May Israel be better served by the next PM.

Olmert to Resign

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Now let's just hope the successor that is chosen is less of a bumbler than he was.

Netanyahu for Prime Minister!

I'll bet we'll see a lot of happy Israeli lizards (Israelizards?) today.

Tzipi!

Olmert said he would resign from office upon selection of a successor, and would allow his successor to attempt to form a coalition.

Selection? Do the Israeli people not get a say in this?

ULULULULULULULULU

Candy for everyone

BIBI, MELECH ISRAEL! CHAI! CHAI! ViKAYAM!

Baruch Hashem! Bibi we're waiting for you!

Dinnerjacket, "Uhoh".

Is Obama available?

Yes! Finally!

Iran attack window = sept -to- early jan 09

Bibi!

Who's the hardest-assed Right-wing Israeli out there? Him, whoever he is, for PM.

Taa Daa

Thank you Jesus! Now please...PLEASE...hear my prayer that the Israeli people will put a man with a spine and a desire to protect his country into office...and who will do so, regardless of what the rest of the world wants!

re: #16 Iron Fist

Who's the hardest-assed Right-wing Israeli out there? Him, whoever he is, for PM.

What if it's a she?

re: #19 Sharmuta

What if it's a she?

It isn't.

About freakin time.

After what he's done for them, Hizballah should give him a nice comfortable home for his retirement.
/only slightly sarc

Two years too late, IMO.

re: #7 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Selection? Do the Israeli people not get a say in this?

Primaries.

re: #16 Iron Fist

Who's the hardest-assed Right-wing Israeli out there? Him, whoever he is, for PM.

Carl in Jerusalem?

re: #16 Iron Fist

Probably Liberman, but in Israel who the hell knows, they're all full of shit

I know next to nothing about other Israeli politicians, but I always liked Bibi.

Good riddance. Israel needs a war PM for the next few years.

I am not all that familiar with Israeli politics. Does anyone know what Netanyahu's chances are of succeeding Olmert?

Good grief I was so psyched to see this news that I called the Grampa rabbit immediately, and I knew he was in a meeting.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Great - now call an election so that Israel can get the Likud government the people so obviously want.

Last thread the Washington Post wakes up and smells the coffee, now maybe Israel can step back from the brink. Maybe this is the end of the beginning.

re: #18 DaMishMan

Thank you Jesus! Now please...PLEASE...hear my prayer that the Israeli people will put a man with a spine and a desire to protect his country into office...and who will do so, regardless of what the rest of the world wants!

Netanyahu

re: #24 Ben Hur

Primaries.

Ah. I see.

It's going to be another Kadima member folks. It's not the general elections - don't get your hopes too high now.

re: #30 LemonJoose

I am not all that familiar with Israeli politics. Does anyone know what Netanyahu's chances are of succeeding Olmert?

He is hated by the ISraeli MSM just about as much as the American MSM loves Obama.

His economic reforms pretty much saved the country.

Whenver there was bad economic news, they specifically named him.

When things started to come around and the economy improved, they would only refer to "government policies" or the like.

Bolton for Prime Minister!

Change the laws if you have to, just make it so!

About time... but the damage is done, and democracy is slow.

I can't wait for September, and I'm anxious for whoever is next.

The whole political echelon is pretty bad in Israel... they may not be much better (It's not possible to be any worse, though. So that's a plus).

Well, Israel survived Olmert. Barely, but I still lost a bet.

This puts the piss process on hold; good.
Meanwhile, the Israelis can look for a Churchill to replace their Chamberlain.

re: #21 pegcity

About freakin time.

Damn straight.

re: #41 Pickle

Well, Israel survived Olmert. Barely, but I still lost a bet.

Some bets you are glad to lose.

Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. Is there a reason to think his replacement will be any better?

Yay! May Israel find someone practical, hard-nosed, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect his or her country, and is willing to totally ignore the US State department, which seems to be always heading in the wrong direction.

Olmert won't be missed. He should step down now. Maybe he could get a job obfusticating at the UN. They like that.

FRACKING FINALLY!

Two years too late though...

re: #45 maddogg

Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. Is there a reason to think his replacement will be any better?

Is there any other powerful Israeli with a family like Olmert's, and legal problems like his?

I like what I've heard from Avigdor Lieberman. What party is he with?

Sorry, but I don't see much of an improvement waiting in the wings.

Israel's biggest problem in her government is rampant corruption in all circles.

Israel's biggest problem in her electorate is that self hatred often (but not always) over rules self interest.

Israel's biggest problem outside her borders is that, except for the US, every nation on this earth would prefer to see Israel disappear (and the US may join that choir if the Lightworker comes to power).

We can all thank God for the IDF.

re: #50 karmic_inquisitor

I suspect you're right. The Israeli people aren't ready for a new direction yet.

I hope Olmert's retirement home is in Sderot...

let him experience in person the terror that he refused to do anything about...

Israel's next PM should go up to the crossing into Gaza and publicly padlock it. He should then say "Not our problem" and walk away.

September can't get here fast enough now.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Don't let it smack you on your way out.

Na na na na ... Hey hey, good bye.

...

Welcome news. Despite the pessimism on his successor, anyone short of Ahmadinejad will be an improvement.

Bibi is a bad a** and will reduce the idiot ratio in the Mid East because they fear him.
As far as a female version, I'd go with Caroline Glick. Maybe she can be talked into giving up the Jpost gig and entering politics.

This is a good day for the U.S as much as it is for Israel.

re: #28 joncelli

Good riddance. Israel needs a war PM for the next few years.

Or else they may cease to exist.

Mr. Olmert, here's your Neville Chamberlain Memorial Consolation Prize. Don't let the door hit you in the tuches on the way out. Buh-bye.

Since most of the Jews in this country are liberals, and I get the impression most in Israel are the same way, there is little reason to think the replacement will have significantly different outlook or policies. If I'm full of shit, please tell me why.

Quality of likely replacements at this time is apparently nothing to write home about.

I hope his successor has the testicular fortitude he lacked.

re: #48 MandyManners

Is there any other powerful Israeli with a family like Olmert's, and legal problems like his?

Are there Kennedys in Israel?

Can't he just leave NOW?

BHG

It would be a good time for Arik Sharon to wake up.

re: #37 Age Of Freedom

It's going to be another Kadima member folks. It's not the general elections - don't get your hopes too high now.

That's right, which means it will be Tzipi Livni.

re: #65 lifeofthemind

It would be a good time for Arik Sharon to wake up.

Would have been a good time 2 years ago.

re: #62 loppyd

I hope his successor has the testicular fortitude he lacked.

Pity, but Golda is long gone ...

re: #66 marjoriemoon

That's right, which means it will be Tzipi Livni.

Still better than Barak, methinks.

re: #39 stevieray

Bolton for Prime Minister!

Change the laws if you have to, just make it so!

Why? I want him for Secretary of State here in the US.

Someone needs to thoroughly clean State from top to bottom and sterilize it from bottom to top.

He is the Jimmy Carter of Israeli PM's

Hopefully it won't be Zippi the Wonderdog.

Israel is the global canary in the coal mine and the front line of the world jihad. It's too precious to be guarded by a blind, luxury loving lap cat who's constantly distracted by attractive or pestering mice.

A vote for Tzipi is a vote for Jerusalem being handed over & quitting Israel.

re: #66 marjoriemoon

That's right, which means it will be Tzipi Livni.

Who has been trying to show she has more balls than Olmerde. But since she's still Kadima, that isn't much.

re: #60 maddogg

I'm full of shit, please tell me why.

There should be a rule about using phrases like this in LGF. Something about uncovered meat before lizards. :)

So- obama's ass kissing was wasted? Heh.

As much as I hope things could not get worse with Olmert's successor, I know that is still a possibility. I do so want to be proven wrong.

re: #42 Kosh's Shadow

I wouldn't say that for sure. He might try something on his way out the door - and even worse, Livni might try something to bolster her credentials. I wont trust either of them until they're both shown the door.

Summercamp in Gaza: Yahoo pic

Great news

re: #76 lifeofthemind

There should be a rule about using phrases like this in LGF. Something about uncovered meat before lizards. :)

Well, so far the stampede to show me the error of my thinking has been long in coming.......

Good riddance to Olmert, who was never elected, and held that job far longer than he should have.

Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end of the "Kadima" party. (Actually, Sharon's incapacitation probably was, since the party is essentially the Ariel Sharon party).

As to Netanyahu, I understand he has his own baggage (including a massive ego), but he has to be a vast improvement over Olmert.

re: #60 maddogg

Since most of the Jews in this country are liberals, and I get the impression most in Israel are the same way, there is little reason to think the replacement will have significantly different outlook or policies. If I'm full of shit, please tell me why.

I think you are right

Livni may make Israel nostalgic for Olmert.

re: #70 Honorary Yooper

Why? I want him for Secretary of State here in the US.

Someone needs to thoroughly clean State from top to bottom and sterilize it from bottom to top.

It will be like the Labors of Hercules

re: #52 mrdriven

I hope Olmert's retirement home is in Sderot...

let him experience in person the terror that he refused to do anything about...

HA. More like Paris. (Yes, that Paris)

/or jail...

Because it's time to give the other imbeciles a turn.

re: #16 Iron Fist

Who's the hardest-assed Right-wing Israeli out there? Him, whoever he is, for PM.

Pick one of Three:

Avigdor Lieberman, Bibi Netanyahu or believe it or not Natan Scharansky.

-S-

Supernatural graffiti....
Jesus' face seen in cat fur

re: #70 Honorary Yooper

Someone needs to thoroughly clean State from top to bottom and sterilize it from bottom to top.

I agree totally, but sadly I see nothing that will lead to that.

Good riddance. Now, can Israel please get someone in there with a spine?

re: #89 Dr. Shalit

Scharansky! Yes, that would change things.

re: #86 lifeofthemind

I personally can't think of anyone better equipped to do the job than Bolton. And I would bet good money he would consider doing it a pleasure as well.

Livni is, I think, a better choice than Olmert, though she is clearly far from the hardest "bad-ass" in Israel.

She's also tied to Kadima and by association Olmert, who is obviously quite unpopular, potentially hurting her chances to hold on through the next election cycle.

Yes, YES, YES!

About. Friggin'. Time.

As Olmert's replacement, I nominate Ted Stevens.

KIDDING!

re: #4 Dahveed

Netanyahu for Prime Minister!

There are a lot of good things about Bibi, and I've always liked him.

Until I learned that he is the person primarily responsible for blackballing Rav Kahane, and getting him labelled a terrorist (which he was not) in order to eliminate his political threat.

Pretty disgusting. I would like to see Kahane's good name restored. If Bibi would do that (and he won't), then I might forgive him for sacrificing Hebron.

You guys are prematurely excited.

Whoever succeeds him immediately, Livni or Mofaz, is from the opportunistic corrupt Kadima party.

Meanwhile, 'we' are apparently not doing enough to stem the AIDS epidemic.

Strange. I thought perhaps it was Black Americans who were doing too much.

re: #90 Killgore Trout

Supernatural graffiti....
Jesus' face seen in cat fur

I saw that on TV, and I don't see what the owner sees.

re: #90 Killgore Trout

Supernatural graffiti....
Jesus' face seen in cat fur

Saudi Police enroute as we speak.

re: #50 karmic_inquisitor

Sorry, but I don't see much of an improvement waiting in the wings.

Israel's biggest problem in her government is rampant corruption in all circles.

Israel's biggest problem in her electorate is that self hatred often (but not always) over rules self interest.

Israel's biggest problem outside her borders is that, except for the US, every nation on this earth would prefer to see Israel disappear (and the US may join that choir if the Lightworker comes to power).

We can all thank God for the IDF.

I generally agree. I think the biggest problem is self hatred exceeding self interest. Corruption is a big problem, of course, and it's crippling. But it's not the reason for the fray up. It's really the on going pseudo-liberal "neutral reporting" and moral equivalence both international and Israeli alike conduct, which renders out an increasingly bitter and frustrated public in Israel. It almost feels like there's a competition who gets more leftist and loony to join the 'international club'.

The same, IMO, is happening in the U.S., where defining an enemy like the Jihadists is insensible and bigot, where ending wars with a mere schedule appointment is bliss.

Chamberlain syndrome in full throttle, folks.

The only thing people learn from history, is that they learn nothing.

re: #93 lifeofthemind

I've met Natan Sharansky. He's a nice guy and definitely has his head screwed on straight, but he has since resigned from the Knesset and focuses on his work at the Jewish Diaspora Museum.

re: #86 lifeofthemind

It will be like the Labors of Hercules

Specifically like the cleaning of the Augean stables, where Hercules had to divert a river to sweep out the place.

I also don't see it likely to happen (Bolton as S of State). The Dems blocked him before, they'll do it again.

re: #80 Killgore Trout

Summercamp in Gaza: Yahoo pic

The caption is misquoting the hebrew... can anyone confirm this?

It says that the missile says "Al-Quds" but the hebrew characters (missing vowels which is why I am having trouble) make the sounds k-r-d-m with vowels where the -'s are.

(Hopefully that makes sense to someone who can help me out)

It's okay, Obama will be President of the World for Life.

re: #102 Ward Cleaver

Looks more like Dawkins to me.

re: #60 maddogg

Unfortunately, you're full of truth.

re: #89 Dr. Shalit

Pick one of Three:

Avigdor Lieberman, Bibi Netanyahu or believe it or not Natan Scharansky.

-S-

As pointed out, this is Kadima primary, not general election... but would Sharansky run in a general election?

Does anyone think he might be given the door because something is right around the corner?

re: #70 Honorary Yooper

Why? I want him for Secretary of State here in the US.

Someone needs to thoroughly clean State from top to bottom and sterilize it from bottom to top.

Can't Bolton do both? Like Bo Jackson playing football & baseball at the same time?

re: #105 lawhawk

I've met Natan Sharansky. He's a nice guy and definitely has his head screwed on straight, but he has since resigned from the Knesset and focuses on his work at the Jewish Diaspora Museum.

Met him once also and I agree.

For Olmert

Good Riddance
Green Day

re: #107 rlevitin

Interesting. I'm sure the MSM stringers frequently mistranslates that stuff.

re: #93 lifeofthemind

Scharansky! Yes, that would change things.

* * *
Sharansky, like McCain, knows a little bit about life in workers' paradise (communist gulags).

As Anatoly Sharansky, living in Siberia or other gulag, he and other POWS were inspired by mean old Ronald Reagan's tough talk against the USSR.

Sharansky knew America cared about dissidents rotting in leftist cells, and wanted to liberate them--paying any price, fighting any foe, to do so.

John McCain can relate to Sharansky! Freedom for Soviet Jewry, etc. is not hopey-changey, but doable.

Just got back from a 4-mile jog. I read the news today...oh boy!
I have one thing to say: Bibi.
I'm not too happy with Kadima, and Tzipi may be okay, but I'd rather go with Bibi. Tzipi is/was too close to Olmert.

re: #109 Killgore Trout

LOL

re: #105 lawhawk

I've met Natan Sharansky. He's a nice guy and definitely has his head screwed on straight, but he has since resigned from the Knesset and focuses on his work at the Jewish Diaspora Museum.

He's written quite a few books too... I like the guy, but as you point out, I don't think he'd be running for anything. He quit Israeli politics a while back.

This is related and unreal -

Obama : Israel Likely to Strike Iran If Sanctions Fail.

Read it in full.

You learn that Obama is learning and making up policy as he goes along.

Having never held a 9 to 5 job and having never held an executive position of any sort, Obama will enter the oval office as an entry level employee. And he will have to spend several years learning the middle east as "leaders" there promise him one thing and then screw him the next week, and then come up with better language than even Obama can muster to excuse their treachery.

This country is in for some real trouble if this guy gets elected, and our soldiers' and civilians' blood will be shed all over again putting things back to where they are now.

God help us.

re: #107 rlevitin

The caption is misquoting the hebrew... can anyone confirm this?

It says that the missile says "Al-Quds" but the hebrew characters (missing vowels which is why I am having trouble) make the sounds k-r-d-m with vowels where the -'s are.

(Hopefully that makes sense to someone who can help me out)

Redrum, Redrum.....

Not so fast....

Olmert remains in power until a new Kadima leader is elected (likely in a September 25 runoff) and that person forms a coalition. (I know that contradicts what it says above, but that's what the media have all said and I think it's what Olmert meant). It's far from certain that anyone Kadima elects will be able to form a coalition - more likely we will go to new elections. That could leave Olmert as Prime Minister until January or thereabouts. Some of the dangers of that prospect are mentioned in my liveblog on Olmert's speech (I was able to produce a simultaneously translated summary while he spoke).

And for those of you hoping for Livni: She's Olmert's leftist policies without the corruption - she's worse than he is in my book. Mofaz and Bibi would be better, but keep in mind that Mofaz was the Defense Minister who carried out the Gaza expulsion (at the expense of the IDF's battleworthiness for Lebanon) and Bibi is really just looking for someone else to do the dirty work on the 'peace process' - he stayed in Sharon's government until a week before the Gaza expulsion began.

GOOD RIDDANCE TO FILTHY RUBBISH

One of the most dhimmified, stupid, leftist Jews on the planet-with the MOST power to destry Israel other than Ahmedinejad.

re: #49 Ward Cleaver

I like what I've heard from Avigdor Lieberman. What party is he with?

Israel Beitenu, which means "Israel, Our Home."

GA.

destry=destroy

re: #108 NoSubmission

It's okay, Obama will be President of the World for Life.

Haha...
Israel should elect Uri Avneri to compete with the U.S. who's going to hit the wall first.

Every once in a while even Liberals get sick of the shit and vote for the conservative, just look at Canada.

re: #100 Opinionated

You guys are prematurely excited.

Whoever succeeds him immediately, Livni or Mofaz, is from the opportunistic corrupt Kadima party.

"O" -

Good Point, as Israel is a Westminster Parlimentary System (unfortunately modified by proportional representation) a new leader of the dominant party DOES get a chance to form a new government. Figure a coalition with Mofaz and Barak and hope for the best.

-S-

re: #104 Age Of Freedom

It almost feels like there's a competition who gets more leftist and loony to join the 'international club'.

Agreed.

To expand on this a bit, my experience has been that Israelis (who are largely, though not entirely, primary or descended from European immigrants) tend to see themselves as pseudo-Europeans, and want above anything, acceptance as a peer by the EU.

The problem is, not only is it never going to happen, but in the process, Israel has a self-delusional tendency to adopt soft European policy against its own interests.

OT. But here is a Gorebull Warming alert.

Ice sheet breaks loose off Canada

Formed by accumulating snow and freezing meltwater, ice shelves are large platforms of thick, ancient sea ice that float on the ocean's surface. Ellesmere Island was once entirely ringed by a single enormous ice shelf that broke up in the early 1900s.

At 170 square miles and 130-feet thick, the Ward Hunt shelf is the largest of those remnants. Mueller said it has been steadily declining since the 1930s.

/ We're all going to die! (moonbat)

I know VERY little about politics in Israel. I didn't see something brought up up-thread so I'll have to ask. Does this development make it seem more or less likely that Israel will hit Iran come US election time?

Good riddance! Now lets bring back Netanyahu and get serious again...

re: #12 Peacekeeper

BEHEAD THOSE WHO EVEN JOKE ABOUT OBAMA ACTUALLY LEADING A NATION

re: #16 Iron Fist

My husband?

re: #99 American Jewess In Jerusalem

There are a lot of good things about Bibi, and I've always liked him.

Until I learned that he is the person primarily responsible for blackballing Rav Kahane, and getting him labelled a terrorist (which he was not) in order to eliminate his political threat.

Pretty disgusting. I would like to see Kahane's good name restored. If Bibi would do that (and he won't), then I might forgive him for sacrificing Hebron.

It's true. No one is perfect. And I too agree about restoring Kahane's good name. Time will do that, of course.

Ehud Olmert was probably lying at his own press conference about resigning.

I will believe it when he actually resigns.

re: #133 leafsfan82

Good riddance! Now lets bring back Netanyahu and get serious again...

Not such a great idea.

Is there something wrong with the Dinging System?

Whenever I try to ding, the intratubular beachballs spins and spins and spins....

re: #123 Carl in Jerusalem

Doesn't matter. We've all decided to make you the next Prime Minister of Israel.

MAZAL TOV! :-)

The Lebanon War is probably going to blow again before the US election. It will be much harder this time. Last time Rice got Livni to get Olmert to hold back. This time there is no doubt that Israel will be fighting for survival. Israel has to clean out Lebanon and the Americans have to push the Syrian regime into collapse. Let the Kurds, Druze and Sunni of Syria sort out a coalition like the parties in Iraq did. Get the flow of Sunni power going West from Anbar into Syria. Get the Alawites to understand they are a non-dominant minority. Free the Christians and make clear that Israel is the protector of the Levant's Christians. Isolate the Lebanese Shia and try to turn them from Iran as a patron to Iraq.

re: #38 Ben Hur

He is hated by the ISraeli MSM just about as much as the American MSM loves Obama.

His economic reforms pretty much saved the country.

Whenver there was bad economic news, they specifically named him.

When things started to come around and the economy improved, they would only refer to "government policies" or the like.

Yes, the media hates him, but all the polls show that he would win in a landslide victory if there were new elections held now.

For those who like Lieberman (and I agree that he speaks boldly and seems like a strong leader), bear in mind that his proposal for dealing with the Arab demographic problem is to trade entire regions in Israel which have Arab majorities for regions in Judea/Samaria (the "Palestinian" area) which have Jewish majorities. It's just not workable.

Pretty much anyone who talks about transfer is labelled a crazy and not taken seriously.

re: #111 rlevitin

As pointed out, this is Kadima primary, not general election... but would Sharansky run in a general election?

"lev" -

Sharansky (sorry about misspelling) - IS Available - See Newsmax, July 23, 2008 article by Chris Ruddy.

-S-

re: #129 Dr. Shalit

"O" -

Good Point, as Israel is a Westminster Parlimentary System
-S-

Yeah, they're all Dogs. But less obedient.

re: #132 turn

I know VERY little about politics in Israel. I didn't see something brought up up-thread so I'll have to ask. Does this development make it seem more or less likely that Israel will hit Iran come US election time?

That's the million dollar question.

I don't think the answer is clear since we don't know who the replacement is for Olmert yet, nor do we know who is following Bush, yet, and those things matter.

I would imagine that the ultimate decision will depend on the facts on the ground in Iran as well as elsewhere, and not so much as which individual happens to occupy the PM seat, so it might not make that much of a difference.

re: #48 MandyManners

Lots. Sharon's family, many other media families and other political 'dynasty' families.

re: #123 Carl in Jerusalem

Thank you - thats very illuminating!

The money quote from your blog is this:
'By the way, the reason Olmert addressed the nation tonight is that Livni, her main Kadima rival (Transportation Minister) Shaul Mofaz, and Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak are all in the United States right now.'

Nothing like keeping the closest enemies confused and unable to act!

re: #140 littleoldlady

Doesn't matter. We've all decided to make you the next Prime Minister of Israel.

MAZAL TOV! :-)

Did I do something to offend you? Why would you want to inflict that on me?

If I could pick the next PM, it would be Moshe Arens.

re: #59 Occasional Reader

Your Yiddish is really improving!

re: #99 American Jewess In Jerusalem

There are a lot of good things about Bibi, and I've always liked him.

Until I learned that he is the person primarily responsible for blackballing Rav Kahane, and getting him labelled a terrorist (which he was not) in order to eliminate his political threat.

Pretty disgusting. I would like to see Kahane's good name restored. If Bibi would do that (and he won't), then I might forgive him for sacrificing Hebron.

I agree and updinged ya.

But it's my understanding that Israel doesn't want Bibi either. Wasn't there a great deal of corruption surrounding him? He's tough on foreign policy, yes.

Sharansky? One of my personal heros, but I can hardly see him taking that position. He's basically gotten out of politics now.

And btw, I wasn't advocating Livni. I would assume that if Kadima stays, than it would be her.

Israel tends to recycle the same old fellas... would be nice for some fresh, strong blood to appear.

What was Olmert thinking, hanging on so long?

He's the bloody prime minister, not the president!

Obama the Messiah should be in charge of Israel!

/

Seriously, thank G-d... Better late than never. Now the scary part, who replaces him?

re: #128 akak

And Stephen Harper has been an excellent PM IMHO.

I certainly can't say I'll miss Olmert. That recent "prisoner exchange" was repellent beyond words.

The next guy (or gal) almost HAS to be better. (Yes, I know, famous last words...)

Are there any Jews in line for the job who aren't idiots?

Scharansky, Solzhenitzen and Sakharov were the left hook that with Reagan's right cross brought down the Evil Empire.

re: #123 Carl in Jerusalem

Thanks, Carl.

Olmert resigning is great....but they are going to get Livni instead. Big Whup!

That is like trading Carter for Obama.

re: #157 lifeofthemind

Along with Maggie and the Pope.

re: #154 WriterMom

And Stephen Harper has been an excellent PM IMHO.

Mostly good or wise moments, not too many bad moments.

Love his character on This hour has 22 minutes! As soon as I see the guy it kills me.

re: #157 lifeofthemind

Scharansky, Solzhenitzen and Sakharov were the left hook that with Reagan's right cross brought down the Evil Empire.

Dinged ya up for that - Solzhenitzyn is my hero.
Lets not forget that Solzhenitzyn started the ball rolling - Sacharov got involved much later, and Scharansky is basically the next generation, as it were.

re: #160 WriterMom

Along with Maggie and the Pope.

Hey that makes it an over full house. Who dealt six cards here?

It's difficult to get excited about any candidate.

I remember in early 2001, when I was in Israel, every time I drove out of Jerusalem the road was plastered with Sharon campaign posters.

And every time I saw them I was so hopeful that if only Sharon was elected he would set things right. It was at the height of the terror attacks.

What a disastrous disappointment he turned out to be.

re: #151 marjoriemoon

"But it's my understanding that Israel doesn't want Bibi either. Wasn't there a great deal of corruption surrounding him? He's tough on foreign policy, yes."

There is corruption surrounding every major player in Israeli politics, so that probably won't make a difference for Bibi. The polls show that he would win easily. Whenever there is a spate of terror attacks, or the Arab boogey man looms particularly large, the Israelis run for cover under one of the hardline politicians. As soon as the Jewish death count diminishes a tiny bit, then the Israelis run to re-elect the libtards.

Don't ask me to explain. I can't.

re: #148 Carl in Jerusalem

I know we wouldn't be doing you any favors, but think of the mitzvah you'd be doing!

/Come on, Carl! Such a little country. You could do it!
//you could form a most excellent Kitchen Fruitcup Cabinet right here from among us arnchair politicians at LGF.
///Heck, if OBAMA could run for President of the U.S...

re: #145 looking closely

That's the million dollar question.

I don't think the answer is clear since we don't know who the replacement is for Olmert yet, nor do we know who is following Bush, yet, and those things matter.

I would imagine that the ultimate decision will depend on the facts on the ground in Iran as well as elsewhere, and not so much as which individual happens to occupy the PM seat, so it might not make that much of a difference.

In light of Carl's #123 it appears Olmert will still be in office come US election time, so the "more or less likely to bomb Iran" question is probably a non issue.

re: #68 yma o hyd

Pity, but Golda is long gone ...

My fantasy dream, when reality gets me down:

Golda M., Ronald R., Margaret T.

Well, actually - it's my fantasy all day, every day.

*sigh*

re: #156 Pawn of the Oppressor

Are there any Jews in line for the job who aren't idiots?

No.

re: #143 Dr. Shalit

"lev" -

Sharansky (sorry about misspelling) - IS Available - See Newsmax, July 23, 2008 article by Chris Ruddy.

-S-

Found it

Reading now... thought I'd link it in case others were interested.

re: #166 littleoldlady

Heck. For a spot in the Knesset I'd make Alliyah today!

re: #124 WriterMom

GOOD RIDDANCE TO FILTHY RUBBISH

One of the most dhimmified, stupid, leftist Jews on the planet-with the MOST power to destry Israel other than Ahmedinejad.

[don't hold back...tell us how you really feel]
I agree 100,000%.

Isn't Olmert facing indictment for something or other? Think this is related?

OT -

Obama slips further in Gallup tracking poll. Down to 4.

I hope Iran is trembling in their boots and peeing in their pants.

re: #176 DistantThunder

I hope Iran is trembling in their boots and peeing in their pants.

Peeing in their boots and trembling in their pants works too ..

re: #156 Pawn of the Oppressor

Are there any Jews in line for the job who aren't idiots?

Israel was founded to disprove the slur that Jews were different. They were determined to prove they were a normal nation like everyone else. They have proven that Jews can be as selfish stupid lecherous and corrupt as politicians anywhere else. But damn it they can't help being better at it.

re: #168 GGMac

My fantasy dream, when reality gets me down:

Golda M., Ronald R., Margaret T.

Well, actually - it's my fantasy all day, every day.

*sigh*

President Sherman, VP Patton, Sec of State Pershing

/Dream a little dream

re: #174 cutestguy

I do not understand this love affair on LGF for Bibi. Bibi is a loser. He isnt' a "hawk" as he is most commonly referred but instead only "rightist" compared to the lefties. Think Joe Lieberman.

Dispite his hawkish promises, and tough talk, when in power, Bibi followed the same leftist policies of giving land for nothing, and bolstering the 'best" terrorist available.

Israel needs REAL change in leadership, not a rehasing of the same failed politicians. I'd like to see NRP or Herut win. That would end the Arab-Israeli conflict right quick.

re: #130 looking closely

Agreed.

To expand on this a bit, my experience has been that Israelis (who are largely, though not entirely, primary or descended from European immigrants) tend to see themselves as pseudo-Europeans, and want above anything, acceptance as a peer by the EU.

The problem is, not only is it never going to happen, but in the process, Israel has a self-delusional tendency to adopt soft European policy against its own interests.

Many Israelis who live abroad "get mugged by reality" and consequently steer clear of the Ever Increasing Leftist Derangement Until A World War Ensues Club.

re: #168 GGMac

My fantasy dream, when reality gets me down:

Golda M., Ronald R., Margaret T.

Well, actually - it's my fantasy all day, every day.

*sigh*

Heh.
Maggie, old and ill as she is, could still wipe the floor with 'The Symbol'*, easy!

*'The Symbol' is what I call BO from now on ...

re: #183 taxfreekiller

So, some one slam the door before he takes all the funiture and dishs like the Clintons did.

Hell, it was worth it to see the back of that sonofabitch.

re: #181 WrathofG-d

I do not understand this love affair on LGF for Bibi. Bibi is a loser. He isnt' a "hawk" as he is most commonly referred but instead only "rightist" compared to the lefties. Think Joe Lieberman.

Dispite his hawkish promises, and tough talk, when in power, Bibi followed the same leftist policies of giving land for nothing, and bolstering the 'best" terrorist available.

Israel needs REAL change in leadership, not a rehasing of the same failed politicians. I'd like to see NRP or Herut win. That would end the Arab-Israeli conflict right quick.

From your lips to God's ears. I don't think Herut will ever have a chance, though. The Israeli public is terrified of anything religious (and after the whore Shas, can you blame them?)

re: #181 WrathofG-d

Wrath-Caroline Glick isn't running, so it looks like Bibi is the best of all possibilities now.

re: #60 maddogg

Since most of the Jews in this country are liberals, and I get the impression most in Israel are the same way, there is little reason to think the replacement will have significantly different outlook or policies.

Bibi and the Likud Party are favored to win the next election. If most Jews in Israel were liberals, the Labor Party would be looking a lot stronger than it is (with or without Barak.) The Likud Party is the most electable right wing party.

If you look at the Israeli opinion polls when they are released, Jews in Israel appear to be strikingly more awake and aware than most of Israel's politicians. The vast majority of Israel's Jews don't believe a peace agreement that brings real peace is possible.

Also, the vast majority of Israel's Jews don't want to give up the Golan Heights. Although the majority of Israel's Jews are secular, 94% of Israel's Jews refuse to give up full control of the Western Wall even in exchange for a real and lasting peace.

Most of Israel's Jews are still optimistic about their lives. The problem in Israel's government is the closed political system where parties are elected rather than individuals. Since individuals are not responsible for the wishes of their constituents, it's easier to ignore what the people actually want.

Every time I see opinion polls about what Israelis actually want, I'm heartened by it. What they want is far more reasonable and hopeful than what the politicians are saying and doing.

As the biggest example of how Israelis have woken up - most Israelis no longer want Israel to evacuate the settlements. It used to be assumed that Israel would move almost back to the '67 cease fire lines in an agreement. Now, Israelis know that rockets will be fired on Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport if Israel starts evacuating areas in Samaria. This is a lesson from the Gaza withdrawal. Israelis today do realize that no peace agreement that brings real peace is possible. Making dramatic moves in Judea and Samaria would only make things far worse.

Hopefully, Bibi (as the expected winner of the next elections) plans to make it clear to the world that Israel isn't going to be willing to bring on a worse war by trying to make an impossible peace deal that would only make things worse. The majority of Israelis seem to know this already. It's time some Israeli politicians were willing to say it, too.

re: #164 Opinionated

It's difficult to get excited about any candidate.

I remember in early 2001, when I was in Israel, every time I drove out of Jerusalem the road was plastered with Sharon campaign posters.

And every time I saw them I was so hopeful that if only Sharon was elected he would set things right. It was at the height of the terror attacks.

What a disastrous disappointment he turned out to be.

Actually, he was quite good until 2003-04. He shut down the intifada, for which we all were grateful. But then he got into giving away Gaza and he lost most of us on the right. Why did he do it? Mostly to avoid corruption charges.

re: #180 buzzsawmonkey

Anybody seen it in Darfur?

Only briefly. It was a sudan revelation.

re: #141 lifeofthemind

You nailed it.

re: #178 lifeofthemind

ROFLMAO ! That's priceless!

re: #179 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

President Sherman, VP Patton, Sec of State Pershing

/Dream a little dream

Talk about badasses - just what we need. YES! :)

re: #170 rlevitin

Found it

Reading now... thought I'd link it in case others were interested.

Thank you!
Here's the quote:
'With such powerful ideas about the future of his nation and the West, is Sharansky ready for a political comeback?

He says yes, if there is a government that stands for something, has found its identity, he would consider it. '

Brilliant.
Brilliant man. Hope he does it!

re: #190 Carl in Jerusalem

Exactly, and the filthy, leftist media that turned him (and subsequently Olmert) into Fancy Assed Etrogim are very much to blame.

re: #188 WriterMom

Wrath-Caroline Glick isn't running, so it looks like Bibi is the best of all possibilities now.

Caroline Glick is Bibi's #1 supporter.

re: #191 pre-Boomer Marine brat

{GROAN}

re: #181 WrathofG-d

I do not understand this love affair on LGF for Bibi.

He looks good on TV, and we don't know many of the alternatives. Not that I try very hard, but I never, ever feel that I understand Israeli politics.

I don't hope for the most hawkish leadership, I hope for the best leadership. Bibi never seemed to be that. The best may be hawkish, but the hawkish may not be the best, if you see what I mean.

re: #80 Killgore Trout

Summercamp in Gaza: Yahoo pic

Photos before and after reference a 10-year old boy killed at a protest by "live fire". What sort of depraved nut-job parent either lets, or sends, their 10-year old to a protest?

re: #198 buzzsawmonkey

No chance at all.

Maybe he's resigning to become Obama's VP.

re: #199 WriterMom

{GROAN}

Sorry, but buzzsaw started it.

(-: *duck*

re: #197 Carl in Jerusalem

Carl-it's because there aren't many options. If there was an Israeli John Bolton-HALLEVAI-she would back him.

I think that Olmert knows that a war, whether with the Hizzies or Iran, is coming soon and does not want to be PM for it. He's got to know he balled up the last one.

re: #201 CommonCents

Photos before and after reference a 10-year old boy killed at a protest by "live fire". What sort of depraved nut-job parent either lets, or sends, their 10-year old to a protest?

Come on. These are Palis we're talking about. His parents probably wet their pants in glee that they had a martyr in the family.

re: #200 itellu3times

I met him once in person. He's very nice looking but short. But his English is outstanding and I think he explains things to the world outside of Israel very well.

Golda is gone but perhaps she can still be effective from the other side. I remember as a young man thinking she reminded me of a gentle jewish grandmother. She fought for her people like nobody's business. i learned this in 1973 when she made it clear that Israel would do "what ever it had to do" to survive. The inference was very clear.
She was more of a man than most men I ever knew.

I truly hope Israel gets much better the next time. And September is too far off.

re: #208 buzzsawmonkey

What a great metaphor. I like water!

re: #187 American Jewess In Jerusalem

I was at an event to make the Israeli political system closer to the America one, and they were handing out a paper with the percentages of each party in the Knesset. (to show that you can win with only 20% of the vote, etc.)

What I noticed however is that if all the religious, or "Hawkish" parites were to form one part they could win by a landslide. If only they could put their personal interests aside for a bit, and partner, they could do some real benefit to the Country.

re: #188 WriterMom

Ok so maybe Bibi is "the best now" or whatever, but I can't necessarily accept that before an election. Its like saying that we should had to go with McCain before the party here forced us to. When choosing who will lead a party to run for Knesset, I still loudly hope and pray that a nationalist religious party wins. (see above).

If its Bibi vs. Peres, then at that point I'll pray for Bibi.

re: #207 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Come on. These are Palis we're talking about. His parents probably wet their pants in glee that they had a martyr in the family.

That entire band of lunatics is not deserving of a state, let alone oxygen. They've poisened their youth and future to the extent that I have no remorse for even the children killed.

re: #205 WriterMom

Carl-it's because there aren't many options. If there was an Israeli John Bolton-HALLEVAI-she would back him.

I agree that there aren't many options. I'm not sure Caroline would back Moshe Feiglin or Aryeh Eldad.

re: #190 Carl in Jerusalem

Many victims were sacrificed before he finally acted after the Passover massacre.

In any event, what he Left at the end, the expulsion and the birth of Kadima, for me erased all the previous good he had done in his life. The results of both Israel will continue to suffer.

now is the time to work for a national unity gov't I.E. A WAR GOV'T enough with the politics Israel's national existance is on the line

IRAN + NUKES = WW3

re: #192 formercorpsman

You nailed it.

re: #193 wolfie

ROFLMAO ! That's priceless!

Thank you, your servant.

Not soon enough. He still plans to remain in office for 3 more months.

re: #16 Iron Fist

Who's the hardest-assed Right-wing Israeli out there? Him, whoever he is, for PM.

Moshe Feiglin.

re: #198 buzzsawmonkey

Now you are talking. He would be perfect. Let him resolve the major foreign policy issue for Israel, then when they have peace they can vote for Livni and let her usher in some sort of internal nirvana.

Moshe is the Man. (or in the parlance of our times: Moshe is my homeboy!)

A Bit O/T - I have always thought that PM Sharon had a strategy behind the Gaza Withdrawal. Something like - If it Worked, Great! If it didn't, the IDF would not be tied up protecting Israeli Residents of Gaza when conflict broke out. He might have made it work, Olmert obviously hasn't.
Discussion?

-S-

re: #185 yma o hyd

Heh.
Maggie, old and ill as she is, could still wipe the floor with 'The Symbol'*, easy!

*'The Symbol' is what I call BO from now on ...

Yes, she sure could. There will surely be an empty spot when she passes.

I like your descriptor of the BO. I've been referring to him as "hishusseinness', and also like 'the child'. It's just so hard to fathom how anyone can be so completely and utterly in love with himself.

Moshe Ya'alon

re: #213 WrathofG-d

Wrath-it's also like admitting that if you don't vote for McCain, you're essentially voting for Obama.

re: #4 Dahveed

Netanyahu for Prime Minister!

Here here! I second that motion, all in favor?

re: #219 Alouette

Not soon enough. He still plans to remain in office for 3 more months.

Yep - reminds me of Tony Blair's long good-bye here in the UK.
Ahem - could it be possible that our Tony told Olmert how to handle this?

re: #220 Alouette

Moshe Feiglin.

How do you pronounce his last name?

re: #225 WriterMom

Not sure if you agree with that statement or not, (no tone on computer) but I believe it to be true.

It goes under "biting off your nose to spite your face".

re: #222 Dr. Shalit

A Bit O/T - I have always thought that PM Sharon had a strategy behind the Gaza Withdrawal. Something like - If it Worked, Great! If it didn't, the IDF would not be tied up protecting Israeli Residents of Gaza when conflict broke out. He might have made it work, Olmert obviously hasn't.
Discussion?

Sacrificial pawn, to show how it wouldn't work for Israel to pull out of West Bank, etc.

About damned time.

In the Kadima primary, I'm rooting for Shaul Mofaz. He seems much more willing to form a coalition with Likud.

If Likud wins the next elections and forms a coalition with Kadima with Mofaz as the leader, it is likely that he would put Mofaz in as the Defense Minister.

Mofaz (born in Tehran, by the way, and lived in Iran until he was around 10 years old) is a former Chief of Staff of the IDF (appointed by Bibi Netanyahu) and also a former Defense Minister under Ariel Sharon.

He's a tough cookie!

I think it would be unnerving for Iran to face off with an Israeli Defense Minister who was born in Tehran.

re: #222 Dr. Shalit

A Bit O/T - I have always thought that PM Sharon had a strategy behind the Gaza Withdrawal. Something like - If it Worked, Great! If it didn't, the IDF would not be tied up protecting Israeli Residents of Gaza when conflict broke out. He might have made it work, Olmert obviously hasn't.
Discussion?

-S-

That's a very interesting theory.

Would be nice way to keep his reputation in tact if that is true. Unfortunately, because of his strokes, we will never know. Prior to pulling out of Gaza, there was still no evidence as clear as what happened after the pullout that the Pali's screaming about Israeli settlements was illegitimate.

Common sense should have told him so, but it hadn't been tried -- there was no real way of knowing.

I like the idea that once the world was shown the cesspool Gaza became, Sharon would go in and clean it up.

re: #228 wolfie

Fay-glin.

re: #232 Adina in Judea

Disagree with you. Mofaz was a good RamatKal, but he's been a TOTAL weenie as a politician. Impotent weenie.

re: #222 Dr. Shalit

A Bit O/T - I have always thought that PM Sharon had a strategy behind the Gaza Withdrawal. Something like - If it Worked, Great! If it didn't, the IDF would not be tied up protecting Israeli Residents of Gaza when conflict broke out. He might have made it work, Olmert obviously hasn't.
Discussion?

-S-

The squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube option? Problem with that is that the Arabs did the same thing in 1948. They told people to evacuate so they wouldn't get in the way of the mighty Arab Legions that were going to throw the Jews into the sea. That is what started the refugee problem. It is awkward for Israel to take the same position. If they belonged there then they should have fought. If not or they were truly indefensible then they needed to go. I can see no reason for Israel to have evacuated the settlements to the North-East. There is no legal border between Gaza and Israel pending a peace treaty.

Answer to Gaza Peace...If first you don't succeed...send in the IDF.

re: #219 Alouette

Not soon enough. He still plans to remain in office for 3 more months.

He can leave just in time for Obama. No longer sure about the Jacket being worried.

Meanwhile, on another Israeli issue, an unbiased headline from the NY Times. /s

Israelis Kill Palestinian Boy at Protest, Witnesses Say

Maj. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli Army spokeswoman, said that the military had no knowledge of the shooting but that it was waiting for the results of an autopsy.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Because with one Al Dura hoax exposed, the barbarians need another one.

According to Rush, the obamassiah has just thrown ludicris under the bus.

re: #232 Adina in Judea

In the Kadima primary, I'm rooting for Shaul Mofaz. He seems much more willing to form a coalition with Likud.

If Likud wins the next elections and forms a coalition with Kadima with Mofaz as the leader, it is likely that he would put Mofaz in as the Defense Minister.

Mofaz (born in Tehran, by the way, and lived in Iran until he was around 10 years old) is a former Chief of Staff of the IDF (appointed by Bibi Netanyahu) and also a former Defense Minister under Ariel Sharon.

He's a tough cookie!

I think it would be unnerving for Iran to face off with an Israeli Defense Minister who was born in Tehran.

I love it! Especially the fact that so many Arabs label Israel as being racist. The irony is delicious.

re: #232 Adina in Judea

In the Kadima primary, I'm rooting for Shaul Mofaz. He seems much more willing to form a coalition with Likud.

If Likud wins the next elections and forms a coalition with Kadima with Mofaz as the leader, it is likely that he would put Mofaz in as the Defense Minister.

Mofaz (born in Tehran, by the way, and lived in Iran until he was around 10 years old) is a former Chief of Staff of the IDF (appointed by Bibi Netanyahu) and also a former Defense Minister under Ariel Sharon.

He's a tough cookie!

I think it would be unnerving for Iran to face off with an Israeli Defense Minister who was born in Tehran.

That would be interesting... leave a lot of creative sway for the media to play with. Of course, they'd never be interested in reporting from that angle. It'd be spun as a new evil zionist brain washing technique... make Iranians face Iranians.

re: #240 newsjunkie_ky

According to Rush, the obamassiah has just thrown ludicris under the bus.

I stand corrected, it wasn't obama but a spokesperson that threw ludicris under the campaign bus.

re: #239 Opinionated

And this time, it may be more difficult to detect since the terrorists have the same kind of firearms as the Israelis do (courtesy of the various "security arrangements" made between Israel and the PA, including weapons transfers some of which ended up in Hamas' hands when Fatah couldn't hold Gaza). So, if they claim that an Israeli weapon killed the kid, there's no real way to tell unless you track down the individual firearms involved, recreate the scene, etc.

re: #240 newsjunkie_ky

According to Rush, the obamassiah has just thrown ludicris under the bus.

Sister Soldja, Revision 2.1.

re: #244 newsjunkie_ky

I stand corrected, it wasn't obama but a spokesperson that threw ludicris under the campaign bus.

That way Obama gets to keep his cred and support of the guy.

re: #239 Opinionated

Meanwhile, on another Israeli issue, an unbiased headline from the NY Times. /s

Israelis Kill Palestinian Boy at Protest, Witnesses Say

Maj. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli Army spokeswoman, said that the military had no knowledge of the shooting but that it was waiting for the results of an autopsy.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Because with one Al Dura hoax exposed, the barbarians need another one.

I posted this a yesterday... it got largely ignored by the Lizards back then.

JPost kept changing the child's age from 12 to 10 to 11.

The "witness" JPost was interviewing insisted he was an Israeli Activist. He claimed the boy was shot by an IDF officer using live fire, while the other officers were using rubber bullets. In the second last paragraph, he admits he wasn't actually present when it happened, and that he had heard it from other palestinian witnesses.

I am HIGHLY suspicious.

re: #246 karmic_inquisitor
This is not the ludicris I knew so sayeth the obamassiah.

re: #240 newsjunkie_ky

According to Rush, the obamassiah has just thrown ludicris under the bus.

As soon as I heard Rush play that song earlier today, I said "It's gonna get real crowded under that bus today!"

re: #240 newsjunkie_ky

According to Rush, the obamassiah has just thrown ludicris under the bus.

That Obama's may become POTUS is ludicrous.

re: #247 karmic_inquisitor
You are so right on there.

re: #235 WriterMom

I'm mostly interested in seeing Mofaz as the Defense Minister under Bibi.

It's possible that Tzipi Livni's Kadima would also join a coalition formed by Likud, in which case Mofaz (as a contender in Kadima) would be a good candidate for Defense Minister even if he loses the Kadima primary.

One way or another, I think Mofaz would be the best choice for Defense Minister in a Bibi-Lilkud government.

Bibi left a lot of bitterness on the right after his earlier term as PM. I think he's learned from this. I do think he needs someone like Mofaz as Defense Minister anyway, however.

re: #251 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Yep, I hope more rappers put out songs like that.

re: #249 rlevitin

Hey, someone heard from someone that something happened and since it involved Palistinians- we know the JOOOOS did it. What we don't know, to whom we don't know but we always know Who.

re: #18 DaMishMan

Thank you Jesus! Now please...PLEASE...hear my prayer that the Israeli people will put a man with a spine and a desire to protect his country into office...and who will do so, regardless of what the rest of the world wants!

Let's hope the good citizens of the USA do the same.

re: #139 WriterMom

Is there something wrong with the Dinging System?

Whenever I try to ding, the intratubular beachballs spins and spins and spins....

Works for me.

re: #249 rlevitin

I posted this a yesterday... it got largely ignored by the Lizards back then.

JPost kept changing the child's age from 12 to 10 to 11.

The "witness" JPost was interviewing insisted he was an Israeli Activist. He claimed the boy was shot by an IDF officer using live fire, while the other officers were using rubber bullets. In the second last paragraph, he admits he wasn't actually present when it happened, and that he had heard it from other palestinian witnesses.

I am HIGHLY suspicious.

Truth doesn't matter. The NY Times has decided.

Best news I've heard in a long time. Am Yisrael Chai. Maybe now we have a chance.

re: #243 cutestguy

This singer was found butchered up in her Dubai apartment.

Can't have those Muslim women strutting around now, singing and all that anti Allah stuff now can we?

Very sad

Yes, I liked the old guy reading the paper who miraculously survives the explosion.

re: #219 Alouette

If he isn't successful in doing what he does best--exploiting the system--to drag it out to 5 or 6 months.

re: #240 newsjunkie_ky

I thought he indicated that he'd sent a spokesperson out to condemn what had been said? And that Obama had not quite yet thrown Ludicris (what an idiotic name) under the bus?

If no one has followed Dick Morris's utterances lately. He has predicted that if Mofaz become PM, he will attack Iran, which makes a McCain victory likely.

re: #254 Adina in Judea

I have a friend whose position may rise a lot if Bibi comes into power. Can't say who it is now.

re: #90 Killgore Trout

Supernatural graffiti....
Jesus' face seen in cat fur

It's Ceiling Cat and Basement Cat!

re: #240 newsjunkie_ky

According to Rush, the obamassiah has just thrown ludicris under the bus.

My up-ding was for Rush for publicizing the video - not for any action thishusseinness may or not have taken.

/clarification

re: #41 Pickle

Well, Israel survived Olmert. Barely, but I still lost a bet.

Unfortunately, not yet.

He will be PM until primaries in the middle of September. Then another leader of Kadima criminal gang is selected. (olmert is still PM), then that "leader" has 42 days to set a new government (olmert is still PM). If that "leader" is not successful, a new election is set in 90 days. Olmert is still PM and we can have Obama in the office. Meanwhile Olmert is trying to give away Golans for Syria's promise to start "direct talk" and Iran is building nukes. As he selling it to Israelis: Syria will break ties with Iran.

re: #258 AZDave

Let's hope the good citizens of the USA do the same.

It was just that sort of prayer that got Golda elected president.

Late to the thread and haven't read the comments yet, so forgive me if I am redundant when I note that Olmert has expressed no intention of going anywhere in the near future. Suffice to say that he is in a position to control the timing of the choice of his successor and it will therefore only be his imminent indictment which will trigger the actual leadership negotiations and attendant back-room dealings (including his immunity from prosecution/pardon). As noted in the article, Olmert may be able to cling to power until at least until March, 2009, and of course if Israel is by then at war with Iran then all bets will be off since no one will want a leadership change in the middle of an existential struggle.

re: #243 cutestguy

This singer was found butchered up in her Dubai apartment.

Can't have those Muslim women strutting around now, singing and all that anti Allah stuff now can we?

Very sad

When officials broke into her apartment they found the singer's corpse on the floor with her head detached from her body.

Obviously Methodists again.