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February 10, 2012
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David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
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Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
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The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
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Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
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Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
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January 30, 2012
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Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
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Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
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Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
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Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
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Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
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Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
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January 13, 2012
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Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
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Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
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January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
March 27, 2009 / 2 Nisan 5769
Rebooting America's Global Image Not Going Well
By
Mona Charen
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
One of President Obama's signature boasts was that his election would,
to use his term, "reboot" America's image in the world. Addressing
thousands of Germans last summer, Obama said, "In Europe, the view that
America is part of what has gone wrong in our world rather than a force
to help make it right has become all too common." His election, he
promised, would transform America's global image.
How's that project going? On the occasion of the Persian New Year,
President Obama delivered a video message to the Iranian people and
government, advisedly using the term "the Islamic Republic of Iran." The
U.S., declared the president, desired a "new beginning" in relations
with Iran, and would no longer engage in "threats" but seeks engagement
that is "honest" and based upon "mutual respect." While cautioning that
Iran could not assume its "rightful place in the community of nations"
through "terror or arms," the president's message was otherwise strewn
with rose petals.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's response was, well, a little
less than enthusiastic. While the crowd chanted "Death to America,"
Khamenei demanded: "Have you released Iranian assets? Have you lifted
oppressive sanctions? Have you given up mudslinging and making
accusations against the great Iranian nation and its officials? Have you
given up your unconditional support of the Zionist regime?" Besides, the
SL continued, "we don't know who is making decisions in America is it
the president, the Congress, or some unknown people who pull the
strings?" Khamenei further suggested that some American leaders have
"demanded that our great and honorable nation be wiped out." President
Obama might want to begin this "honest" dialogue by pointing out that it
was Khamenei who spoke to a crowd chanting "Death to America." We don't
do that sort of thing. In fact, they chant "Death to America" when their
national soccer team scores a goal or when they've particularly enjoyed
a concert. Their kids learn it in school rather as ours learn the
Pledge of Allegiance. No American leader has ever called for Iran to be
wiped out. But Iran's president has a little list of nations he
threatens with genocide on a regular basis. The list consists of Israel,
with the U.S. getting honorable mention from time to time.
President Obama wasn't fazed by Khamenei's response. At his news
conference on March 24, he cited the Iranian reaction as a reason to be
"persistent."
The new dawn for relations with Europe is slow to materialize, too.
There was that unfortunate business with the prime minister of Great
Britain, in which the president's team seemed unaware that Britain
enjoys special status as primo inter pares of American allies. After
British officials expressed dismay about the cool reception their leader
received by the White House (and the tacky gift of DVDs), an unnamed
administration official reportedly chided the British saying: "There's
nothing special about Britain. You're just the same as the other 190
countries in the world. You shouldn't expect special treatment."
Nor is the new administration making a hit with the current president of
the European Union. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek told the
European Parliament that President Obama's economic policies represent
"the road to Hell. ... Americans will need liquidity to finance all
their measures and they will balance this with the sale of their bonds
but this will undermine the liquidity of the global financial market.
... We need to read the history books and the lessons of history and the
biggest success of the EU is the refusal to go this way." Other European
leaders have pointedly declined President Obama's invitation to bankrupt
their treasuries with deficit spending.
Secretary of State Clinton presented a cutesy "reset" button to the
Russian ambassador. But apparently the State Department had gotten the
Russian word wrong. Instead of "reset" it said "overcharge."
The North Koreans seem ready to launch a new long-range missile. And the
Chinese, according to the Washington Post, have "the most active
land-based ballistic and cruise missile program in the world." Recession
notwithstanding, China is very aggressively increasing its military
spending. Even by China's acknowledged account, military spending has
increased 18 percent in the past year. But the Pentagon estimates that
China spent twice as much between $105 billion and $150 billion on
its military in 2008. In addition to missiles, China is pouring money
into cyber warfare, a fleet of attack submarines, research and
development on aircraft carriers, and a naval base on the southern
island of Hainan, which would give the Chinese navy "direct access to
vital international sea lanes ..." all while speculating about replacing
the dollar as the world's reserve currency.
Perhaps we misunderstood Obama. Maybe instead of a reboot, we're just
getting the boot.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Comment on JWR contributor Mona Charen's column by clicking here.
Mona Charen Archives
© 2006, Creators Syndicate
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