War Watch: Israeli Intelligence Failures
According to Edward N. Luttwak at Tablet, there is speculation that Hamas utilized Israeli intelligence sources to carry out their surprise attacks by providing valuable and actionable information. This allowed the Israelis to destroy the rockets before they could be launched. Luttwak argues that Israel’s political misjudgments about Hamas’ intentions may have played a role in lowering the country’s vigilance. However, he emphasizes that this is not an excuse for the massive intelligence failure. He suggests that Israel needs a new approach altogether and nothing should be off the table.
Centrist Perspective on Alleged Book ‘Bans’
Jeffrey M. McCall at The Hill debunks the argument that questioning the content of a school curriculum or the children’s section of a public library constitutes a book ban. He argues that the issue is simply about determining what is suitable for the intended audience of kids. McCall criticizes groups like the American Civil Liberties Union for spreading fearful messaging about book banning. He highlights that most so-called banned books are still widely available for purchase and can be found in countless libraries around the country. McCall asserts that discretion in the selection process of children’s books is not the same as banning.
Albany Desk: State Education Department Test Scam
Emily D’Vertola at the Empire Center criticizes the New York State Education Department for lifting the embargo on last year’s state test scores in reading and math, but failing to provide the public with access to those results until December. She points out that the city Department of Education posted a sneak peek showing improved scores, but this was marred by a historic change in the state’s definition of “proficient.” D’Vertola highlights that other states use modern, high-tech assessments to provide timely data for teachers and parents. She criticizes the State Education Department for preventing timely intervention and keeping the public in the dark about school performance.
Mideast Perspective: Joe Biden and the Ousting of Hamas
According to Daniel Pipes at The Wall Street Journal, Hamas’ surprise attack presents a strategic opportunity for Israel, the U.S., and democracies worldwide. Pipes argues that most Gazans loathe Hamas, but they are too afraid to rise up against it. He calls for American leadership and references past statements from President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama urging the dismantling of Hamas. Pipes believes that President Biden should now urge Israel to remove Hamas and rid the world of this scourge. He believes that many Gazans are ready to build productive lives instead of focusing on Israel’s destruction and calls for the obliteration of Hamas.
Eye on 2024: Middle America’s Influence
Jeff Bloodworth at The Liberal Patriot emphasizes the importance of Middle Americans, who are lower middle and working-class families between the thirty-first and seventy-first income percentiles. Bloodworth notes that almost half of today’s Middle Americans are non-white and argues that they should be Democrats. However, he believes that liberals ignore their core values by taking activist stances on issues like structural racism, green energy, policing, and transgender rights. Bloodworth highlights the bond between labor and economic security and suggests that the Democratic Party’s shift away from these values has led to a decline in non-white working-class support. He warns that Trumpism is becoming a more multiracial Middle American movement and urges Democrats to choose between ideological purity or a Trump presidency.
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board
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