March 18th, 2010 by Rocky Mountain Jew
Add a comment Israel messed up. Big. Netanyahu’s timing of announcing the construction of 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem was a mistake. His belligerence in the face of the Obama administration is shortsighted. Plain and simple. Forget about who’s wrong and who’s right, whether Israel can legitimately build these new housing blocks. Who cares? Shouldn’t the matter of maintaining good relations with the United States trump all?
To put it bluntly: It is America, through financial, military and political support, that secures Israel’s existence. It would behoove Israel to remember that its close relationship with the US is not infallible. Yes, Israel is a long-trusted ally and America’s democratic partner in the Middle East. But should Israel contribute to the instability reigning throughout the Middle East, well, we’ll see how strong the friendship remains.
A word to the wise. The game in Washington has changed. Obama’s administration is tougher on Israel. Netanyahu should accept this and change his strategy according to the new players. Embarrassing Biden, who is a long-time supporter of Israel, was a huge misstep on Netanyahu’s part. This is not to say that Israel cannot pursue its national interest. But pick the battles, calculate the timing. And don’t forget: The piper will someday collect. [More...]
December 2nd, 2009 by Shana Goldberg
2 Comments 
The news story is by now well known. This past Sunday, the Swiss voted to ban the construction of minarets throughout the country. The vote, which was preceded by a heated campaign, including controversy over what some viewed as an incendiary campaign poster (see right), raises a whole host of questions not only dealing with current geopolitics, but really make us re-evaluate some of our core political and social beliefs. Here are some: [More...]
October 30th, 2009 by Rocky Mountain Jew
Add a comment Does AIPAC no longer represent the broad political spectrum of American Jews? Do all American Jews hold the same viewpoint regarding Israel and the peace process? Must Jews who are liberal regarding domestic politics also be liberal regarding the Middle East - or vice versa? These are just some of the questions the American Jewish community is asking itself since the formation of J Street, a Jewish lobby dedicated to promoting diplomacy in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Formed in the 2008, the lobby has a decidedly left-leaning slant, which attracts a whole slew of American Jews who prefer a soft versus hard approach regarding the Middle East. The flip side, though, is that we currently have in office a president who is making us question, for the first time since the 1960s, the solidity of America’s friendship with Israel.
With J Street wrapping up its first ever conference, Rocky Mountain Jew brings you links to some of the commentary on this growing new lobby.
