Columns

"There can be no doubt that those who lobby for Israel are a force to be reckoned with, but several facts must also be considered: right-wing Christian fundamentalists (who form 40% of the Republican Party's voter base) have a major role in shaping policies toward the Middle East; polls show that most American Jews (and Christians) do not support hard-line Israeli positions; and the myth of the invincible AIPAC is just that - a myth."

"Escalation of warfare in Afghanistan is running parallel to escalation of class war -- waged from the top down -- in Washington. The presidentially appointed co-chairs of the deficit commission, Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, are pushing scenarios that would undermine Social Security."

"The only conclusion that one can make from all of this is that those settlements that Israel built over the last 43 years, in defiance of international law - which have been described by successive American administrations as "illegal", "an obstacle to peace", "unhelpful", "counterproductive" and more recently as "illegitimate"- have now become "subsequent developments" that will be accommodated by "agreed land swaps"....So Jabal Abul Ghnaim is no more, and will be no more, despite international condemnation and U.S. "regrets". The once green Arab hill has been replaced by "subsequent developments".  Given of the timidity of the U.S. response to the extension of Har Homa, in all likelihood, that too will be built, and some day soon be a reality that Palestinians will be told they must accept."

"Can you imagine what would happen if Israel’s friends tried to engage in debate? It’s a no-win proposition. Why do you think we had to savage the Goldstone Report? When we explain to people that Israel has to kill to survive, we get called war criminals. How can you hope to argue with people who think Arabs should have the same rights as Jews do?" -- Moshe Schmeckel

"Make no mistake; the next two years will not be easy for the White House or for Middle East diplomacy. It is still a steep climb for the U.S. to find its way out of the deep holes dug by the previous Administration. And with unresolved problems on the home front (economic woes, chief among them), and an aggressive and now emboldened opposition seeking to place obstacles in their path (including investigations and Congressional hearings that will consume valuable White House energy), the Obama Administration and America are in for a rough ride. But the President still has considerable talent and tremendous resources at his disposal. And, as polls show, despite the deep partisan divide, most Americans want him to succeed, especially in efforts to restore American prestige and to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East. If he has the will to fight off disruptive initiatives and domestic challenges, he can still make some progress on both fronts."

Since a government, at least in theory, exists to serve and protect its citizens, [Omar] Khadr should have had the full support and protection of his government, but it did not see fit to fight for his extradition on constitutional grounds. Khadr, you see, is a Muslim, and therefore is not entitled to basic legal or humanitarian protection in the minds of Canada’s slavishly pro-Israel sycophants.

"The election of 2010 is now grim history. It’s time for progressives to go back to the grassroots and organize with renewed, deepened commitment to changing the direction of this country. If we believe that state power is crucial -- and if we believe in government of, by and for the people -- it’s not too soon to begin planning and working for change that can make progressive victories possible in future elections."

"Whether simply exploiting insecurity and fear of Arabs and Muslims in a crude effort to win votes - tactics that worked so well for Republicans in the post-9/11 environment, or mixing these national security concerns with good old fashioned xenophobia, with a touch of Islamophobia, to infuse their supporters with intensity - it's a dangerous game with worrisome consequences. And with the GOP poised to wield even greater influence after this election, I believe that those who place value in the need to promote greater understanding have every reason to be concerned."