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Tuesday, August 01, 2023

08/01 Links Pt1: Six Israelis wounded in terror attack in Ma’ale Adumim; Hamas reveals new details of IDF soldier's kidnapping; Israeli Company Signs Deal with Saudi Firm on Renewable Energy

From Ian:

Ex-State Department Officials Admit They Were Wrong
On his way out the door, the retiring U.S. ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides, has belatedly acknowledged that he “screwed up” in one of his last major actions.

He’s just the latest in a growing line of U.S. diplomats who have admitted—when it was too late—that they made significant errors in their treatment of Israel. So why does anybody still listen to them when they offer advice on the Arab-Israeli conflict?

In an interview with the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Nides was asked about his outrageous tweet commenting on the June 20 massacre of four Israelis by Palestinian-Arab terrorists. The four victims were defenseless civilians in a restaurant; their “crime” was eating lunch while Jewish.

The tweet was outrageous on multiple levels. Nides equated the Arab slaughter of innocent civilians with Israel’s anti-terrorist operation in Jenin that week; he failed to acknowledge that the victims of the massacre were Jews or that the killers were Arabs; and he lumped Israeli victims and dead Jenin terrorists together, saying that both deserved prayers and mourning.

Nine days later, when it was too late to make a difference, Nides acknowledged to Israel Hayom: “I screwed up … it was a stupid thing to do.” Unfortunately, he then trotted out assorted excuses: “I had just returned from Los Angeles when I got word of the attack. I was shown a draft of a tweet, and I signed off on it.” Translation: “I was tired, somebody else wrote it, so it wasn’t totally my fault.” Not a very impressive apology.

Isn’t it remarkable how often this kind of thing happens to Israel?

Recall, for example, the infamous episode of Dennis Ross and the terror tunnels.

As a senior aide to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009, Ross pressured Israel to let Hamas bring concrete into Gaza. Here’s how Ross recalled it: “I argued with Israeli leaders and security officials, telling them they needed to allow more construction materials, including cement, into Gaza so that housing, schools and basic infrastructure could be built. They countered that Hamas would misuse it, and they were right.” That admission came six years too late.
The Uninvited Backbone of Israel's Anti-Reform Movement
In the war of words over Israel's judicial reform, irrespective of the rights and wrongs of the disputants, the word "democracy" appears to have suffered a bit of a roughing-up.

"... Biden was wrong to intervene in the debate over Netanyahu's proposed judicial reforms.... otherwise, Israeli officials may start commenting on Hunter Biden's plea deal." – Former National Security Advisor John Bolton, Twitter, July 31, 2023.

So, the Biden Administration delivered an "either-or" threat: stop the judicial reform or break our special relationship. The break had actually already begun with President Barack Obama, who became quixotically committed to a policy to finance and enable Israel's self-declared arch-enemy -- "Death to Israel" should probably qualify one as an arch-enemy -- unlimited nuclear weapons, billions of dollars to manufacture them; ballistic missiles to deliver them, and loose change for Iran's mullahs to continue "exporting" their Revolution into Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and Latin America.

What it all comes down to is that one party seemingly decided that Obama's promise to radically transform America was too important to trust to the electorate.

Now Blinken and Biden are supposedly qualified to give Israel's coalition government a lecture on judicial probity and democracy?
MEMRI: Saudi Journalist: Israel Is A Fact And The Arabs Must Accept It; After Seven Decades Of Conflict And Losses, The Region Crucially Needs Peace And Stability
In her March 2, 2023 column in the Emirati daily Al-Ittihad, Saudi journalist Haila Al-Mashouh, who also writes for the Saudi daily 'Okaz, stated that the conflicts and crises that have afflicted the Middle East in the last decades, chief of them the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have brought only disaster and losses to the peoples of the region, including the Palestinians. The world, she said, is currently facing multiple security, economic, humanitarian and other crises, and therefore it is essential to attain peace and security in the Middle East and to resolve the conflicts through dialogue, rather than by force of arms. She called to persist in the efforts to achieve peace in the region even if the chances are slim. She added that the state of Israel is a fact and called to accept this while also upholding the Palestinians' right to an independent state – for this will benefit all the peoples in the region.

"…The Middle East has experienced changes and crises throughout the years, some of which led to historic and geographical transformations in some of its countries… The Palestinian issue has been one of the [sources] of the greatest and most influential crises in the Arab region. It was a historical problem that caused one crisis after another, not only in Palestine but in the neighboring Arab countries, and its effects reached even the Arabian Gulf. Later it became a political issue of the entire Muslim [nation], which sparked many wars and upheavals. Some people think that [the flames of] these wars should be fanned, although they are pointless and although it is impossible to achieve peace and security through conflict and bloodshed…

"The upheavals and conflicts that have afflicted the Middle East for decades prove beyond any doubt that… security will not be permanent, stable and genuine unless it is based on morality and justice… and on understandings, far from any armed struggle. The world is currently dealing with security, economic, humanitarian, nutrition, health, climate and environmental crises. Therefore, it is very important that the Middle East be protected from conflicts and from the fanning of disputes, and that disputes be resolved by peaceful means, through dialogue mediated by influential countries that prioritize peace over promoting [various] interests. There is [also] need to widen alliances, out of commitment to the principles of peace and in accordance with the UN treaties and the objectives of global security and stability.

"The Arab region has seen changes that have taught us difficult lessons. [These changes] include the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; Iraq's [absence] from the regional and Arab balance of power; the threats posed by some neighboring countries in the region and their impact on the security of the Gulf and of its shipping lanes; the proxy wars against the countries of the [Saudi-led Arab] coalition [fighting] in Yemen; the terror attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia; the repercussions of the so-called Arab Spring and its horrible results, and the impact of the Covid pandemic, which is still affecting the Arab economies and the supply of food and healthcare in some Middle East countries.

"Security is not a luxury; it is required by the situation and changes in the world. Although the opportunities for peace in the region are dwindling, we must seize these opportunities in order to live in peace, stability and coexistence, while [finding] common ground as human beings, as part of the value of accepting the other and accepting reality.

"The state of Israel is a fact that must be dealt with wisely and prudently, while upholding the right of the Palestinian people [to live] in dignity, security and lasting peace in an independent state. The [Israeli-Arab] conflict, which has lasted over 70 years, has yielded nothing but destruction, considerable losses and insecurity. Peace and security are a right of the peoples of the region, and we must seek to realize and defend [this right], acting wisely rather than emotionally!"


McCarthy names members of House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told the Knesset on May 1 that he would establish “a House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group” to “strengthen our bonds, build mutual understanding as elected representatives and work better together, democracy to democracy.”

On July 28, he named 12 members of the group, which he called “an exciting new chapter” in the “growing partnership and enduring friendship between Israel and America.”

“For the first time in history, the 435 members of the House and the 120 members of the Knesset have a forum to engage directly with one another, seek solutions that benefit our nations, and faithfully represent our peoples’ hopes and dreams together,” McCarthy stated.

Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), who is chairing the group, stated that “now more than ever, it is imperative we show the rest of the world that the United States stands firmly with our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East, Israel.”

The other 11 members of the group are Reps. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), John James (R-Mich.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Max Miller (R-Ohio), Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Kathy Manning (D-N.C.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.).

“The special relationship between our two nations is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests,” stated House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). “It is this relationship that the members of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group will strengthen as they come together with our Israeli counterparts.”
Exclusive: US Quietly Inspects Israeli Crossings For its Palestinian Dual-Nationals
US observers are in Israel this week to discreetly assess conditions at its border crossings for Palestinian-Americans as part of an emerging Israeli-US visa waiver deal, four officials said.

The officials, who declined to be identified by name or nationality, said the delegation visited Israel‘s immigration office on Sunday, Ben Gurion Airport on Monday and would on Tuesday tour checkpoints on the West Bank’s boundaries.

In return for visa-free access for Israelis, Washington has demanded that Israel provide reciprocal unfettered passage for Americans, regardless of their background.

That would overhaul travel rules for tens of thousands of Palestinian-Americans who live in the West Bank, as well as, potentially, those from the United States, some of whom complain about harassment or travel bans when trying to visit relatives.

In a six-week trial period launched on July 20, Israel must show it is admitting Americans without differential treatment as a condition for its admission to the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The deadline for a decision on the deal, which would enable visa-free U.S. travel for Israelis, is Sept 30.

Since the trial period began, Palestinian Americans already say there is a difference. Abdul Jalil Juda, 26, said he was able to come home to the West Bank through Ben Gurion, rather than flying to Jordan and making the journey over land as previously required.

“It was smooth. When they (airport security) find out you are Palestinian, they search thoroughly, but the procedures are smooth. This is the first time for me after the decision. It is easier for us,” he told Reuters. “You can be home in half an hour.”

The US Embassy in Jerusalem and Israel‘s National Security Council, which is heading up the trial period, declined to comment on the visiting US delegation – including to confirm its presence.


Is a Saudi-Israel normalization feasible?
Dr. Marwan Maziad, Danny Ayalon, and Hussain Abdul Hussain discuss the prospects of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel


Israeli Company Signs Deal with Saudi Firm on Renewable Energy
SolarEdge Technologies Inc., established in 2006 by Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Meir Adest, and Amir Fishelov, has entered a joint venture with Saudi firm Ajlan & Bros Holding to deploy renewable energy in the kingdom. According to a statement issued Monday by SolarEdge, their new company will be involved in energy generation, storage, and management for Saudi businesses.

SolarEdge is a global leader in smart energy technology, and Ajlan & Bros Holding (ABH) is one of the largest private sector conglomerates in the Middle East and North Africa region. The JV entity will be established in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the statement, the JV is being formed to support the deployment of smart renewable energy solutions in Saudi Arabia, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative that aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by the end of this decade. Leveraging the established position of ABH in Saudi Arabia and the vast experience accumulated by SolarEdge in smart energy technology, the JV will offer enterprises in the country solutions from SolarEdge’s portfolio of systems for energy generation, storage, and management as well as site modeling and energy transition consultancy.

Zvi Lando, SolarEdge Chief Executive Officer said: “We are honored to partner with Ajlan & Bros Holding and to support Saudi Arabia’s journey towards ‘Vision 2030.’ SolarEdge is committed to driving the clean energy transition on a global scale, exemplified by this JV which will provide local enterprises in Saudi Arabia with the support they need to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels to clean solar energy and meet their aggressive renewable energy goals.”

SolarEdge systems are installed in more than 140 countries, offering a solution to a major problem faced by large-scale solar energy systems. Many solar photovoltaic systems use a central inverter, where the panels are connected in a series creating a string, which delivers all the direct current (DC) power produced into the inverter for conversion into grid-compatible alternating current (AC). The major drawback to this approach is that maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is performed for the entire string, therefore production is limited by the output of the lowest-performing panel. Performance can be impacted by shading and weather conditions.


Herzog hosts Zambian counterpart in Jerusalem
Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted on Tuesday his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema in Jerusalem.

The two discussed ways to deepen bilateral trade and cooperation, as well as the threats posed by Iran.

“Economic success is anchored in trade and investments,” Hichilema said. “That is why I want to explore the opportunities within the relationship between us, in light of the tremendous experience that Israel has in the field of technology in agriculture, health and water and more.”

Hichilema noted that he completed his undergraduate studies at a school in Zambia built by Israel, saying, “This is just one example of our ongoing relationship over the years.”

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met with his Zambian counterpart Stanley Kakubo, with the two signing several cooperation agreements.

“Africa is blossoming and so is the potential for relations between Israel and countries on the continent,” said Cohen, adding: “Zambia is an important nation for Israel in Africa, which is interested in strengthening relations with us.”

Last week, Cohen and his counterpart from the Ivory Coast, Kandia Camara, signed framework deals in the fields of agriculture, water and technology.
Zambia president Hakainde Hichilema visits Jerusalem, eyeing progress
Owen Alterman presents a special interview with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during his visit to Jerusalem.


Six Israelis wounded in terror attack in Ma’ale Adumim
Six Israelis were wounded on Tuesday in a terrorist attack in Ma’ale Adumim, 4.3 miles east of Jerusalem in Judea.

The terrorist, a 20-year-old Palestinian from Al-Eizariya (also known as Bethany) opened fire with a handgun outside the main shopping mall in the city.

A Border Police officer on his day off opened fire and “neutralized” the terrorist, who also had a knife. The attacker’s condition was not immediately clear.

Magen David Adom emergency medical personnel treated two people for gunshot wounds before evacuating them to the hospital in serious and moderate condition, respectively.

The additional victims were moderately injured, and it was unclear if they were also hit by gunfire.

The seriously wounded victim is a man around 40 years of age. The other victims included men aged 28, 29 and 37, as well as a 14-year-old boy, according to MDA.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Meir Bogot said: “When I arrived at the scene, I found several people who were injured with gunshot wounds. Together with additional first responders, I provided them with initial treatment, which included bleeding control and bandaging, after which they were all transported to the hospital. Due to the nature of the incident, the Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit was also active at the location.”

The off-duty border policeman heard the gunfire. He pursued and engaged the assailant, who was wearing a yellow vest and may have been posing as a security guard.


Four wounded in terror shooting attack near Jerusalem
BREAKING: Shooting in West Bank’s settlement of Ma'ale Adumim leaves 4 wounded


IDF arrests 4 suspects during night raid in West Bank
The Israeli army has arrested four terror suspects in the latest night time raids in the West Bank


The Israel Guys: EXPOSING the Myths About the Current Situation in Israel
As a Christian supporter of Israel, Israel’s Judicial Reform saga might have kind of left you confused wondering what in the world is going on in Israel. On today’s show, Josiah is going to fact-check some crazy myths regarding the Reform that have been floating around Christian circles in Israel and the United States, as well give you some simple facts about the Judicial Reform so you can be more educated on the whole discussion.


Hamas releases pics of fallen IDF soldier’s rifle nine years after his death
Hamas has released photos purportedly showing the rifle of IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed in the Gaza Strip nine years ago today, i24NEWS reported on Tuesday.

The bodies of Goldin and IDF Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul have been held as bargaining chips by the Palestinian terror group since they fell in battle during the 2014 Gaza war. Hamas is also holding captive Israelis Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who crossed into Gaza on their own accord in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Mengistu and al-Sayed both suffer from mental illness.

Goldin was killed in a gun battle near Rafah on Aug. 1, 2014, toward the end of the IDF’s “Operation Protective Edge.” The Kfar Saba native was 23 at the time of his death.

Hamas previously displayed what it claimed was Goldin’s rifle during a rally in December in Gaza to mark the 35th anniversary of the terrorist group’s founding.

The rifle was displayed by a masked Hamas terrorist from the group’s “Shadow Unit,” which guards hostages and bodies of Israelis killed in action.

Officials in Jerusalem said at the time that the presentation of Goldin’s weapon constituted psychological warfare designed to pressure Israel’s incoming government.


Hamas reveals new details of IDF soldier's kidnapping The mother of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, who was killed and had his body kidnapped by Hamas in 2014, speaks to i24NEWS after the Palestinian terror group revealed new details about her son's abduction

Seth Frantzman: How Israel’s military is prioritizing dual-use start-ups to accelerate defense tech
As Israel’s military seeks rush new technology into all aspects of what it does, the country’s Ministry of Defense has recognized the need to support smaller startup companies, especially those making dual-use technology that can be used for civil or defense applications.

“The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] need quick answers to their problems, so time-to-market must be fast,” Ministry of Defense Col. Nir Weingold, the head of the planning, economics and IT department at the MoD’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), told Breaking Defense in a recent one-on-one interview. “We are in huge competition with commercial market because start-ups look to civilian market. So we want to transform commercial capabilities to defense R&D.”

As part of that effort, DDR&D in 2019 created a unique program called Innofense to be an an innovation center that helps partner startups with funding. According to a presentation provided by Weingold, Innofense collaborates with a network of venture capitalists (VCs), and aids with scouting, exposure to commercial technology and “acceleration.” A total of 43 companies have “graduated” from this program, and it is now in its fourth cohort of taking on new companies via a call for proposals.

Breaking Defense spoke to Weingold this month about the importance of the Innofense tech pipeline, efforts to recruit top talent and Israel’s broader Momentum strategy to accelerate tech adoption. His office was festooned with examples of the kind of technology that has put Israel where the IDF considers itself at the forefront of the digital and modern battlefield, including a model of the Firefly loitering munition made by Rafael, for instance.

“We are all about technology,” Weingold said.

This includes priorities such as bioconvergence, lasers, AI, cyber and air defenses. Israel is already developing laser air defenses, a new optionally manned armored vehicle called the Carmel program, and working on other systems such as directed IR countermeasures aircraft protection. Israel’s Ministry of Defense’s DDR&D created programs such as Talpiot and Psagot to recruit top students in the defense-related tech field.
Drone strikes on Moscow show changing drone warfare tactics
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia could be signaling how drones will transform war, but the new use of cheap, expendable drones in carrying out deep penetration attacks is not the way they have traditionally been used, at least over the last decades.

Huge investments in unmanned drone systems, like the US Global Hawk or Reapers, produced drones that were slow and vulnerable to air defenses. In Syria, Russian warplanes have flown circles around US Reapers, damaging them.

In Ukraine, the kamikaze drones, or what are sometimes called loitering munitions, have played a major role in the fighting.

Russia acquired the Iranian Shahed drones to be used against Ukraine, slow moving drones that can be shot down by air defenses. Kyiv doesn’t operate much of an air force, so it has a hard time sending up fighter jets to shoot them down, but its air defenses are able to destroy most of the Iranian drones.

Ukraine using drones to hit at the heart of Russia
On the other hand, it now appears that Ukraine is investing in new kamikaze drones. Several attacks on Moscow have showcased this improvement in Ukraine’s abilities, with reports noting a specific drone called Bober. For a modest investment of several million or hundreds of millions of dollars, a country can produce a kind of instant air force in drones. This means that, even countries under sanctions, like Iran, can produce a lot of drones and terrorize the Middle East. Iran has successfully showed this in Yemen, attacking Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2022. Now, Iran has provided Russia with these drones.in Ukraine’s abilities.
Israeli Navy missile defense system passes sea trials
A missile defense system designed to protect Israeli Navy ships has successfully completed its sea trials, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday.

The trials tested the capability of a new maritime electronic warfare system designed to effectively respond to complex missile attack scenarios, including launching decoy rounds and electronic jamming measures.

The DESEAVER MK-4 countermeasure-dispensing system, developed by the Haifa-based Elbit Systems, defends ships from simultaneous missile threats from multiple directions. Algorithms rapidly prioritize targets and select countermeasures for each individual threat.

The DESEAVER MK-4 is the fourth generation of the naval defense system, which is fully integrated into Israeli Navy ships.

“We are proud of our ongoing cooperation with and support of the Israeli Navy. The successful completion of these trials provides further proof of the reliability of our technology and the advanced protection capabilities they provide against new and evolving threats,” said Oren Sabag, Elbit’s general manager for electronic warfare.

On Sunday, the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet kicked off its annual joint exercise with the Israeli Navy, called “Intrinsic Defender,” in Haifa.
Drones guard Israeli gas field against Iran's threats Take a look at the automated technology guarding Israeli gas field amid threats from Iran and its regional proxies

National security adviser: Hezbollah tent in Israeli territory is ‘childish’ move
National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi on Monday described the tent that Hezbollah has set up in Israeli territory north of the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon as a “children’s game.”

Speaking to the public broadcaster Kan, Hanegbi said the tent is only 27 meters inside Israeli territory.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that the tent as well as a series of other Hezbollah activity in recent months — including a car bombing in Israel and a barrage of rockets — are a sign of a “weakening in the policy of self-restraint” that the Lebanese terror group adopted following the 2006 war with Israel.

In recent weeks, Hezbollah activity has repeatedly been spotted along the border with Israel, in incidents that Israel has referred to as deliberate provocations.

Israel has sought since early June to remove two tents placed by Hezbollah in the contested Mount Dov region, also known as the Shebaa Farms, but only one has so far been dismantled after Israel reportedly sent a message to Hezbollah threatening an armed confrontation if it did not remove the outpost. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has threatened to attack Israel if it tries to remove the other one.

Nasrallah warned Saturday that it would respond to any “stupid act” by Israel amid spiking tensions along the border. At the cabinet meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Nasrallah, saying, “It’s better for him not to put us to the test.”
Palestinian unrest: Protests in Gaza, clashes in Lebanon

11 killed in Palestinian refugee camp clashes in Lebanon
Clashes between rival Palestinian factions in a refugee camp in Lebanon has left at least 11 people killed




“Israel will disappear” says Syrian historian on PA TV
Syrian historian Muhammad Bahjat Qubaisi: “I had a lecture on June 24, 2019, at the Abu Rumana Cultural Center [in Damascus], and its title was ‘The Disappearance of Israel.’ Israel will disappear, by Allah it will disappear, maybe next week, maybe next month, maybe next year, but in no more than two years.”
[Official PA TV, An Intellectual and a Cause, July 24, 2023]


Dead terrorists are “moons, stars, the elite” - senior Fatah official sums up message of PA summer camps
The video shows Fatah Central Committee Secretary and Head of the PLO Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Jibril Rajoub giving a speech at the concluding ceremony for the PA summer camps of 2023.

Fatah Central Committee Secretary Jibril Rajoub: We established 648 camps in which 65,000 male and female pioneers participated... I thank everyone who participated and everyone who contributed to the success of these camps, which were established and will continue to exist on the principle of the Palestinian national ideology to ensure the awareness of these children who are the builders of the future, [on the path of] Palestine, love of Palestine, and love of all the Palestinians… An additional topic connected to the shared slogan of these heroes, [Martyrs whom] these new Nazi fascists (i.e., Israelis) are holding their bodies... We say to them [Israelis]: They are moons, they are stars, they are the elite, and they are the ones who sacrificed their lives. They were and will remain in our memories and in the memory of their children and their children’s children... These [Martyrs] are recorded on our hearts… [We stand] by our right to honor them with what is fitting for them and to bury them. They will remain in our hearts until this is achieved.”
[Fatah Central Committee Secretary Jibril Rajoub, Facebook page, July 23, 2023]

The slogan for the PA summer camps in 2023 was “Moons and Not Numbers” and is a reference to Palestinian terrorist “Martyrs” who were killed during their attacks. The PA and Fatah praise them as “moons.” “Not numbers” refers to Israel burying dead terrorists in numbered graves:


Children explain they were taught names of terrorists at PA summer camp
The PLO Supreme Council for Youth and Sports posted a video of children participating in the PA summer camps speaking to the camera.

Children: “At the [summer] camp we learned names of Martyrs, including Muhammad Al-Azizi ‘Abu Saleh’ (i.e., terrorist). Izz Al-Din Salahat (i.e., terrorist) died in 2022 as a Martyr.”
[PLO Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Facebook page, July 17, 2023]

Muhammad Al-Azizi was one of the founders of the terror cell The Lion’s Den:




Daniel Greenfield: Biden Used ‘Iran Lobby’ Founder to Broker New Iran Deal
The Biden campaign hid the names of its 2020 big money fundraisers until right before Election Day. The list of bundlers who managed to raise at least $100,000 for Biden included Jamal Abdi: the executive director of NIAC Action. NIAC Action had endorsed Biden and celebrated by tweeting, “our long, national nightmare is almost over. AP has called the race for Joe Biden”.

NIAC is often referred to as the Iran Lobby and was founded by Trita Parsi (pictured above) who had previously created, “Iranians for International Cooperation” which admitted that it existed to “safeguard Iran’s and Iranian interests”. Biden however turned over America’s “interests” to NIAC.

The Tehran Times, an Iranian regime publication, recently revealed that the Biden administration had been using Trita Parsi, formerly of NIAC, among other pro-Iran activists, as a “broker and middleman” between “Iran and the Democratic administration.”

Biden had used the founder of an Iran lobby group that had funded his campaign to broker negotiations with Iran. There was no one representing the United States in the New Iran Deal.

Instead, the Biden administration had outsourced renewing the deal to Robert Malley, a longtime supporter of Iran and Islamic terrorism currently under investigation for mishandling classified documents, who had brought in the Iran Lobby including “Ali Vaez, Malley’s former right-hand man at the Crisis Group” which is funded by George Soros, along with Trita Parsi, currently working for the Quincy Institute, an anti-American group co-founded by Soros and a Koch brother, to broker it. America’s Iran diplomacy had been handed over to Iran and George Soros.

The usual critics of billionaires running the country remained consciously silent about it.

Turning over Iran Deal negotiations to the Iranians and their accomplices like the Soros crew was supposed to speed up the appeasement process by which the Biden administration would turn over billions to the Iranian regime and lift sanctions, but it had miscalculated.
Sex Scandals Continue To Discredit Iran’s Clerical Regime
Iranians are outraged by the regime’s hypocrisy after recent sex scandals surrounding a “morality” watchdog official and a cleric have been revealed.

In the past three weeks, Radio Gilan, a Telegram channel run by Payman Behboudi, a Germany-based journalist, has released three different videos that have raised a storm on Persian social media.

In the first video, a male City Council member of Bandar Anzali in the northern province of Gilan, was seen smoking opium and masturbating. The second video showed an official engaging in sex with a young man, and the third, released two days ago, shows a cleric engaged in sex with the husband of his wife’s sister. Radio Gilan has also published several screenshots of a sex chat between the cleric, Mehdi Haghshenas, and his brother-in-law.

Many social media users say they are outraged by the hypocrisy of the regime and its affiliated clerics and officials rather than the same-sex relationships between consenting adults.

Iranian cleric Mehdi Haghshenas (2nd left) and Reza Seqati, the former director of Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Gilan province, during a meeting

The scandals of clerics and regime officials to many is a reminder of a famous 13th century verse by the nationally revered Hafez Shirazi who said clerics “shine” when they preach at the pulpit but when in private, they commit the same sins they tell the people to shun, an Iranian observer who asked not to be named told Iran International.

“Corruption has become institutionalized in the system and loyalty has turned into a commodity that can be bought and sold. But this is not the main problem: Value paradigms have been all lost too. What they preach to people is no longer credible to anyone anymore, even to many of their diehard supporters,” he added.


Modiin – and Beyond with Rolene Marks
Today's guest: Catherine Perez-Shakdam [@ShakdamC] The Mossad Agent who never was
And how she infiltrated the Iranian regime's highest circles.






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