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Obama's Middle East Advisers
What would be the Middle Eastern polices of an Obama Administration?Even though we are at the end of a long Presidential campaign it is not at all clear what policies a President Obama will pursue in most areas. This is the situation when it comes to Israel and the Middle East.The respected Middle East Forum, a great defender of Israel, provides this informative look at Obama's Middle East brain trust. As we have noted friends of Israel like Alan Dershowitz have endorsed Obama. Bestselling historian Michael Oren provides a useful comparison of McCain and Obama's platforms on Israel. Hat Tip: American Thinker.

Obama and McCain: Jerusalem and Israel
Friends of Israel are deeply involved in the Presidential campaign to elect a friend of Israel as President of the United States. This campaign involves a battle over the so-called Jewish vote but also involves voters who believe that Israel is part of the international confrontation between radical Islam and the West.There are Friends of Israel in two opposing camps.One camp feels that the road to peace with radical Islam lies with an Israel that is willing to talk and make painful concessions of land (including Jerusalem) to Islamic forces. The other camp maintains that Israel needs to reassert its commitment to fight (if need be) its enemies because that is what it takes to protect the Jewish State.For both camps Jerusalem is ground zero. The negotiators camp argues that Israel must give up parts of Jerusalem to bring peace, the other camp argues that giving up even a portion of Jerusalem will encourage radical Islamic forces to continue their push for the annihilation of the State of Israel.In September, it became clear that the Obama campaign had representatives of both camps under its roof.Obama declared in a speech before AIPAC ( the large pro-Israel lobbying organization) that if he is elected he would not support the division of Jerusalem. Shortly after this declaration he clarified his position. In other words Jerusalem could be divided.McCain has not expressed his views as dramatically on this issue. McCain did support legislation to move the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and has steadfastly supported Israel in its requests for military armaments to defend the country.Obama has not been in the Senate long enough to have a record on this or on any other issues (Its hard to believe he has been a Senator for less than three years) but his campaign has indicated that it will dramatically reduce overall military spending which could impact on America's ability to supply Israel with necessary military hardware.Obama has won the support of some prominent supporters of Israel. Most recently, Alan Dershowitz.McCain has also gained the support of prominent defenders of Israel. Charles Krauthammer presents the pro-McCain case here. Along with these set of issues, friends of Israel should be concerned about the McCain-Obama differences on policy toward Iran. Obama has famously declared he will participate in talks with Iran without any preconditions. While he has somewhat modified this position he maintains that direct talks with Israel's enemy, that has sworn to wipe it off the face of the earth, is the road to peace.McCain has branded this approach naive and misguided. Some McCain supporters have likened the Obama approach to British Prime Minister Chamberlain who held talks with Hitler instead of actively opposing him. History has concluded that the Chamberlain approach contributed to the start of World War II. While McCain's advisers have not caused any controversy, Obama's associations have raised questions about who is influencing his foreign policy. Obama has had associations with (in the words of an Obama supporter) the"rabidly anti-Israel Palestinian academic" Rashid Khalidi, the anti-semitic Jeremiah Wright, and academic critics of Israel.Who would help protect Israel and the United States? You will have the opportunity to decide this Tuesday.

Netantyahu Declares Jerusalem Non-Negotiable
Speaking at the opening of the Knesset's Fall session, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyhau took Jerusalem off the negotiating table if he is elected Prime Minister.Netanyahu's emphatic break with the policies of Tzipi Livni and Kadima brought a measured but emphatic response from the chief negotiator for the Palestinians, Ahmed Qureia who said, "There will be no peace without Jerusalem."Qureia's statement is further proof that the Kadima government has been negotiating Jerusalem and that the future of Jerusalem is at the center of of the upcoming General Election in Israel.All the evidence points to a division of Jerusalem that will turn the Temple Mount over to the Palestinains if Livni and Kadima win and a united Jerusalem if Netanyhau wins.Our friend Caroline Glick has written an insightful analysis of the centrality of the Jerusalem issue in the coming national election and the importance of the candidacy of Nir Barakat for Mayor of Jerusalem in the upcoming municipal elections. In her column, Caroline focuses attention on the policies of successive Israeli governments which have been designed to divide Jerusalem on the ground by barring and harassing Jews who want to live in Jerusalem.Caroline is encouraged by Barkat's bright vision for a united and Jewish friendly Jerusalem.

New Elections In Israel?
Today, Shas declared that it will not join a coalition government led by Kadima and its new leader Tzipi Livni. This declaration came after weeks of talks between Kadima and Shas. The talks centered on the amount of money Shas would get for "child allowances."Today, Shas's leader said that they were not joining because the Kadima Government would not pledge to take Jerusalem off the negotiation table. He said:  "a year ago Shas decided that it would leave the government if talks are held on Jerusalem's status, all the more so when it comes to joining a government which will not commit not to discuss Jerusalem. Jerusalem is not for sale." Whatever the reason this decision will probably lead to new general elections in Israel. Many sources have told us that Livni went against her better judgement when she tried to negotiate with Shas. That she wanted to go to new elections right after she won the leadership race for head of Kadima. And as her talks dragged out she got more and more disenchanted with the courting of Shas.Now, look for her to try and use Shas as a political foil. She will probably announce that she will not let Shas hold up the people of Israel with demands for more and more money.In actuality, Livni could try to form a more narrow Left leaning coalition. But this is unlikely because governments based on small coalitions rarely succeed and Livni's reputation as Prime Minister of such a government will suffer. From a political point of view the chances are great that Livini will call new elections. Of course, do not be surprised if Shas goes back on its word and comes to terms with her.We are of the opinion that given the grave challenges facing the State of Israel the people of Israel should have the chance to vote for a new government.What do you think? Hat Tip: Boker Tov  UPDATE: Livni has asked for a meeting with President Peres to tell him she failed to form a government. 

Livini, Shas, Israel Fiddles As Jerusalem Burns
Remember the story of the Roman Emperor Nero playing the fiddle as Rome burned.We are repeatedly reminded of this scene as we watch Tzipi Livini try to negotiate a new Israeli government into existence. Livini has a little more than a week to go before she reaches her deadline. But a friend pointed out that Livini has another earlier deadline to contend with.On Monday, the Kenneset reconvenes and she does not want Olmert to open the session. She wants to be the new Prime Minister by that time.But standing in her way is a stubborn Shas Party. Livini/Kadima have been negotiating the conditions for Shas entering their coalition and forming a new government. A few days ago, the negotiations seemed to break off. Shas claimed it was over Livni's refusal to publicly announce that she would take Jerusalem off the table in talks with the Palestinians.In fact, the negotiations broke off over Livini and Shas failing to come to terms on how much money will be allocated to "child allowances" a program that is the foundation of Shas's political structure.If anyone doubts that the future of Israel's government has come down to politicians wrangling over money we recommend reading this article. A senior Shas representative declares that money is at the heart of the talks with Livini.Not the future of Jerusalem. Not the freedom of Shalit. Not the need for a united front against Iran. There are many who believe that Shas should be in the forefront of leading the campaign for new General elections so that the Israeli people can determine their leaders during these very dangerous times. Update: Livni has given Shas until Sunday to sign a deal of she will go to elections. As we said she does not want Olmert opening the Monday Kenneset session.

86 year Jew Knifed to Death in Jerusalem
A Palestinian who resisted contact with police in Jerusalem, went on a knifing spree that resulted in the stabbing of an 86 year old man who died from his wounds. This tragedy coincides with the transfer of a $150 million American taxpayer dollars to the Palestinians which increases American 2008 contributions to over $800 million to the corrupt and incompetent PLA.The Bush Administration's refusal to hold the Palestinians accountable for their actions is very distressing. Update on the tragic killing and wounding from Carl in Jerusalem.

Livni Gets More Time
Israel President, Shimon Peres, has granted Kadima leader Livini with two more weeks to form a new government.As this article states, the request for more time by Livini shows that she is having difficulty getting Shas into the government. It also accurately observes that if new elections were held the Likud Party would come out way ahead.At this time, with a new American Administration about to be elected, with Hamas solidifying its hold on Gaza, and with Iran moving closer to acquiring nuclear weapons shouldn't the Israeli people have the opportunity to express their preferences at the polls?What do you think?  

Jesse Jackson: The End of Putting Israel First
In a interview, Jesse Jackson speaking about Barak Obama said that Obama will turn against the "Zionists who Control America." More on Jackson speaking about Israel in an Obama Administration. An Obama spokesperson pointed out that Obama doesn't share Jackson's views on Israel.

Israeli Forces Intercept Terrorists
While Israel's politicians continue to jeopardize the security of the State, its security forces continue to do a great job defending the innocent people of Israel. Read this story.

Rebirth In Jerusalem
A Jerusalem synagogue abandoned because of Arab violence in 1938 is today refurbished and "open for business".In an important addition to the capital of the Jewish people, The Ohel Yitzhak Synagogue opened its doors in a ceremony attended by Jerusalem's Mayor Uri Lupolianski,  Rabbi Shmuel Rabbinovitz(rabbi of the Western Wall), and Laurie Moskowitz Hirsch. Founded by Hungarian Jews, who were disciples of Rabbi Moshe Sofer, the synagogue serviced a community of 5,000 and included a yeshivah.But from 1921 until 1938 the community faced serious violence from Arab terrorists. From 1948 until the liberation of the Old City in 1967, the synagogue was nearly totally destroyed.  Hat Tip: Solomia

Terrorist Arrested In Jerusalem
At One Jerusalem we have presented many arguments for why Jerusalem should remain the undivided  capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. We have made the case (use our interactive security map) that any division of Jerusalem would bring terrorists that much closer to the residents, pilgrims, and tourists of Jerusalem. In recents months the security concerns has been heightened. There have been a few deadly "tractor" attacks and now a would be terrorist has been arrested. If Jerusalem would be divided terrorist attacks will increase and people will stay away from the Capital of the Jewish people.

Sara Palin Upsets Syrians
A Syrian news service, jumped on Sara Palin's declaration about moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem to declare (in horror) that McCain would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. Of course, the United States does recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel but President after President has come up with excuses for not moving our Embassy to Jerusalem.But it is humorous that the Syrians are all worked up over Palin's comment in last night's debate. And in all fairness both Palin and Biden declared their total commitment to the future of the State of Israel.In other Jerusalem news, yesterday a court ruled the Aryeh Deri former Shas leader is seeking a waiver of a law that prevents him from running because of his conviction in a corruption case.  Deri is considering an appeal of the court ruling. If he receives permission he will be a formidable candidate. He would pose a real threat to front runner Nir Barkat.As many of you may have heard before the holidays Olmert declared that Israel would have to give up Jerusalem, Golan, and the West Bank to survive. This kind of defeatist mentality is a great danger to the State of Israel. It has guided Israel's policies under Olmert and it looks like they will continue under another Kadima Government. It is a sure sign of trouble when the American Vice-Presidential candidates sound more pro-Israel than Israel's leaders.

Shana Tova from Natan Sharansky

Incitement to Genocide in Iran: Ambassador Dore Gold

Incitement to Genocide in Iran: Ambassador Richard Holbrooke