PDavidHornik

Elliott Abrams on the Shalit deal

This is a highly insightful, knowledgeable discussion of why Israelis generally favor the deal even though its drawbacks are obvious. I've published three articles in favor of it while being acutely aware of the drawbacks. Not too many people understand Israel well from the outside and Abrams is one of the few.

Gilad's conditions in Gaza vs. those of Pal. prisoners in Israeli jails

Don't miss this one.

Emily Amrousi: Am Yisrael Chai

Read her brief, beautiful piece on the Shalit events.

Why the Shalit deal? Because Israel's situation is radically different from that of other Western countries

And Robin Shepherd discusses some--though, I emphasize, only some--of why that's so. For more on why it's so see Gideon Saar's op-ed, linked to below in "Gilad is home."

Class hatred and racist hatred--both murderous forces

But for the left, including the more moderate left, class hatred remains an indispensable holy grail. That many seem odd, since many or most Western leftists are themselves members of the elite and not exactly in the poorhouse. So certain categories of the well-to-do--basically, people employed in business and finance--become the hated "class." In any case, Dennis Prager discusses with the usual great insight, much recommended.

Shalit's return

I discuss it today on Frontpage.

Gilad is home

And bringing him home was necessary and right, even at the huge price. Israeli education minister Gideon Saar says why succinctly. In supporting this deal (for links, see posts below on "The Gilad Shalit deal" and "The Shalit deal") I'm breaking with many of my fellow right-wingers, but it seems to me they're having a kneejerk reaction and not looking sufficiently at the specific case.

Former Israeli POW: Belief in the Eternal, optimism, and belief in my country got me through

A short and moving account: "The most encouraging factor is the belief that your state and army stands behind you, and they will do everything to bring you back home.”

This is a holy of holies for the state of Israel.

The wave of persecution of Christians comes straight from the Koran

Bruce Bawer makes it crystal clear in an outstanding little piece.

Put the Fogel-family killers to death

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz makes a wise suggestion, one that would help clear the air after the very difficult Shalit deal. Unfortunately the suggestion doesn't have much chance of being implemented.