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November 16, 2007
Come Home
From Iraq, Michael Yon, our greatest war correspondent, tells us in no uncertain terms that the surge has worked, that the terrorists are on the run, that the forces of freedom are winning.
But the Democrats last night on CNN were deeply invested in America's defeat in Iraq.
Are the Democrats unaware of the reality of what's happening in Iraq? Or is the truth a mortal wound to a party whose platform is built on defeatism?
Michael Yon contributes a lovely and moving photo essay.
I have to say this: I'm glad that Christians are returning to their churches to worship. It's a fine thing and I hope freedom of religion spreads in Iraq.
But the fact remains that Iraq, like every Arab/Muslim country, save for several thousand Jews in Morocco, is Judenrein and toxic for Jews.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen any fighting. I can’t remember my last shootout: it’s been months. The nightmare is ending. Al Qaeda is being crushed. The Sunni tribes are awakening all across Iraq and foreswearing violence for negotiation. Many of the Shia are ready to stop the fighting that undermines their ability to forge and manage a new government. This is a complex and still delicate denouement, and the war may not be over yet. But the Muslims are saying it’s time to come home. And the Christians are saying it’s time to come home. They are weary, and there is much work to be done.
To read Michael's complete photo essay, please click here.
And let's not forget Project Valor-IT Veteran's Day Fundraiser, to provide voice-activated lap-top computers to injured and disabled veterans. Please donate generously. This is a very important tzedakah, charity.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at November 16, 2007 09:10 AM
Comments
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1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
save for several thousand Jews in Morocco
There are many Jews in Iran as well, and some (thousands, I believe) still in Yemen.
Posted by: kishke at November 16, 2007 12:13 PM
Kishke:
I did not include Iran because it's not an Arab country. But it is Shia and yes there are about 25,000 Jews living in Persia and their lives are on a razor's edge.
We have no idea how many Jews are left in Yemen. No Arab country has ever taken a census of its populations—much less of its Jewish dhimmis. I have heard from pretty reliable sources in various intelligence services that there are several hundred mostly elderly Jews in Yemen. In another generation they will be gone and that will be the end of Yemen's long Jewish history.
I have never heard that there are thousands of Jews in Yemen.
Have you a source for this?
Thanks so much.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 16, 2007 12:21 PM
No, no source. It was just my impression.
Posted by: kishke at November 16, 2007 12:43 PM
shavuah tov
on the last jews of iraq:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/770027.html
on the last jews of afghanistan:
http://agmk.blogspot.com/2007/09/last-jew-of-afghanistan.html#links
from the american jewish year book (2000): yemen 200 and iran 12,000. i assume these numbers are now less owing to quiet emigration and an aging demographic.
for the numbers from other arab/muslim countries, see pp. 493-4 at http://www.ajcarchives.org/AJC_DATA/Files/2000_13_WJP.pdf
Posted by: lion of zion at November 17, 2007 11:50 PM
Unrelated to the presence of Jews in various muslim countries, but you _did_ mention the CNN debate, so this isn't totally off-topic! Some very interesting digging done by this blogger.
http://pcexposed.blogspot.com/2007/11/cnn-goes-green-by-gardening-plants.html
Posted by: suek at November 18, 2007 10:00 AM
Lion:
Thanks so much for the excellent links.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at November 18, 2007 12:52 PM
Suek:
Thanks for the link. very interesting and informative.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at November 18, 2007 12:53 PM