 Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog |
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Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Joel C. Rosenberg: “The state of the Middle East is a catastrophe.” - My interview with CBN on the State of the Union, the presidential front-runners & the visit by Jordan’s King to Washington
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
It’s Official: Over A Trillion Dollars A Year Will Be Added To The Debt During Obama’s Presidency - MICHAEL SNYDER THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE BLOG
Posted: 21 Dec 2015 MICHAEL SNYDER THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE BLOG
Under Barack Obama, the U.S. national debt has risen from $10,626,877,048,913.08 on January 20th, 2009 to $18,795,033,928,275.59 on December 21st, 2015. That means that the debt that we are passing on to future generations has increased by 8.16 trillion dollars since Barack Obama was inaugurated. There is still a little more than a year to go in Obama’s presidency, and it is already guaranteed that Obama will add more than a trillion dollars a year to the national debt during his presidency.
In fact, when you do the math, we are stealing more than 100 million dollars from future generations of Americans every single hour of every single day. It is a crime of a magnitude that is almost unimaginable, and at this point it is mathematically impossible for the U.S. government to pay off all of this debt. To say that we are in trouble would be a massive understatement. And of course not all of the blame goes to Obama. The Republicans have had control of the House of Representatives for all but two years while Obama has been in the White House, and they have gone along with all of this reckless spending. Without the approval of the House, Obama could not spend a single penny, but the Republicans have consistently chosen not to stand up to him. In fact, the Republicans in Congress just approved another massive 1.2 trillion dollar spending bill that essentially gave the Democrats every single thing that they wanted. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi even admitted that the Republicans “were willing to concede so much” during the negotiations. So why do we even have a Republican Party? They always just go along with pretty much whatever the Democrats want anyway. Why shouldn’t we just disband the Republican Party and let the Democrats completely run things? How would Washington D.C. be any different if the Republicans didn’t even exist? At this point, even Rush Limbaugh is completely disgusted with the Republican Party… I have a headline here from the Washington Times: “White House Declares Total Victory Over GOP in Budget Battle.” That headline’s a misnomer. There was never a battle. None of this was opposed. The Republican Party didn’t stand up to any of it, and the die has been cast for a long time on this. I know many of you are dispirited, depressed, angry, combination of all of that. But, folks, there was no other way this could go. Because two years ago when the Republican Party declared they would never do anything that would shut down the government and they would not impeach Obama, there were no obstacles in Obama’s way and there were no obstacles in the way of the Democrat Party.Do you remember when Republican politicians were running around promising that they would defund Obamacare? That didn’t happen. Do you remember when Republican politicians were running around promising that they would defund Planned Parenthood? That didn’t happen. Do you remember when Republican politicians were running around promising that they would defund Obama’s refugee program? That didn’t happen. In this new spending deal, the Republicans got nothing. It was a sham, a farce and a total insult to the American people. Here is more from Rush Limbaugh… It fully funds Planned Parenthood. That, to me, is unforgivable, with everything now known about what goes on behind closed doors at Planned Parenthood, and that the federal government, led by a Republican Party, sees fit to pay for it. It is beyond comprehension, and it is a total squandering of moral authority to fully fund the butchery at Planned Parenthood. This spending bill fully pays for Obama’s refugee plans, fully. This spending bill, this budget bill quadruples the number of visas Obama wants for foreign workers. This is even a slap at American union workers. Not the leaders. The union leaders seem to be in favor of it, but blue-collar people, known as working people, have been sold down the river along with everybody else here.Even after watching all of the undercover Planned Parenthood videos that came out over the past year, the Republicans in Congress still voted to fund the harvesting and sale of body parts from aborted babies. And surveys have found that the American people support the continued funding of Planned Parenthood by about a 2 to 1 margin. After everything that we have seen, the vast majority of Americans still want to continue giving those butchers hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars a year. No wonder so many people are comparing America to Nazi Germany these days. We truly have become an exceedingly wicked nation. We like to think that we are an “example” for the rest of the planet, but in reality the only example that we are is a bad one. Our guilt has been put on display for all the world to see, and yet we just continue to race toward even more evil. Not only did the Republicans not defund Planned Parenthood, the truth is that not a single pro-life amendment of any sort even got into the bill thanks to Paul Ryan. The following comes from lifesitenews.com… “The bill failed to include a single major pro-life policy rider, despite the requests of over 120 members of Congress and the disturbing revelations about Planned Parenthood brought to light this year,” said Congresswoman Diane Black, R-TN, who voted against the bill.Like I said, the Republicans completely capitulated, just like they always do. Now the U.S. national debt is nearly double the size that it was just before the last financial crisis struck, and our leaders continue to borrow and spend as if there is no tomorrow. Perhaps they have convinced themselves that there will never be any consequences for acting so foolishly. Perhaps they believe that in the end everything will turn out okay somehow. Perhaps they are able to rationalize the theft of more than a hundred million dollars an hour from future generations of Americans. But nothing can erase what they have done to us. The promising future that our children and our grandchildren should have had has been completely wiped out, and the leading edge of the greatest economic crisis that any of us has ever known is now upon us. If we had done things differently, things wouldn’t have had to turn out this way. But now the die is cast, and we are all going to pay a very high price for the mistakes that have been made in Washington. |
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Obama, Netanyahu Agree to Disagree on Iran - Jennifer Wishon CBN NEWS
Obama, Netanyahu Agree to Disagree
on Iran
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
WASHINGTON -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the U.S. this week. He's fresh off a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House where the two leaders worked to mend some badly damaged fences.
With a handshake, they showed they were putting their solidarity on display for Israel's enemies.
The two men have always held vastly different world views. But their relationship has been particularly sour since the president feverishly pushed for a nuclear deal with Iran that the prime minister -- and others across the political spectrum in Israel -- adamantly opposed.
With a handshake, they showed they were putting their solidarity on display for Israel's enemies.
The two men have always held vastly different world views. But their relationship has been particularly sour since the president feverishly pushed for a nuclear deal with Iran that the prime minister -- and others across the political spectrum in Israel -- adamantly opposed.
"It is no secret that the prime minister and I have had strong disagreement on this narrow issue, but we don't have a disagreement on making sure Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon," President Obama said.
"And we don't have a disagreement about us blunting destabilizing activities that Iran may be taking," he continued. "And so we are looking to make sure that we find common ground there."
The president tried to made it clear he stands with Israel, but the Israeli people may not buy it.
The president tried to made it clear he stands with Israel, but the Israeli people may not buy it.
Some Israelis refer to the president by his middle name, "Hussein," a reference to his Muslim heritage. Polling earlier this year showed just 9 percent of Israelis described this White House as pro-Israel.
The president condemned recent Palestinian violence against innocent Israeli citizens.
And while peace talks are on ice, Netanyahu says he remains committed to a peaceful two- state solution with the Palestinians.
The president condemned recent Palestinian violence against innocent Israeli citizens.
And while peace talks are on ice, Netanyahu says he remains committed to a peaceful two- state solution with the Palestinians.
"I don't think anyone should doubt Israel's determination to defend itself against terror and destruction, but neither should anyone doubt Israel's willingness to make peace with any of its neighbors that genuinely want to achieve peace with us," Netanyahu said.
International analysts say it's important for Israel's enemies to see the U.S. and Israel stand together.
International analysts say it's important for Israel's enemies to see the U.S. and Israel stand together.
"There is a symbolic component that those enemies need to understand that there isn't any daylight between the United States and Israel as far as our alliance and our friendship and that message has to be put out there very strongly," Steve Bucci of The Heritage Foundation said.
While in Washington, Netanyahu is speaking both to conservative and progressive groups to make the case that the security of Israel isn't a partisan issue.
While in Washington, Netanyahu is speaking both to conservative and progressive groups to make the case that the security of Israel isn't a partisan issue.
"Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East," Bucci said. "It's the most Western looking country for a lot of miles in that area and we really need that relationship almost as much as Israel does."
Monday, November 9, 2015
Netanyahu lands in Washington ahead of Obama meeting - RAPHAEL AHREN THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to board a plane headed to the US, November 8, 2015 (PMO)
Netanyahu lands in Washington ahead of Obama meeting
Talks expected to address military assistance for coming decade, Israeli goodwill gestures toward Palestinians
November 9, 2015, 7:46 am THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington DC early Monday (late Sunday in the US), ahead of his meeting with US President Barack Obama.
The two will meet in the White House on Monday for the first time in over a year. Ahead of his flight, the premier said he planned to focus on requesting a decade of American aid to Israel.
Netanyahu and Obama will discuss “recent events in the Middle East, including the civil war in Syria, and possible progress with the Palestinians, or at least stabilizing the situation with them,” Netanyahu said earlier Sunday during the weekly cabinet meeting. He said they would also talk about “maintaining the State of Israel’s comparative advantage in the face of a changing Middle East.”
Netanyahu and Obama will discuss “recent events in the Middle East, including the civil war in Syria, and possible progress with the Palestinians, or at least stabilizing the situation with them,” Netanyahu said earlier Sunday during the weekly cabinet meeting. He said they would also talk about “maintaining the State of Israel’s comparative advantage in the face of a changing Middle East.”
The prime minister is expected to ask for a significant increase in US military assistance to Israel, especially in light of increasing security threats as a result of Washington’s landmark nuclear pact with Iran.
Netanyahu is also set to appear at right- and left-leaning think tanks and will meet one of the only Democratic senators to go against Obama on the nuclear deal with Iran.
Obama is widely expected to ask Netanyahu about steps Israel could take to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, even if a final-status agreement between Israel and the Palestinians seems currently out of reach.
The prime minister is reportedly planning to present a series of goodwill gestures to the Palestinians that Israel has been preparing ahead of the two leaders’ meeting.
Ran Baratz (screen capture: YouTube)
Preparations for the trip were overshadowed by Netanyahu’s choice as a key media adviser of Ran Baratz, who turned out to have insulted Obama as “anti-Semitic” and Secretary of State John Kerry as childish in various Facebook posts. Netanyahu has distanced himself from the comments, but has not canceled the appointment. In an address to Reforms Jews Saturday night, Vice President Joe Biden became the most senior US figure to castigate the “terrible” comments.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet the president on Monday morning Washington time. Later that day, he will meet Senator Chuck Schumer, one of the few Democratic lawmakers who voted against the Iran nuclear deal. Afterwards, he will visit the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, where he will deliver a speech and receive the 2015 Irving Kristol Award.
On Tuesday, the prime minister will address the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog and White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough will also speak at the convention.
Later that day, Netanyahu will appear at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, where he will be interviewed by the think tank’s president, Neera Tanden.
Later that day, Netanyahu will appear at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, where he will be interviewed by the think tank’s president, Neera Tanden.
Netanyahu’s appearances at both left- and right-leaning institutions are likely intended to demonstrate the bipartisan nature of the Israel-US alliance.
On Tuesday evening, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with the Senate leadership.
On Wednesday, the prime minister is to visit the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, before heading back to Israel.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
Friday, October 30, 2015
When Obama hosts Netanyahu, it won’t be pleasant, but it might be productive - THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
Op-ed: The Iran deal is done. The peace process is a nonstarter. Which means there might be less than usual to argue about when the two leaders hold their first meeting after a year of bitter disconnect
David Horovitz is the founding editor of The Times of Israel.
He previously edited The Jerusalem Post (2004-2011) and The …[More]
On November 9, US President Barack Obama will host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for the first time in more than a year. They’ll probably — though not certainly — put on a professional, perhaps even a friendly show. Leaders of two closely allied states. Shared interests and values. Unshakable partnership. You know the script.
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And the stuff about an enduring, vital relationship between the two countries is absolutely true.
But the Obama-Netanyahu personal relationship has long since fractured beyond the point of no return. The events of the past year plunged it to new lows. Netanyahu is convinced that Obama sealed a dreadful deal with Iran — entrenching an evil regime, giving it the hard cash to wreak havoc and leaving Israel horribly exposed — and has made no secret of his dismay. Obama was left absolutely seething by Netanyahu’s failed public effort to turn members of his own party against him on his key foreign policy objective, notably in that March speech to Congress.
On November 9, US President Barack Obama will host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for the first time in more than a year. They’ll probably — though not certainly — put on a professional, perhaps even a friendly show. Leaders of two closely allied states. Shared interests and values. Unshakable partnership. You know the script.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email
and never miss our top stories FREE SIGN UP!
And the stuff about an enduring, vital relationship between the two countries is absolutely true.
But the Obama-Netanyahu personal relationship has long since fractured beyond the point of no return. The events of the past year plunged it to new lows. Netanyahu is convinced that Obama sealed a dreadful deal with Iran — entrenching an evil regime, giving it the hard cash to wreak havoc and leaving Israel horribly exposed — and has made no secret of his dismay. Obama was left absolutely seething by Netanyahu’s failed public effort to turn members of his own party against him on his key foreign policy objective, notably in that March speech to Congress.
Netanyahu thinks Obama gives Mahmoud Abbas a free pass, even when the Palestinian leader is inciting terrorism. Obama is convinced that Netanyahu’s backing for settlement expansion is central to the failure of peace efforts. Netanyahu thinks Obama doesn’t “get” the ruthless Middle East. Obama made his displeasure with Netanyahu known when he took the prime minister to task for his election day assertion that Arab voters were streaming to the polls.
We could go on. Hopefully, for the interests of both of their countries, the two leaders themselves won’t want to.
November 9 will likely mark the day when Netanyahu implicitly acknowledges defeat by finally engaging with the administration on the practical implications of the Iran deal
The visit to Washington this week of Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon (himself hardly a figure beloved to the Obama administration) seems to symbolize a return to closer cooperation. The new chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, was in Israel last week — less than a month after taking office. Obama and Netanyahu will never put the past behind them, but the White House meeting will likely mark a renewed effort to see out the final year-plus of the Obama presidency in less discordant tones.
Helping that cause is the fact that, in the two key areas where they have so frequently clashed, matters have reached a stage where their scope for sniping at each other would appear to have been much reduced: The Iran deal is done. And any realistic notion of a Palestinian deal is done too for the foreseeable future.
On Iran, therefore, they could choose to batter away some more at each other on whether there was a better alternative, and on what constitutes acceptable conduct when an embattled nation lobbies against a core policy of a superpower ally. But, more likely, November 9 will mark the day when Netanyahu implicitly acknowledges defeat by finally engaging with the administration on the practical implications of the deal.
We could go on. Hopefully, for the interests of both of their countries, the two leaders themselves won’t want to.
November 9 will likely mark the day when Netanyahu implicitly acknowledges defeat by finally engaging with the administration on the practical implications of the Iran deal
The visit to Washington this week of Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon (himself hardly a figure beloved to the Obama administration) seems to symbolize a return to closer cooperation. The new chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, was in Israel last week — less than a month after taking office. Obama and Netanyahu will never put the past behind them, but the White House meeting will likely mark a renewed effort to see out the final year-plus of the Obama presidency in less discordant tones.
Helping that cause is the fact that, in the two key areas where they have so frequently clashed, matters have reached a stage where their scope for sniping at each other would appear to have been much reduced: The Iran deal is done. And any realistic notion of a Palestinian deal is done too for the foreseeable future.
On Iran, therefore, they could choose to batter away some more at each other on whether there was a better alternative, and on what constitutes acceptable conduct when an embattled nation lobbies against a core policy of a superpower ally. But, more likely, November 9 will mark the day when Netanyahu implicitly acknowledges defeat by finally engaging with the administration on the practical implications of the deal.
If so, the two leaders and their teams can then get down to work coordinating their positions on countering the threats posed by an emboldened and soon-to-be wealthier Iran, and on the appropriate responses to possible Iranian violations of the deal. The latter is an issue on which Israel could have played more of a role in recent months, had it not been opposing the deal so insistently and thus staying out of the loop.
In similar cooperative vein, it’s likely that the two leaders will announce that they’re now hard at work on a new long-term agreement for US defense assistance to Israel. The current 10-year framework, which provided for over $30 billion in US military aid, expires in 2018. Behind the scenes, the respective teams will be assessing potential threats to Israel over the next decade, and Israel will be finalizing a “shopping list” that ensures its qualitative military edge is maintained — something to which this and previous US administrations have long been committed.
In similar cooperative vein, it’s likely that the two leaders will announce that they’re now hard at work on a new long-term agreement for US defense assistance to Israel. The current 10-year framework, which provided for over $30 billion in US military aid, expires in 2018. Behind the scenes, the respective teams will be assessing potential threats to Israel over the next decade, and Israel will be finalizing a “shopping list” that ensures its qualitative military edge is maintained — something to which this and previous US administrations have long been committed.
Israel has already contracted for more than 30 F-35 multirole fighter planes; it may ultimately want 50, or even 75. Missile defense systems are funded from a separate budget, and the US is well aware of the imperative to maintain and improve the Iron Dome and the Arrow systems, and to deploy David’s Sling, to ensure Israel can counter threats from neighboring Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria, as well as from an Iran that is relentlessly developing its ballistic missile systems. The increasing involvement of Iran and Russia across Israel’s northern border raises new challenges on which Israel and the US largely see eye-to-eye.
A new Obama-led bid to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in the limited time he has left in office, is a non-starter
As for the Palestinians — while nobody should underestimate Secretary of State John Kerry’s readiness to invest considerable effort in dragging the parties back to the table, in even the least propitious circumstances — the president has likely had more than his fill. There is little chance of the two sides agreeing on terms for a resumption of talks and even less chance of any such talks making headway, and the president is well aware of this.
At a press conference on October 16, Obama reiterated his long-held conviction that the only way Israel would be secure, and the Palestinians would meet their aspirations, was via a two-state solution. But “it’s going to be up to the parties” to achieve that, “and we stand ready to assist,” he said — which was tantamount to spelling out that he is not about to launch a new peace effort.
Netanyahu will presumably rejoice at not being pressured for concessions to enable new negotiations. Obama would doubtless want to tell him that such rejoicing is short-sighted, but the fact is that a new Obama-led bid to solve the conflict, in the limited time he has left in office, is a nonstarter. The president has no shortage of other challenges, domestic and foreign. He can more effectively devote his attentions elsewhere.
They’ll disagree. It was ever thus.
Nonetheless, the two leaders will need to discuss how to prevent a further deterioration on the ground — how to thwart further terrorism; how to tackle incitement more effectively; how to deal with the fracturing PA and its weakening leader; how to safeguard Israeli-Jordanian relations; and how to retain some credibility for a two-state solution that Netanyahu and Abbas both continue to insist that they seek.
Obama would want Netanyahu to halt settlement building, to give the PA more authority in Area C of the West Bank, and to try to utilize the Arab Peace Initiative to warm ties with other Arab governments and possibly defang anti-Israel efforts by the PA at the UN. The prime minister will be reluctant; the president will warn against deepening the sense of hopelessness on both sides and highlight the dangers exposed by the terrorism and the violence of recent weeks. The prime minister will blame Abbas; the president will ask him to be constructive.
They’ll disagree. It was ever thus.
But they’ll have met. A year’s personal disconnect will be over. They’ll have recommitted to tolerating each other for the good of their countries for another 15 months.
Still, for Netanyahu, the end of Obama’s second term can’t come soon enough. And for Obama, not having to host Netanyahu will be a post-presidential pleasure.
A new Obama-led bid to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in the limited time he has left in office, is a non-starter
As for the Palestinians — while nobody should underestimate Secretary of State John Kerry’s readiness to invest considerable effort in dragging the parties back to the table, in even the least propitious circumstances — the president has likely had more than his fill. There is little chance of the two sides agreeing on terms for a resumption of talks and even less chance of any such talks making headway, and the president is well aware of this.
At a press conference on October 16, Obama reiterated his long-held conviction that the only way Israel would be secure, and the Palestinians would meet their aspirations, was via a two-state solution. But “it’s going to be up to the parties” to achieve that, “and we stand ready to assist,” he said — which was tantamount to spelling out that he is not about to launch a new peace effort.
Netanyahu will presumably rejoice at not being pressured for concessions to enable new negotiations. Obama would doubtless want to tell him that such rejoicing is short-sighted, but the fact is that a new Obama-led bid to solve the conflict, in the limited time he has left in office, is a nonstarter. The president has no shortage of other challenges, domestic and foreign. He can more effectively devote his attentions elsewhere.
They’ll disagree. It was ever thus.
Nonetheless, the two leaders will need to discuss how to prevent a further deterioration on the ground — how to thwart further terrorism; how to tackle incitement more effectively; how to deal with the fracturing PA and its weakening leader; how to safeguard Israeli-Jordanian relations; and how to retain some credibility for a two-state solution that Netanyahu and Abbas both continue to insist that they seek.
Obama would want Netanyahu to halt settlement building, to give the PA more authority in Area C of the West Bank, and to try to utilize the Arab Peace Initiative to warm ties with other Arab governments and possibly defang anti-Israel efforts by the PA at the UN. The prime minister will be reluctant; the president will warn against deepening the sense of hopelessness on both sides and highlight the dangers exposed by the terrorism and the violence of recent weeks. The prime minister will blame Abbas; the president will ask him to be constructive.
They’ll disagree. It was ever thus.
But they’ll have met. A year’s personal disconnect will be over. They’ll have recommitted to tolerating each other for the good of their countries for another 15 months.
Still, for Netanyahu, the end of Obama’s second term can’t come soon enough. And for Obama, not having to host Netanyahu will be a post-presidential pleasure.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Syrian President Assad made secret visit to Moscow - USA TODAY
Syrian President Assad made secret visit to Moscow
Syrian President Bashar Assad made a secret visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin , their two governments disclosed Wednesday.
The trip, which took place on Tuesday, was Assad's first known visit abroad since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
The unusual meeting was confirmed Wednesday by Damascus and Moscow, who said the leaders discussed their joint military campaign against militants in Syria and stressed the need for a political solution to the conflict.
The United Nations estimates the civil war has killed at least 250,000 people
In a statement posted on the Syrian presidency’s official Facebook page, Damascus said the campaign was focused on eliminating terrorism, which it said was standing in the way of securing a political solution to the conflict.
The post featured a picture of a smiling Assad shaking hands with Putin. It was also posted on the Syrian presidency's Twitter account. Assad is now back in Syria.
The Russian president thanked his counterpart for "accepting our invitation and coming to Moscow despite a tragic situation in your country.”
“The Syrian people have been putting up a fight against international terrorism effectively on (their) own for several years, sustaining sizeable losses but it has achieved positive results recently,” Putin said.
Russia began launching airstrikes against insurgents in Syria on Sept. 30 amid criticism from the United States and its allies who say the intervention is doing little beyond helping to keep Assad in power and fanning the violence.
The U.S. and allies want Assad to step down from power.
Allied warplanes have been targeting Islamic State militants in the region since last September, but recent Russian involvement has complicated that effort.
LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE Editor's note: I believe we are seeing the setup as foretold in Ezekiel. We stand with Israel in what is coming to the Middle East and Jerusalem.
Steve Martin
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
US confirms Russian airstrikes in Syria, but no info on locations - THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
Still from a video purporting to show a Russian air strike on the northern Syrian village of Al-Lataminah on September 30, 2015 (screen capture: YouTube)
Latest: Assad welcomes Russian decision to send troops to Syria
US confirms Russian airstrikes in Syria, but no info on locations
American official says Moscow told Washington not to fly war jets in Syria, but US missions continuing as planned
September 30, 2015 THE TIMES OF ISRAELNEWSROOM
The Times of Israel is liveblogging Wednesday’s events as they unfold.
Assad welcomes Russian decision to send troops to Syria
The office of Syrian President Bashar Assad welcomes Russia’s decision to send troops to Syria, saying the military support came at the request of Damascus.
Wednesday’s statement says Assad had sent a letter to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, asking for the military support. Assad’s Facebook page also reiterated that the support “came upon a request from the Syrian state.”
The statements came shortly after Russian lawmakers voted unanimously to let Putin send Russian troops to Syria. The Kremlin sought to play down the decision, saying it will only use its air force in the Mideast country, not ground troops.
Russia has been one of Assad’s strongest allies since the Syrian crisis began in March 2011 killing more than 250,000 people and turning millions more into refugees.
— AP
US confirms Russian airstrikes in Syria
The US is confirming Russian airstrikes in Syria, with an American official telling CNN that Moscow told Washington not to fly any warplanes in Syria. Sources inside Syria are reporting at least 27 people are dead in the Russian strikes.
The senior official tells CNN that Russia provided no information of the location of its targets in Syria. The source says that American missions are continuing as planned.
Ralph Lauren quits as CEO of his fashion empire
Ralph Lauren is handing off his title as CEO of the fashion and home decor empire that he founded nearly 50 years ago. Stefan Larsson, the global president of Gap’s thriving low-price Old Navy chain, is replacing him in the role.
Speaking from his luxurious office in Midtown Manhattan, the iconic 75-year-old designer, born Ralph Lifshitz to Jewish immigrant parents, says that he’s not slowing down, but sees Larsson, 41, as a partner as the company spearheads future sales growth.
“I am here, and I am not leaving,” said Lauren. “Stefan is coming to the company because I really believe he’s going to be an interesting addition.”
The change is effective from November, and Larsson will report to Lauren who will continue to drive the company’s vision and strategy as executive chairman and chief creative officer.
— AP
Reports: Russia strikes Syria as lawmakers okay military action
Reports are emerging that Russia has begun to carry out air strikes inside Syria, on the same day that Russian lawmakers vote unanimously to let President Vladimir Putin send troops to Syria.
Sky News in Arabic says that the warplanes are targeting areas in the Governorate of Hama.
The Kremlin says Moscow is not going to send ground troops to Syria, and will only use its air force “in order to support the government Syrian forces in their fight against the Islamic State” group, according to AP. But witnesses say the areas hit by Russian strikes, including the village of Al-Lataminah, are not occupied by IS fighters.
Ya’alon in West Bank: There will be no settlement freeze
Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon says Israel will respond with a heavy hand to any threat to its security or sovereignty, the Hebrew-language Walla website reports.
Speaking during a visit to the Hebron Hills in the southern West Bank, Ya’alon also says that “there is not, nor will there be, a freeze in [settlement] construction, given that our legitimacy to settle the land has come under attack.”
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