Time to Keep Our Heads Cool and Our Powder Dry

April 14, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 19) - No one should be surprised that Iran launched a heavy drone and rocket attack against Israel yesterday. From the Iranian perspective, they had no choice. The unprecedented direct attack from Iran on Israeli territory was a response to Israel's deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria. And make no mistake about it, Israel's attack on a foreign embassy was a violation of international law. However - no surprise here, either - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't give a damn about international law. Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself. I have said as much in this space. But it also has a moral imperative to conduct itself in a civilized manner - something I have also said in this space. (In fact, it is an argument I have been making for literarily decades, long before anyone had even dreamed of the idea of blogging.) The actions of Israeli troops under his command in Gaza constitute war crimes - not that anyone will be held accountable as long as the West is held hostage by its strategic need to defend Israel. As I stated in an earlier blog post, Israel has become America's albatross. And as long Netanyahu is in charge over there, the world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. Let's be clear: Netanyahu wants war. He needs war. He's using the events in Gaza as a political cover to help keep his corrupt administration in office. Make no mistake, this is a dangerous moment. And cooler heads should prevail. I saw former Trump stooge and national security advisor John Bolton on network television this morning blaming President Biden for the attack - an attack Biden had known was coming and warned others about for days - and urging Israel to "hit back hard" at Iran. Considering that the drone and rocket attack was ineffective, did little damage and resulted in one minor injury, I'd say that old Joe and the Allies did a pretty damn good job of protecting Israel. Bolton's advice is stupid and should be rejected. There are ways Israel can respond to his latest provocation without starting World War Three. And consider this: It may be that Iran's attack was deliberately ineffective because they had the same goals in mind. They don't want a war with the West any more than we want one with them. In the meantime, House Republicans need to get off their oversized arses and pass national security funding that will aid Israel, help Ukraine, and provide additional resources to deal with the crisis at the southern border. In other words, it is time to keep our heads cool and our powder dry. We can protect Israel, prevent Russian aggression and secure our borders at the same time. At least, the Democrats can. The Republican House of Representatives has yet to show that it can both walk and chew gum. That would be funny if they weren't putting us all at risk. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.