01/30/15

Is the Taliban a Terrorist Group?

White House Doubles-Down – Says Taliban Not Terrorist Org Same Day They Slaughter 22 in Terror Attacks [Video]

Brooke Goldstein NAILS IT on why the Obama admin won’t call the Taliban a TERRORIST group

Brooke Goldstein Slams Admin’s ‘Inability to Call Evil What It Is’

01/30/15

Protesters Declare That The US And Texas Will Never Submit To Islam

Hat Tip: BB

CHRISTIAN HIJACKS PODIUM AT ISLAMIC EVENT: ‘False Prophet Mohammed Will Never Dominate Texas!’

‘ISLAM WILL NEVER DOMINATE TEXAS!!’ – FULL VIDEO of sweet protester at ‘Texas Muslim Day’

Texas Rep. Tells Muslims at Austin Rally to Take Loyalty Oath

01/30/15

U.S. Courts of Law – Sharia Courts?

By: T F Stern
T F Stern’s Rantings

Shariah Will Dominate There’s a news item on the internet about Sharia courts being used in Texas.  It would appear that what’s good for the goose isn’t necessarily good for the gander; or something like that.  Having read the article it would appear these ‘Sharia’ courts are well within the framework of religious courts, similar to those used by other religious orders.

“Brietbart Texas confirmed Tuesday that “an Islamic Tribunal using Sharia law” is indeed operating in Texas.  But not to worry: an attorney for the tribunal assures us that participation is “voluntary,” and one of the Sharia judges, Dr. Taher El-badawi, says it’s devoted only to “non-binding dispute resolution.”’

That sound less than threatening to our justice system; however, some folks aren’t entirely at ease, saying this is “just the first step”.

This is how it starts. This is how it started in the United Kingdom. When Sharia courts were instituted there, Muslim and non-Muslim officials alike all assured the British public and the world that they would be voluntary, restricted to matters involving non-criminal matters, and subject to the British courts. Any areas in which British law and Sharia law conflicted would be referred not to the Sharia courts, but to the British courts.

That is not how it worked out…”

The article goes on to indicate that, “Many Sharia law bodies rule on a range of disputes from domestic violence to child residence all of which should be dealt with by UK courts of law.” Instead, “they operate within a misogynist and patriarchal framework which is incompatible with UK legislation.”

The solution to these issues becomes self evident, pardon the use of an antique phrase.  If Sharia courts are in violation of the law of the land then enforce the law of the land; it’s that simple.

I’m not at all sure how Sharia Courts operate; but if they are similar to a Bishop’s Court, as are conducted to hold members accountable in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), then their purpose is not to usurp powers designated to the State and serve only to improve the lives of members of the church. 

In the LDS Church, if someone has been unfaithful to their marriage vows, less than ‘up front’ in dealings with others or some other character flaw which requires more than a simple apology; and, if that individual wishes to repent and resume his/her eternal progression toward becoming more like Jesus, then a Bishop’s Court is convened. 

Priesthood courts of the Church are not courts of retribution. They are courts of love. Oh, that members of the Church could understand this fact.”

The Bishop’s Court is not a replacement for Civil or Criminal Courts.  Bishops are required to notify the proper authorities when it becomes apparent that state law has been broken, such as rape, incest or bodily injury.  The purpose of a Bishop’s Court is to permit the repentance process to take effect, an opportunity for individuals to ‘get right with the Lord’; not hide violations of law. 

Sharia Courts should not pose a threat to society, if they are indeed what they claim to be…and yet…

There is a certain amount of distrust generated toward Islam/Muslims; and rightly so.

The Koran teaches its followers that to lie is permissible under a variety of circumstances. (Such as swearing to uphold the constitution of the United States?) 

There are two forms of lying to non-believers that are permitted under certain circumstances, taqiyya and kitman. These circumstances are typically those that advance the cause Islam – in some cases by gaining the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them.”

When a representative of the “religion of peace” tells us there is nothing to be concerned about, a religion that calls for and murders innocent Christian women and children, sends drugged up teenagers on suicide bombing missions and beheads those who don’t ‘voluntarily’ join their ranks…let’s just say I have my doubts as to the sincerity of their promises.

There’s an old Russian proverb that comes to mind, “Trust, but verify”.   In the case of Sharia Courts being held anywhere in the United States I’d prefer Lady Justice not be blindfolded.

This article has been cross posted to The Moral Liberal, a publication whose banner reads, “Defending The Judeo-Christian Ethic, Limited Government, & The American Constitution”.

01/30/15

Sarah Palin Is Right: Go on Offense, Tout Conservatism

By: Lloyd Marcus

Sarah PalinForty years ago when my Aunt Nee was the pastor of the Holy Temple Church of Truth, an east Baltimore storefront, during testimony service Sister Davis or Sister Cleary would spontaneously lead the tiny congregation in singing, “We’re Livin’ In the Last Days.” “They’re calling wrong right. They’re calling right wrong. Surely, we’re livin’ in the last days!”

As I listened to Sarah Palin’s speech at the Iowa Freedom Summit, I was elated that she once again displayed her exemplary leadership by not joining the chorus of those on our side who believe touting true Conservatism is a loser. Palin said we should expose the Left’s false premises and educate the public to the benefits and virtues of Conservatism. http://bit.ly/1z1jW8y Wow! How simple and right on target is that?

Many Republicans believe we have lost the argument and the only way to win votes is to abandon core principles, surrender and campaign according to the Left’s/Democrats’ false premises. In essence, they want the GOP to call wrong right and right wrong.

For example: Dems argue that requiring a photo ID to vote disenfranchises blacks. A GOP presidential contender suggested that the GOP drop the requirement to show a photo ID to vote, citing that it offends African Americans. http://bit.ly/1K1KpEp Well, as an American who happens to be black, I find the absurd assumption that it is too challenging to ask blacks to find their way to the DMV to acquire a photo ID extremely insulting and offensive. Showing a photo ID is a reasonable common sense solution to combating rampant Democrat voter fraud. The GOP line should be the same for all Americans. If you want to vote, show a photo ID. Period.

Some on our side are pandering to Obama’s lie that raising the minimum wage will help fix income inequality; once again calling wrong right and right wrong. http://1.usa.gov/15N4Tmy As Palin suggested in her speech, the GOP should be educating voters to the truth; explain why free market solutions are most beneficial to all Americans and the right thing to do.

Some GOP presidential contenders have embraced Common Core, big government overreaching control of the education of our kids. http://bit.ly/1uyWoC8

I get a bit queasy when members of the GOP start using liberal lingo and embracing premises such as man-made climate change, income inequality and white privilege. My “danger Will Robinson” alert goes off when GOP members start talking about fixing Obamacare, despite winning the election on their vow to repeal it. Shockingly, many in the GOP secretly want to allow Obama’s outrageous executive amnesty to stand. http://bit.ly/1Df0GDO

Man-made climate change is a hoax. Period. http://bit.ly/1EpwKsd

Allowing absurd evil liberal Democrat premises to gain momentum have dire consequences. Their lie that white cops routinely murder blacks lead to the assassination of two NYPD officers. White privilege is another Democrat made-up crisis.

Remarkably, a St. Paul, Minnesota school district spend $60k of taxpayer dollars attending “White Privilege” conferences. Talk about the bigotry of lowered expectations, the conferences suggest that black students should not be expected to be on time or work hard because neither concept are a part of their culture. Give me a break. http://bit.ly/1yMf4nb

It is vital that our 2016 presidential candidate be over the “Obama is black thing”, unafraid to deal with Obama as an arrogant lawless tyrant.

Terrified of being called racist, the GOP has allowed Obama to act like a far left radical kid in America’s candy store; insulated from criticism and rebuke by his black-skin coat of armor.

Over the past six and a half years, a socialist/progressive zealot has crept out of the Left’s handsome well-spoken black man Trojan Horse. http://bit.ly/1EqjBzd His mission is to destroy America as founded from within; the Constitution, the law, congress, the senate and the American people be damned. Obama’s strategy is to federalize as much of our land http://bit.ly/1yNGtFf, economy and lives as possible, thus repealing as many of our freedoms as possible.

From the beginning, Sarah Palin and the Tea Party tried to warn America about Obama, only to be marginalized in the minds of many by the mainstream media. They branded Palin and the Tea Party stupid, crazy and a bunch of redneck racists hating on our first black president.

The mainstream media game plan to defeat us in 2016 is quite simple. First they hammer us with the notion that any GOP candidate who defends the Constitution and advocates for limited government is extreme. Thus, to win, we must embrace liberal Democrat false premises.

The MSM then selects a “moderate” candidate which they praise to the hilt. But once we fall for their con and make the moderate RINO our official presidential nominee, they launch a vitriolic campaign portraying our candidate as the devil incarnate.

As Palin has stated, in 2016 only a presidential candidate who inspires, pleasantly educates and boldly articulates Conservatism will do.

Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American
Chairman, Conservative Campaign Committee

01/30/15

A Brief Respite

Arlene from Israel

All is quiet in the north now. There are those who think it’s just a matter of time until we are attacked again, and that we are certainly closer to major hostilities than we were before this most recent attack.  That something major is coming down the road, at some point, is clear.  But I would not rush to assume that we are now closer to it.

Hezbollah sent a message via Gen. Luciano Portolano, commander of UN forces in Lebanon (UNIFL), overnight, indicating that they are not seeking an escalation of tensions.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-conveys-to-israel-it-does-not-want-escalation/

As was expected, Hezbollah declared that it considered this an “eye for an eye” regarding our hit on their people in the convoy in the Golan.  Their honor, dignity, whatever, has ostensibly been salvaged with the death of two of our soldiers, and for now they are content.

~~~~~~~~~~

Among political analysts there are two schools of thought regarding Hezbollah’s current situation.  One says that this radical terror group, in fighting for Assad in Syria, has been depleted (hundreds of their fighters killed) and drained – and thus is in no mood to take on Israel now.  The other says that whatever the stresses of fighting have been for Hezbollah, the experience has honed their battle skills so that they are better equipped to confront Israel than they were before.

I am not certain that the two are necessarily mutually exclusive.  They might decide to wait before advancing a major confrontation, but might ultimately be more dangerous opponents than they would have been if not for the Syrian battles.

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror, former national security advisor, says that the last thing Hezbollah needs now is to open a second front: “The chances (of an escalation) are very slim, almost none,”

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/190676#.VMpJKJv9nIU

~~~~~~~~~~

Other matters, as well, must be factored into predictions regarding Hezbollah actions in the coming days and months:

There is, as I have mentioned, great dissatisfaction inside of Lebanon with what Hezbollah is doing.  See more about the mounting criticism here:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4620415,00.html

And there are also apparently financial difficulties for Hezbollah.  It “may be on the cusp of a financial crisis”:

http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/01/19/hezbollah-gripped-by-major-financial-crisis/

~~~~~~~~~~~

And, most significantly, there is Iran.  If Hezbollah were to take on Israel in a major confrontation, it would be at the bidding of Iran; Many analysts believe that Iran would be reluctant to “waste” Hezbollah on this now, when it is not yet time.  Hezbollah is being “saved” for the moment when Israel might decide to attack Iran.  (More about Iran below.)

~~~~~~~~~~

Then, of course, on the other side, there is the reluctance of Israel’s leaders to engage in a major confrontation with Hezbollah now (the proclamations of Foreign Minister Lieberman regarding the need to do more notwithstanding). We are in an election campaign, and a war now would not serve Netanyahu’s electoral aspirations.  The death and damage that would ensue would cause many to turn against him – whether fairly or not.

~~~~~~~~~~

But let me add, lest the above be read improperly: while our leaders may not wish to go the route of war now, our military is prepared and on the alert, and would respond if necessary. The IDF is actually on high alert in the north, and has begun searching for tunnels Hezbollah may have been excavated a la Hamas.

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/IDF-drilling-in-northern-Israel-amid-fears-of-Hezbollah-attack-tunnels-389236

~~~~~~~~~~

What I must say is that I wish never, ever again to see pictures such as these below here in Israel, or to have to share them.  These were taken at the funeral of Maj. Yochai Kalangel, 25, who was killed by Hezbollah.  He was buried in the military cemetery at Har Herzl earlier today.  Perhaps some can look at these photos without a wrenching of the heart or a tear in the eye, but I cannot.  Nor can many others here.  The pain is palpable.

The woman is Kalangel’s widow, who has a one year old child.  I am assuming the man is his father, who said at the funeral that “Where you should have buried me, I bury you.”

respite1

Credit: IsraelNationalNews

respite2

Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90

~~~~~~~~~~

St.-Sgt. Dor Haim Nini, 20, from Shtulim, was buried in his home village later in the day today.  Yesterday, his girlfriend, Sahar, posted a picture of the two of them on Facebook, and wrote “good morning my love.” Nini saw it, “liked” the photo and wrote, “you are my life. I love you.” Hours later, he had been killed.

Good people, good soldiers cut down in their young lives.  I never want to have to share such photos or stories again.  But as surely as I am sitting at my keyboard now, I know I will have to.

~~~~~~~~~~

It is worth mentioning that the US stance on this was supportive.  Jan Psaki, State Department spokeswoman, said: “We support Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense.” She added that Washington condemned the attack.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-israel-has-right-to-self-defense-against-hezbollah/

This statement lacked the absolute “evenhandedness” that so often mars comments from State; apparently it’s politically correct to criticize  Hezbollah.

~~~~~~~~~~

Netanyahu, in the last couple of days, has pointed a finger at Iran, as being ultimately responsible for the Hezbollah attack.

Iran is the one which is responsible for arming, organizing, funding and deploying terrorists on Israel’s northern and southern borders.” (Emphasis added)

http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/politics-and-military/politics/netanyahu-iran-behind-hezbollah-attack-11327

~~~~~~~~~~

In another statement yesterday, the prime minister said, “For some time, Iran – via Hezbollah – has been trying to establish an additional terrorist front against us from the Golan Heights.” (Emphasis added)

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Netanyahu-blames-Iran-for-northern-border-attack-389343

And I think with this we come full circle.  We attacked the convoy in the Golan because intelligence suggested a good possibility that high level military personnel were present in order to advance plans for establishing a base there that might even include rocket launching equipment.

Now there is talk in some quarters about the need for stronger Israeli action against the killing of our soldiers in the attack launched from Lebanon – the claim is that this is necessary for deterrence.  But as I see it, our deterrence was advanced most powerfully via the attack on the convoy in the Golan.  Hezbollah seeks that base in order to be able to attack Israel without involving Lebanon.   But Hezbollah and Iran have been warned that we are on to their intentions and will not permit this.

~~~~~~~~~~

On the subject of Iran, I share here two articles.

The first, by Shoshana Bryen, Senior Director, Jewish Policy Center: “Iran Doesn’t Need Nuclear Weapons” (emphasis added):

“In his State of the Union address, President Obama forcefully announced he would not accept ‘a nuclear-armed Iran.’ This reflects his view that the only objectionable element of Iran’s behavior would be acquisition and possible use of such weapons. This is conveniently narrow.

“While the ability to produce nuclear weapons quickly and in secret – if it hasn’t already done so – is important, Iran pursues a wide variety of long-term Shiite religious and Persian imperial goals in the Middle East and Africa, and in the Western Hemisphere

“…With his focus solely on nuclear weapons, President Obama has missed perhaps the last, best opportunity to stymie the mullahs.

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/01/iran_doesnt_need_nuclear_weapons_.html

~~~~~~~~~~

And then, Khaled Abu Toameh, “How Iran is Circling the Gulf and Israel” (emphasis added):

“…Relations between Iran and Hamas had become strained after Hamas’s refusal to support the regime of Iran’s client, Syria’s Bashar Assad, in his fight against the Syrian opposition forces.

“Iran and Hamas need each other badly. Iran wants Hamas because it does not have many Sunni allies left in the region. An alliance with Hamas would enable Iran to rid itself of charges that it is leading a Shiite camp fighting against the Sunnis.

“Hamas, for its part, is desperate for any outside support, especially in wake of its increased isolation in the Palestinian and international arenas…

Hamas leaders say they have taken a ‘strategic’ decision to restore their ties with Iran. Ismail Haniyeh, the former prime minister of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, announced recently that his movement is working toward establishing “open relations” with Iran…

The Hamas-Iran rapprochement is yet another sign of Tehran’s effort to use its allies in the Middle East to destroy Israel. Hamas leaders are now hoping that Iran will resume not only its financial aid to their movement, but the supply of weapons as well.

“Iran is not interested in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip or providing shelter to thousands of Palestinian families who lost their homes during the last war. The only thing Iran is interested in there is turning Hamas into another Iranian-backed army that would be used to attack Israel. This is all happening at a time when the Obama Administration is busy preparing for another round of talks with Iran over its nuclear program. It is obvious by now that Tehran is using these negotiations to divert attention from its efforts to deepen its involvement in the Middle East, with the hope of taking over the oil fields and eliminating Israel.”

http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/5149/iran-encircling-gulf-israel

~~~~~~~~~~

This is stuff to make the blood run cold.  And it is with this that I stop my political reporting tonight.  Who knows what’s coming down? Who cares?

I think part of what enrages me so much is the on-going hullabaloo about Netanyahu’s plans to speak to Congress when Obama doesn’t want him to.  Here in Israel, the left is carrying on because this may give him an electoral advantage.

The bottom line is that where Iran is concerned, people should eagerly embrace an opportunity to hear what Netanyahu has to say.  And we Israelis should hold our heads high, for we have a leader who gets it right – and has something to say to the Congress.

Dear friends, I urge you to share Khaled Abu Toameh’s article broadly – and most specifically with your senators and congresspersons.  This is a matter that must be brought to the attention of those who can make a difference.

For your Congresspersons:

http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

For your Senators:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

~~~~~~~~~~

Let’s close with something upbeat.  Because we must hold on to what can sustain us:

Yesterday, I saw for the first time that the almond trees (the very first to blossom) are in bloom. This means that – while winter weather, hopefully, will return to bring us more rain – spring is around the corner.  Something to lift the spirits.  (Yes, I know, parts of N. America are buried in snow – but allow your spirits to be lifted, at least in this regard, vicariously.)

respite3

Credit: Israel-tourguide

01/30/15

The Council Has Spoken!! Watcher’s Council Results – 01/30/15

The Watcher’s Council


SARAH PALIN: Seen Posing with Sign That Says “Fuc– You Michael Moore”

The Council has spoken, the votes have been cast and the results are in for this week’s Watcher’s Council match-up.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practise to deceive! – Sir Walter Scott, Marmion

Peace is purchased from strength. It’s not purchased from weakness or unilateral retreats. – Benyamin Netanyahu

Obama’s got something against Israel. – Broadcaster Rush Limbaugh, 2009

Ahmadinijad was stupid enough to be a wolf in wolf’s clothing, to expose his teeth and nails and alert the west. I can be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I have all the diplomatic and rhetoric skills to do so. – Hasan Rouhani – President of Iran

Israel doesn’t know what its own best interests are. – President Barack Obama

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nEAkWOufFU/T366WMxCdrI/AAAAAAAABOg/easpV-8FMnM/s400/Joshua_Dali_Sun.jpg

This week’s winning essay, Joshuapundit’s Obama, Netanyahu And Congress: The Real Inside Story Raises Further Questions, is my analysis of the real story behind the ginned up controversy of Israeli PM Netanyahu accepting an invitation from Congress to address a joint meeting on Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program… and what ultimate questions it raises. Here’s a slice:

President Obama’s latest escapade involving Israel says a great deal about his deep animus towards Israel. And it raises an important question.

Our story starts with Speaker of the House John Boehner inviting Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress on Iran and on Islamist terrorism in March.

Boehner’s rationale for this was a widely popular bi-partisan bill up in congress calling for large scale sanctions on Iran if the Obama administration is unable to craft a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear weapons capacity. President Obama, who watered down the previous sanctions and unilaterally dispensed with them said bluntly that he’d veto any legislation regarding Iran, and made a special point of mentioning this in his State of the Union address.

President Obama’s logic is that he and Secretary Kerry just need a little more time….in spite of three missed deadlines for a deal that have seen Iran’s nuclear stockpile actually grow.

There’s really zero transparency about what’s actually going on. IAEA inspectors have not been allowed inside major Iranian bases like Fardo, and among many things, Secretary John Kerry was apparently ‘misinformed’ when he claimed over a year ago that he had an agreement with the Islamic Republic that to cease operations at their heavy water reactor at Arak, a facility with no peaceful applications designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium. The IAEA hasn’t been allowed to inspect Arak either. Nor has it been shut down, as Kerry originally told us. Meanwhile, the Iranian Majlis is on the verge of passing legislation mandating that Iran increase its nuclear enrichment.

Small wonder Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), a co-sponsor of the senate version of the bill called what President Barack Hussein Obama had to say about Iran as ‘talking points straight from Tehran.’

Even the Washington Post awarded the president “Three Pinocchios” out of a possible four for his dishonest and delusional remarks on Iran during his speech.

So it’s quite natural that Speaker Boehner would want the Prime Minister of Israel, who’s been outspoken on Iran’s nuclear threat to address congress to increase consensus on a bill that would almost certainly have to override a presidential veto. And Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu, whose country gets threatened with annihilation by Iran every other week was happy to accept.

That’s when the White House literally went berserk.

http://79t2s2g2fdudz5l.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Obama-angry.jpg

The president claimed that congress had disrespected him by not clearing Netanyahu’s visit with the White House, although in fact congress has the legal right to invite anyone it wants to to address a joint session.

But the president’s special wrath was directed at Benyamin Netanyahu,and that was no accident, as we’ll see. The president announced that he would not meet with or otherwise acknowledge Netanyahu’s presence during his visit. And unnamed White House officials were quoted in the press as saying that Netanyahu had ‘forgotten that Obama’s going to be president for another year and a half’, and that Netanyahu was ‘spitting in our faces’ by daring to come to America without an official presidential invitation. There were dark statements about how there would ‘be a price to pay.’

The president tried to justify this by saying that the invitation by congress was a breach of protocol, and against U.S. policy to meet with a head of state this close to a national election.

He lied about that too.

For instance, a couple of months before the British general election, President Obama invited British PM David Cameron to the White House in a high profile visit that was essentially an endorsement. And just a couple of weeks ago, only four months before what’s shaping up as the tightest UK election in years, the president, who is more popular in the UK than he is here did the same thing,having a meeting with Cameron, a lavish photo-op and calling him ‘a great friend’ and one of his “closet and most trusted partners in the world.”

http://donstorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Cameron-Obama.jpg

There have been other occasions. Remember the president’s love affair with former Islamist Egyptian leader Mohammed Morsi in the run up to the Egyptian elections?

The president also had the White House release a leak alleging that Israeli Mossad Head Tamir Pardo had personally warned US senators against further Iran sanctions.

At that point, I got fairly concerned, because to my knowledge no one in Israel’s security apparatus has ever said anything like that..if anything the reverse, that increased sanctions had the best chance to bring Iran to the table for real concessions. For the head of Mossad to say this would amount to him creating his own private foreign policy.

I can tell you now without any doubt whatsoever that this was a complete fabrication by the White House, and I heard it directly from several people who definitely ought to know.

Moreover, the Mossad released a public statement on the matter. And it was not exactly diplomatic in tone.

A senior Israeli official delivered an uncommonly harsh attack on US President Barack Obama’s administration Thursday evening, following the American report that alleged that Mossad Head Tamir Pardo had warned US senators against further Iran sanctions, in contradiction of Israel’s official stance.

“The fraudulent claims against the Mossad Head were raised by the Americans yesterday, despite a message that had been transmitted to them on Tuesday by Intelligence Minister [Yuval] Steintz,” the senior Israeli source told Channel 2 news.

He added that Israel had gone over the minutes of the meeting between Pardo and the delegation of senators, and that Pardo had not said what was attributed to him.

“Leaking the Mossad Head’s statements, even if they had not been falsified, is a serious breach of all the rules,” the senior source added. “Friends do not behave like this. Information from a secret meeting must not leak out.” […]

“The Head of Mossad did not say that he opposes additional sanctions on Iran,” said the spy agency Thursday.

“Mossad Head Tamir Pardo met on January 19, 2015, with a delegation of US senators,” Mossad said in a statement. “The meeting was held at the request of the senators and with the prime minister’s approval. At the meeting, the Head of Mossad stressed the extraordinary effectiveness of the sanctions that have been placed on Iran for several years in bringing Iran to the negotiating table.”

“The Head of Mossad noted that in negotiating with Iran, a policy of ‘carrots and sticks’ must be adopted, and there are not enough ‘sticks’ nowadays,” it added.

Furthermore, said the agency, he “said specifically that the agreement that is being formed with Iran is bad and could lead to a regional arms race.”

Both the Mossad and the Israeli government are livid over this, and that can’t help but affect the relationship with the U.S. This indeed is hardly the way an ally acts.

Of course, the real reason for all this goes well beyond the president’s ego. It’s very much about the Israeli elections.

Much more at the link.

In our non-Council category, the winner was Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion with a fantastic piece, Finally Obtained: David Gregory Arrest Warrant Affidavit, submitted by Rhymes with Right. Do read it – it’s especially well written and a fascinating read.

Here are this week’s full results:

Council Winners

Non-Council Winners

See you next week!

Make sure to tune in every Monday for the Watcher’s Forum and every Tuesday morning, when we reveal the week’s nominees for Weasel of the Week!

And remember, every Wednesday, the Council has its weekly contest with the members nominating two posts each, one written by themselves and one written by someone from outside the group for consideration by the whole Council. The votes are cast by the Council and the results are posted on Friday morning.

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