Politics

[Sideshow]

As I posted previously, there was in fact a deal that the Palestinian Authority (essentially the PLO) jointly negotiated at Camp David with the Israelis and the US. Ehud Barak led the Israeli delegation, Bill Clinton the US, and Yasser Arafat the Palestinians. There were major issues of contention, but a deal was finally hammered out that made no one entirely happy, but would have created a Palestinian State with the Arab quarter of Jerusalem as its capital. Israel's capital at the time was Tel Aviv. At the last minute, Arafat walked away from it. Palestinian revisionist history claims it was because it did not address fully issues like right of return. The reality is that the deal was done, but Arafat could not bring himself to be a great man like Anwar Sadat choosing instead to remain "relevant" as the leader of a group of terrorist thugs.

Other than vocal sympathy, one can trace the political abandonment of the Palestinians by most of the remainder of the Arab world to their frustration with those failed negotiations. Iran stepped in to fill the void for its own hegemonic purposes, using both the Palestinians and northern Shia minorities to sow regional conflict. It is why regional Arab sympathy for the Palestinians remains at a historically low point even following the Gaza campaign.

The Palestinian refugee problem is real, but it is also one in which they played a significant role in their own creation. That somehow the Zionists woke up one morning and drove the Palestinians out is the sort of revisionist history that the ignorant demonstrating millennials and boomers embrace because they have no real education on the subject and are subject to the breathless propagandists on X, Tic Toc, and too many college campuses.

The refugees are a direct result of the 1947-49 war which resulted from the end of the British Mandate and planned implementation of the UN Partition Plan of 1947 which would have created a Jewish and an Arab State with Jerusalem maintained under international administration. Regional Arab leadership rejected this plan leading to the first war of attempted Arab extermination of Israel. Initially a viscous guerrilla war conducted by both sides, that changed dramatically when conventional Arab armies invaded in 1948.

That conventional warfare changed the nature of the conflict dramatically as mechanized military formations from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon attempted and ultimately failed to eradicate the fledgling state of Israel. That of course puts a lie to now pandered "facts" embraced by the chattering class, that a then almost non-existent but somehow all powerful Israeli military machine was used to drive the civilian population out of Israel. A drive along Israeli highway Route 1 (a particularly beautiful forested mountain road) would be informative to those who believe this nonsense. There one can see the destroyed locally armored trucks maintained as memorials that the Israelis were forced to use against Jordanian and Egyptian armor (primarily British) as they fought to keep the supply route open from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

So, what happened and why did roughly 700,000 refugees flee what would have been their homes had they and their regional Arab sponsors simply accepted the UN plan? As I mentioned, the guerilla warfare phase was a particularly dirty war which the Israelis were both willing and able to prosecute as effectively as the Palestinians. Villages and Kubutzes occupied by Palestinians and Israelis were regularly attacked. Unfortunately for the Arabs, the Israelis tended to fight tenaciously and most kubutzes, which became small fortresses, survived. In a precursor to the series of wars to come, the Arab settlers did not, opting to run.

As the war became conventional. major portions of the landscape became true battlefields. Villages were used as strongpoints by both sides leading to their destruction. The Jews stayed and fought because they were fighting for the survival of their fledgling country and the survival of their families, while the Palestinians fled to the shelter of the Arab Armies and Arab States attempting to destroy the Israelis. Their expectations were to return over the bodies of the Zionists to seize all of Palestine however much of it may have been legally acquired in the preceding fifty years by Jews.

To the astonishment of most of the world. and none more so than the Palestinians, the Israelis prevailed. In Israel, the period is called the War of Independence. The Arab world refers to it as the "Nakba" which translates as the Catastrophe. Not surprisingly, Israel has had little appetite to repatriate a segment of the former population that was dedicated to Israel's destruction. Having gone through the Crucible of the Holocaust and War of Independence followed by every action since 49 whether by the PLO in Munich or Entebbe, the rocket barrages from Lebanon and Gaza, or the butchery of October 7th, the Arabs have reinforced that conclusion.

Interestingly a segment of the Palestinians did remain. Today they make up nearly 20% of the Israeli population (almost 2 million people). They are full citizens with all political and civil rights enjoying every level of Israeli society, including serving as politicians, judges, and in other government positions. The one exception is the military where, like Christians, they do not face compulsory military service like Jewish citizens. However, many voluntarily serve in the IDF. These too are facts diligently ignored by the revisionists.

Thanks for that little very brief history I for one found it fascinating. There’s so many little facets to history that is generally missed in a sound bite to grab a headline. People in general miss that our forget it.

 

[Frostbite]

Well, the day finally came.

Today Trump finally and officially says, "Let them eat cake."

He says it while installing gold fixtures in his bathroom.

Wonder how that will work out?

Let's see..........how did it work out for Marie Antoinette?

As the famous story goes, the hungry French peasants complained of lacking bread and she said, "Let them eat cake!"

(She, like Trump, had gold bathroom fixtures.)

The part of her story that is true is that the hungry French peasants carried her kicking and screaming to the guillotine and chopped off her head.

Perhaps there's a lesson to be learned.

Especially since hungry American peasants are preparing to elect a SOCIALIST mayor of our largest city.

Trump is too low IQ to successfully ponder this allegory, but I hope some of his smarter followers make the necessary changes.

 

[bowjijohn]

I’m pleased to be able to report that I’ve been bite free since that Bwana Mkubwa fly of a couple of years ago

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

 

[Frostbite]

Some of the most incompetent of Trump's appointed idiots are now moving to live on military bases because they fear other Americans.

Stephen Miller--the poster child for low IQ government workers and Trump's closest advisor--is one of them.

Maybe they should reconsider their policies of taking health care away from poor people and (the latest move) taking food away from hungry people?

Stephen Miller and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently joined a growing list of Trump Cabinet secretaries and advisers who’ve chosen to live in reserved military housing, with Rubio moving onto “Generals Row” in Fort McNair and Miller also living in the area after abandoning his digs in Arlington, The Atlantic reported.

They join Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who moved into military housing earlier this year, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is alone among his compatriots in finding some precedent for his decision to move onto Generals Row alongside Rubio.

Miller, Noem, Rubio moving into housing reserved for military officers

Noem was previously ‘living for free’, Washington Post reported, as top Trump advisers scooped up homes meant for military commanders, citing security concerns

www.the-independent.com

 

[Red Leg]

I can't think of anything particularly positive to say about Bill Kristol, but Mark Hertling is one of the finest officers this country has produced in the last fifty years. We were peers, but I never knew him personally very well. I will simply say he was and remains highly respected by the fraternity.

He also has spoken his mind honestly on a wide range of POLMIL issues. For instance, he was very critical of the previous administration for its drip-like support of Ukraine. Like many of us, he is also highly skeptical of the qualifications and capability of Hegseth to be SECDEF. and he is concerned about the politicization the senior officer corps where honest military advice and feedback seems ever less desired or appreciated by this administration.

I should also add, and I suspect Mark might disagree with me, that Miley's clumsy handling of both the Biden and Trump administrations contributed to the current "loyalty" litmus testing that seems to be emerging at the moment.

We have a firmly established system of civilian control of our military which is an important constitutional and ethical precept firmly ingrained into every serving officer. His or her loyalty and oath are sworn to the constitution. Whether the current administration policy creates a cadre of military leadership loyal to Trump's populist and international vision, I have my doubts. But it is almost guaranteed to create a cadre of "yes men" who have learned to not offer their best objective military advice. Those of you have read Anton Myrer's epic "Once and Eagle" will realize that sort of environment encourages the emergence of the Courtney Massengales rather then the Sam Damons.

All that said, this sort of behavior is not new. Rumsfeld was equally notorious for demanding absolute loyalty and he ruined the careers or attempted to destroy the reputations of numerous general officers. McNamara was cut from the same cloth.

 

[bowjijohn]

Politicisation of science, service and judiciary is a concern for us all

We in UK are dangerously infected

 

[Frostbite]

I think, at least for those of us military veterans who are alert--that it is obvious that Trump is removing any top members of the military who would oppose the coup that he feels might be needed to keep him in power for life.

He wants the same "dictator for life" role that his "strong man" idols (Putin, Xi and Kim Jong Un) have achieved and it remains to be seen what measures he is willing to take to get there.

 

[Frostbite]

I can't think of anything particularly positive to say about Bill Kristol, but Mark Hertling is one of the finest officers this country has produced in the last fifty years. We were peers, but I never knew him personally very well. I will simply say he was and remains highly respected by the fraternity.

He also has spoken his mind honestly on a wide range of POLMIL issues. For instance, he was very critical of the previous administration for its drip-like support of Ukraine. Like many of us, he is also highly skeptical of the qualifications and capability of Hegseth to be SECDEF. and he is concerned about the politicization the senior officer corps where honest military advice and feedback seems ever less desired or appreciated by this administration.

I should also add, and I suspect Mark might disagree with me, that Miley's clumsy handling of both the Biden and Trump administrations contributed to the current "loyalty" litmus testing that seems to be emerging at the moment.

We have a firmly established system of civilian control of our military which is an important constitutional and ethical precept firmly ingrained into every serving officer. His or her loyalty and oath are sworn to the constitution. Whether the current administration policy creates a cadre of military leadership loyal to Trump's populist and international vision, I have my doubts. But it is almost guaranteed to create a cadre of "yes men" who have learned to not offer their best objective military advice. Those of you have read Anton Myrer's epic "Once and Eagle" will realize that sort of environment encourages the emergence of the Courtney Massengales rather then the Sam Damons.

All that said, this sort of behavior is not new. Rumsfeld was equally notorious for demanding absolute loyalty and he ruined the careers or attempted to destroy the reputations of numerous general officers. McNamara was cut from the same cloth.

Congrats on an excellent post.

Yes, Anton Myrer's view on Trump (and especially Hegseth) would be fascinating.

Joseph Heller would probably have some amusing comments as well........it's too bad he's not here to regale us.

I question your comment that this sort of behavior is not new.

You could say more.

I would say that while it is not new--the extent and the openness of the purges of good officers by Trump (along with his other authoritarian acts) is absolutely new and profoundly dangerous).

 

[Red Leg]

Some of the most incompetent of Trump's appointed idiots are now moving to live on military bases because they fear other Americans.

Stephen Miller--the poster child for low IQ government workers and Trump's closest advisor--is one of them.

View attachment 723712

Maybe they should reconsider their policies of taking health care away from poor people and (the latest move) taking food away from hungry people?

Stephen Miller and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently joined a growing list of Trump Cabinet secretaries and advisers who’ve chosen to live in reserved military housing, with Rubio moving onto “Generals Row” in Fort McNair and Miller also living in the area after abandoning his digs in Arlington, The Atlantic reported.

They join Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who moved into military housing earlier this year, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is alone among his compatriots in finding some precedent for his decision to move onto Generals Row alongside Rubio.

Miller, Noem, Rubio moving into housing reserved for military officers

Noem was previously ‘living for free’, Washington Post reported, as top Trump advisers scooped up homes meant for military commanders, citing security concerns

www.the-independent.com

No republican has taken anything away in the form of health care or food subsidies. Under senate rules, the continuing resolution requires a super majority to pass to continue that funding. To date only three democratic senators have joined republicans in those votes - a resolution that was passed with a bipartisan vote in the House. Perhaps a few angry democrats should consider calling their senate leader to correct those issues.

Senate republicans could indeed opt to end the filibuster entirely and pass the continuing resolution with a majority vote. I really don't believe Chuck Schumer wants to see that happen. It certainly hasn't worked out well for the party he purports to "run" with respect to the Supreme Court.

Several key members of the administration have indeed moved into General officer quarters on DC regional bases. In most cases that is because of threats to families by deranged individuals motivated by the dangerous level of vitriol directed at this administration by the democrat party leadership and its enablers in much of the legacy media. Those threats and inflammatory language inciting violence are I think the unprecedented issue with which the country should concern itself.

Having senior administrative figures living in military installations is not entirely new. For instance, SECDEF Bill Gates (Obama and Bush administrations) maintained quarters on the Navy Annex.

But the current climate is indeed the worst this nation has experienced since the late 1850's. It is unfortunately magnified by our modern means of communication such as social media. The ready access to news services and influencers totally dedicated to confirmation bias at both ends of the political spectrum exacerbates the divide in an electorate where the ability to exercise critical thinking has largely disappeared.

 

[BRICKBURN]

This thread was provided to make a place to contain POLITICS from leaching in to other subject areas on AH. I rarely visit this thread and only do so after REPORTS are sent.

Stop the PERSONAL ATTACKS and INSULTS, direct or otherwise.

An internet troll is a person who deliberately posts inflammatory, offensive, or disruptive messages online to provoke an emotional response from others. They may post off-topic comments, spread false information, or harass individuals to derail conversations or cause distress. Trolling can range from seemingly harmless antics to malicious, harmful, and abusive behavior

Reasonable discussion and debate is fine, otherwise an invitation to exit will be provided.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Some of the most incompetent of Trump's appointed idiots are now moving to live on military bases because they fear other Americans.

Stephen Miller--the poster child for low IQ government workers and Trump's closest advisor--is one of them.

View attachment 723712

Maybe they should reconsider their policies of taking health care away from poor people and (the latest move) taking food away from hungry people?

Stephen Miller and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently joined a growing list of Trump Cabinet secretaries and advisers who’ve chosen to live in reserved military housing, with Rubio moving onto “Generals Row” in Fort McNair and Miller also living in the area after abandoning his digs in Arlington, The Atlantic reported.

They join Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who moved into military housing earlier this year, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is alone among his compatriots in finding some precedent for his decision to move onto Generals Row alongside Rubio.

Miller, Noem, Rubio moving into housing reserved for military officers

Noem was previously ‘living for free’, Washington Post reported, as top Trump advisers scooped up homes meant for military commanders, citing security concerns

www.the-independent.com

I live near Barksdale AFB and as a teenager, I lived there. The base housing was some of the nicest I can remember. In recent years, the vacancy rate on base housing has increased due to more active duty people living off base. Transfers are less frequent, so people use their housing allowance and buy a house. The base has marketed to the local community, an opportunity to rent a house in the ultimate gated community. From what I gather, it is a rigorous screening process.

 

[Brent in Az]

Ironic, how 2 Judges rule that the Trump administration must provide funding for SNAP benefits during the shutdown, but they don't rule for the continuance of paychecks for our military?

Just goes to show how screwed up the leftist mind is. Feed the welfare queens, but not the soldiers.

 

[rookhawk]

This thread was provided to make a place to contain POLITICS from leaching in to other subject areas on AH. I rarely visit this thread and only do so after REPORTS are sent.

Stop the PERSONAL ATTACKS and INSULTS, direct or otherwise.

An internet troll is a person who deliberately posts inflammatory, offensive, or disruptive messages online to provoke an emotional response from others. They may post off-topic comments, spread false information, or harass individuals to derail conversations or cause distress. Trolling can range from seemingly harmless antics to malicious, harmful, and abusive behavior

Reasonable discussion and debate is fine, otherwise an invitation to exit will be provided.

Insults have been flung over the years and plenty of disagreement, but there isn’t a person on this thread until recently that wouldn’t be welcome on my doorstep.

@BRICKBURN i appreciate your constructive notice to all of us, but I encourage you to delve deeper and realize an AI bot is monopolizing this thread that has never hunted Africa, has posted virtually nothing anywhere else on this site, and has pissed off liberals and conservatives in equal measure.

We’ve hit a new low.

 

[Newboomer]

Insults have been flung over the years and plenty of disagreement, but there isn’t a person on this thread until recently that wouldn’t be welcome on my doorstep.

@BRICKBURN i appreciate your constructive notice to all of us, but I encourage you to delve deeper and realize an AI bot is monopolizing this thread that has never hunted Africa, has posted virtually nothing anywhere else on this site, and has pissed off liberals and conservatives in equal measure.

We’ve hit a new low.

Time to boot him(it) out.

 

[Frostbite]

Ironic, how 2 Judges rule that the Trump administration must provide funding for SNAP benefits during the shutdown, but they don't rule for the continuance of paychecks for our military?

Just goes to show how screwed up the leftist mind is. Feed the welfare queens, but not the soldiers.

Wait a minute, Brent.

Just because these two judges ruled against Trump and ruled that he should feed hungry children.......that means they're leftists?

That's kind of harsh.

At this point over a hundred judges have ruled against Trump........and that's just on immigration.

Some were appointed by Trump.

Surely you don't think they're all leftists?

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/31/trump-administration-mandatory-detention-deportation-00632086

 

[Brent in Az]

Traitor

National Guardsman Canyon Amarys charged with trying to send tech to Russia | Fox News https://share.google/wlceAIrEdQxRJZ579

 

[cwpayton]

Traitor

National Guardsman Canyon Amarys charged with trying to send tech to Russia | Fox News https://share.google/wlceAIrEdQxRJZ579

lock him up.

 

[Brent in Az]

I'll be damned.....Dodgers pulled off the win.

 

[Newboomer]

I'll be damned.....Dodgers pulled off the win.

Oh, yes! My boys in blue came through. Touch and go for awhile.