Every week, the Watcher's Council members nominate two posts each, one from the Council members and one from outside for consideration by the whole Council. The complete list of this week's Council nominations can be found at the site of our fearless leader, Watcher of Weasels
OK, here's this week's Council lineup:
1. J O S H U A P U N D I T: The Black Flag Flying: The Arabs and Iran ally against the West While we're focusing on things like Don Imus, Anna Nicole Smith and American Idol, our enemies held an historic conference in Riyadh that barely made the news, in which they began cementing an alliance for common cause against the West.
It signaled the utter bankruptcy of the Bush Administration's policy of trying to enlist the Arab Sunnis as US allies against Iran...particularly when it comes to our `eternal friends' the Saudis.
You may read about what went on, and more importantly, the context here.
2. Done With Mirrors: Who'd a Thunk It? This week, Callimachus looks at a new proposal by the Bush Administration to make foreign aid more efficient by buying crops from poor nations.
3. Soccer Dad: Why does jewish come before democrat? Soccer Dad examines the phenomenon of a number of American Jews and Jewish organizations to move in lockstep with the Democratic party.
Of course, there are historical reasons for this, but I find it interesting that, since most of these groups are actually quite secular, they seem to have accepted the Third Reich's definition of Jews as a race rather than a religion.
Such groups would be far better served by making the major parties concretely address their issues rather than allow their votes to be taken for granted.
Interestingly enough, groups like the National Jewish Democratic Council, the New Israel Policy Forum and others of that ilk claim to support a `safe and secure Israel' while largely shilling for the Democratic party.Interestingly, the main home of `anti-Zionism'(based on state party platforms, voting records and rhetoric) is squarely situated in the Left of the Democratic party.
I am far from a doctrinaire Republican as most of you know, but I would also point out that out of the last 8 presidential elections, starting with McGovern in 1972, 7 of the Democrat's presidential nominees have had a `nuanced' to unacceptable position on this issue, and the two that were elected can actually be said to have done significant harm to Israel...and both of them cheerfully found lucrative employment with Israel's Arab enemies after leaving office.
4. Right Wing Nut House: AP HOPES FOR MORE IRAN “COMPROMISES.” AND THAT UNICORNS ARE REAL. Here, Rick again revisits the implications of the collapse of Britain in the face of an act of war by Iran, this time by fisking an outrageous `analysis' by an AP writer.
5. The Glittering Eye � Blog Archive � Securing the Food Supply III This week, The Glittering Eye's Dave Schuler writes again on the pet food recall, an issue he has covered in some detail.
As he points out, there are larger issues here...this is America's first test in dealing with contaminated food supplies from overseas. Next time, it could be something like Rice Crispies or beef.
6. Rhymes With Right; Some thoughts on `Mockingbird' This week, the teacher in Greg comes out as he examines the message and meaning in Harper Lee's novel `To Kill A Mockingbird.'
7. The Colossus of Rhodey: Minority superheroes Here, Hube looks at the fascinating world of comic book heroes as national and racial symbols.Zowie!Czaart! (PS: I sent this to a very precocious young super hero expert of my acquaintance..and he will no doubt have something to say about it!)
8. Leftist media bias, Israeli style : Bookworm Room Ms. Bookworm revisits the theme of the press and military heroism, this time here in America vis a vis the Iraq War. As she astutely points out, the dinosaur media loves `human interest' stories about profoundly damaged vets returning from Iraq, or sad tales about the families left behind after a combat death in Iraq.
What they shy away from at all costs is any story regarding heroism in our military. Which says a great deal about them and their feelings about this country, squawks of `don't question our patriotism' notwithstanding.
9. Eternity Road: Strangers This week, Francis examines tolerance and dogmatism, and whether political and religious ideologues with vastly different values from traditional America can coexist peacefully in with the rest of us.
Along these lines, Francis talks about people who adhere to fundamentalist Islam, andimmigrants legal or illegal who retain allegiance to the "mother country" as poor bets for peaceful coexistence or assimilation into America's society.
10. The Education Wonks: Hypocrite Alert: That Romney Don't Hunt! EdWonk again delves into the world of politics and discusses the failed attempt of Mitt Romney to successfully dissemble in characterizing himself as a hunter and gun lover in seeking the GOP nomination.
11. Big Lizards: “Al-Qaeda in Iraq Committing Institutional Suicide” Dafydd Ab Hugh looks at the state of al Qaeda in Iraq and concludes that they are literally committing suicide. He sees the situation in Iraq as highly positive.
12. Cheat Seeking Missiles: Don't Know Your Enemy Here, Laer examines the gross stupidity of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi little foray into `diplomacy' in the Arab world.
The Bush Administration could, of course, indict her for violating the Logan Act, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that..not least because I have a feeling Dubbyah has some foibles of his own that he would rather not have interfere with his retirement.
That's this week's lineup..enjoy!
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