DIRECT LINK TO TODAY'S ARTICLES, IHC EDITORIALS AND RECENT ARTICLES

(Monday, August 25, 2008) 1. Russia feels threatened by countries on its periphery that have ties to the West. 2. Iran is working overtime in an attempt to close the technological gap with the West. 3. In many countries the highways cannot accommodate the increasingly large number of cars. It’s mayhem. 4. A water shortage in Israel is becoming increasingly serious as all three major sources of water are reaching their red lines.

Kadima’s front runner for leadership of the party, FM Tzipi Livni, is losing support as many are skeptical she can rally the troops and effectively lead Israeli forces in time of war. (See: “Mofaz and Livni Neck and Neck in Kadima Race)

As Israel confers a sort of legitimacy on Syria by creating an image of a phony peace partner, Syria's prestige is rising. (See: “Syria Seeks Advanced Military Equipment from Russia”)

Jordan is entertaining ties with Hamas but no doubt is wary of creating 'a state within a state' like that which existed in Jordan when Jordan expelled, without mercy, the Palestinians under Arafat; and like the situation of Hizbullah today in Lebanon. (See: “Jordan Holds “Security” Talks With Hamas”)

If Jewish youth, who hold the keys to Israel’s destiny in their hands, feel little or no connection to their biblical homeland, how can the future of the Jewish state be guaranteed? (See: “Rebuilding Israel’s Stature”)

The term ‘freedom of expression’ is apparently non-existent in the Iranian lexicon. Will anything be done to counteract the regime’s breach of human rights? (See: “Iran Executes Journalist Convicted of Terrorism”)

Are publishing houses succumbing to the threat of Islamic extremists? (See: “Fearful Random House Kills 'Racy' Islam Novel”)

As Syria falls into economical and political decline, can its leadership be trusted to bring about any positive changes for the country? (See: “Prophets and Losses”)

***SEE NEW WEEKEND ROUND UP of selected articles for week
ended 21 August 2008. To locate this, scroll down to box titled
“Index to Direct Links.” In addition, at top of Home Page check icon “New
Postings” for all articles published over the last couple of weeks.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

In a sign of the times, the Israel government has warned Israelis to be on their guard when visiting other countries. They should only associate with people they know who are trustworthy. They should not let strangers into their hotel rooms. They should avoid remote and secluded locations. They should regularly alter or switch their routines. The IHC adds that they should not speak loudly in public and draw attention to themselves. Speaking loudly in Hebrew when others are listening is not advised. Also, it is good practice to keep in contact with family and friends but do not speak loudly into cellphones with them so that everyone around can heard vital details about you and your plans.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

The two boats that sailed to the Gaza Strip from Cyprus full of publicity-seeking activists are a joke. What are they demonstrating against - the using of a Hamas-kidnapped IDF soldier, Gilad Shalit, to further Hamas political purposes? Are they demonstrating against the firing of missiles from the Gaza Strip at civilian targets in Israel? Or perhaps they are pressuring Hamas to recognize the State of Israel so that normal relations will prevail. What is it? If they are not sure, they are the usual confused lot trying to get some free publicity.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Apparently running for the mayoralty of Jerusalem on a haredi "horse," Arkadi Gaydamak on Monday expressed his fury over the "gay pride" parade held in Jerusalem and said that "as mayor, I will never let" such an event take place.

He charged current Mayor Uri Lupolianski with being a "professional politician" when he allowed homosexuals to have their parade. Gaydamak said he had nothing against homosexuals personally and had a right to live in the city, but what they do, he said, "goes against Jewish tradition" which includes having children. Homosexuals, he said, go against this tradition because "they don't procreate... I want to give religious status and values to Jerusalem."

The Russian-born tycoon said that he was "ready to die" to prevent the parade from happening. He said he would "lie down in the road" to stop it and that "they will have to drive over me" if they wanted the event to go ahead.

He said he had "great respect" for the ultra-Orthodox way of life and that such Jews should be "supported" due to their observance of "all 613 mitzvot." (Source: Jerusalem post, 25 August 2008)

All original material © copyrighted by Anthony David Marks, Chairman Israel
Hasbara Committee.

The IHC website is a reliable source of information about Israel
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Today's IHC Articles

• Jordan Holds "Security" Talks With Hamas
  
  By Amihai Zippor

  ([ARAB COUNTRIES] IHC News Analysis, 21 August 2008) An alternative Israeli peace plan states Jordan would take administrative control over Palestinian areas in Judea and Samaria while the territory remains under Israeli sovereignty. Jordan may be warning the Palestinian extremists they are creating such a reality if they do not compromise soon. Read more.

• Syria Seeks Advanced Military Equipment from Russia
  
  By Amihai Zippor

  ([ARAB COUNTRIES] IHC News Analysis, 21 August 2008) This is what happens when Israel, without first establishing security guarantees, talks with enemies that support terror. What good are peace talks, even if they are informal, if Syria is seeking to arm itself to the teeth with new weapons? Read more.

• Today's Overview of Leading News & Views - 21 August 2008
  
  By Michelle Marcello

  ([ISRAEL/INTERNATIONAL] IHC News, 21 August 2008) Syrian President Bashar Assad fully backed Russia's crackdown on Georgia and is presently in Moscow for what has been called "a working visit." Russian and Syrian analysts speculate Moscow may be considering closer ties with the Arab world. Read more.

• Mofaz and Livni Neck and Neck in Kadima Race
  
  By Amihai Zippor

  ([ISRAEL] IHC News Analysis, 21 August 2008) As Kadima discovers it has a race on its hands Labor is dwindling fast with polls indicating it would only receive 12 seats if elections were held today. Read more.

• Iran Executes Journalist Convicted of Terrorism
  
  By Lauren Frayer

  [ARAB COUNTRIES] Once again, the deplorable activities of Iran's regime have come into the spotlight - this time due to the execution of an alleged charity worker who dared question the Iranian government. It is obvious that these breaches of human rights, which take place daily in the Islamic Republic, will provoke little criticism from the UN which evidently has more time to spend on condemning Israel for discriminating against terrorists than confronting the threats of a rising nuclear power. Read more.

• Rebuilding Israel's Stature
  
  By Steve Kramer

  [ISRAEL] The fact that so many Jewish youth cannot identify with the State of Israel and the values it espouses should be a warning sign to those truly concerned about the future of the Jewish people. Israel, which is a politically weak country needs all the moral backing it can get. If global Jewry won't lend its support to the State, who will? Read more.

• Prophets and Losses
  
  By Barry Rubin

  [ISRAEL/ARAB AFFAIRS] Whilst Syria's president enjoys poking fun at the Israeli leadership, the laugh is ultimately on him given that his country is politically and economically failing. In addition to this, Assad suffered a number of humiliating blows that exposed the weakness of his leadership and proved that he is incapable of protecting the state's security interests. Read more.

• Fearful Random House Kills 'Racy' Islam Novel
  
  By David J. Rusin

  [ISLAM] From the arts to education, extremists are conquering Western culture and are succeeding in squeezing out its very lifeblood as this chilling article demonstrates. Read more.

• Thoughts on Parshat Ekev
  
  By Menachem Persoff

  [TORAH STUDIES] One can lecture the younger generation endlessly but nothing is as effective as teaching by good example. Setting an outstanding example is indirect and non confrontational and elicits tacit agreement rather than lording over the listeners. Read more.

IHC EDITORIALS

• Can Israel's Prime Minister Olmert Survive?
  
  By Anthony David Marks

  ([ISRAEL] IHC News Editorial, 11 May 2008) Once again, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is in the news but not about discharging his duties. Again it concerns irregularities that are considered sufficiently serious as to force him to resign. It is not possible for anyone to devote his full energies to running the country under these trying conditions. How long will this untenable situation last? Read more.

• Is Israel One Country?
  
  By Anthony David Marks

  ([ISRAEL] IHC News Editorial, 29 May 2008) Sometimes we report the news and other times we make the news. In this case we will no doubt be making the news. Read on. Read more.

• Chairman's Notes and Analysis
  
  By Anthony David Marks

  ([ISRAEL] IHC Editorial 24 June 2008) The objectives of the IHC are restated for the reader. They are not always apparent as one gets immersed in the many details of the Israel-Palestinian situation. The IHC stays focused and this should be internalized by serious readers. Read more.

• IHC Seeks Clarification of Facts
  
  By Anthony David Marks

  ([INTERNATIONAL] IHC News Editorial, 19 August 2008) The IHC has consistently backed the UN’s embargo on Iran which is part of wider sanctions intended to deter the Islamic Republic from continuing its development of nuclear weapons. Those that appear to breech the embargo must be brought to task unless they can positively prove the transparency of their actions. Read more.

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