Frankly I cannot recall any recent President and his administration that has handled foreign affairs and conflicts better than the Biden Administration. If there ever were a person who symbolized and demonstrated what a President of the United States should act and be like than President Biden is the gold standard. Imagine the mess we would be in and the world if Trump and his side kicks General Flynn and his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were running the show. I didn’t think the average American voter grasps the effort and skill being demonstrated by the Biden Administration along with the courage to visit Israel at this time. This is what a real leader looks like and let’s hope the world, the media and the voters all appreciate what is being done. The contrasts between President Biden and Trump are stark and overwhelming. I hope Americans are watching.
I just wish to add watching closely the actions, efforts, and statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Blinkin how proud I am of them and to be a Democrat supporting them.
It is so surprising to me how many American's support the US response to Ukraine or Israel but still think that Biden's handling of it isn't that great. There is a huge disconnect there, and I agree, he has helped restore credibility on the world stage, rebuild relationships and our allies trust us again. It's great to watch. Blinkin is also awesome.
Whether or not one believes in the traditional concept of "prayer," I want to invite everyone in our community to take a moment to hold President Biden, Sec'y Blinkin and whoever of their administration is joining them in a positive energy.
Here's a suggestion:
May President Biden, Sec'y Blinking and staff be safe in their travels.
May they be supported in their efforts to limit the harm and spread of war.
May they be successful in reaching minds and hearts to choose peace, justice and the rule of law..
It's hard to conceive of the level of bullying and threats Jordan's cadres have been raining down on moderate Republicans who see Jordan for the immoral blow-hard he is. No bills passed. No subpoenas honored. Fox Superstar. Trump toady. A total Trump wannabe without the rich Daddy. The rational middle-of-the-road Republicans have been cowed by very real threats that their committee assignments will be no more and their fund-raising will be dis-abled. I fear for the GOP and the future of the country. Trump's malign influence is Un-American.
I do not want to sound like an alarmist but I see a 5-alarm fire with Jordan as the Speaker.He has made no secret that he wants the government to shut down in November and I fear, once this is done, it may take some time to get it reopened.I live in Ohio where a lot of our local news channels are normalizing him when he is anything but normal.Second in line for the presidency should scare the bejesus out of us.
He strikes me as Trump without the deep pockets. I don’t understand why Ohios 4th keeps returning him. He hasn’t initiated one piece of legislation. Though he’s voted against plenty. Putins now best friend in congress
Without question, Trump’s “malign influence is unAmerican” and criminal as has been just about every action he has taken. The man is pure evil and he has only one intention; to avoid accountability at all costs.
And the costs to every single American beyond his door are, to him, of no consequence. We must stop him by voting in 2023 & 2024 only for candidates who stand for U.S. democracy.
As for Jim Jordan becoming speaker. “Should” that come to pass it will be another clear indication that the Republican Party has NO moral compass or backbone to stand against DJT.
I just don’t know if I can live through another year of this crappy playground bullying, much less 4 years. I am concerned the pendulum has swung too far.
I feel slashing wrists and a warm bath on the horizon.
There are no more republicans now, there are only MAGAs. Not a single spine amongst them to vote for the good of the country and support Jeffries and it's less because he's a democrat and A LOT because he's Black.
So, The News Hour interviewed a Texas republican last night, someone who did not recognize that Biden won the election, regarding the second failure of Jordan to be elected Speaker. The Rep from Texas said that he really wanted McCarthy and that is was the Democrats fault he was remove from the Speaker's role. When it ws pointed out that it was Matt Gaetz who instigated McCarthy's removal the guy said, no it was 208 votes by the Democrats. He must have said that at least 4 times during the interview. They will never change. Vote them Out!!
They get their talking points each morning in a text or email. The question I have have is: from whom do the talking points come? Is it Jordan? Is Fox, is it the RNC, is it Steve Bannon? Is it Trump? Is it Matt Gaetz or MTG (imagine those two as "thought-leaders"???) The cast of horribles is long.
That helps me understand their intractible B.S.'ing. Their own little "Axis of Evil." It does bother me that so many R's seem to have caved ino bullying and threats of primarying them.. How can they legislate and govern when they fear confrontation and truth?
First of all, I am thrilled that we have President Biden leading our foreign affairs. The damage done by his predecessor is incalculable, and is responsible for much of the global turmoil we now face. It's one thing to have to deal with such things that naturally evolve. It's quite another to have to clean up a colossal mess left behind as well.
Second of all, today's vote in the House will be very consequential, one way or the other. If Jordan somehow cobbles together the votes he needs, we're in for a very bumpy ride. My new mantra: We need a SPEAKER, not a FOGHORN!
I just hope 20 Nays are his high water mark when they do it again tomorrow. My prediction, for what it's worth, is that he'll lose one more time tomorrow, then withdraw. Then I think they'll vote for a 30 day limited engagement for McHenry. During that time, they'll get a shellacking (I hope) in the election and decide that it's time to actually govern, which they can only do if they form some sort of coalition with the Democrats. I don't expect them to cede much ground, but some.
May I commend to your listening an expression of the real pain, sorrow, and anguish recent events have instigated, as well as deeply inspired words of hope and vision that are provided by Rabbi Sharon Brous, of IKAR - "a post-denominational Jewish congregation and community founded in Los Angeles" - who speaks to...well, I will let you decide for yourselves. Suffice to say, her sermon is filled with love, compassion and forgiveness. A necessary context for humanity's progress.
Unfortunately the Hamas attack has us buried in the weeds of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That is a local political issue which will be settled once the Palestinian leadership understands that they can’t expect better terms after every loss. The best deal they were offered was right after Israel was recognized in 1948. Every offer after that has been worse because the Palestinians and Arabs have continually lost every battle. The PLO leader Abbas should take what he can get now and move on. It’s not going to get better. It also has to be recognized that the US support of Israel is strictly grounded in our national interest, as it always has been. In 1948 recognizing Israel not only assuaged our guilt for not helping Jews escape Nazi terror. Support for Israel was a way to establish a strong ally among the sea of Arab countries who had chosen the Nazi side in WW2 and who controlled the energy supply in the Middle East. Now we are trying to establish a trade corridor from India through Saudi Arabia and then through Israel to Europe. That is in our national interest and that policy is keeping us supporting Israel strongly. We can’t let Israel shoot itself in the foot by exacting retribution from the women and children of Gaza with an IDF invasion. We have to patch up the Israeli-Saudi budding relationship which has been temporarily obstructed by the Hamas attack. In addition a widening of the conflict will only further obstruct the relationship we seek to encourage. Biden is doing exactly what he can by urging caution and by going into the region to speak not only to Israel but to the leaders of the Saudis, Jordan, Qatar, Europe and Abbas. For an 80 year old guy he’s got his head on straight. .
I know this is going to sound ignorant but would you kindly indulge me:
How do the Arab countries feel about Hamas? Do they deep down inside want this terror? I know you say the sea of Arab countries took the Nazi side in WW2. Fast forward to Biden working on the trade route. How do all these countries Saudis, Jordan, Qatar… United Emirates – how do those countries feel about Hamas? Who, beside a considerable portion of Palestinians, actually support Hamas?
Here's an answer to your question: today, King Abdullah of Jordan said that neither Jordan nor Egypt would take Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He called it a "red line."
Hamas is a tool of the Iranians, so most of the Arab states are not thrilled about them.
For years the governments used the Palestinians as a distraction -- unhappy about corruption in Egypt? But look! Look at the poor Palestinians!
But now, as per George's point, they are sick of the Palestinians and their complete lack of a reality check. They've been offered so many deals and won't take any of them. They are a financial, emotional and military drain on the Arab states.
When I say "they" I mean the governments. Support for Hamas on the Arab "street" seems to remain pertty strong.
I hope he's thought about who would be President should something happen to him over there and what the country's reaction to that change would be. Thank goodness I've been surprised before because being surprised would be my only hope.
First, and commenting on the last paragraphs, the problem with Biden’s competence in this is that the Republican voters and voters leaning that way don’t read any of this. How do we overcome their ignorance and refusal to be informed and look at the facts? Instead they choose to lemmings in search of an ocean.
Second, someone explain to me why Egypt is refusing to open its border to fleeing Palestinians. Aren’t both Islamic nations?
Third, someone needs to point out that our border concerns are repeated throughout the world now. It’s roots causes are Right Wing dictatorships taking control of nations and climate change exacerbated by these dictators refusing to address it and its effects on the lesser of their peoples.
Hamas is a creation of the Muslim Brotherhood - an entity that Egypt's current regime hates and fears. So Egypt appears to be heartless, but in some ways they are just protecting themselves from terrorists.
And Islam is as diverse as Christianity. Just as Americans who pose as followers of Christ and readily want to kill others, so does some of the Muslim world use Allah as an excuse. Would an Arkansas White Nationalist Nazi Christian be welcome in a liberal Democrats Boston Catholic home? Sorry for the nasty references. But we do have our own version Hamas and Taliban in the good old US of A.
That being said, with UN help, I don't see why Egypt couldn't do a lot more. Maybe they will.
I agree with your analogy and your reasons for Egypt’s reluctance. They’ve had their own hell to deal with and they’re having a period of peace and prosperity now that they don’t want to interrupt. Who can blame them? But the Palestinians are in an absolutely desperate situation, so I hope that Biden’s presence in the Middle East will help to open some doors to relief for these poor souls.
I've said 100s of times, if ISIS were on our borders and attacked the U.S. the same people condemning Israel would be screaming for our government to protect us and strike back. The hypocrisy and those who hate Jewish people is astounding.
To your second question, I heard yesterday that Egypt's resistance is due to a concern that HAMAS agents could hide among the refugees and unite with associates in Egypt. Sounds plausible, but perhaps women, children, infirm, and elderly could be allowed in. Of course, that's no guarantee, and poses problems with family separations, but at least it would help.
There is one reason why the 24 other Muslim countries don't help Palestinians, they don't see them as human or deserving of help. I've never understood it. My heart breaks for innocent people, but I live in NYC and there continue to be pro-palestinian rallies calling for death to Israel and Jewish people. Ironically they have the right to do this in public because of free speech, something they wouldn't be able to do in other countries. As a 50+ year old Jew, I have NEVER wished death to anyone.
It seems our reality is that 21st Century global conditions call for a much stronger, well defined, and disciplined global governance. Yet, we watch the egos of leaders (mostly men) dominating in destructive ways with TFG demonstrating he has no boundaries when it comes to abiding by the law.
Here is your answer Richard - the Palestinians in Jordan tried to overthrow the government there in 1970. It's why the Jordanians want nothing to do with them.
And Hamas is allied with Muslim Brotherhood, a group that tried to overthrow the Egyptian government.
Egypt realizes that the Israeli government is getting rid of all the Palestinians in Gaza in one fell swoop. They have sent all the Gazans south, and are now bombing the southern part of Gaza. They are also destroying all the buildings in Gaza, as well as shutting off access to food, water, fuel and electricity. Egypt doesn’t want 2 million refugees to deal with, because Israel will never let them return to Gaza, just like all the Palestinians in refugee camps in Jordan, who’ve been waiting decades for the right to return to their homeland.
Second question simple answer. Both Egypt and Jordan have stated emphatically that they don't want millions of Palestinians dumped on them by the Israeli government.
I'm sure that fear of Hamas is part of it but just look at the rich US's reaction to thousands of poor immigrants from Central America arriving at our southern border. How would the richest country in the world react to millions of poverty-stricken Gazans showing up? Egypt and Jordan have no where near the resources we do.
I was saddened to read the comments in the New York Times this morning, one after the other, berating Biden for going to Israel this week. They felt that he was falling in to a Netanyahu trap. I didn’t read any positives. Perhaps they all missed the memo that on this trip he is also scheduled to meet with the leaders of Jordan and Egypt and another country I can’t remember. I dislike Netanyahu intensely, but Israel is our ally and diplomatic channels of all sorts should be pursued. I fear for Biden’s safety.
On another topic does anyone have any influence to get the post to stop publishing ridiculous opinions from Hugh Hewitt? Yes, I was up very early today.
Lordy Mama, I'd never paid any attention to Hewitt. Somehow the CPB "weighs on every US Citizen?" Horrendous that anyone should object to corporations fleecing said people? ? That Congress should not "delegate its duties" so that when it fails to keep the government open the entire country grinds to a halt, even the "essential" parts of it? Congress can't even get its own specified duties done, like getting military leadership positions and ambassadors approved. As for his attack on state use of zoning laws--is he cool with porn shops and bars right next to schools? Because that's one of the things zoning laws prevent.
The people who leave comments in the NYT are representative of nothing more than people who leave comments in the NYT. That, and pepole are more prone to comment about something they disagree with. So I would not give much thought to what they are saying.
I have been traveling and have not yet watched the “60 Minutes” episode, but I urged my kids to, as I had heard that it would convey Biden’s sharpness, wisdom, etc. And I truly believe that.
But my kids, who will vote for Biden, thought he looked old and were troubled by that. It just reminded me that my perspective as a 71 year old is different from my kids’.
My takeaway is that Biden is an extremely accomplished president who oversees an incredibly competent team, that he is by any and all measures the ONLY candidate in this two way race deserving of our support, and that the Dems really need to focus on developing but also showcasing a younger cadre of leaders. I don’t know what that game plan looks like, but I think there are many great candidates.
Cathy Murphree, The thoughts you point out in your second paragraph are key to convincing younger people to vote for Biden. Your pointing out that Biden has a “incredibly competent team” and “showcasing a younger cadre of leaders” is vital information. Biden the Mentor showing by example and teaching those around him is how knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. We want Biden the Mentor to win in 2024. That is how we will get past the old age complaint.
Agree completely. I know it’s hard on politicians’ (and others’) egos, but good leaders have the ability to say, “I’ve done a great job, and part of that is mentoring those who come after, so they can also do a great job.” This fear that they can’t step
aside because things will fall apart is inaccurate and unhelpful.
When I was 45, one of my daughters was trying to explain how old a classmate's parent was. She said, "They are not old like you." (I was running a marathon per year at that point.)
That reminds me: Once, when my wife was teaching 8th graders, something came up about people’s age. My wife then asked the students, “Well, how old do you think *I* am? The correct answer was 22; almost all the students’ answers were in the low 40s. (My personal guess is that the students identified my teacher-wife with their parents.)
Biden is running a country with a legislature paralyzed by Republican wing-nuts, a SC with a hard-right bias, and now two foreign wars that need to be controlled if possible. A 20-year old would look old given those parameters for the time Biden has had to endure them. I don't agree with everything he does but the man is incredible.
My parents are 76 & 77, I'm 54, you bet your sweet a$$ I'm enthusiastically voting for a president who may very well go down in history as the best we've ever had in my lifetime or otherwise.
Thankful to have a President and his team at State and the military who are intelligent, skilled, full of integrity and calm. Grownups at the helm.....should that be our bumpersticker?
For those who thought that the failed insurrectionist who wouldn't go through a rain storm to visit the graves of Americans who died in WWII was a fighter, Biden going to the Middle East should remove any doubt about whose courage and integrity is greater. It won't for many of them, but it should.
I baffled the gentleman who answered the phone in Rep. Ann Wagner's office this morning when I asked him if the Jim Jordan she'd endorsed yesterday was the same Jim Jordan that last week she had described as "disgraceful" when stating that she would never vote for him. It would have been snarky for me to follow up by asking if she thought all of us were stupid enough to forget this sort of behavior by next November; I'll reserve that question for a time closer to the election.
Thanks to Bill Alstrom for posting this update from Punchbowl News this morn on another site.
⬇️
“ Jim Jordan has problems.
The Ohio Republican plans to head to the floor today for a speaker election with more than a dozen GOP lawmakers saying they’ll vote against him or are undecided about his candidacy.”
We are lucky in these fraught times to have Joe Biden as our President and Anthony Blinken as our Secretary of State.
If Jim Jordan is elected as speaker of the House of Representatives it will prove beyond a shadow of doubt that there are no “good” nor moderate Republicans left in the House of Representatives.
As a side note we started watching Season 2 of “World on Fire” Sunday. Our world is on fire now. Reading your newsletter, Robert, and Heather Cox Richardson’s LFAA, are two ways we can help the world not be on fire. Thank you!
Or at least Robert presents more sane and hopeful news, always ending with the possibility that sanity will prevail. The only good news about Jim Jordan is that he won't be Speaker for long, hopefully.
In this troubled time, we need Robert and other hopeful voices that keep us sane.
The world is at a deflection point because, again, the Middle East is in flames. I am not going to comment on the state of Israeli, Palestinian, or Arab relations except to plead for innocents on both sides to be protected and treated humanely.
What I am extremely thankful for is that President Biden is in command, not his deranged, hand waving predecessor. America needs strong leaders, one willing to meet with everybody to resolve the conflict. Not claim that there are good people on both sides.
Democrats are focused behind the President. The same cannot be said for the other side of the aisle who continue to squabble like children.
It is so much more than re-assuring, that the President is going to Israel and Jordan, to look Benjamin Netanyahu straight in the eye, and essentially say "No Nakba!"
Frankly I cannot recall any recent President and his administration that has handled foreign affairs and conflicts better than the Biden Administration. If there ever were a person who symbolized and demonstrated what a President of the United States should act and be like than President Biden is the gold standard. Imagine the mess we would be in and the world if Trump and his side kicks General Flynn and his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were running the show. I didn’t think the average American voter grasps the effort and skill being demonstrated by the Biden Administration along with the courage to visit Israel at this time. This is what a real leader looks like and let’s hope the world, the media and the voters all appreciate what is being done. The contrasts between President Biden and Trump are stark and overwhelming. I hope Americans are watching.
I just wish to add watching closely the actions, efforts, and statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Blinkin how proud I am of them and to be a Democrat supporting them.
And let’s not forget the anonymous members of Biden’s and Blinken’s supporting casts.
That is what intelligence, ethics, and experience can give you.
It is so surprising to me how many American's support the US response to Ukraine or Israel but still think that Biden's handling of it isn't that great. There is a huge disconnect there, and I agree, he has helped restore credibility on the world stage, rebuild relationships and our allies trust us again. It's great to watch. Blinkin is also awesome.
Biden and his crew are self-effacing to a fault.
Cognitive dissonance to the Nth degree
Whether or not one believes in the traditional concept of "prayer," I want to invite everyone in our community to take a moment to hold President Biden, Sec'y Blinkin and whoever of their administration is joining them in a positive energy.
Here's a suggestion:
May President Biden, Sec'y Blinking and staff be safe in their travels.
May they be supported in their efforts to limit the harm and spread of war.
May they be successful in reaching minds and hearts to choose peace, justice and the rule of law..
So may it be.
Blessings,
Thank goodness VP Harris has been criss crossing the world rebuilding our relationships.
Thank you President Biden and Secretary Blinken!
Elections matter!
It's hard to conceive of the level of bullying and threats Jordan's cadres have been raining down on moderate Republicans who see Jordan for the immoral blow-hard he is. No bills passed. No subpoenas honored. Fox Superstar. Trump toady. A total Trump wannabe without the rich Daddy. The rational middle-of-the-road Republicans have been cowed by very real threats that their committee assignments will be no more and their fund-raising will be dis-abled. I fear for the GOP and the future of the country. Trump's malign influence is Un-American.
I do not want to sound like an alarmist but I see a 5-alarm fire with Jordan as the Speaker.He has made no secret that he wants the government to shut down in November and I fear, once this is done, it may take some time to get it reopened.I live in Ohio where a lot of our local news channels are normalizing him when he is anything but normal.Second in line for the presidency should scare the bejesus out of us.
He strikes me as Trump without the deep pockets. I don’t understand why Ohios 4th keeps returning him. He hasn’t initiated one piece of legislation. Though he’s voted against plenty. Putins now best friend in congress
Without question, Trump’s “malign influence is unAmerican” and criminal as has been just about every action he has taken. The man is pure evil and he has only one intention; to avoid accountability at all costs.
And the costs to every single American beyond his door are, to him, of no consequence. We must stop him by voting in 2023 & 2024 only for candidates who stand for U.S. democracy.
As for Jim Jordan becoming speaker. “Should” that come to pass it will be another clear indication that the Republican Party has NO moral compass or backbone to stand against DJT.
I just don’t know if I can live through another year of this crappy playground bullying, much less 4 years. I am concerned the pendulum has swung too far.
I feel slashing wrists and a warm bath on the horizon.
Have all the vertebrates in the Republican Party already resigned or been voted out? We'll find out.
There are no more republicans now, there are only MAGAs. Not a single spine amongst them to vote for the good of the country and support Jeffries and it's less because he's a democrat and A LOT because he's Black.
They are typical authoritarians through and through: bullies, liars, thieves.
and cowards.
Yes, one runs out of words in describing these traitors.
So, The News Hour interviewed a Texas republican last night, someone who did not recognize that Biden won the election, regarding the second failure of Jordan to be elected Speaker. The Rep from Texas said that he really wanted McCarthy and that is was the Democrats fault he was remove from the Speaker's role. When it ws pointed out that it was Matt Gaetz who instigated McCarthy's removal the guy said, no it was 208 votes by the Democrats. He must have said that at least 4 times during the interview. They will never change. Vote them Out!!
They get their talking points each morning in a text or email. The question I have have is: from whom do the talking points come? Is it Jordan? Is Fox, is it the RNC, is it Steve Bannon? Is it Trump? Is it Matt Gaetz or MTG (imagine those two as "thought-leaders"???) The cast of horribles is long.
That helps me understand their intractible B.S.'ing. Their own little "Axis of Evil." It does bother me that so many R's seem to have caved ino bullying and threats of primarying them.. How can they legislate and govern when they fear confrontation and truth?
First of all, I am thrilled that we have President Biden leading our foreign affairs. The damage done by his predecessor is incalculable, and is responsible for much of the global turmoil we now face. It's one thing to have to deal with such things that naturally evolve. It's quite another to have to clean up a colossal mess left behind as well.
Second of all, today's vote in the House will be very consequential, one way or the other. If Jordan somehow cobbles together the votes he needs, we're in for a very bumpy ride. My new mantra: We need a SPEAKER, not a FOGHORN!
I love your mantra!
So do I.
Or Is "We need a SPEAKER, not a BULLHORN!" perhaps better?
Or – We need a SPEAKER, not a BLOWHARD.
looks like we've evaded the foghorn!
I just hope 20 Nays are his high water mark when they do it again tomorrow. My prediction, for what it's worth, is that he'll lose one more time tomorrow, then withdraw. Then I think they'll vote for a 30 day limited engagement for McHenry. During that time, they'll get a shellacking (I hope) in the election and decide that it's time to actually govern, which they can only do if they form some sort of coalition with the Democrats. I don't expect them to cede much ground, but some.
May I commend to your listening an expression of the real pain, sorrow, and anguish recent events have instigated, as well as deeply inspired words of hope and vision that are provided by Rabbi Sharon Brous, of IKAR - "a post-denominational Jewish congregation and community founded in Los Angeles" - who speaks to...well, I will let you decide for yourselves. Suffice to say, her sermon is filled with love, compassion and forgiveness. A necessary context for humanity's progress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFLvLETvP1A
“In my name, I want no vengeance.” From a mother who learned her son was murdered by Hamas.
https://www.threads.net/@vicderbyshire/post/CyfmWlkM_Aj/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
“Let us hold each other in love and grace.” Rabbi Sharon Braus in her response a week ago: https://ikar.org/writings/holding-this-impossible-moment/
Unfortunately the Hamas attack has us buried in the weeds of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That is a local political issue which will be settled once the Palestinian leadership understands that they can’t expect better terms after every loss. The best deal they were offered was right after Israel was recognized in 1948. Every offer after that has been worse because the Palestinians and Arabs have continually lost every battle. The PLO leader Abbas should take what he can get now and move on. It’s not going to get better. It also has to be recognized that the US support of Israel is strictly grounded in our national interest, as it always has been. In 1948 recognizing Israel not only assuaged our guilt for not helping Jews escape Nazi terror. Support for Israel was a way to establish a strong ally among the sea of Arab countries who had chosen the Nazi side in WW2 and who controlled the energy supply in the Middle East. Now we are trying to establish a trade corridor from India through Saudi Arabia and then through Israel to Europe. That is in our national interest and that policy is keeping us supporting Israel strongly. We can’t let Israel shoot itself in the foot by exacting retribution from the women and children of Gaza with an IDF invasion. We have to patch up the Israeli-Saudi budding relationship which has been temporarily obstructed by the Hamas attack. In addition a widening of the conflict will only further obstruct the relationship we seek to encourage. Biden is doing exactly what he can by urging caution and by going into the region to speak not only to Israel but to the leaders of the Saudis, Jordan, Qatar, Europe and Abbas. For an 80 year old guy he’s got his head on straight. .
.
I know this is going to sound ignorant but would you kindly indulge me:
How do the Arab countries feel about Hamas? Do they deep down inside want this terror? I know you say the sea of Arab countries took the Nazi side in WW2. Fast forward to Biden working on the trade route. How do all these countries Saudis, Jordan, Qatar… United Emirates – how do those countries feel about Hamas? Who, beside a considerable portion of Palestinians, actually support Hamas?
Here's an answer to your question: today, King Abdullah of Jordan said that neither Jordan nor Egypt would take Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He called it a "red line."
Hamas is a tool of the Iranians, so most of the Arab states are not thrilled about them.
For years the governments used the Palestinians as a distraction -- unhappy about corruption in Egypt? But look! Look at the poor Palestinians!
But now, as per George's point, they are sick of the Palestinians and their complete lack of a reality check. They've been offered so many deals and won't take any of them. They are a financial, emotional and military drain on the Arab states.
When I say "they" I mean the governments. Support for Hamas on the Arab "street" seems to remain pertty strong.
I hope he's thought about who would be President should something happen to him over there and what the country's reaction to that change would be. Thank goodness I've been surprised before because being surprised would be my only hope.
First, and commenting on the last paragraphs, the problem with Biden’s competence in this is that the Republican voters and voters leaning that way don’t read any of this. How do we overcome their ignorance and refusal to be informed and look at the facts? Instead they choose to lemmings in search of an ocean.
Second, someone explain to me why Egypt is refusing to open its border to fleeing Palestinians. Aren’t both Islamic nations?
Third, someone needs to point out that our border concerns are repeated throughout the world now. It’s roots causes are Right Wing dictatorships taking control of nations and climate change exacerbated by these dictators refusing to address it and its effects on the lesser of their peoples.
Hamas is a creation of the Muslim Brotherhood - an entity that Egypt's current regime hates and fears. So Egypt appears to be heartless, but in some ways they are just protecting themselves from terrorists.
And Islam is as diverse as Christianity. Just as Americans who pose as followers of Christ and readily want to kill others, so does some of the Muslim world use Allah as an excuse. Would an Arkansas White Nationalist Nazi Christian be welcome in a liberal Democrats Boston Catholic home? Sorry for the nasty references. But we do have our own version Hamas and Taliban in the good old US of A.
That being said, with UN help, I don't see why Egypt couldn't do a lot more. Maybe they will.
I agree with your analogy and your reasons for Egypt’s reluctance. They’ve had their own hell to deal with and they’re having a period of peace and prosperity now that they don’t want to interrupt. Who can blame them? But the Palestinians are in an absolutely desperate situation, so I hope that Biden’s presence in the Middle East will help to open some doors to relief for these poor souls.
Sentence 2 of paragraph 2: well said, Bill!
I've said 100s of times, if ISIS were on our borders and attacked the U.S. the same people condemning Israel would be screaming for our government to protect us and strike back. The hypocrisy and those who hate Jewish people is astounding.
To your second question, I heard yesterday that Egypt's resistance is due to a concern that HAMAS agents could hide among the refugees and unite with associates in Egypt. Sounds plausible, but perhaps women, children, infirm, and elderly could be allowed in. Of course, that's no guarantee, and poses problems with family separations, but at least it would help.
It would be a help to others with my same question if your reply is posted for all to read
There is one reason why the 24 other Muslim countries don't help Palestinians, they don't see them as human or deserving of help. I've never understood it. My heart breaks for innocent people, but I live in NYC and there continue to be pro-palestinian rallies calling for death to Israel and Jewish people. Ironically they have the right to do this in public because of free speech, something they wouldn't be able to do in other countries. As a 50+ year old Jew, I have NEVER wished death to anyone.
It seems our reality is that 21st Century global conditions call for a much stronger, well defined, and disciplined global governance. Yet, we watch the egos of leaders (mostly men) dominating in destructive ways with TFG demonstrating he has no boundaries when it comes to abiding by the law.
Here is your answer Richard - the Palestinians in Jordan tried to overthrow the government there in 1970. It's why the Jordanians want nothing to do with them.
And Hamas is allied with Muslim Brotherhood, a group that tried to overthrow the Egyptian government.
Egypt realizes that the Israeli government is getting rid of all the Palestinians in Gaza in one fell swoop. They have sent all the Gazans south, and are now bombing the southern part of Gaza. They are also destroying all the buildings in Gaza, as well as shutting off access to food, water, fuel and electricity. Egypt doesn’t want 2 million refugees to deal with, because Israel will never let them return to Gaza, just like all the Palestinians in refugee camps in Jordan, who’ve been waiting decades for the right to return to their homeland.
Second question simple answer. Both Egypt and Jordan have stated emphatically that they don't want millions of Palestinians dumped on them by the Israeli government.
What they don't want is a potentially destablisizng force inside their borders.
Neither government likes or trusts Hamas
I'm sure that fear of Hamas is part of it but just look at the rich US's reaction to thousands of poor immigrants from Central America arriving at our southern border. How would the richest country in the world react to millions of poverty-stricken Gazans showing up? Egypt and Jordan have no where near the resources we do.
I was saddened to read the comments in the New York Times this morning, one after the other, berating Biden for going to Israel this week. They felt that he was falling in to a Netanyahu trap. I didn’t read any positives. Perhaps they all missed the memo that on this trip he is also scheduled to meet with the leaders of Jordan and Egypt and another country I can’t remember. I dislike Netanyahu intensely, but Israel is our ally and diplomatic channels of all sorts should be pursued. I fear for Biden’s safety.
On another topic does anyone have any influence to get the post to stop publishing ridiculous opinions from Hugh Hewitt? Yes, I was up very early today.
I too am fearing for Biden’s safety. I don’t want him there… but… I guess it’s all part of the job, and that man does his job.
I am very worried about that as well. Oh man, what the hell would happen then!
I particularly join your comment about the HH ridiculous opinions. At least they appear to be an effort to be “balanced.”
Lordy Mama, I'd never paid any attention to Hewitt. Somehow the CPB "weighs on every US Citizen?" Horrendous that anyone should object to corporations fleecing said people? ? That Congress should not "delegate its duties" so that when it fails to keep the government open the entire country grinds to a halt, even the "essential" parts of it? Congress can't even get its own specified duties done, like getting military leadership positions and ambassadors approved. As for his attack on state use of zoning laws--is he cool with porn shops and bars right next to schools? Because that's one of the things zoning laws prevent.
The people who leave comments in the NYT are representative of nothing more than people who leave comments in the NYT. That, and pepole are more prone to comment about something they disagree with. So I would not give much thought to what they are saying.
I have been traveling and have not yet watched the “60 Minutes” episode, but I urged my kids to, as I had heard that it would convey Biden’s sharpness, wisdom, etc. And I truly believe that.
But my kids, who will vote for Biden, thought he looked old and were troubled by that. It just reminded me that my perspective as a 71 year old is different from my kids’.
My takeaway is that Biden is an extremely accomplished president who oversees an incredibly competent team, that he is by any and all measures the ONLY candidate in this two way race deserving of our support, and that the Dems really need to focus on developing but also showcasing a younger cadre of leaders. I don’t know what that game plan looks like, but I think there are many great candidates.
Cathy Murphree, The thoughts you point out in your second paragraph are key to convincing younger people to vote for Biden. Your pointing out that Biden has a “incredibly competent team” and “showcasing a younger cadre of leaders” is vital information. Biden the Mentor showing by example and teaching those around him is how knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. We want Biden the Mentor to win in 2024. That is how we will get past the old age complaint.
Agree completely. I know it’s hard on politicians’ (and others’) egos, but good leaders have the ability to say, “I’ve done a great job, and part of that is mentoring those who come after, so they can also do a great job.” This fear that they can’t step
aside because things will fall apart is inaccurate and unhelpful.
Very smart! Love this comment!
When I was 45, one of my daughters was trying to explain how old a classmate's parent was. She said, "They are not old like you." (I was running a marathon per year at that point.)
Being old is relative, obviously.
That reminds me: Once, when my wife was teaching 8th graders, something came up about people’s age. My wife then asked the students, “Well, how old do you think *I* am? The correct answer was 22; almost all the students’ answers were in the low 40s. (My personal guess is that the students identified my teacher-wife with their parents.)
Biden is running a country with a legislature paralyzed by Republican wing-nuts, a SC with a hard-right bias, and now two foreign wars that need to be controlled if possible. A 20-year old would look old given those parameters for the time Biden has had to endure them. I don't agree with everything he does but the man is incredible.
My parents are 76 & 77, I'm 54, you bet your sweet a$$ I'm enthusiastically voting for a president who may very well go down in history as the best we've ever had in my lifetime or otherwise.
Thankful to have a President and his team at State and the military who are intelligent, skilled, full of integrity and calm. Grownups at the helm.....should that be our bumpersticker?
Excellent, Carole!
For those who thought that the failed insurrectionist who wouldn't go through a rain storm to visit the graves of Americans who died in WWII was a fighter, Biden going to the Middle East should remove any doubt about whose courage and integrity is greater. It won't for many of them, but it should.
I baffled the gentleman who answered the phone in Rep. Ann Wagner's office this morning when I asked him if the Jim Jordan she'd endorsed yesterday was the same Jim Jordan that last week she had described as "disgraceful" when stating that she would never vote for him. It would have been snarky for me to follow up by asking if she thought all of us were stupid enough to forget this sort of behavior by next November; I'll reserve that question for a time closer to the election.
They are cowards, all. Or most. We'll see what happens, but I have a bad feeling!
The thing is, I wish the trip by President Biden to the Middle East had not been announced for his safety and those whose duty is to keep him safe.
Thanks to Bill Alstrom for posting this update from Punchbowl News this morn on another site.
⬇️
“ Jim Jordan has problems.
The Ohio Republican plans to head to the floor today for a speaker election with more than a dozen GOP lawmakers saying they’ll vote against him or are undecided about his candidacy.”
https://punchbowl.news/
So far called the Fl Reps. Had to leave a message with Diaz-Balert.Prompt did not ask where I lived!
Gimenez’s mail box is full. Hoping that’s a good sign.🫰
📞📞📞📞
We are lucky in these fraught times to have Joe Biden as our President and Anthony Blinken as our Secretary of State.
If Jim Jordan is elected as speaker of the House of Representatives it will prove beyond a shadow of doubt that there are no “good” nor moderate Republicans left in the House of Representatives.
As a side note we started watching Season 2 of “World on Fire” Sunday. Our world is on fire now. Reading your newsletter, Robert, and Heather Cox Richardson’s LFAA, are two ways we can help the world not be on fire. Thank you!
Or at least Robert presents more sane and hopeful news, always ending with the possibility that sanity will prevail. The only good news about Jim Jordan is that he won't be Speaker for long, hopefully.
In this troubled time, we need Robert and other hopeful voices that keep us sane.
The world is at a deflection point because, again, the Middle East is in flames. I am not going to comment on the state of Israeli, Palestinian, or Arab relations except to plead for innocents on both sides to be protected and treated humanely.
What I am extremely thankful for is that President Biden is in command, not his deranged, hand waving predecessor. America needs strong leaders, one willing to meet with everybody to resolve the conflict. Not claim that there are good people on both sides.
Democrats are focused behind the President. The same cannot be said for the other side of the aisle who continue to squabble like children.
It is so much more than re-assuring, that the President is going to Israel and Jordan, to look Benjamin Netanyahu straight in the eye, and essentially say "No Nakba!"