October 15, 2012

In-depth

Arlen Specter, A Fiercely Independent American Original

Jane Eisner of the Forward pays tribute to the veteran Jewish senator who walked both sides of the political aisle. 

Specter’s Jewishness was the kind born of the immigrant experience, of being raised in the only Jewish family in a small Kansan town, and of fighting his way into the political arena in Philadelphia just when Jews were at the brink of acceptance. It translated politically into staunch support for Israel, for the separation of religion and state, and the preservation of civil liberties. It translated personally into support for Jewish institutions in the city he called home for decades.

If Israel Strikes Iran, What About Hezbollah?

When contemplating an assault on Iran's nuclear facilties, Israel must take into account the real damage that Hezbollah could do, writes J. Michael Cole in The Diplomat. 

But perhaps no single factor, besides Iran’s nuclear program itself, will be as important in influencing Israel’s strategic assessment as the realization that attacking Iran risks sparking a war on several fronts; that is, one that not only invites retaliation from Iran, but very likely from its regional ally and sometimes proxy, Hezbollah.

Elections season has only just begun

Dan Margalit of Israel Hayom ponders the political maneuvering that is the trademark of Israeli elections. 

Elections always provide a license to vilify, exaggerate, offend, make vain, swear to lies, spread charms and theories, mock friends and be photographed smirking with enemies (just wait for the photograph of the hug between Eli Yishai and Aryeh Deri when they are forced to run on the same [Shas] list).

Daily Digest

• Times of Israel: Former Lebanese PM joins growing chorus of Nasrallah criticism
• Haaretz: EU expected to approve tougher sanctions against Iran
• Jerusalem Post: Shas party leadership still hangs in the balance
• Ynet: Katsav seeks presidential pardon
• New York Times: Rebel Arms Flow Is Said to Benefit Jihadists in Syria
• Washington Post: How Obama bungled the Syrian revolution
• Wall Street Journal: Arlen Specter: A Pennsylvania Icon