JoeSettler made a mistake, and Israel is going to pay for it

It's not often that I'm wrong, and some of you might revel in that I made a mistake, except that the mistake I made is a bad one. Two weeks ago I read into Obama's statement, following his spectacularly bad Syrian fiasco that he would actually be dealing with his mess at home, and finally leave Israel alone. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Even worse, at the UN, Obama made it abundantly clear that he plans to double down on his pressure on Israel. He made it appear that he is linking that to dealing with Iran, though it's clear he won't do anything at all with Iran, that needs doing, except maybe invite Rouhani to dinner and a photo op. So, he just going to concentrate on making things bad for Israel. Obviously feels he hasn't screwed up the rest of the Middle East enough yet, so he needs to destabilize the only stable country in the region. Gee, thanks.


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Did Iran and Russia Just Save Israel?

It would be ironic if true, but it may very well be that Iran and Russia (and Syria) just saved Israel (or God did, using them as proxies). Obama stated on Thursday that he's going to be pivoting his focus away from the international arena and instead concentrate on domestic issues and politics (God help America). After having been burnt in Syria, and completely played by Russia and Iran, it's as close to an admission of policy failure and incompetence as you can possibly get. On the downside, it means the U.S. military may not be dealing with Iran if it tries to cross the nuclear red line, but based on what we've heard during the Syrian debacle, it seems unlikely they were going to do so in the first place. A number of respected U.S. military commentators were saying outright that the U.S. could not financially afford a full-scale war with Syria. The U.S. would need to be prepared for escalation into a full-scale war if they were going to undertake even limited military action. So, if the U.S. wasn't prepared or capable of running a small or full scale operation/war in third world Syria, how can anyone reasonably have expected that they would be in a position to do so in Iran? The message here for Israel, is that Israel is going to have to turn directly to their true source of power for this one. On the upside, if Obama feels burned by Syria, the Arab Spring, Egypt, Russia, and everything else International, then maybe, just maybe, he'll leave Israel alone too. Maybe this is the end of Obama trying to embed Hamas into Judea and Samaria, and trying to divide Jerusalem, trying to kick out Jews out of our homes, and trying to promote this latest "peace process". One can hope. G'mar Chatima Tova

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Another Dark Day for America

I think it's fair to say that Putin spit in Obama's face yesterday, and then rubbed it in for good measure. Just the other day, President Obama made a Clintonian-like statement regarding a possible intervention in Syria, “First of all, I didn't set a red line. The world set a red line.” Um, except that Obama did set a red line. On Aug. 20, 2012, Obama said, “We have been very clear to the Assad regime ... that a red line for us is, we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized.” That's a pretty pathetic attempt to extricate himself from a poorly thought out statement, but not unexpected anymore. Obama painted himself into a corner, and he's been trying to weasel his way out of it, ever since he realized that people were listening to what he said and trying to hold him to it. And now Obama apparently believes that Putin has pulled his chestnuts out of the fire. Syria will (maybe) give up their chemical weapons. Russia and Iran(!) will be guarantors of the deal. Of course, Putin wasted no time in using this victory to reposition Russia as the world's new, undefied superpower. He announced he is going to complete the sale to Iran of the S-300 anti-aircraft missiles that he was forced to halt 3 years ago. He's going to build another nuclear reactor in Iran. (And let's not forget Snowden). Everything that America doesn't (shouldn't?) want to happen. So, if you haven't gotten the point yet, Obama just unilaterally demoted the US from being the sole global superpower. He just gave Iran a green light to do what they want without fear of reprisal, and he personally conceded world leadership to Vladmir Putin. September 11 will once again go down in history as another dark day for America.

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Guilt by Association

I just mailed in my absentee ballot.

Without a doubt this was the most difficult election I ever voted for.

Normally I vote for a candidate based on their positions and record (with Israel and Economics being the most important to me).

I normally wouldn’t even consider their party affiliation.

But I couldn’t do that this election.

It far too important for the future of America and Israel that the Obama fail in everything he does, and that means the Democrats must lose control over the Senate and Congress.

Based on current polls of the upcoming election, the majority of America understands that too.

I’ve never voted a protest vote before. I’ve always voted for the candidates I like, even if they have no chance of getting in.

As usual, I carefully reviewed each candidate’s positions.

The first Republican challenger I liked a lot, but the Democratic incumbent has a very solid record of supporting Israel (not that I agree with his interpretation on what support actually means, but I believe he sincerely views himself as pro-Israel). But ultimately this Democratic incumbent only offered an understated reaction to Obama’s awful treatment of Israel and he took his sweet time before he offered it.

If he had stood up earlier and said more, my decision would have been much more difficult (or perhaps even different), but as they say, “too little, too late”.

I wasn’t impressed with the second Republican candidate at all. In fact, I disliked his positions on numerous, though not primary, issues. But lucky for him, I was even less impressed with most of the positions of the Democratic incumbent. So this Republican candidate grudgingly got my vote too.

The third Democratic incumbent was OK on Israel, but his economics were horrible, I mean really horrible.

His Republican competitor is a bit of an unknown, but he’s weighed in on all the major issues, and I like many of his positions. That was an easy decision.



From the three candidates I voted for, I would have voted for two of them anyway.

The third selection was my way of voting against the Obama and for America.

I hope my vote will help.

God bless America.

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Muqata blocks military aid to Lebanon

A joint Joe-Jameel post and news analysis

Much to the Obama administration and State Department's dismay, the US Congress Foreign Relations Committee is blocking $100 million of US military aid and training for the LAF . This follows Lebanon's attack on Israel, possibly using US weapons in the attack, and most likely using snipers who received US training.

Lebanese (LAF) soldier with US weaponry

This is not the first time that the LAF and Lebanese government subverted US military aid to attack Israel and US security interests.

Israel had set up a spy network in Lebanon to specifically spy on Hezbollah.

The US provided the LAF and Lebanese government with counter-surveillance equipment specifically to use against Hezbollah, and Lebanon instead only used it to locate and dismantle Israel's security espionage network against Hezbollah - also damaging US intelligence efforts against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Muqata is proud to have been the first to bring the matter to the attention of the general public of the possible misuse of US aid, equipment and training specifically during last week's attack on Israeli forces by the Lebanese government. Thanks to our investigative efforts we put this snowball in motion.

But this is not the first time that US security funding, equipment and training have been turned against Israel and US interests.

Palestinian Authority "policemen" have been involved in numerous terror attacks against Jews and US citizens. It is only a matter of time before US General Dayton's Palestinian militia is used full force against Israel. In fact, Dayton has himself warned that this is likely to happen by 2011 if no Palestinian state is created.

Dayton has been thrown out from the PA twice already. The first time was from Gaza, the second was a few months ago after Dayton had a disagreement with the PA leadership.

Israel (post on this subject to go up soon) has recently kicked out Dayton's PA "police" forces from some Arab villages after numerous attacks on Israelis coming from those villages that are under PA security management.

The US policy of funding easily subverted foreign military forces in unstable Islamic countries and governments in the hope of propping up weak leadership is not a sustainable policy. It is not good for US interests in the long-term.

Back in 2008, the US was praising Lebanese military aid (while Israel expressed concern), and the NYTimes even provided some relevant quotes supporting US aid to Lebanon's army.

Now, however, American officials say they have faith in the independence and professionalism of the army, which has become thoroughly integrated to include all of Lebanon’s many religious and ethnic factions, and has avoided interfering in politics. American-driven audits have shown that almost nothing given to the army has ended up in Hezbollah’s hands.

“They have demonstrated year after year after year that when we give them equipment, they take responsibility for it,” said Mark T. Kimmitt, assistant secretary of state for political and military affairs.

Israel made the same mistake by selling advanced arms to Turkey and supporting the PA, and now this policy is coming back to bite Israel.

Furthermore, it is only a matter of time before the Islamic Brotherhood attempts a coup against US-propped up Egyptian government once Mubarak dies, and gains access and control to all of Egypt's advanced US weaponry.

In short, providing military weapons, training and aid to Islamic countries is simply bad long-term policy.

When will the West learn this lesson?

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Our Special Relationship: Politcal Cartoon Roundup

This came from the Jewish Journal. Not very creative. Nor clever. I've seen better in elementary school newspapers.


This came from the Moderate Voice. Yawn. Reminds me of the same anti-Israel cartoons when Menachem Begin was Prime Minister and we were in the middle of the "Peace for Galilee War"



This doozey comes from Korea -- the bastion of peace in Northeast Asia. The Israeli flag on top of Netanyahu's hat is extremely sophisticated.

Finally. A much more entertaining and realistic view of the situation, which demonstrates our new family relationship.

Yisrael Hayom wonders why Obama is so offended by a mistake -- which Israeli apologized for over and over again. If this mistake really infuriated Obama, he must consider Glenn Beck worse than Osama Bin Laden.



Rotter Net produced this one...yet had they used English instead of transliterated Hebrew, it might have been more effective. Putting Nasrallah and Ahmedinijad on this simply makes the poster a poor political statement and weakens the entire poster. Disappointing, considering all the work that went into it.




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USA Olim Heart Obama?

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I've discussed at length, the possibility of US citizens resident in Israel (legally) receiving a tax credit of up to $1000 per child.

Well, here's a news scoop: USA President Obama is proposing DOUBLING the Child Tax Credit to $2000 per child!

The details are a bit murky, but the CBS affiliate, "Las Vegas Now" website posted the story.

That's what President Obama says he intends to do. In his speech, he said he wants to offer tax credits to people struggling to care for their families.

"We've just come through what was one of the most difficult decades the middle class ever faced," he said.

The president plans to nearly double the child care tax credit for families earning less than $85,000.

For example, the rate would go from 20 to 35-percent, so a family with two kids and an income of $80,000 would get a tax credit of $2,100 instead of $900.

"During these tough economic times, I think it's going to help save money. Everyone is about saving, said Alexander Gonzalez.

At the very least, many people are grateful the credit might keep them from owing money. But some parents say their hope is that this tax reform doesn't take as long as the healthcare overhaul.

"He has promised a lot of things – well, not promised, but said he'll do a lot of things. So the proof is in the pudding," said Dan Land.

The nearly doubled tax credit is for families earning less than $85,000. Families earning up to $115,000 could also see a smaller tax credit increase, but the White House hasn't said how much.

I don't know if this will pan out, but its a story we'll be following here at the Muqata.

Instead of saying people that US President Obama is a negative reason to make aliya...we see him here actively helping US Olim in Israel!

Hmmm.



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US "Furious" over Israel's plan to build Hotel in Jerusalem

Move over settlement outposts, Haaretz reports that Washington (read: President Obama) is "furious" over Jerusalem's plan to build a 200 room hotel across from the Old City of Jerusalem.

"Washington is furious over the Interior Ministry's anticipated approval of a plan to build a new hotel in East Jerusalem, just 100 meters from the Old City's walls. The plan, which would see the demolition of a wholesale market and kindergarten, is slated to be approved today.

In conversations with Israeli officials, senior American officials have made it clear that they want Israel to freeze all plans for expanding the Jewish presence in East Jerusalem, and especially in the Holy Basin - the area adjacent to the Old City."

What a travesty of justice! Building a hotel on your own property...I can guarantee you that the "kindergarten" will be relocated and that all the kindergardeners will have a nicer place when moved.

The important keywords: Obama, Furious, Jewish building, Jerusalem

Note: Other examples of Furious Obama include:

'Furious' Obama orders review of NY plane flyover - CNN.com
Furious Obama lashes out at Wall St cos - Express India
"Furious" Obama Fires Caldera for Skipping Photo-Shop Tutorial
Obama furious with the truth--again

I think he needs a course in anger management.

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Reading Obama's Personal Mail to G-d

In a new low for Israel's newspapers, Maariv published the note that Sen. Obama placed into the Western Wall, the "Kotel" -- a private message between himself and G-d.

On the bright side, the Yediot Achronot newspaper didn't print the note because they valued Obama's privacy...yet Maariv had to "run with scoop" against all etiquette, norms of privacy, and basic decency.

The note has since been picked up everywhere and published in the NY Post as well, so there's no real issue in it not appearing here on the blog.

"Lord - Protect my family and me," reads the note published in the Maariv daily. "Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

The paper's decision to make the note public drew fire. The rabbi in charge of the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinovitz, said publishing the note intruded in Obama's relationship with God.

"The notes placed between the stones of the Western Wall are between a person and his maker. It is forbidden to read them or make any use of them," he told Army Radio. The publication "damages the Western Wall and damages the personal, deep part of every one of us that we keep to ourselves," he said. (NY Post)

However, the following scenario ran around my head this morning.

What if...

...the note said the following:

Bless and protect the State of Israel and its inhabitants, spread the wings of peace and security throughout the land so that all may live in harmony with one another. May the words of Your prophet come true, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."

Or, if you're a not an Obama supporter...

Bless and protect the Palestinian people from Israeli aggression. Grant them sovereignty over Jerusalem and their land so that this oppressed nation can thrive among their brothers in the Middle East...

What if? Let's say that this was the message that appeared in the note that was offered to Maariv. (Or maybe, Yated Neeman or HaModia or Mishpacha).

Do you think that seeing such a message (either of the above) would be important enough, or urgent enough, to bypass Obama's privacy and should be printed and publicized?

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The Kotel's Allure

What is Obama requesting from G-d?

There isn't a single visiting American politician and hopeful candidate that doesn't stop at the Western Wall to offer a prayer and photo-op in Jerusalem.

One could cynically look at this picture (or of any candidate) ...but there's a flip side.

The Navi/Prophet Zecharia (Chapter 14: 16) says:

והיה, כל-הנותר מכל-הגוים, הבאים, על-ירושלם; ועלו מדי שנה בשנה, להשתחות למלך יהוה צבאות, ולחג, את-חג הסכות.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the G-d of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles (sukkot).

And it's going to get even better -- the nations of the world won't just be showing up for photo ops at the Kotel, but bringing korbanot at the Beit HaMikdash as well.

And while I'm on the topic of the kotel, Lurker suggested I recount the story of my friend, Ahmed.

Yes, I have a friend who's real name is Ahmed (as opposed to my name, Jameel).

He's Muslim, lives in London, and we're work colleagues. I first met him in London and we worked together on many projects, and he was most hospitable to me.

When he had to come for work to Israel, I returned the hospitality and took him around the Old City of Jerusalem. As this was in the days of the "new" intifada around 2002, I took my M16 with me as I showed him the different sections of the Old City.

He expressed a desire to pray on the mosque on the Temple Mount, so I took him as far as I was willing to walk -- and then told him he had to walk the rest from there by himself -- we would meet up again in 30 minutes.

He walked up the entrance, and was quickly stopped by the Waqf guards.

"What do you want?" they asked him.

Cheerfully, he replied, "I'm here to pray"

Suspiciously, pointing in my direction, they asked, "Who is that guy that brought you here?"

Ahmed laughed and replied, "Him? That's my good friend Jameel!"

Astonished, they asked, "Your good friend? He's carrying an M16!?"

He answered proudly, "Of course he has an M16, he's an IDF reserve soldier, he's part of his settlement's counter terror unit, and he lives in the Shomron."

The Waqf guards were so horrified and disgusted by my friend's reply that they sent him away, without letting him pray at all!

Dejected, he walked back to meet me, and I told him I would take him to the Kotel instead. Approaching the Kotel, he was instructed to put on one of those cardboard kippot, which he did.

Walking closer to the wall, the Chabad people jumped up to put tefillin on him.

I tried holding them back -- "No, No, Don't put tefillin on him!"

They didn't understand...."It's a mitzva!" they yelled back at me.

"He isn't JEWISH!" I interjected.

They stopped. "He certainly looks Jewish," they replied...

I have many more Ahmed and Jameel stories...maybe next week.

Shabbat Shalom!


hat-tip to Amshi for the pic.

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Obama Bumper Sticker

Posted by JoeSettler



Hattip: Jewschool

Jameel Adds:



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Obama panders shamelessly to Muqata voters

Obama: "Lemme Eat My Waffle"
Obama: "Why can’t I just eat my waffle?"
Obama: "Let Me Eat My Waffle!"

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama lost his cool Monday when reporters pressed him to comment on former American President Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Damascus. "Why can't I just eat my waffle?" he said while eating his breakfast, according to MSNBC. The reporter asked him a second time, and Sen. Obama again replied, "Just let me eat my waffle."

Pass the syrup.


Updated Here:



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