In 1980 Iraqi President Saddam Hussein attacked Iran and Syrian President Hafez Assad provided artillery, antiaircraft weapons, and the means for Iranian fighter jets to refuel inside Syria. Assad sealed Syria’s border with Iraq in 1982, and prohibited Iraqi oil to enter Syrian territory. In return, Iran offered economic incentives on oil imports to Syria and granted tax breaks to Syrian trading companies.

The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon brought Syria and Iran even closer together. Assad viewed Lebanon as an integral part of Syria and felt justified to intervene for the greater good of Arabism. Iran viewed Lebanon as a weak and divided Arab state which under Syrian control, could fall under a sphere of Iranian influence. Iran sought to extend its influence in Lebanon by creating the Lebanese militia Hezbollah “party of God.” Hezbollah received orders from Tehran and attempted to turn Lebanon from a heterogeneous democracy into a fundamentalist Shia state. Assad worked with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to bring stability in Lebanon and bring Lebanon under Syria’s authority.  

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Syrian and Iranian officials collaborated to arm and train Palestinian organizations opposed to reaching a peace accord between the PLO and Israel. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) were supported by Syrian and Iranian intelligence agents in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley to undermine the PLO and derail the peace process.

Assad’s death in June 2000 did not alter the course of Syria’s strategic relationship with Iran. Some analysts believed that Assad’s Western educated, young, and technological savvy son Bashar would liberalize Syria’s economy, recognize Lebanon’s sovereignty and mend relations with the Arab League. Instead, Bashar has silenced pro-democracy and pro-reform Syrians, exerted great efforts at destabilizing Lebanon, encouraged proxies to kill Israelis and Americans in Iraq, and has reaffirmed Syria strategic relationship with Iran.

In November 2005, Syria and Iran signed a joint defense pact, known as the strategic signals intelligence (SIGNIT). Syrian and Iranian intelligence set up two locations, one in the Golan Heights, and the other in the al-Jazirah district in northern Syria. Two additional bases will be built in Bab al-Hawa, near Turkey and Abu Kamal, in northeast Syria. The bases are used for the purpose of collecting data and information to monitor Israel.  

In May 2006 Ali Nourizadeh, a correspondent for the pan-Arabic daily Asharq Al-Awsat, asserted that a military cooperation pact was signed between Syrian Defense Minister Hassan Turkmani and his Iranian counterpart, Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najar. This agreement called for major Syrian purchases of Chinese, Russian, and Ukrainian military equipment. Syria promised to open its border to allow Iranian supplies to reach Hezbollah fighters. In December 2006 Nourizadeh also confirmed that Syria allowed the Iranian Revolutionary Guardsmen to train Syrian and Hezbollah fighters in Damascus. 

During Bashar’s visit to Iran in February 2007, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameni reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two countries. Bashar met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the following month to discuss military cooperation. In July 2007, Syria and Iran signed a weapons deal in which Iran pledged to donate $1 billion in sophisticated military equipment including Russian T-72 tanks, Mig-31 jets, Sukhoi-24 bombers, and Mi-8 helicopters. This military defense pact arose from a mutual fear that a confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah could erupt again, and extend beyond the borders of Lebanon into Syria.  

Saddam’s deposal and the US occupation of Iraq removed the threat that Iraq once posed against Syria. These realities could influence Bashar to distance Syria from Iran in exchange for improved relations with the Arab League, closer relations with the US, and a peace treaty with Israel. Bashar must choose if Syria will remain part of the isolationist and rejectionist camp, or if it wishes to restore normal relations with the West. To do so, however, requires distancing Damascus’s close relationship with Tehran and renouncing support for Hamas and Hezbollah.  

According to French sources from Asharq Al-Awsat, Syria would be “willing” to distance itself from Iran in favor of an Israeli-Syrian peace coupled with full normalization and diplomatic relations with the United States. However, it is impossible to know Bashar’s true intentions. He has previously stated in English to Western audiences that Syria wants peace with Israel and stronger Syrian-US cooperation while saying in Arabic to an Arab audience that Syria will not distance itself from Iran nor will it cease supporting Hezbollah and Hamas against their war with Israel.

John Knows Georgia

Senator McCain is intimately familiar with the situation in Georgia and South Ossetia if his supporters are to be believed. I mean, the man's been there, people! Come on, if a guy has been somewhere and talked to a few of the people around there, he knows everything about it, right?

John Knows Iraq

Again, Senator McCain has been to Iraq several times. He's had his picture taken with the troops, walked around on the ground and knows the place like the back of his hand. He knows what's best for the Iraqis and what's going on in that part of the world because, dammit people, he's been there. Hell, he could probably even run the war in Iraq and Afghanistan without consulting his staff.

John Knows Israel

Senator McCain has been to Israel on several occasions and because of that we Americans can rest assured that simply his visits to Israel make him an expert on the subject of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I mean, the guy has been there right?

John Knows Economics

Senator McCain knows all about economics despite having said earlier in the campaign that economics was, “not his thing”. Since then, of course, Senator McCain has visited Economicstan and now is an expert in the subject.

John Knows Dirty Politics

John knows all about dirty politics. He, of course, has been the victim of it before. Who could forget the push polling in South Carolina? But, he'd never visited there before so he didn't know about it. However, once he visited ParisHiltonabad and compared his opponent to a rock star, now he has a real handle on what it takes to get down in the mud and wallow like Karl Rove.

John Doesn't Know…

About the number of houses he owns. Maybe that's just because he hasn't been to all of them yet. Because, let's face it, a person doesn't become an expert on something unless he has, “been there, done that”.

I am assuming, of course, that everyone realizes that Senator John McCain should be even more familiar with the number of properties he owns than he is with the situation in Iraq, Georgia and Afghanistan. If he doesn't know about his own personal finances and his own personal property, do we really trust him to handle the country's finances and property?

Think about it.

The problem started with the first oil crisis back in 1973 when OPEC set an oil embargo on the United States (“Energy Kid's Page Oil Timeline” 1). The OPEC nations did this because the United States was helping Israel in the “Yom Kippur” War. As a result of this embargo, the OPEC oil production decreased by one fourth and oil prices tripled. The next big contributor to the 70's crisis was the Iranian Revolution between 1978 and 1980 (“Energy Kid's Page Oil Timeline” 2). This war caused a tremendous drop in oil production as Iran failed to continue with their oil output due to the war. Also, many other Arab oil countries stopped or cut back on production of their oil to help in the Iranian war. Both of these factors caused oil prices to double again.

This crisis had remained dormant for several years because in 1986 Saudi Arabia began to produce more oil and the price of oil greatly dropped. However, in 1990 Kuwait was invaded by Iraq (Persian Gulf War) which made the oil prices rise once more (“Energy Kid's Page Oil Timeline” 2). To make matters worse, the U.N. limited the amount of oil every country could buy from Iraq and Kuwait. Due to this unwise sanction, the oil prices went through the roof reaching a startling $36 per barrel. This lasted until the Asian economies started to falter in 1997 and their demand for oil decreased. This led to more available oil and the price for it became almost nonexistent compared to what it is now. It was around $1.25 for a nation wide average. However, this incredibly low price could be one of the reasons why people use so much gas and drive those huge and inefficient SUVs and Hummers that get around 12 miles per gallon. These relatively low gas prices have pretty much been stable up until these last few years when they really started to take off.

The current oil situation is one that should cause some alarm. Although it is not at the stage where the red lights are flashing and a huge “Warning Self Destruct Sequence Commencing” sign is up, but there definitely is a yellow caution and slow down sign looming right up front. Recently, in 2005, the hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida almost completely destroyed all of the oil and gas lines in that region (“Energy Kid's Page” 3). The problem with that is that one of the largest supplies of oil for the United States is located there. Also, the hurricanes caused mass blackouts all across the east coast which shut down many of the gas lines that ran to them. Michael Englund (chief economist with Action Economics) explains that the damage to oil production in the Gulf of Mexico will lead to a lower economic growth percentage for the third quarter than what was previously expected (Bhatnagar 1-2). He also insists that there will be a short-term gas crisis that will ultimately keep the gas prices high. He was absolutely right. The price of gas climbed from $2.10 a gallon to an unthinkable $3.10 a gallon nation wide (“U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices” 2-3). The next few years after the hurricane have seen the gas prices see-saw back and forth always staying within a range of $2.10 as a low and $3.10 as a high. However, from 2007 and on the price has only dropped to a low of $2.80 per gallon and currently in 2008 the price is steady at around $3.40 per gallon as of April. The price is ever increasing slowly but steadily and analysts predict that the price will reach $4.00 by the end of this summer (Mouawad 2). This second oil crisis that is currently happening is unlike the first one where there was just too little oil. According to John B. Hess this new crisis has to do with both the demand for oil and the supply of it (Mouawad 3). There has to be a stop to this drastic increase in price. Something has to be done.

Published solutions to this problem are as varied as opinions surrounding it. The International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that the OPEC oil nations begin to increase the output of their oil to the rest of the world and/or decrease the oil price per barrel (“IEA Urges Again OPEC to Increase Oil Production” 1). This plan will include the increase of the amount of oil they are allowed to produce and export. Claude Mandil, head of the energy watchdog, explains that the oil prices are high right now because of the decrease in the value of many American stocks. He believes that if they distribute more oil, it will keep prices down and allow for a rebirth of American stocks (“IEA Urges Again OPEC to Increase Oil Production” 1).

There are several drawbacks to this solution. Ali-al-Naimi (Saudi Arabia's oil minister) explains that because the cost of developing new supplies is so expensive, is remains extremely doubtful that oil prices would subside back to their former price of $60 per barrel (Mouawad 2). He comes to the conclusion, “Therefore, a line has been drawn below which the price cannot fall.” Another reason that this proposed plan might not work is the “Hubbert's Peak” theory (Than 1-2). Most scientists adamantly believe that the day will dawn when the summit of oil production will have been achieved. This means that rising oil prices will only be due to this peak where they simply cannot produce enough oil because there is just not enough. The economic pressures and political pressures that once had been the main brunt on the price of oil will then be rendered obsolete. Thus the “Hubbert's Peak” theory was born. Some scientists such as Kenneth Deffeyes, a Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, believe that this summit has already been reached in 2005. If this is true, then OPEC cannot hope to increase their output because it will only decline every year.

Another potential solution for this oil crisis is for the entire world to cut down on their oil consumption (Feldstein 1). This solution greatly encompasses the cut of European oil consumption. One of the reasons why these countries are buying and using so much of the oil is that on the international market, they use the U.S. dollar to price oil (Mouawad 1). In recent years this pricing has become a big problem for the United States because of the declining value in the U.S. dollar. This low value enables Mainland Europe and the United Kingdom (both have stronger currencies than the U.S.) to buy more and more oil, which in turn drive the price higher and higher. Because oil is priced using the dollar bill, it enables Europe and the United Kingdom to be able to afford to spend more money on each barrel of oil. For example, one English pound equals 1.9909 U.S. dollars (“Yahoo Currency Converter” 1). Pretend that the English pound equals two dollars, just so the math is simpler. Now the pound is worth double the amount of the U.S. dollar. Pretend there are two men who want to buy oil, one from the U.K. and one from the U.S. Both of them have $100 in their own currency. Pretend that oil currently costs $100 per barrel. If they both spent all of their money on oil the American will be able to buy only one barrel but the European will be able to buy two barrels. Now if the price of oil suddenly jumps from $100 to $120, the American will not be able to buy any oil but the European will still be able to buy one barrel. This simulation demonstrates that Europe is able and willing to pay more for their oil than the U.S. is. Consequently, when Europeans pay more, it drives the price up in the U.S. and they are forced to pay more because it is essential for their economy. This solution will be hard pressed to work because Europe will not be willing to halt their economy just to save the United States.

The best way to alleviate the oil crisis is to create superior hybrid and fuel efficient automobiles and to perfect biofuels such as ethanol (Meagher 1). For this solution the United States will have to come up with even better and more fuel efficient cars and transportation. There are already several different fuel sources that could potentially be used instead of gasoline. One of the more adequate ones is ethanol. Ethanol is a fuel source based on agricultural crops such as corn. This fuel would be a nice supplement to the more expensive gasoline. Dan Kammen says, “We know that ethanol is a net energy winner, with investment and innovation, it could be a huge resource” (Meagher 1). One of the better attributes about corn ethanol is that it is currently available. People can start to buy this fuel while scientists can come up with an even more affective and newer source.

The use of fuel efficient cars will not ensure that the price of oil will go down, but it will enable the owner of such vehicles to save money on gas because they will make fewer trips to the gas station. American car companies are perfecting alternative fuel combustion systems (Broder 1). One example of this is the homogeneous charge compression ignition, which transforms the way that engines use fuel. It also gives better mileage and lowers the emissions of the car. The X Prize Foundation says that it will offer a reward of $10 million to anyone who can successfully make a production-ready automobile that will be able to get 100 or more miles per gallon (Durbin 1). This is the perfect way to find new potential cars that have good mileage. The way this foundation has it set up is exactly the way it should be. It provides plenty of incentive to develop better vehicles. Most people will not do a job (or they will do the job but not as well) without a proper incentive that they feel is worth their effort for doing the job. Because of this incentive, it will cause more people to collaborate on new designs and ultimately come up with the “supercar” that exceeds everyone in the X Prize Foundation's expectations, like the car from the company Fuelvapor Technologies. Their car is able to get 92 miles per gallon (Durbin 1). However, the Vice President of Fuelvapor Technologies believes that a hybrid model of the car could reach up to 400 miles per gallon. Now when this car is ready, the entire nation will have the choice to purchase it and save at the pump. This is without a doubt the best way to reverse the oil crisis. If this cannot be achieved, then there will never be another descent price at the gas station.

This oil crisis must be averted. Everything possible must be done to find the correct solution to this ailment. Believe in the ideas of Dan Kammen (Meagher 1) and in the designs of Fuelvapor Technologies (Durbin 1). Do not shun them for being different and revolutionary. Also, ordinary people can make a difference by saving fuel. Too many people leave their SUV's engine running for fifteen to twenty minutes while they wait to pick their kid up from school. This goes on daily. If everyone would just turn off their engine while they wait, then the gas saved would be enormous. The best way to resolve this crisis is to come up with alternative fuel like ethanol and start mass producing fuel efficient cars that can exceed one hundred miles per gallon. If all of this is done, then there will be plenty of fuel and low prices for everyone. If nothing is done to correct this situation, then there will continue to be high oil prices and the price of gasoline will skyrocket like never before seen.

Although Olmert's term was not scheduled to expire until 2010, he vowed not to run in his party's September 17 election and resign soon afterward “in order to allow the chairman to be elected and form a new government quickly and efficiently” without answering questions from reporters.

Olmert's popularity plunged below 20% at one stage following a bloody war with Lebanese terror group Hezbollah that was inconclusive, followed by major corruption allegations.

Israeli political analyst Dan Margalit, a friend of Olmert who fell out of favor described Olmert's resignation “a sad end to a miserable career”.

According to White House Gordon Johndroe, President Bush wished Olmert well and pledged to continue working with him until he leaves office. According to Johndroe, Bush told Olmert that he appreciated his friendship, leadership and work for peace.

According to the State Department, Olmert's resignation would not interfere with US efforts to negotiate a kind of peace deal with Israelis and Palestinians. State Department Sean McCormack told reporters that “The Israelis will work out their own politics. We're going to continue working on the basis on which we've worked. We're going to look forward to working with all responsible Israeli leaders in the government, whether it's this government or some future government”. The big question now, now, becomes: what will the impact be on the Middle East peace process?

The nature of the missile and the distance that it traveled made its label as the most serious rocket attacks by the militants, Israel said. Ehud Olmert, the prime minister of Israel gave a plain face statement about the attack and he said that he hopes that he does not have to take action against Hamas with military action that Israel has not really used seriously. About one month ago there were about 12 Palestinian factions that agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. However, the conditions put forward by the Palestine were unacceptable to Israel, and Israeli demands of the Palestine seemed the same way. These actions led the head of Israeli Military intelligence, Amos Yadlin, to conclude that short-term lulls will not solve the long-term problems, also that any deal that did not include captured soldier Gilad Shalit would be very problematic.

Hamas, head of the Palestinians, would demand for a long-term solution if it included the return of millions of refugees to what is now Israel, this blocked that very same option. Such a lack of agreement has kept the Israeli-Gaza border open for imports, and banned of exports. Gaza's only border crossing to Egypt at the southern end of the strip remains closed. Hamas is expected to send a delegation to Cairo on 16th of May to hold talks on the truce with Egyptian officials. This is hoped to be a kick start to the conclusion of deals, and settlements.

Personal Reflection

In my view I think that this back and forth game that Palestine and Israeli are playing with the cease-fire talks, are ridiculous. If things are left at a yes or no, maybe answer, the same situation might just spring up in a matter of time. There needs to be some type of truce where both sides will be happy with the terms, and if not just man up to the situation, and sacrifice something to finish deals off. In this scenario of opposing sides, both sides can't get what they want because what one side wants, the other side is in possession of, and that sides terms is to not give it away. What type of conclusion can come in a problem like this?

Think of it as a playground situation, where one boy a Palestine has a lollipop, and the other Israeli boy wants it, but at the same time the Israeli boy has the wrapper, and the Palestinian boy wants the wrapper to save his lollipop for later. If this makes sense, a teacher would just confiscate both, but a smart teacher would, encourage the attempts to solve a problem until the point where one cannot survive with the other, and they are forced to coincide, and join together to adhere the needs of the their peeps, or also known as their country.

Still the president kept repeating, in Tehran, that Iran is the most powerful independent nation in the world. The president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, proudly stated that all the branches of his military would attack with full force on any opposing attack on their land. Another one of his strong words included the said fact that Iran's military is so powerful no country in their right mind would attack and hurt Iran, no powerful nation can jeopardize the security and interests of the Iranian nation. On this great day for Iran on national Army Day, the occasion was celebrated with the flying of Iran's jet fighters, this demonstrated how much Iran's air force has evolved and it bid to the new and most powerful air force in the world.

One of the main reasons for the struggle in the air force and in some braches of Iran's military is because of the sanctions that the United States has imposed. This remarkable day in history, the main importance of this day is the new born independence of Iran. While many Iran is still in problems with the west, Iran has promised that the only reason that it wants to harness nuclear manufacturing is because of nuclear power. Though Iran stands more of a threat than ever before, one country that is in full attention to the developing of Iran is Israel. Israel feels hostility and fear from Iran. Israel's president has stated that if Iran lays one single strike on Israel soil, Israel will eliminate Iran off the face of the Earth. Though Iran is said to be the most powerful nation in the world it is still trying to become the most powerful nuclear nation in the world.

Personal Reflection

In my personal view, when a country puts that type of statement to be announced pretty much worldwide, it is because it really does mean business. If I were other powerful nations I would watch my back because Iran has a very good potential of being a world power. Repeatedly the same message was inferred during the transgression of the essay, but until the end, it reveals Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's, true belief. He said that the power of Iran literally meant the prevailing world order and it was set to take an unexpected turn. No matter what, a nation cannot be stopped from becoming better but in my opinion, if Iran became this powerful military power, other countries surrounding it can do just the same. There is this respect in a very weird way for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, because having pulled the Iranian country this far, I think that he has the potential to pull the Iranian powers to powers of nuclear production. Watch out world because here comes a blow that might pop out at us from nowhere.

Vocabulary

• Prowess: Exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle.
  
• Sanctions: A penalty, specified or in the form of moral pressure, that acts to ensure compliance or conformity.
  
• Diplomacy: the conduct by government officials of negotiations and other relations between nations.
  

By gosh, Al Maliki did just that. He also said that the Iraqi Government would not accept any memorandum that would not include a time table which includes withdrawal, of American troops. Senator McCain recently said it would depend on situations on the ground in Iraq. He said in 2004, we would honor the wishes of the sovereign government of Iraq, that the U. S. troops would withdraw. Now what? Do we stay there as occupiers, in a country that wants the American troops to leave now. People who want to continue to fight a war in a country, that wants to control their own, seem to have a counter intuitive position. Since the terrorism has abated, to a great degree, and the Iraqi people have created a sovereign government, with their votes, we should be able to bring the troops home. A small contingency of American troops, along with the Iraqi troops, their police and the local factions, helping their government, should hopefully be enough, to keep things under control, in Iraq.

This would allow the vast amount of American troops, to come home, if not now, when? The billions of dollars being spent there, could be well spent on American citizens and soil. Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has signaled through reports, that his country has no plans of war with either the United States or Israel. This was good news for the U. S. stock market, which had shown worry over the possibility of conflict in the Middle East, between Israel and Iran. The U. S. carrier, which had been stationed in the Persian Gulf has been removed, allowing for a reduction in perceived tension, between the U. S. Government and Iran. Iran has also stated through reports, that they are willing to talk to the International community, regarding assistance with Iran's domestic nuclear production. This would appear to be a very positive development, in foreign affairs. The oil market responded today with a reduction in oil price, per gallon, from a high of around $145 to a lower price of $136, sometime, before the closing. These things are certainly open to change as we all know, but certainly a little good news, on these two fronts, is a very good thing indeed. Fingers crossed.

Faced with overwhelming support from the Arab world, this coalition within a few days changed the entire political and diplomatic affairs of the Middle East. French President De Gaulle took the step of telling Israel to not engage in the war and issued a military embargo on Israel. Other Israeli “allies” like the United States all of a sudden acted as though nothing was going on and many even refused to come to Israel's aid. Thus Israel decided once again, like in Europe under Hitler's power or other regions of the world, the Jewish people are alone and must fight for their own survival.

Within days, Israel's administration went through several changes were new Defense secretary was appointed along with a new cabinet. And on June 5th 1967, Israel attacked the enemy forces. In a sudden air strike by the Israel Air Force, Most of the Egyptian, Iraqi, Jordanian, and Syrian air forces were destroyed. At the same time, Israeli tanks rolled into the Sinai and annihilated the Egyptian army and pushing the offensive lines al the way to the Suez Canal - capturing the entire Sinai area under Israel's control.

While Israel was driving Egyptian army back, Israel also issued assurances that Jordanian forces would not be attacked in return for peace. However, King Hussein of Jordan ordered his army to attack Israel. His army bombarded Israeli towns and cities. Almost within hours, Israeli Army turned from the defeated Egyptian Army (at Suez Canal) and attacked the West Bank and East Jerusalem (under Jordan's control). Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) occupied West Bank and liberated East Jerusalem and united it with its counterpart - West Jerusalem. Following this victory, Israeli Army took the initiative to meet the Syrian army and within 2 days occupied the Golan Heights while a defeated Syrian army withdrew in shame.

On the morning of June 10th 1967, people around the world woke up to a new Middle East - with an Israel that controlled the territories of Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Almost 9 days after the war, Israeli Government made the declaration that it will give back all the lands it captured from the enemies in return for full status of peace and normal bilateral relations. However in August of that year, A Arab Summit held in Khartum, Sudan made the decision that all Arab nations will not:

1. Recognize Israel
2. Negotiate with Israel
3. Make peace with Israel

As of Today, most of the Arab world still abide by this summit resolution. Egypt officially recognized Israel and made peace after Egypt once again lost the 1974 war with Israel (the 3 wars it started with Israel Egypt lost). Soon Jordan and a few other minor Arab nations followed with the peace deals. Israel's 1967 war also cemented the US-Israeli relationship as US made Israel its major arms supplier and ally. However, the wounds of the war still lasted. The Arab world was still licking its wounds and revenge was brewing.

As soon as Israel withdrew from the Suez Canal area due to UN and international pressure, Egypt began to rebuild their cities and their war machine. President Nassar died and a new President Anwar el-Sadath became the new militaristic leader of Egypt. Syria was not happy about loosing Golan Heights and its president Hafez el-Assad began beating the war drums. Within 6 years after the bloody 1974 war, Egypt and Syria was ready for their rematch with Israel. On October 6th 1973, during the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur, the Arab Forces from Egypt and Syria attacked a unsuspecting Israeli people in the middle of their solemn fasting and praying service.

Egyptians quickly advanced through the border and captured the Israeli command centers before any alarm could be raised. By the time the country reeled from its surprise, Syrian tanks were pouring out of the Golan Heights into Israel. A Syrian officer moving in his tank across the Golan Heights wildly shouted into his radio: “I see the Lake of Tiberias!” But he never lived to reach it. Within hours, Israeli Defense Forces mobilized and launched counter offense maneuvers. At the end of the day, Israel stood tall as the sole victor in the war.

Following this loss, Egypt was wise to negotiate with Israel and eventually got peace and normal relations with Israel in return for Sinai land Israel captured during the 1967 war. The slowly other Arab nations also began to recognize Israel and started making strides to live in peace with each other. Today, negotiations are underway with Syria on official peace between Israel and Syria in return for the Golan Heights. But due to Syria sponsoring Hezbollah and other armed insurgent groups, Israel is asking Syria to stop supporting those groups also, in return for peace and Golan Heights.

The wars that shaped Israel and the Middle East are still there, old wounds that never really heal. Our only hope is to look to the future and hope for peace and tolerance. The Israeli people and the Arab people for the most part are ready for it. Thus strides such as the “Bridge over the Wadi” (يداً بيد - جسر عبر الوادي‎; , יד ביד - גשר על הוואדי‎) are taking place where people want to live in peace. So let us strive to show the best in humanity, love our neighbor as ourselves and let us pray that God grants peace to that region.

• Spike Lee has come out saying that when Obama is elected, it will be a "Chocolate City"!
  
• Obama promised to debate McCain anywhere and anytime. Now he will only debate him on the 4th of July when almost every American will not be home!
  
• He has promised to bring all ethnicities together but would not let Muslim women set behind him.
  
• He now is sporting his own personal seal which resembles the Presidential Seal! Is this the beginning of the Obama Republic? How arrogant!
  
• Mosheh Oinounou, writes that McCain Campaign Senior Adviser Steve Schmidt says: "As we scrutinize Barack Obama's words, it is increasingly difficult for those of us with the responsibility of following this year's election closely to discern what Obama truly believes at his core on the issues of great importance to the American people."
  
• Barack Obama said during the primaries, "Don't tell me words don't matter." That's all he has done is speak words without any explanations of any plans to restore our country!
  
• Obama reversed his position on accepting general election public financing. This change in position comes after nearly two years of speaking to and signing his name to his commitment to the public financing system. In the end, Barack Obama's words were empty and he decided to break his pledge to accept public financing in the general election.
  
• The energy policy that he assails for being a Bush-Cheney creation for the benefit of the oil companies is the very same energy policy he voted for in the 2005 Energy Bill. Again, Barack Obama's words on energy are empty and actually contrary to his own public record.
  
• His tax increases would hurt the economy and American workers.
  
• Obama consistently attacks John McCain for favoring "tax breaks to corporations." Yet, he recently told The Wall Street Journal that he too was considering cutting corporate taxes. Just last month, Barack Obama called corporate tax cuts "the exact wrong prescription for America." On one day, Barack Obama took two positions on one issue, again leaving observers and voters unsure of what he really believes.
  
• Throughout the primaries, Barack Obama has been determined to withdraw from Iraq regardless of the consequences or the facts on the ground. This week, Barack Obama talked with the Iraqi Foreign Minister. According to The Washington Post, the Foreign Minister left the conversation "reassured". The ABC News headline captures this perplexing issue clearly: "Obama and Iraqi Foreign Minister have Different Memories of their Conversation." In our foreign policy, we cannot afford a president whose public words are discounted by allies and enemies alike.
  
• OBAMA said: "Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided." Yet, only a day later, Barack Obama said the future of Jerusalem would have to be negotiated by Israel and the Palestinians. Barack Obama was no longer prepared to say that Jerusalem should be undivided.
  
• At a time when we need a break on gas, Obama is still against any tax cuts which would help the common people!
  

Every word out of his mouth about wanting to help the common people of this nation is a lie! If you don't wake up, We'll have Obama as our Supreme Commander, Farrakhan as our Nation Defense Secretary, Father Michael Pfleger as Minister of Intelligence, Reverend Wright as Minister of Education and Reverend Al Sharpton as Minister of Justice! The time is coming unless America wakes up, we will all be singing, "Hail to the Supreme Commander Obama." (That is if the White Race is not ethnically cleansed by the new Supreme Order!)

David, Israel's great king established a large independent state, with its capital at Jerusalem. Under David's son and successor, Solomon, Israel enjoyed peace and prosperity, but at his death in 922 BC the kingdom was divided into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. When the nearby empires resumed their expansion, Israel fell to Assyria. Judah was conquered by Babylonia, which destroyed Jerusalem and exiled most of the Jews living there. Nebuchadnezzar entered Jerusalem. The Temple was sacked and set fire to, and razed to the ground. The Israelites laminated as they were carried off in chains to Babylon. "By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion" words from the Book of Psalms, were fervently uttered by the Israelites after their exile, and have been ever since.

Over the next 13 centuries, the Jewish people enjoyed periods of monarchy, independence and autonomy in the Land, interspersed with eras of foreign domination. Following the destruction of the Second Temple and their expulsion by the Romans in 70 CE, the majority of the Jews were dispersed throughout the world. According to Jewish biblical tradition, God gave the Land of Israel to Abraham and his descendants for all time. The believing Jew, therefore, sees the Land as part of the religious/national heritage of the Jewish people, and attaches special merit to living there. During almost 20 centuries of exile that followed, Jews prayed three times a day for return to their ancestral homeland. This longing to return to the Land of Israel also became a major topic in Jewish literature and thought. Central to Zionist thought is the concept of the Land of Israel as the historical birthplace of the Jewish people and the belief that Jewish life elsewhere is a life of exile. The hope of returning to their homeland was first held by Jews exiled to Babylon some 2,500 years ago - a hope which subsequently became a reality.

Over the centuries, Jews were expelled from almost every European country - Germany and France, Portugal and Spain, England and Wales - a cumulative experience which had a profound impact, especially in the 19th century when Jews had abandoned hope of fundamental change in their lives. [They were also expelled from all Arab-Islamic theocratic nations in the mid 1900s.]  The national liberation movement of the Jewish people, emerged in the 19th century within the context of the liberal nationalism then sweeping through Europe. Thus political Zionism, which coalesced in the 19th century, invented neither the concept nor the practice of return. Rather, it appropriated an ancient idea and an ongoing active movement, and adapted them to meet the needs and spirit of the times. The Jewish national idea, however, was never abandoned, nor was the longing to return to their homeland. Throughout the centuries, Jews have maintained a presence in the Land, in greater or lesser numbers, and uninterrupted contact with Jews abroad has enriched the cultural, spiritual and intellectual life of both communities.

The Zionist movement aimed to solve the "Jewish problem," the problem of a perennial minority, a people subjected to repeated pogroms and persecution, a homeless community whose alienness was underscored by discrimination wherever Jews settled. Zionism synthesized the two goals of liberal nationalism, liberation and unity, by aiming to free the Jews from hostile and oppressive alien rule and to reestablish Jewish unity by gathering Jewish exiles from the four corners of the world to the Jewish homeland. Zionism aspired to deal with this situation by affecting a return to the historical homeland of the Jews - the Land of Israel. The history of aliya, much of which was in direct response to acts of murder and discrimination against Jews, provides strong proof for the Zionist argument that a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, with a Jewish majority, is the only solution to the "Jewish problem."

“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand wither away; Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not set Jerusalem Above my highest joy.” Some 2,500 years ago, David wrote, "By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion." Psalms 137:1).

Israel is not a country that merely bluffs bully countries, such as Iran, when their survival is on the line. The history of Israel is a testimony to its iron-firm constitution for survival.

Middle East Arab regimes share one main aim - to survive. The regimes deny the Holocaust facts, instead spread accusations of Jews of using non-Jewish infants' blood in their rites, and of utilizing and sucking the blood of Arabs. The Palestine Times wrote of "God's lying people" who are "the Holocaust worshippers...the lie of extermination". Muslim clerics call upon the worshippers in the mosques to "have no mercy on the Jews, no matter where they are, in any country...wherever you meet them, kill them”.

The Israel Foreign Ministry spokesman has communicated that Israel welcomes the resolution that was adopted on 3 March 2008, by the United Nations Security Council. Israel "s Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, said “that the third Security Council resolution is an additional necessary step that expresses the understanding that the international community must neither give up nor stand aside in the face of Iran"s attempts to attain a nuclear capability. This important resolution is an unequivocal message that the international community cannot countenance Iran's nuclear program. Iran, whose policies undermine global peace and stability, and whose leaders openly threaten Israel, continues to ignore the demands of the international community and persists in violating previous UN Security Council resolutions. The international community has no confidence in Iranian declarations that its nuclear program is designed for peaceful purposes, and rightly so. Therefore, the United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution that constitutes another stage in pressing Iran to retreat from its intention to attain nuclear weapons.”

Shaul Mofaz, the Israel Transport Minister and former army chief, told the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on June 7, 2008 “If Iran continues with its programs for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective. Attacking Iran, in order to stop its nuclear plans, will be unavoidable.” A spokesman for the Prime Minister did not address Mr Mofaz's comments directly but said that “all options must remain on the table and that more could be done to pressure Iran.”

It was the most explicit threat yet against Iran from a member of the Olmert Government. Mofaz, who is designated as a deputy prime minister, is a former Defense Minister who remains privy to Israeli defense planning. He is a member of Olmert's security Cabinet and leads regular strategic coordination talks with the US State Department.

The Israel "Mahal," the Hebrew acronym meaning "volunteers from outside the country" is probably the world's greatest intelligent fighting unit. When the Nation of Israel was formed, and fighting for its very existence, close to 3,500 volunteers answered the call to come to its defense. These young men and women, both Jews and non-Jews, arrived from 37 different countries. Most of the foreign volunteers were veterans of World War II, and thus had amassed extensive military experience. Israel combat fighter pilots, and ground crews have honed their craft primarily in English-speaking countries - Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, and the United States. Even prior to the declaration of the state on May 14, 1948, foreign volunteers joined the ranks of the Haganah, the Palmach, and the underground organizations. Mahal soldiers were imbued with a tremendously fierce sense of duty and pride, and have performed numerous acts of bravery worthy of recognition. They stand ready and waiting to defend their country whenever necessary.

Israel has anticipated nuclear war since at least 2002. The Israel military and citizens are taught to be prepared for war at any time. Israel will not be defeated without a fight! This can be testified to by my active duty Air Force husband. As he flew back from Germany in 2002, he was quite nervous as he glanced around the seats occupied by numerous Middle Eastern looking gentlemen. He attentively watched the interactions of the gentlemen, until he finally recognized the men were speaking Hebrew. After he took a relaxing breath, he started a conversation with the Israel gentleman next to him. All these facts were confirmed during their conversation.

Arab/Islamic anti-Semitism.

It is a difficult determination to conclude as to where the United States would stand against Iran. The United States is currently divided by two distinct groups of people. One group has chosen Barack Obama as their leader; the other group has chosen John McCain as their leader. Each leader has an entirely different perspective on where the United States should stand against Iran.