Breaking the Cycle: Why the U.S. and EU Must Prioritize Diplomacy Over Escalation - 6.17.2026

If there is to be peace in the Middle East, it must begin with an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran and a halt to all attacks across the region. Those who support President Trump's efforts to end the war with Iran should also support urgent diplomacy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent a wider conflict that threatens the global economy and countless innocent lives.

Many Americans are increasingly questioning decades of failed policies that have fueled instability. The 1953 overthrow of Iran's elected government, widely seen as driven by control of oil resources, left wounds that remain unhealed today. Likewise, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948 continues to fuel conflict and demands a just resolution.

The United States and European nations should place peace, humanitarian aid and diplomacy above military escalation. Israel must respect Lebanon's sovereignty and withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory. Aid workers, civilians and prisoners must be protected under international law.

A lasting peace requires justice, security and equal human dignity for Palestinians, Lebanese, Iranians and Israelis alike. The world has seen enough war. It is time for diplomacy, reconciliation and peace.

The Palestinians have suffered enormously under Israel’s brutal occupation. It is time for the U.S. and EU to vigorously support an independent Palestinian state. 

War on Truth - 6.17.2026

Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and his far-right, anti-democratic government continue to wage war on civilians and truth-tellers, preferring endless conflict to peace.

The new documentary Journacide: The War on Truth raises urgent questions about the targeting of journalists whose duty is to bear witness and report the facts. Israel's latest and ongoing assault on Lebanon has brought the death toll of journalists there to 29. Irish filmmaker Seán Murray investigated the killings of four of those journalists. On March 28, journalists Ali Shoeib and brother and sister Fatima and Mohamed Ftouni were killed together in an Israeli drone strike on their car. On April 22, journalist Amal Khalil was injured in an airstrike and later died from her injuries after waiting for hours inside a bombed building while rescuers awaited clearance to reach her.

The silencing of reporters, aid workers and civilians in war zones should concern every person who values justice, human rights and accountability.

Jewish scripture speaks clearly: "Do not kill the innocent and righteous" (Exodus 23:7) and "Do not stand idly by while your neighbor's blood is shed" (Leviticus 19:16). The prophet Micah calls on us to act with justice, mercy and humility. Throughout history, prophets and truth-tellers have often been persecuted by powerful rulers for speaking uncomfortable truths.

The lessons of the Holocaust demand remembrance, accountability and a commitment to "Never Again" for all people. The principle of pikuach nefesh, the obligation to protect human life, stands at the heart of Jewish ethics.

Rabbis, religious leaders and people of conscience everywhere must raise their voices against the killing of civilians, journalists and humanitarian workers, and demand respect for international law, human dignity and the sanctity of human life. Silence in the face of suffering is not neutrality; it is abandonment of our shared moral responsibility.

Israel must be held accountable for mass starvation, torture and terrorism - 6.16.2026

Israel must be held accountable for mass starvation, torture and terrorism.

Israel's continuing actions in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon have shocked the conscience of the world. Prime Minister Netanyahu's refusal to withdraw from Lebanon, despite diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions with Iran, risks widening a conflict that could have devastating global consequences.

Reports of civilian deaths in Gaza, attacks by extremist settlers in the West Bank, the detention of Palestinians without due process, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and allegations of abuse in detention facilities have fueled growing international outrage. Many Americans now question why billions of dollars in military and economic aid continue to flow without meaningful conditions attached.

The United States and European nations should use their leverage to demand an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, respect for international law, and accountability for all violations of human rights. No nation should be above the law.

The path to lasting peace lies not through military domination, collective punishment, or endless war, but through justice, human dignity, equal rights, and genuine self-determination for both Palestinians and Israelis. The world must act before even more innocent lives are lost.

Britain must stand for justice - 6.16.2026

The British Appeals Court’s decision to uphold the government ban on Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act raises profound questions about justice, free expression, and Britain’s moral responsibility.

Before 1948, the land now occupied by Israel was known as Palestine. The creation of Israel, supported by massive shipments of arms and political backing from Western powers, led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes. Today, Palestinians continue to struggle for basic human rights, dignity, and self-determination.

If Israel’s military power is allowed to prevail over the rights of Palestinians, it sends a dangerous message to the world that might makes right. The terror experienced daily by unarmed Palestinian civilians, the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and the deaths of tens of thousands have shocked the conscience of humanity.

Britain's history includes painful chapters of colonial violence across many former colonies. A truly civilized nation learns from its past and stands on the side of justice, human rights, and international law.

Rather than criminalizing those who seek to draw attention to Palestinian suffering, Britain should support peaceful efforts to uphold Palestinian rights and work toward a just and lasting peace for all people in the region.

Prayers for peace and the president’s health - 6.16.2026

Increasing public and international concern is being expressed about President Trump’s declining health, including reports of frequent drowsiness during important events and episodes of anger that raise questions about his ability to handle mounting global crises.

At the same time, the continuing violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon has exposed the limits of U.S. influence. Despite President Trump’s efforts to secure a ceasefire, Prime Minister Netanyahu appears determined to continue military operations that have brought immense suffering to Palestinian and Lebanese civilians. Many observers believe political survival and the desire to avoid legal consequences are driving these actions.

Americans of all political persuasions, including many MAGA supporters, should put aside partisan divisions and pray for President Trump’s good health, wisdom and strength. The world urgently needs steady leadership capable of helping bring an end to bloodshed and achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Peace, compassion and diplomacy must prevail over war, hatred and endless retaliation.

Media consolidation, a threat to democracy - 6.15.2026

The DOJ’s approval of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger raises serious concerns about the growing concentration of media power in the hands of a few giant corporations. At a time when democracy depends on a diversity of viewpoints, independent journalism, and vigorous scrutiny of those in power, further consolidation risks narrowing the range of voices reaching the public.

Many Americans already worry that political pressure, corporate interests, and wealthy influencers are shaping news coverage. These fears are intensified by concerns that allies of powerful political figures could gain even greater influence over what stories are covered, how they are framed, and which voices are amplified or marginalized.

A healthy democracy requires a competitive and independent media landscape, not a handful of conglomerates controlling information consumed by millions. Regulators should place the public interest above corporate profits and ensure that journalism remains free from political interference and excessive concentration of ownership.

The strength of a free society depends on an informed public. Protecting media diversity is essential to protecting democracy itself.

Israel could derail fragile peace - 6.15.2026

Jeremy Scahill raises an important concern: even if Washington and Tehran move toward a diplomatic agreement, peace remains fragile as long as military actions continue elsewhere in the region. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and renewed talks on Iran's nuclear program offer a rare opportunity to reduce tensions, prevent wider war and stabilize global energy supplies.

History shows that diplomacy succeeds only when all parties exercise restraint. Continued military strikes risk provoking retaliation, undermining negotiations and drawing the entire Middle East into a deeper and more dangerous conflict. The world cannot afford another catastrophic war that would bring more death, displacement and economic hardship.

The United States, Israel, Iran and regional actors must recognize that security cannot be achieved through endless military escalation. Lasting peace requires dialogue, respect for international law and a commitment to resolving disputes through negotiation rather than force.

The people of the region deserve a future free from fear, destruction and perpetual warfare. Political leaders must seize this moment for peace before it is lost.