Thursday, October 20, 2016

2 Wicked Ways Obama Is Sabotaging America Before He Leaves Office - WESLEY SMITH/ACLJ CHARISMA NEWS

Too often the policies and the narrative of the Obama administration represent a serious break from reality. (REUTERS/Joshua Roberts)

2 Wicked Ways Obama Is Sabotaging America Before He Leaves Office

WESLEY SMITH/ACLJ  CHARISMA NEWS
Too often the policies and the narrative of the Obama administration represent a serious break from reality.
In an effort to convince conniving and violent enemies that we are peace-loving, as if that would make a difference to them, we sabotage the defense of our nation. Whether it is placing arbitrary limits on our military's use of force, telegraphing in advance to our enemies what we will or will not do to defeat them, or just plain political correctness in overdrive—we place the security of our homeland in great jeopardy.
Law enforcement, which now is usually our first line of defense against terrorism, is being held in check by an administration that is seemingly suspicious of law enforcement and ungrateful for the dangerous work they do in order to keep us safe. Reports indicate morale in law enforcement and in the military is at an all-time low. Intentionally or inadvertently, the Obama administration is sabotaging the defense of our country in at least two ways.
1. Ignoring the Nature of the Enemy We Face
If you believe the Obama administration's narrative, there is a threat out there, but it has nothing to do with Islam. Sure, there are terror organizations in the world. And there have been numerous attacks in the United States, as recently as the pressure cooker bombs in New York and New Jersey, the mall shootings in Minnesota, the Orlando and San Bernardino massacres, to name a few. And we still live, after all these years, in the poignant aftermath of the attacks of 9/11, in which over 3,000 people died.
But it is pure coincidence that the perpetrators of each of these attacks were Muslim and claimed to do their horrific deeds in the name of radical jihad. And incidentally, all of the groups taking up arms against the United States—ISIS, al-Qaida, al Shabaab, al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, to name a few—the fact they are all Muslim is just coincidental, according to the Obama administration. How ironic that they all seem to yell "Allahu akbar" (God is great) when they attack. This is the ongoing narrative of the present administration.
It is a fact that most Muslims are peace-loving people who wish no harm to anyone. American Muslims are generally as patriotic as any other group of religious people in America. However, the fact is indisputably clear that our chief adversaries who continue to commit violent acts not only abroad, but here at home as well, all claim Islam as their faith. They also claim Islam is their motivation and their mandate for these acts of mayhem and murder. This is the reality in which all of us live.
It was under this administration that infiltrating and surveilling of specific mosques, university student centers and Muslim nonprofit organizations as potential centers of radicalization was stopped.
Under pressure from Muslim advocacy groups, training materials for the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), the FBI and other federal agencies were purged from any references to Islamic terrorism or jihad.
At the ACLJ, we've filed a FOIA request demanding answers about this policy change that fails to prepare our defense and intelligence communities for the enemies we face. The pressure-cooker bomber in New York had been on the FBI's watch list and was even reported by his father for suspicion of being radicalized. Nothing was done because they did not want to appear to be singling out Ahmad Rahami just because he was Muslim.
The president refuses to even utter the words radical jihadis, because "jihad" is an Arabic term used in Islam and appears in the Quran. Meanwhile, the government warns us of the dangers of lone wolf attacks. These lone wolves are more than that; they are actually part of a wolf pack: Islamic jihadis. We are told if we "see something, say something." If only the Obama administration would follow their own advice and simply say something by naming the enemy whose goal is to destroy us.
But like the ubiquitous late night television commercials, we must say: "But wait! There's more." Our national defense is also put at risk by this administration in the following way:
2. Capitulating to Aggression by China and Russia
The Obama White House has barred the Pentagon from using a key phrase in references to China and Russia. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Admiral John Richardson, the highest-ranking sailor as Chief of Naval Operations, have often spoken of a return to "the great power of competition" when speaking of the aggressive and illegal grabs for power, influence and terrain committed by these two countries.
The president's hand-selected National Security Council (whose makeup I referred to in a previous post) has directed the Pentagon to strike that phrase from their speeches and to find a term that is less insulting and inflammatory. The administration believes that phrases like "great power competition" incorrectly implies that we are at odds with Russia and China. 
Really? Are we not fundamentally at odds with China selling ballistic missile technology to Iran and claiming new territory in international waters? Do we not have fundamental moral differences with Russia which at this moment bombs innocent civilians, hospitals and aid workers in Syria, or who threatens the sovereignty and safety of Ukraine, as well as our NATO partners?
Are there not striking distinctions between the United States and Russia, which has harassed U.S. aircraft in international airspace and threatened to shoot down our planes in Syria? Bryan McGrath, a retired Navy officer and naval expert quoted in Navy Times, said: The (Obama administration's) "explanation is an exercise in nuance and complexity chosen by the administration to provide maximum flexibility, to prevent them from committing to a real structural approach to the most important national security challenge of our time."
The Obama administration objects to the Secretary of Defense's clear message who, speaking to the Economic Forum, stated: "We must demonstrate to potential foes that, if they start a war, we have the capability to win." Carter, in speaking of Russia and China, also said they have "a growing arsenal of high-end war-fighting capabilities, many of which are focused specifically on our vulnerabilities."
One of our chief vulnerabilities is a commander in chief who appears to be more concerned with not offending our adversaries and protecting his perceived legacy than the defense of our country "from all enemies, foreign and domestic," as he swore in his Oath of Office. Intentionally or inadvertently, his worldview and his timid response to those who wish us harm is sabotaging our national defense.
We deserve better. And our national security demands it.
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A Beautiful Holiday in the Holy Land ✡ "Israel Dwells in Safety" - ISRAEL365

And Israel dwelleth in safety, the fountain of
Yaakov alone, in a land of corn and wine;
yea, his heavens drop down dew.

וַיִּשְׁכֹּן יִשְׂרָאֵל בֶּטַח בָּדָד עֵין יַעֲקֹב אֶל אֶרֶץ דָּגָן וְתִירוֹשׁ אַף שָׁמָיו יַעַרְפוּ טָל

דברים לג:כח

va-YISH-kon yis-ra-EL be-takh ba-dad ayn ya-a-KOV el e-retz da-gan v'-ti-ROSH afsha-MAV ya-ar-foo tal

Today's Israel Inspiration

‘Sukkot,’ the Feast of Tabernacles, was the most joyous of the festivals worshiped in the Temple. However, according to the Talmud, on ‘Sukkot’ God judges the people for water and determines how much rain will fall from the heavens in the coming year. Given the fact that the Land of Israel is very dependent on rainfall, it seems that ‘Sukkot’ should be a solemn time and not one of joyous celebration. What then is the reason for such festivity? By making His people dependent on rainfall which comes from heaven, God ensures that they must maintain a close connection with Him at all times. It is the constant connection with the Almighty, by virtue of His children’s continued dependence on Him, which is cause for great celebration. In the same way the world is dependent upon God, there are countless people throughout the Holy Land dependent upon friends and neighbors to support them in their time of need. Meir Panim seeks to ease their struggle and make this Sukkot a truly enjoyable one.

Tonight We're Livin' in a Booth

We guarantee this song about living in the Sukkah will have you tapping your toes and humming along!

Last Minute Miracle Brings High Holiday Blessings

A miracle occurred this Rosh Hashanah in Israel’s southern development town of Dimona.

Today's Israel Photo

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth walks next to a Sukkah during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Sukkot commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert and a decorated hut or tabernacle (in Hebrew, Sukkah) is erected outside religious households as a sign of temporary shelter.

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Excavation Reveals Spot Where Romans Breached Jerusalem’s Wall 2,000 Years Ago - JNI Media BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


Excavation Reveals Spot Where Romans Breached Jerusalem’s Wall 2,000 Years Ago


“And they burnt the house of God, and broke down the wall of Yerushalayim, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.” II Chronicles 36:19 (The Israel Bible™)
Exciting evidence of the breaching of the third wall that surrounded Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period was uncovered last winter in the Russian Compound at the city center. The discovery was made in an archaeological excavation the Israel Antiquities Authority conducted in the location where the new campus of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is slated to be built. In the course of the excavation, archaeologists discovered the remains of a tower jutting from the city wall. Opposite the tower’s western facade were scores of ballista and sling stones that the Romans had fired from catapults at the Jewish guards who were stationed at the top of the tower.
According to Dr. Rina Avner and Kfir Arbib, excavation directors on behalf of the IAA, “This is a fascinating testimony of the intensive bombardment by the Roman army, led by Titus, on their way to conquering the city and destroying the Second Temple. The bombardment was intended to attack the sentries guarding the wall and provide cover for the Roman forces so they could approach the wall with battering rams and thereby breach the city’s defenses.”

A 2,000 year old jar as it was discovered in the field. (Yoli Shwartz, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.)
A 2,000 year old jar as it was discovered in the field. (Yoli Shwartz, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.)

The historian Josephus, an eyewitness to the war, provided many details about this wall. According to him, the wall was designed to protect the new quarter of the city that had developed outside its boundaries, north of the two existing city walls. This quarter was named Beit Zeita. The building of the Third Wall was begun by King Agrippa I; however, he suspended its construction so as not to incur the wrath of Emperor Claudius and to dispel any doubts regarding his loyalty. The construction of the Third Wall was resumed some two decades later by the defenders of Jerusalem, as part of fortifying the city and the Jewish rebels’ preparations for the Great Revolt against Rome.
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Josephus described in detail the route of the wall that began at Hippicus Tower, which is now identified with David’s Citadel. From there the wall continued north to the enormous Psephinus Tower, which defended the northwestern corner of the city wall. At that point the wall turned east and descended toward the Tomb of Queen Helena, which is identified with the place known as the Tombs of the Kings.

A spearhead from the battle against Titus’ army. (Clara Amit, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)
A spearhead from the battle against Titus’ army. (Clara Amit, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)

It seems that the new discovery has resolved a debate among researchers reaching back to the early twentieth century, as to the location of the third wall and the question of Jerusalem’s boundaries on the eve of the Roman onslaught led by Titus. According to the dig in the Russian Compound, we now have proof of the wall’s existence in that area.
The excavation findings will be presented at a conference entitled “New Studies in the archaeology of Jerusalem and its Region,” Thursday, October 27, at the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY "MOVING FAST" AT END OF OBAMA PRESIDENCY by Brian Schrauger Jerusalem Journal

Putin Erdogan meet in Turkey on 10 Oct 2016 Photo YouTube screenshot RT channel

RUSSIA AND TURKEY "MOVING FAST" AT END OF OBAMA PRESIDENCY


According to one assessment by Israeli intelligence, Russian President Vladamir Putin and Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan are scrambling to take advantage of the power vacuum left in the Middle East by US President Barack Obama. As Moscow soldifies it superpower presence there, it is already carving up a portion of Syria for shared control with Ankara.
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Last Friday US President Barack Obama told his country's military leaders that, instead of arming rebel groups in Syria in their stand against the country's ruthless despot, Bassar Assad, Washington was going to negotiate with Russia, the superpower fighting to keep Assad in power.
According to Israeli intelligence news service, DEBKAfile, Obama's "high words" and "recriminations" about the "unspeakable horrors" Assad has inflicted on his own citizens, were always empty. He was never serious about providing rebels "the anti-air weapons they need to shoot down Russian and Syrian warplanes blitzing them."
In fact, US options in Syria are rapidly diminishing. There is no longer a way to get missiles to rebel groups. Erdogan will not allow delivery via Turkey.
Why?
Because Putin is making him an offer he cannot refuse: shared control of a Turkish "security zone" in northern Syria. In effect, it is an offer from Moscow that will carve away a huge chunk of the beleaguered state. As a de facto victor sharing spoils, Russia's chutzpah is an irresistible lure for Erdogan. But one of the barbs holding the lure when he bites requires Turkey's further separation of ties, if not severance of ties, with the US and Europe.
Ostensibly, Moscow is supporting Assad and has allied with Iran to this end. But Erdogan opposes Assad. Why then is Russia making the offer? By elevating Erdogan above the US and Europe as the world's voice against Assad while offering northern Syria as a "security zone," Moscow further removes Western influence in the region, putting in its place a puppet it has bribed.
Vis-a-vis Ankara, Russia's alliance with Tehran is playing both sides against the middle, a geopolitical focal point that, for now, is Syria. Russia's advantage is that it becomes the superpower "godfather" of the Middle East prospering from all its warring players who come to it seeking favors.
How serious is the pending deal between Moscow and Ankara?
DEBKAfile’s intelligence sources reveal that under discussion is the installation in Turkey of a system of advanced Russian missiles linked to the Russian anti-air missile shield under construction in Syria.
Turkey would thus become the first member of NATO to arm itself with a Russian anti-air missile shield.
Why is this happening now and what are the real objectives? DEBKAfile offers an explanation.
Putin and Erdogan are moving fast to cash in on President Obama’s repugnance for military intervention in Syria and his waning powers at the tail end of his presidency. Furthermore –
a) Neither is configuring Syrian President Bashar Assad into their calculations. They are going forward with their plans while ignoring him and his drastically diminished army as factors worth consideration.
b) Their objectives are similar and interlocking: Both are intent on developing their respective enclaves in northern Syria, Moscow for a long-term military presence in the country: likewise, Ankara.
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Brian Schrauger is the Editor-in-Chief of the Jerusalem Journal. He can be reached at Editor@JerusalemJournal.com

PHOTOS: 50,000 Receive Priestly Blessing at Kotel, Reaffirm Jewish Dedication to Jerusalem - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

PHOTOS: 50,000 Receive Priestly Blessing at Kotel, Reaffirm Jewish Dedication to Jerusalem

“Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before Hashem thy God in the place which He shall choose; on the feast of unleavened bread, and on the Shavuot, and on the Sukkot.” Deuteronomy 16:16 (The Israel Bible™)
In a powerful display of the glory that once was the Jewish Temple, tens of thousands of Jews gathered at the Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, in Jerusalem on Wednesday to be blessed by hundreds of Kohanim (Jewish men from the priestly caste). This biannual event recreates a mitzvah (Torah commandment) as it was once performed in the Temple.
About 50,000 people gathered at the Kotel for the priestly blessing.  during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016.  (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
About 50,000 people gathered at the Kotel for the priestly blessing. during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
This year, the event took on special significance as it graphically reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the Jews and the Temple Mount, a connection last week’s UNESCO vote sought to erase.
Jewish worshippers cover themselves with prayer shawls as they pray in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City, during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Sebi Berens/Flash90)
Jewish worshipers praying with great devotion during the holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Sebi Berens/Flash90)
Jews took the traditional four species – lulav, or palm frond; hadas, or myrtle; aravah, or willow; and the etrog, a citron – and performed the ritual shaking in six directions.
Jewish worshippers wave the Lulav and Etrog in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City, during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Jewish worshippers wave the Lulav and Etrog in front of the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem’s Old City, during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
The blessing of Israel, once an integral part of the Temple Service, is now performed on a regular basis in synagogues around the world. The Kohanim, Jews who have a family tradition of patrilineal descent from Aaron, the first High Priest, remove their shoes, have their hands washed by men who have a family tradition of being from the tribe of Levi, and stand in front of the congregation, completely covered in their prayer shawls.
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The words of blessing are recited with hands outstretched in a particular manner, with the first and second fingers joned, and the third and fourth fingers joined, while they recite the blessing.
Kohanim cover themselves with prayer shawls and raise their hands to bless Israel in front of the Western Wall, during priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Kohanim cover themselves with prayer shawls and raise their hands to bless Israel in front of the Western Wall, during priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Hashem bless thee, and keep thee; Hashem make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; Hashem lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26
This event comes less than one week after a UNESCO resolution passed which denied any religious or historical connection between Judaism and Jerusalem, renaming the Kotel as Al Buraq Plaza. Israel’s Minister of the Interior, Aryeh Deri (Shas), called for Israelis to protest this resolution by worshiping en masse at the site.
“This year, we’ll come, in our masses, to Jerusalem, to the Western Wall, to the Priestly Blessing. This Wednesday… we’ll all be there. We’ll send a clear message — nobody will separate us from our holy places,” wrote Deri in a Facebook post.
Jewish worshippers cover themselves with prayer shawls as they pray in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City, during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Kohanim cover themselves with prayer shawls as they pray in front of the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem’s Old City, during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
It was estimated that more than 50,000 were in attendance, and millions more viewed the event live via kotel cams.