FOREIGN POLICY Comments turned off

J.D. Vance’s Munich Wake-Up Call: Democracy, Censorship, and the Will of the People Vance’s Munich speech slammed European elites for stifling democracy, warned of censorship and mass migration, and urged leaders to respect voters—or risk losing the very system they claim to defend. By Roger Kimball

Posted By on February 16th, 2025

https://amgreatness.com/2025/02/16/j-d-vances-munich-wake-up-call-democracy-censorship-and-the-will-of-the-people/

Everyone agrees that Vice President J. D. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference on Friday was remarkable.

I do not mean that everyone liked it.

For example, Boris Pistorius, the German Defense Minister, sniffed—or perhaps “smoldered” would be a more accurate term, that Vance’s remarks were “not acceptable.”

And then there is Bill Kristol, a sort of Greta Thunberg of the rancid former right, who thundered that Vance’s speech was “a humiliation for the U.S. and a confirmation that this administration isn’t on the side of the democracies.”

“The democracies.”  What do you suppose Kristol means by that?

While you ponder that question, note that other people thought rather well of Vance’s speech.  I thought it was excellent myself, but forget about my opinion.  Jonathan Turley said that Vance’s speech was “perhaps the greatest single declaration uttered since ‘Ich bin ein Berliner.’” It was, Turley wrote elsewhere, “truly Churchillian—no less than the famous Iron Curtain speech in which Churchill dared the West to confront the existential dangers of communism.”

How can we explain the discrepancy: the outraged Pistorius/Kristol reaction and what I will call the Kimball/Turley reaction (though many people besides me applauded Vance’s speech)?

I think it comes down to how one understands that overdetermined, familiar yet often only half-understood word “democracy.”

Kristol said that Vance’s speech showed that the Trump administration was not “on the side of the democracies.”

What do you think of that claim?

I think poorly of it because I believe that a democracy is a political arrangement in which the people are sovereign.

I suspect that Kristol and European bureaucrats of all descriptions believe that it is a form of government in which only the right people, i.e, themselves, are sovereign.

Vance’s speech argued for the former. It also contained several admonitions about what he thought were threats to democracy. For the balance of this column, I’ll gather a little chrestomathy of his observations and let you decide who was right.

ISRAEL Comments turned off

Israel’s defense minister warns as Hamas allies send goods into Gaza David Isaac

Posted By on February 16th, 2025

https://www.jns.org/israels-defense-minister-warns-as-hamas-allies-send-goods-into-gaza/

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday warned all parties bringing aid into the Gaza Strip that attempts to smuggle unauthorized goods or equipment constitute grounds for the seizure and confiscation of the truck and the sanctioning of the driver.

Katz issued his announcement through the National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing of Israel, saying parties held accountable will include merchants, truck owners, truck drivers, warehouses and packing houses.

The minister’s warning followed an investigative report by HaKol HaYehudi (“The Jewish Voice”), on Feb. 10 revealing Hamas-aligned groups were sending aid to the terrorist group.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, like Katz a member of the Security Cabinet, sent a letter that same day to Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, military secretary to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing the Hebrew news site’s report and calling for action.

Smotrich congratulated Katz for taking immediate steps. “This important exposure prevents unnecessary risk to Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers,” he said.

“As I have warned more than once, in writing and in speech, the State of Israel must take full responsibility for the distribution of humanitarian aid and completely prevent it from reaching Hamas. The absurdity must stop,” Smotrich said.

HaKol HaYehudi revealed that two organizations designated by Israel as terrorist entities in 2008 (mainly for raising money for Hamas) were bringing in goods into Gaza. (The outlet told JNS that it suspects other proscribed groups are also bringing in goods, but it doesn’t yet have definite proof.)

FOREIGN POLICY, NATIONAL NEWS & OPINION Comments turned off

Trump’s First Big Disastrous Mistake by Majid Rafizadeh

Posted By on February 16th, 2025

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21384/trump-iran-disastrous-mistake

The problem, of course, is that after seeing what happened when Libya’s General Muammar Ghaddafi gave up nuclear weapons in 2003 and Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in 1994, no one with an IQ above single digits would ever agree to give up nuclear weapons again – especially after so many decades of immense investment and just “weeks” from the project’s successful completion.

Regrettably, like Russia, Iran has a long track record of deceit, obstructing investigations, and stalling to buy time. Iran’s regime also has the potential to wait four years until Trump’s term in office is over, then pick up where it left off.

The mullahs seek to lull the United States into a false sense of security. They undoubtedly hope that diplomatic engagement will allow them time to race to nuclear weapons breakout, or, at worst, another weak agreement that will enable them to rebuild their military. Whenever Iran gains financial or political leverage, it uses it against America and its allies. Since October 2023, Iran and its proxies have attacked US troops in the region more than 200 times.

Iran’s nuclear facilities must be taken out, sanctions must be intensified, and the Iranian people’s fight for freedom must be supported. Trump must not waste this opportunity.

“I want Iran to be a great and successful country but one that cannot have nuclear weapons,” US President Donald J, Trump posted on Truth Social last week. “I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement which will successfully let Iran grow and prosper.”

These sentiments, while commendable, especially considering a distasteful alternative for Iran, are unfortunately delusional. The problem, of course, is that after seeing what happened when Libya’s General Muammar Ghaddafi gave up nuclear weapons in 2003 and Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in 1994, no one with an IQ above single digits would ever agree to give up nuclear weapons again – especially after so many decades of immense investment and just “weeks” from the project’s successful completion.

WORLD NEWS Comments turned off

Iran: Gravy Train to Africa by Amir Taheri

Posted By on February 16th, 2025

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21399/iran-gravy-train-to-africa

No Middle Eastern nation would unroll the red carpet for an Iranian delegation coming to foment revolution. In Europe, even those who once did seek the mullahs now shun them with disdain. No one in Asia expresses an interest in seeking revolutionary instruction from Tehran.

Tehran hopes to act as Man-Friday to its two giant allies China and Russia that have also chosen Africa as the future battleground against Western hegemony.

For almost three decades, Tehran spent over $30 billion exporting revolution and ended up with nothing. In the process, hundreds of individuals, including the late Gen. Qassem Soleimani and associates like Nasrallah and Bashar al-Assad, made huge sums of money. With that gambit closed, we witness new efforts to keep the gravy train on rail, this time with destination Africa.

Imagine that you have between $3 to $5 billion to spend on seeking and securing clients for your product in a variety of markets, Not bad, eh?

But what happens when events beyond your ken suddenly close those markets to you? One solution is to try and develop new products capable of making inroads in different markets. Another is to seek new markets for the old product.

This is the conundrum that the ruling mullahs in Tehran face today.

WORLD NEWS Comments turned off

UAE Pledges $200 Million to Support Sudan by Robert Williams

Posted By on February 16th, 2025

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21400/uae-pledges-200-million-to-support-sudan

“The war has lasted too long, cost too many lives, and caused immense suffering. What we seek to do, alongside our partners, is call for a humanitarian pause to allow aid to reach those in need.” — Reem al-Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 14, 2025.

Iran is establishing another Hamas-like entity in Sudan, mirroring its creation of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces. This group, known as “Kizan,” maintains ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, and African branches of Al Qaeda. If Iran’s allies gain full control over Sudan, Iran will have effectively tightened its grip on Israel’s southern flank, adding yet another hostile front to the region.

The Biden administration’s failure to act decisively has emboldened Iran and endangered both Israel and American strategic interests.

President Donald Trump, as a leader committed to restoring U.S. strength, must confront the Iranian infiltration in Sudan head-on. Stopping Iran’s growing foothold in Africa is not just about Israel’s security — it’s about protecting U.S. economic and military interests…. The time to act is now.

Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis, Addis Ababa, February 14, 2025: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people by announcing a $200 million aid package, in a high-level humanitarian conference held in Addis Ababa. The conference, organized by the UAE in collaboration with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and Ethiopia, is taking place on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit.

A Call for Action: Mobilizing Support for Sudan’s Dire Humanitarian Needs

The UAE’s contribution is a response to the devastating civil war in Sudan, which has torn the country apart since April 2023. The brutal conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and Sudan’s military has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12 million people. The UAE’s announcement serves as a call for global attention and a coordinated effort to provide much-needed support to the Sudanese population.

ISRAEL Comments turned off

Why did God save Trump? Diane Bederman

Posted By on February 14th, 2025

https://dianebederman.com/why-did-god-save-trump/

Why did God save Trump? We know He did because the bullet grazed Trump’s ear instead of killing him. It was so close one can only believe that Hand of God was involved.

Considering all the incredible things Donald Trump has done for Jews and Israel, one might ask, in a whisper, is Trump the Messiah?

I have to admit I have asked a few people. In Jewish belief, though, the Messiah (also called Mashiach) is a Jew, specifically a descendant of King David, who will be the future leader of the Jewish people and will usher in a messianic age of peace and justice; essentially, a Jewish king from the Davidic line. For those of us who whispered – is it Trump? It cannot be him. He is not Jewish.

But is Trump the one who precedes the Messiah and the Messianic era? I have been told that someone from the line of Esau must do repentance for him before the Messiah can come. The two brothers, Jacob and Esau, are considered the fathers of the two nations – goiim( non-Jews) and leumim(belonging to the nation). Esau, Jacob’s brother, forsake his birthright for a bowl of soup. Their mother, Rebecca, knew that Jacob was meant to be the leader of the Jewish people and helped him to get the blessing from his father that was meant for Esau.

Esau continued on a path that led him astray. At the age of 40, Esau married two Canaanite women: Adah, daughter of Elon the Hittite; and Ahalivamah, daughter of Tzivon the Hivite. His wives made his parents miserable, blatantly sacrificing incense to pagan deities.

Twenty-three years later, he married a third wife—his first cousin, Basmat, daughter of his uncle Ishmael. Ishmael is also considered the father of Muslims. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the descendant of Ishmael. For these transgressions, repentance must be made.

Let’s look at Donald Trump. His father, Fred, donated to many Jewish charities  and built the first Synagogue for Jewish refugees in the 1950’s. Donald learned compassion and empathy from his father. And a love for the Jews and Israel.

ISRAEL Comments turned off

‘Why Did You Sit at Home among the Sheepfolds?’: Israel and the People of the Book by Nils A. Haug

Posted By on February 14th, 2025

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21390/israel-people-of-the-book

Zionism is simply the right of the Jewish nation to live peacefully in its ancestral home — the land promised them in millennia past. Canaan is their inheritance, and has served as their sanctuary for nearly 4,000 years in a world that largely despises them.

The great British statesman Winston Churchill said in 1922 that Jews had returned to Palestine, as it was called then — based on its revised name, given by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was trying to sever Judea from the Jews — “as of right and not by sufferance, and that this was based on their ancient historical connection.”

The biblical Song of Deborah praises those tribes who participated in the battle under the leadership of Barak, the son of Abinoam, and scorns those who did not: “Why did you sit at home among the sheepfolds?” the song asks; “Why did Dan stay home?”

“Even an ancient vision has its moment of birth,” wrote the Israeli poet Nathan Alterman (1910-1970). Alterman lovingly described Israel: “The surroundings of the Kinneret have been a kind of symbol of earthly beauty to us….”

Alterman’s vision of Israel, Eretz Yisrael, and her natural beauty, seems to have been given birth through a deep commitment to an ancient promise made by the Creator to the patriarch Abraham, forefather of all Jews. This covenant was repeated to his son Isaac and then grandson Jacob, again by the Creator. Moses emphasized this promise at Sinai when he declared to the twelve tribes that G-d would restore to them the land of their ancestors.

In this way, the area to be possessed became known to the world at large as the “promised land.” The biblical book of Bereshit (Genesis) records the extent of the land, Zion.

WORLD NEWS Comments turned off

‘The existential danger for Israel now threatens Europe’ Geert Wilders explains why Europe’s anti-Israel sentiment may no longer be on the rise, and why the political wave led by Trump will bring global change. Ariel Bulshtein

Posted By on February 14th, 2025

https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/02/06/the-existential-danger-for-israel-now-threatens-europe/

Anyone checking Geert Wilders’s Twitter account last week might have mistaken it for an Israeli feed. As millions of citizens in Israel shed tears of joy with the families of Karina, Daniella, Liri and Naama—the female IDF lookouts released from Hamas captivity, the Dutch politician posted their photos accompanied by four hearts and an Israeli flag, with two hashtags: Israel and Freedom.

Though we’ve grown accustomed to the Dutch politician’s unequivocal support for Israel in times of both joy and sorrow, his gestures continue to surprise. Unlike most of his political colleagues, Wilders, 61, doesn’t calculate political expedience. He stands with Israel because he believes it’s morally right, regardless of the cost. The two hashtags he attached to his post about the released hostages are, in his view, one and the same.

In an interview with Israel Hayom, Wilders predicts a bright future for these two causes dear to his heart—Israel and freedom—and points to the White House. He’s convinced that Donald Trump’s presidency marks the beginning of a wave.

“This wave actually started during his first term. Though he didn’t win by a significant margin then, as he did this time, the political effects of his first victory were felt in Europe and beyond, and now his sweeping victory is creating an unprecedented wave. Even his opponents know he’s at his strongest point and will have to live with this wave.

“After all, this isn’t some remote country but the United States of America, the world’s strongest superpower and NATO’s central member, so the wave is inevitable and will have all kinds of implications—political, security, and cultural. Add to this Trump’s fight against woke ideology and his professional, calculated attempt to withdraw from various unrealistic international agreements, like the climate accord—he’s changing the world in almost every aspect, not just the U.S.”

When asked if we’re at the beginning of an entirely new political era, Wilders responds, “That’s an excellent question, really. Generally, I believe Trump’s return to the White House signals a major shift in global politics, both geopolitically and on every other level. The U.S. has a new president, whom I applaud and respect, if only for putting his people first. Fighting for your people, their sovereignty, their interests—that should be the purpose of politics. Not everything he proposes will benefit Europe, and Holland in particular—we’ll oppose some ideas—yet I can say we lack leaders and elected officials who put their nations first, so I commend Trump for this, and it’s indeed a good example for many others.”

BOOKS Comments turned off

The Builder’s Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West—and Why Only They Can Save It – January 13, 2025 by Melanie Phillips

Posted By on February 14th, 2025

As the West struggles against attempts to destroy it from within and without, key lessons in resilience from its Jewish parent can enable both Christianity and civilization to survive.

Western civilization is facing a critical moment. Foreign enemies sensing its weakness are circling. Internally, the West is being consumed by division, decadence, and demoralization. The October 7 attack on Israel presented it with a choice between civilization and barbarism—a challenge the West has failed. But this damaged society is far from lost if it takes advice from an unexpected source. Western culture is based upon Christianity, whose own foundations in turn lie in Judaism. The unique survival of the Jewish people offers both the West and its struggling Christian church, as well as secular people who shun religion, priceless lessons in resilience that they must learn if their culture is to survive.

BOOKS Comments turned off

Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson September 12, 2023

Posted By on February 14th, 2025

https://www.amazon.com/Elon-Musk-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1982181281?

The #1 New York Times and global bestseller from Walter Isaacson—the acclaimed author of Steve Jobs, Einstein: His Life and World, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci—is the astonishingly intimate story of the most fascinating, controversial innovator of modern times. For two years, Isaacson shadowed Elon Musk as he executed his vision for electric vehicles at Tesla, space exploration with SpaceX, the AI revolution, and the takeover of Twitter and its conversion to X. The result is the definitive portrait of the mercurial pioneer that offers clues to his political instincts, future ambitions, and overall worldview.

When Elon Musk was a kid in South Africa, he was regularly beaten by bullies. One day a group pushed him down some concrete steps and kicked him until his face was a swollen ball of flesh. He was in the hospital for a week. But the physical scars were minor compared to the emotional ones inflicted by his father, an engineer, rogue, and charismatic fantasist.

His father’s impact on his psyche would linger. He developed into a tough yet vulnerable man-child, prone to abrupt Jekyll-and-Hyde mood swings, with an exceedingly high tolerance for risk, a craving for drama, an epic sense of mission, and a maniacal intensity that was callous and at times destructive.

At the beginning of 2022—after a year marked by SpaceX launching thirty-one rockets into orbit, Tesla selling a million cars, and him becoming the richest man on earth—Musk spoke ruefully about his compulsion to stir up dramas. “I need to shift my mindset away from being in crisis mode, which it has been for about fourteen years now, or arguably most of my life,” he said.

It was a wistful comment, not a New Year’s resolution. Even as he said it, he was secretly buying up shares of Twitter, the world’s ultimate playground. Over the years, whenever he was in a dark place, his mind went back to being bullied on the playground. Now he had the chance to own the playground.

For two years, Isaacson shadowed Musk, attended his meetings, walked his factories with him, and spent hours interviewing him, his family, friends, coworkers, and adversaries. The result is the revealing inside story, filled with amazing tales of triumphs and turmoil, that addresses the question: are the demons that drive Musk also what it takes to drive innovation and progress?