the English and French governments making concessions to Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy was tried and failed miserably to bring peace. WWII was the result.
So, here we go again! The Demshevik idiots must never have studied world history of the 1930s and 1940s, because if they had, then the actions (actually, LACK of actions) being taken now would not be considered at all, much less unfolding as they appear to be. In fact, if they were doing it right, they would be firmly continuing the foreign policies of President Trump, and extending and reinforcing them even further to “tighten up” even more on our adversaries. It is obvious, even to the most casual observer, that President Trump’s foreign policy efforts were right on target and paying huge dividends, not only for America but also for the world as a whole.
The U.S. as a nation desires peace in the world, prosperity for all, and especially freedom for every individual, among other ideals. Unfortunately, there are factions out in the world who have an ideology that is at odds with our world view. These bad actors have a fixation on their own parochial interests, whether it be religious, political or economic. Their “subjective reality” is often rife with abject ignorance, manifesting extreme tunnel vision, and oblivious to the larger view of the world and what is best for it – in other words, dysfunctional in itself and dystopian in its results if ever implemented.
Unfortunately, our nation is stuck for four years with the Demshevik hordes destroying our nation and appeasing the bad actors out there in the world. Will this lead to war? Probably, unless these idiots wake up and start to turn things around sooner, rather than later. In any event, it will probably take the 2024 election to return a Republican to the White House so that our nation can turn things around again as President Trump did during his four years in office.
It would be both refreshing and reassuring to have President Trump returned to the White House in 2025. Unfortunately, it would probably take him a year or two to “undo” as much of the harm that the Demsheviks perpetrated against our nation during their four-year tenure. But, then again, better late than never! MAGA!
We should not be supporting Zionist Terrorists. IsreaHell is every bit to blame as Hamas.
Expectations of the O’Biden administration are not too high. Just do what is right to show the world that the United States knows what it is doing. But no….the Marist Democrats have opened the US to countless conflicts because of the poor messaging from the White House. This situation has put Israel and our own country at risk. Don’t negotiate with terrorists, period. Don’t lift sanctions on Iran, or coddle with China. This hatred toward America is interwoven within all of these despicable regimes. Where is the Democratic leadership on protecting the interests of the United States? Americans need to understand all of these issues before going to the polls. A weak foreign policy does nothing for the United States, but the Marxist Democrats stand idle during a time where leadership is crucial. O’Biden and his administration are failing miserably, and the voters will send them packing at the very first opportunity.
We must support Israel. Lord, please be with what is happening there.
“Biden-Harris – and all responsible Americans – should be defending Israel, period.”
In Biden’s entire political career he’s never had one good foreign policy idea. His stupidity continues. Biden/Harris, and his administration are not ready for “prime time.” Most Americans knew this and voted for President Trump in far greater numbers than Biden/Harris. The demonrats knew this would be so. Therefore, they spent months organizing the conspiratorial Coup D’état theft of the 2020 Presidential election.
he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Thank you for this very clear report. We will pray and share this information with others.
America has a dumb@$$ liar impersonating a US President. America is once again the laughing stock for the entire world !!!!
Our government is an embarrassment and a joke. If biden refuses to assist Israel, a long time ally , then he should be impeached.
Concise analysis of the situation written by Amac, but the content of what is being described is not surprising at all. This is ‘Obama’s third term’ in full display. Anti-Israel, pro-Hamas, Iran and China are all so predictable and worn out. We have been down this road every time a Marxist Democrat has been in power. Foreign policy has become so anti-American by these people they have become a real irritation to freedom loving Americans.
DIIMs support illegals over US citizens, abortionists over innocent babies, lazy bums over hard-workers, and Hamas/Hezbollah terrorists over innocent Israelis. Why would any RESPONSIBLE American vote DIMM?
chinajoe and cameltoe should be impeached for not supporting ISREAL, thier inactions in this area of the world are directly responsible for the terror attacks against ISREAL, ATTACKS THAT WIL NOT STOP THERE!! terror attacks will begin worldwide again and it will be far worse than before, because our enemies, china, russia, iran, north korea will all be pushing for more attacks behind the scenes like they have always done, at the same time they buy our corrupt and greedy politicians with small bundles of money ( counterfiet) printed in china, when AMERICA FALLS, THEY WILL BE IN FOR A BIG SURPRIZE!!! THEY WILL IN FACT BE THE POOREST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET!!!!
He can’t even defend his own dumb ass.
You can’t just impeach Biden. All of the top communists must go or it won’t stop. Harris, Pelosi, and Schumer at the minimum must be removed from office. They are obviously driven to destroy this country. More than grounds for impeachment, but someone must have the guts to stand up to them and make it happen. If not, then kiss it all goodbye.
I can’t believe people in this country are stupid enough to vote for them. People just believe the communists truly want to take care of them. They don’t believe the present administration has the destruction of our country solid in their minds
We must stand with Israel!
BIBI wipe them off the earth no loss.
Amen Amen Amen. Perhaps if Joey would stop using his sippy cup and hiding he might (repeat might) surmise he has something that needs to be done.
Of course, we need to pray for and stand with Israel,but we absolutely must recognize there is a significantly greater existential danger to America posed by the anti-semetic rhetoric of members of our own U.S. Congress. Who’s voting for these people??
This current situation is partly Biden’s fault. He sent money to the Palestinians without caring where it went. Hamas saw the weakness and took advantage of it.
Congratulations Biden and cohorts. You are really creating havoc. I hope you enjoy the rest of your so-called presidency. It may not last until 2024 if you don’t smarten up. We must defend Israel. This is God’s country. Will you be ready to face Him?
The book of Revelation is being fulfilled right before our eyes. Are you ready?
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you have said, but you’re preaching to the choir. The one thing I don’t agree with is the fact that to many of you journalists out there keep calling them the “Democratic” party, when there is nothing democratic about that party. There’s not a “democratic” bone in their body, it is the “Democrat-Socialist” party, that we all know and dislike The only thing that keeps me sane, is knowing that our Almighty GOD and Creator is in charge and has allowed these “bad actors” here and around the world to be in power. God Bless America! he’s the only One who can.
One thing we can do that will help Israel in its defense … STOP dropping pallets of millions of dollars on the Iranian tarmac!
I am so glad that God prodded me to assist Israel on a regular basis several years ago. I promised him that I would send a fixed amount every month, no matter what I thought I could afford. He has taken care of my needs through some difficult times, including the pandemic while I kept my promise to Israel even as I was living on $1,020 a month.
The sad thing for US is that “Hamas” has representation in our Congress because Pelosi is a weak leader. She is afraid of a small group of far far left. This small group is looking for the destruction of Israel and pretty sure we will see them on the streets of our country with their loud voices; causing chaos and confusion and the criminals will follow them because that is how they get attention. Prepare for a fight pray, pray, pray and help the Israelis because that territory was given to them by God thousand of years ago. There is no time for wishy washy minds now. Shalom, Shalom.
Just do not believe the liberal left understands that Israel is the only stable country in the middle east. Along with the importance they hold in history. Idiots need to do some homework.