The test of any administration's policy is whether it is accepted -- even reluctantly -- by its successors. Obamacare is here to stay, mostly because Republicans didn't have the heart to repeal it (though Trump got rid of the individual mandate to buy health insurance, the most constitutionally offensive part of the law.) Now, the Jerusalem embassy is permanent U.S. policy.
That became clear earlier this year with news that the Biden administration was abandoning plans to open a separate consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem. The move was a strategic disaster, as it would have divided Jerusalem for diplomatic purposes and given Palestinians a claim on the city -- in return for nothing. It also violated international law, in terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which requires host country approval of foreign missions.
Now the Jerusalem embassy is here to stay. Trump deserves a standing ovation. But more than Trump's leadership, the latest development simply confirms that the Jerusalem embassy reflects existing reality on the ground -- that Jerusalem is Israel's capital -- as well as the interests of the United States, without hurting the interests of Arab allies in the region, who are still making peace with Israel.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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