Roger-my best to you and Sheryl on your trip. I am at a loss for words regarding my feelings surrounding this entire situation. I doubt none of us will ever really find out what went on 'behind the scenes' of these negotiations. I'm sure the many pressures from families of the hostages played a major role in this as it should. My stepfather fought the Japanese and anyone who has studied that conflict knows of the atrocities they committed. I am sympathetic for the hostages and their families, however, I have little hope that history will not repeat itself sometime down the road. This is war and there is always collateral damage in war sad to say. They are dancing in their streets knowing they are getting many more of their killers, rapists, etc. back than the hostages they are giving up. Get the hostages back, then finish the job once and FOR ALL would be my decision. Take care and God bless America.
Amen Jim. Some have speculated that there is a "side deal" between Trump and Bibi, which would allow IDF to take out Iran's nuclear capabilities.
May God's superior wisdom prevail, and keep Roger and Sheryl safe! Israel is an amazing country with notable terrain differences within its relatively small confines. My heart always hurt a bit while there.
The underlying problem is radical Islam. It’s all about religion. Unfortunately the West is just not willing to acknowledge it. Until the Islamists and their financial and political sponsors are totally defeated nothing will change. Even if the Israeli war cabinet approves the ceasefire, I’m confident that the head choppers will start firing rockets from Gaza and end the ceasefire before all of their insurance policy of the hostages is returned.
You can blame Obama and his control over the Bidens for the antisemitism if anyone dares to re expose Obama's true past. Even Jill Biden's wife was convinced to get the new female unqualified Secret Service Director into place when President Trump had his ear shot. The Obama's and the Biden's used to party every weekend in Delaware for many years. I wish some brave person would highlight Obama's past as a Communist Muslim. The history is there to uncover, and it will explain the antisemitism and the DEI influence extending to even Biden's DEI Secretary of State, ANTONY BLINKEN. Everyone is scared to death of the Obama power, because he has put powerful people into place through APPOINTMENTS during his eight years of the Presidency 2009-2017, and Obama's influence over Biden because of Biden's son Hunter and the rest of the Biden family, and Ukraine and Chinese banks just as a few facts as a start for Biden's disastrous four years. No one can see the Obama elephant in the room who is Communist, Homosexual, and Islamic. The history is there, even if one could recommend a few books that have exposed Obama's history, by some very brave journalists it might help shed some light. The mainstream media is supported by ads for 3 to five minutes, and the rest of news is three to ten second sound bytes. No truth, only "send money", or buy EV cars, and lets be entertained. What a phony mixture of TV we have now.
I recall some credible narratives around the topic of Iran having ties to Obama, his family and also the execrable Peter Strozk of the Russiagate caper (via Strozk's uncle iirc). Obama was truly a Manchurian candidate, with so much of his background (think transcripts and other basic records at least).
What struck me reading the estimable Miranda Devine's recap of Biden's career and his speech lauding his own accomplishments, is how much we hoped, despite all evidence, that both Obama and Biden would prove to be "healers".
It is strange that Mr. Obama decides to "get sideways". If he were the great orator and leader that many believe he is, would he take this path? I mean no disrespect. My question is American: I am simply challenging based on my perspective. I cherish any replies.
As a leader, I know that we choose to gossip and destroy when we do not believe we can build and/or effectively advocate. There is considerable evidence concerning where this new, wicked anti-Semitic wave began and which groups decided in an organized manner to spread it.
If a person has truly been persecuted, would causing more persecution of others be their choice? If so, what does it say about that person's perspective and self-image? I mean this helpfully and respectfully. The division and in-fighting must stop. Thank you.
David, seems to me that unless the Left and Dems can acknowledge the idea that there is objective truth, we will not manage to halt the division. Blinkered folks lost in their emotions are not subject to reason.
Great column, Mr. Simon. The world ignores the fact that Hamas' anti-semitism is even more brutal than that of the Nazis, many of whom would have been sickened by the barbarity of the genocidal attack on October 7th. People need to remember the Palestinians colluded with Hitler and the Nazis during World War II. The Grand Mufti Husseini begged Hitler to send his troops to Palestine to exterminate all the Jews. Husseini was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt that gave birth several decades later to Hamas.
The United States should never have negotiated with- and on behalf of- Hamas in the first place. We have a long tradition-- admittedly honored in the breach on occasion-- of not negotiating with terrorist groups. We should never have taken the de facto position of a neutral arbiter in this war, which gave Hamas a clear advantage over Israel and gave it more credibility than it deserved. Hamas is a terrorist group, but more importantly most Palestinians in Gaza are a terrorist people who applauded the atrocity of October 7th. The United States was giving aid and succor to a vicious Jew-hating group that wants to annihilate Israel and every Jew living there.
We should have left negotiations entirely in the hands of Israel. I suspect the current agreement will not hold and Israel will use the full power and influence of the US government under Trump to re-write the settlement more to their advantage. Trump's statements in that regard show clear support for an agreement that assures Israel's security now and in the long term.
Israel should take the prisoners awaiting the swap and hold them in tunnels without food and water until ALL the Jewish prisoners are released. all at once no 6 weeks or gradual trading. Hamas and Hezbollah were united by Osama bin Laden and we had a location and the need to kill him, and this was approved a previous Memorandum of Negotiation, (MON), by the Bush Senior administration to annihilate TERRORIST leaders in 60 to 80 countries. It had been approved and Clinton blocked it with foolish demands that we could only kill any terrorists leaders if they tried to shoot us in self defense, no matter the atrocities, suicide bombings, 911 2001 towers taken down, and the consequence of 10,000 total deaths over that event. Clinton blocked any possibility of eliminating these terrorist leaders. Until bin Laden organized the uniting of Hamas and Hezbollah they were enemies. Our CIA and our Pentagon united and got approval to stop this decades ago, but another foolish President, (Clinton), didn't have the guts to protect us, say nothing about protecting an ally such as Israel.
Our insipid political tendencies to take credit for the actions of others, after more than a year has passed, certainly calls out the clownshow we currently find ourselves in. A different president these last four years, not necessarily Trump, I would hope would have resulted in a faster and different outcome for the hostages.
Threatening to withhold arms and support for the only liberal democracy in the Middle East should get one fired from any administrative post, yet it's widely celebrated as international, genius-level statesmanship. The floating barge idea was literally tried once and discarded decades ago, in the same space, and yet there we are with US Policy - if it didn't work once, let's try it again, gooder and harder.
We have clearly been living far, far too easily off our past accomplishments and our political culture and representatives largely reflect that. We are coasting, riding the wave of sacrifices of other, better people, and we're all going to pay for it.
Actually, the bill has come due. I pray Trump can delay the end result until the US is better prepared for the calamity about to befall us. We are woefully unprepared for the payment.
Roger. I read everything you write that comes across my mail. I don’t disagree with you enough. Makes me feel like I’ve lost my objectivity.
I’m 77 years old. From 1958 to 1964, I received an incredible education in Asheville public schools. One available and required by all levels of student.
Thanks to Mrs. Mardis for 2 years of Latin.
And to Miss Julia Capps for 3 years of high school English. Diagramming sentences matters.
And to math teachers for long division and algebra.
And to my Civics teacher.
And for history.
I’m under the impression that many or most US citizens don’t know much about much.
Any stats on the gap between 65 year olds and 40 year olds?
I believe that Hamas will violate the ceasefire terms at some point in the process and Israel will then resume its offensive, this time with Trump's full support, with the objective of preventing future hostage situations.
The ratio of terrorists to hostages being exchanged is interesting- so many Hamas for so few Israelis. How much more the West values each of these individuals, to "pay" for their release by many times more people! - Have a wonderful trip, Roger and Sheryl...we will pray for your safe travels.
The main issues, as I understand them, are these. The ideological basis of Hamas is having enough power to compel opponents to bend to its will, that being the destruction of Israel, Jews, and ultimately the West. While it is has relatively small number of adherents, its influence is great because it shares its ideology with Iran and has indoctrinated the Gazans. How does one confront an implacable ideology? It is done by not accepting certain premises of one's own, that every human life has incalculable worth. How is that expressed? Netanyahu indicated his primary goal was the "elimination of Hamas": not its weakening, but its elimination. That means complete destruction of it as an institution, since ideas cannot be destroyed. To accomplish that end, Israel, and by extension the West if it wishes Israel to succeed, must continue large scale destruction of Hamas. Casualties are going to accompany that destruction, and unfortunately not only of supporters, although who can determine who those people are? Israel also must give up trading more prisoners for each hostage. One for one, and that's it. If Hamas kills a hostage, one of Israel's most prominent prisoners is killed. Admittedly the laws under which Israel operates restrain her from that action, but remember Lincoln's threat to Davis regarding the execution of black Union soldiers and their officers. Davis stepped back from his threat. Hamas will respond "positively" to only one thing, that being the overwhelming power brought to bear by Israel. When one tries to ferret out what Trump means when he says he will bring Hell to Hamas, he is saying he will exert such damage, regardless of the fate of the hostages, that Hamas will have NO bargaining chips left to use. Without the hostages Hamas will face unrestrained force, except as the laws of war pertain.
Hamas is a non-state actor, therefore not covered by the Geneva convention or any of the commonly accepted "Rules of War".
Complete destruction of Gaza, execution of captured Hamas fighters (publicly), and the elimination of the Gaza civilian population (let them flee to Egypt and make the Egyptians
take them in), would solve the problem.
Israel, with the complete backing of the United States, must demonstrate to its enemies
and their supporters in the U.N. that, when provoked, it can be more ruthless and pitiless than its enemies could ever hope to be or even imagine.
Finally, the U.S. must severely sanction and punish those states in Europe and the so-called
"Global South" who dare to speak up in favor of Hamas and against Israel.
Ireland, South Africa and Spain will do for starters, and I'm talking trade boycotts, reductions in diplomatic representation, and sanctions on the travel of officials.
And finally, any resolution brought by any nation before the UN Security Council
condemning Israel will face not only an immediate US veto but harsh sanctions and consequences against that nation by the US.
These modest measures will begin to solve the problem.
I neglected this element of the Geneva accords. While I lack certainty, I believe Hamas has not signed it as Gaza is not a state. Also its military is not identifiable according to the requirements of operating under that convention. All can be treated as "bandits", etc. Still, in my opinion, it would be a political disaster with dangerous consequences to do what you promote, even if your comment is from frustration. As was said centuries ago, "They left a desert and called it peace."
My belief is that summary execution will prove a political and perception problem which will restrain Israel, not to mention what their own laws allow. I believe we can and should influence those who support Hamas, although I admit to being unsure of how harsh those measures should be, given their own sovereignty and our other important relationships with them, especially Spain with a major base at Rota. I understand the enormous frustration with the UN, the direct and indirect support of terrorists by various states, but personally I don't think we can force the rest of the world to "agree with us" without major pushback.
Small note: literally no nation bordering Israel wants the Palestinians. Even the West Bank has real issues with those in Gaza. Unpleasantly, Gaza "must exist"...4000 years of history (putting aside the fallacy of "Palestine" as a nation), cannot be corrected.
I don't believe there is any negotiation that can suppress Hamas (or any other Arab terrorist) desire to take control of Israel and make the Jews their slaves. The only thing that ends it is the death of the terrorist.
In the early 70's my Scottish mother who was raised in Belfast insisted on a "trip home" for her mother's 80th birthday. We were horrified and begged her to reconsider. No go. She went in defiance of the prevalent daily IRA bombings and carnage. One day I was driving behind a large truck, my mind saturated with the dangers my mother had insisted on facing and I looked at the license plate ahead. It said, "Why worry...God is in control". I haven't thought of that incident in years until I read this post concerning your and Sheryl's planned trip to Israel. I pray that message will apply to you both. Be safe! Use good judgment! And come home intact as my mother did decades ago
Roger-my best to you and Sheryl on your trip. I am at a loss for words regarding my feelings surrounding this entire situation. I doubt none of us will ever really find out what went on 'behind the scenes' of these negotiations. I'm sure the many pressures from families of the hostages played a major role in this as it should. My stepfather fought the Japanese and anyone who has studied that conflict knows of the atrocities they committed. I am sympathetic for the hostages and their families, however, I have little hope that history will not repeat itself sometime down the road. This is war and there is always collateral damage in war sad to say. They are dancing in their streets knowing they are getting many more of their killers, rapists, etc. back than the hostages they are giving up. Get the hostages back, then finish the job once and FOR ALL would be my decision. Take care and God bless America.
Amen Jim. Some have speculated that there is a "side deal" between Trump and Bibi, which would allow IDF to take out Iran's nuclear capabilities.
May God's superior wisdom prevail, and keep Roger and Sheryl safe! Israel is an amazing country with notable terrain differences within its relatively small confines. My heart always hurt a bit while there.
The underlying problem is radical Islam. It’s all about religion. Unfortunately the West is just not willing to acknowledge it. Until the Islamists and their financial and political sponsors are totally defeated nothing will change. Even if the Israeli war cabinet approves the ceasefire, I’m confident that the head choppers will start firing rockets from Gaza and end the ceasefire before all of their insurance policy of the hostages is returned.
BINGO! See my comment.
Ash. More eloquently. Sorry phone is rather sensitive today
You can blame Obama and his control over the Bidens for the antisemitism if anyone dares to re expose Obama's true past. Even Jill Biden's wife was convinced to get the new female unqualified Secret Service Director into place when President Trump had his ear shot. The Obama's and the Biden's used to party every weekend in Delaware for many years. I wish some brave person would highlight Obama's past as a Communist Muslim. The history is there to uncover, and it will explain the antisemitism and the DEI influence extending to even Biden's DEI Secretary of State, ANTONY BLINKEN. Everyone is scared to death of the Obama power, because he has put powerful people into place through APPOINTMENTS during his eight years of the Presidency 2009-2017, and Obama's influence over Biden because of Biden's son Hunter and the rest of the Biden family, and Ukraine and Chinese banks just as a few facts as a start for Biden's disastrous four years. No one can see the Obama elephant in the room who is Communist, Homosexual, and Islamic. The history is there, even if one could recommend a few books that have exposed Obama's history, by some very brave journalists it might help shed some light. The mainstream media is supported by ads for 3 to five minutes, and the rest of news is three to ten second sound bytes. No truth, only "send money", or buy EV cars, and lets be entertained. What a phony mixture of TV we have now.
I recall some credible narratives around the topic of Iran having ties to Obama, his family and also the execrable Peter Strozk of the Russiagate caper (via Strozk's uncle iirc). Obama was truly a Manchurian candidate, with so much of his background (think transcripts and other basic records at least).
What struck me reading the estimable Miranda Devine's recap of Biden's career and his speech lauding his own accomplishments, is how much we hoped, despite all evidence, that both Obama and Biden would prove to be "healers".
Neither healed, both divided.
Seems you see this, too. Thanks.
It is strange that Mr. Obama decides to "get sideways". If he were the great orator and leader that many believe he is, would he take this path? I mean no disrespect. My question is American: I am simply challenging based on my perspective. I cherish any replies.
As a leader, I know that we choose to gossip and destroy when we do not believe we can build and/or effectively advocate. There is considerable evidence concerning where this new, wicked anti-Semitic wave began and which groups decided in an organized manner to spread it.
If a person has truly been persecuted, would causing more persecution of others be their choice? If so, what does it say about that person's perspective and self-image? I mean this helpfully and respectfully. The division and in-fighting must stop. Thank you.
David, seems to me that unless the Left and Dems can acknowledge the idea that there is objective truth, we will not manage to halt the division. Blinkered folks lost in their emotions are not subject to reason.
Great column, Mr. Simon. The world ignores the fact that Hamas' anti-semitism is even more brutal than that of the Nazis, many of whom would have been sickened by the barbarity of the genocidal attack on October 7th. People need to remember the Palestinians colluded with Hitler and the Nazis during World War II. The Grand Mufti Husseini begged Hitler to send his troops to Palestine to exterminate all the Jews. Husseini was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt that gave birth several decades later to Hamas.
The United States should never have negotiated with- and on behalf of- Hamas in the first place. We have a long tradition-- admittedly honored in the breach on occasion-- of not negotiating with terrorist groups. We should never have taken the de facto position of a neutral arbiter in this war, which gave Hamas a clear advantage over Israel and gave it more credibility than it deserved. Hamas is a terrorist group, but more importantly most Palestinians in Gaza are a terrorist people who applauded the atrocity of October 7th. The United States was giving aid and succor to a vicious Jew-hating group that wants to annihilate Israel and every Jew living there.
We should have left negotiations entirely in the hands of Israel. I suspect the current agreement will not hold and Israel will use the full power and influence of the US government under Trump to re-write the settlement more to their advantage. Trump's statements in that regard show clear support for an agreement that assures Israel's security now and in the long term.
Israel should take the prisoners awaiting the swap and hold them in tunnels without food and water until ALL the Jewish prisoners are released. all at once no 6 weeks or gradual trading. Hamas and Hezbollah were united by Osama bin Laden and we had a location and the need to kill him, and this was approved a previous Memorandum of Negotiation, (MON), by the Bush Senior administration to annihilate TERRORIST leaders in 60 to 80 countries. It had been approved and Clinton blocked it with foolish demands that we could only kill any terrorists leaders if they tried to shoot us in self defense, no matter the atrocities, suicide bombings, 911 2001 towers taken down, and the consequence of 10,000 total deaths over that event. Clinton blocked any possibility of eliminating these terrorist leaders. Until bin Laden organized the uniting of Hamas and Hezbollah they were enemies. Our CIA and our Pentagon united and got approval to stop this decades ago, but another foolish President, (Clinton), didn't have the guts to protect us, say nothing about protecting an ally such as Israel.
Our insipid political tendencies to take credit for the actions of others, after more than a year has passed, certainly calls out the clownshow we currently find ourselves in. A different president these last four years, not necessarily Trump, I would hope would have resulted in a faster and different outcome for the hostages.
Threatening to withhold arms and support for the only liberal democracy in the Middle East should get one fired from any administrative post, yet it's widely celebrated as international, genius-level statesmanship. The floating barge idea was literally tried once and discarded decades ago, in the same space, and yet there we are with US Policy - if it didn't work once, let's try it again, gooder and harder.
We have clearly been living far, far too easily off our past accomplishments and our political culture and representatives largely reflect that. We are coasting, riding the wave of sacrifices of other, better people, and we're all going to pay for it.
Actually, the bill has come due. I pray Trump can delay the end result until the US is better prepared for the calamity about to befall us. We are woefully unprepared for the payment.
Roger. I read everything you write that comes across my mail. I don’t disagree with you enough. Makes me feel like I’ve lost my objectivity.
I’m 77 years old. From 1958 to 1964, I received an incredible education in Asheville public schools. One available and required by all levels of student.
Thanks to Mrs. Mardis for 2 years of Latin.
And to Miss Julia Capps for 3 years of high school English. Diagramming sentences matters.
And to math teachers for long division and algebra.
And to my Civics teacher.
And for history.
I’m under the impression that many or most US citizens don’t know much about much.
Any stats on the gap between 65 year olds and 40 year olds?
Any insights on a remedy? How do we open minds?
Roger, we agree and understand the problems.
Where do we turn for solutions?
I believe that Hamas will violate the ceasefire terms at some point in the process and Israel will then resume its offensive, this time with Trump's full support, with the objective of preventing future hostage situations.
The ratio of terrorists to hostages being exchanged is interesting- so many Hamas for so few Israelis. How much more the West values each of these individuals, to "pay" for their release by many times more people! - Have a wonderful trip, Roger and Sheryl...we will pray for your safe travels.
The main issues, as I understand them, are these. The ideological basis of Hamas is having enough power to compel opponents to bend to its will, that being the destruction of Israel, Jews, and ultimately the West. While it is has relatively small number of adherents, its influence is great because it shares its ideology with Iran and has indoctrinated the Gazans. How does one confront an implacable ideology? It is done by not accepting certain premises of one's own, that every human life has incalculable worth. How is that expressed? Netanyahu indicated his primary goal was the "elimination of Hamas": not its weakening, but its elimination. That means complete destruction of it as an institution, since ideas cannot be destroyed. To accomplish that end, Israel, and by extension the West if it wishes Israel to succeed, must continue large scale destruction of Hamas. Casualties are going to accompany that destruction, and unfortunately not only of supporters, although who can determine who those people are? Israel also must give up trading more prisoners for each hostage. One for one, and that's it. If Hamas kills a hostage, one of Israel's most prominent prisoners is killed. Admittedly the laws under which Israel operates restrain her from that action, but remember Lincoln's threat to Davis regarding the execution of black Union soldiers and their officers. Davis stepped back from his threat. Hamas will respond "positively" to only one thing, that being the overwhelming power brought to bear by Israel. When one tries to ferret out what Trump means when he says he will bring Hell to Hamas, he is saying he will exert such damage, regardless of the fate of the hostages, that Hamas will have NO bargaining chips left to use. Without the hostages Hamas will face unrestrained force, except as the laws of war pertain.
Hamas is a non-state actor, therefore not covered by the Geneva convention or any of the commonly accepted "Rules of War".
Complete destruction of Gaza, execution of captured Hamas fighters (publicly), and the elimination of the Gaza civilian population (let them flee to Egypt and make the Egyptians
take them in), would solve the problem.
Israel, with the complete backing of the United States, must demonstrate to its enemies
and their supporters in the U.N. that, when provoked, it can be more ruthless and pitiless than its enemies could ever hope to be or even imagine.
Finally, the U.S. must severely sanction and punish those states in Europe and the so-called
"Global South" who dare to speak up in favor of Hamas and against Israel.
Ireland, South Africa and Spain will do for starters, and I'm talking trade boycotts, reductions in diplomatic representation, and sanctions on the travel of officials.
And finally, any resolution brought by any nation before the UN Security Council
condemning Israel will face not only an immediate US veto but harsh sanctions and consequences against that nation by the US.
These modest measures will begin to solve the problem.
I neglected this element of the Geneva accords. While I lack certainty, I believe Hamas has not signed it as Gaza is not a state. Also its military is not identifiable according to the requirements of operating under that convention. All can be treated as "bandits", etc. Still, in my opinion, it would be a political disaster with dangerous consequences to do what you promote, even if your comment is from frustration. As was said centuries ago, "They left a desert and called it peace."
My belief is that summary execution will prove a political and perception problem which will restrain Israel, not to mention what their own laws allow. I believe we can and should influence those who support Hamas, although I admit to being unsure of how harsh those measures should be, given their own sovereignty and our other important relationships with them, especially Spain with a major base at Rota. I understand the enormous frustration with the UN, the direct and indirect support of terrorists by various states, but personally I don't think we can force the rest of the world to "agree with us" without major pushback.
Small note: literally no nation bordering Israel wants the Palestinians. Even the West Bank has real issues with those in Gaza. Unpleasantly, Gaza "must exist"...4000 years of history (putting aside the fallacy of "Palestine" as a nation), cannot be corrected.
Godspeed and safe travels!
I don't believe there is any negotiation that can suppress Hamas (or any other Arab terrorist) desire to take control of Israel and make the Jews their slaves. The only thing that ends it is the death of the terrorist.
Safe travels my friend! May God be with you and your entourage!
Satan hates Israel and uses whoever he can to destroy her. But, God is greater and will not let His chosen Nation be destroyed.
I hope the Israelis will find a pretext that will allow them to rescind the agreement and continue to kill the savages.
Bon Voyage to Roger and Sheryl! May your time there be fruitful.
In the early 70's my Scottish mother who was raised in Belfast insisted on a "trip home" for her mother's 80th birthday. We were horrified and begged her to reconsider. No go. She went in defiance of the prevalent daily IRA bombings and carnage. One day I was driving behind a large truck, my mind saturated with the dangers my mother had insisted on facing and I looked at the license plate ahead. It said, "Why worry...God is in control". I haven't thought of that incident in years until I read this post concerning your and Sheryl's planned trip to Israel. I pray that message will apply to you both. Be safe! Use good judgment! And come home intact as my mother did decades ago