Latest poll bad news for Jewish Republicans

By James D. Besser
Published on October 26, 2006

A new poll suggests no signs of a seismic partisan shift in the Jewish community. There are openings for the Republicans, but so far their candidates have been unable to take full advantage of them.

Pressure on Israel Grows After Summit

By James Besser
Published on August 7, 2003

If you're confused about this week's developments in U.S.-Israel diplomacy, don't worry; you're not alone.

Domestic Attention Deficit Disorder

By James D. Besser
Published on May 8, 2003

Last week's release of the Israeli-Palestinian "road map" signaled the start of a new round of U.S. Mideast diplomacy and a new challenge for the pro-Israel groups that don't like some interpretations of the plan.

Democrats Facing Fight For Jewish Soul

By James D. Besser
Published on March 6, 2003

The Democratic Party may be about to experience a battle for its Jewish soul. Less than a year before the first primary, the field for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination has turned into a crowd, but two names have special significance for Jewish voters and the politicians who woo them: Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) and the Rev. Al Sharpton -- the cautious, conservative lawmaker and the rhetorical bomb thrower.

The Right’s Secret Weapon: Red Ink

By James D. Besser
Published on March 6, 2003

Students of political irony are having a banner year. A Republican president who campaigned against "nation building" is on the brink of a war intended to rebuild not just a nation -- Iraq -- but an entire region. And conservatives, long the archenemies of deficit spending, are suddenly embracing budgets awash in red ink.

Jewish Silence on Tax Plan Deafening

By James D. Besser
Published on January 16, 2003

Washington is buzzing about the Bush administration's huge new tax cut proposal, but the silence from Jewish groups is deafening -- and revealing.

The Power of the Swing Vote

By James D. Besser
Published on September 26, 2002

Last week's Gallup Poll on Jewish political affiliations had some good news for both Democrats and Republicans, but most of all, it had good news for the Jewish community.

Zeidman’s Challenges

By James D. Besser
Published on March 14, 2002

Fred Zeidman is coming to Washington to straighten out the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and a lot of people wish him well. But it will take more than good wishes to help the spectacularly successful, periodically troubled council and the Holocaust Museum it runs.

Security vs Civil Liberty

By James D. Besser
Published on February 28, 2002

As the United States intensifies its war against terrorism at home and abroad, the Jewish community may be poised to serve as a bridge between the Bush administration and some of its critics in the civil liberties community.

In Israel’s Interest

By James D. Besser
Published on February 7, 2002

President George W. Bush fired the first volley in the second phase of his anti-terror war last week when he used the annual State of the Union message to gird the nation for the challenges ahead.

Clueless In Jerusalem

By James D. Besser
Published on January 31, 2002

It's one thing you can take to the bank: Every time a new Middle East crisis explodes on the world's front pages, there's another hue and cry in the Jewish world about the need for better hasbara (public relations).

Big Questions for a New Year

By James D. Besser
Published on January 3, 2002

It is a new year, but the world and nation are still agonizing over a lot of old problems. President George W. Bush has promised that the long, hard fight against terrorism has just begun, but it is far from clear exactly what the next phase in that war will be. At home, a faltering economy and vanished government surplus promise a new budgetary day of reckoning.

Moments of Truth

By James D. Besser
Published on December 6, 2001

On Sunday, with crews still collecting body parts and shredded flesh after three horrific explosions in Israel, Secretary of State Colin Powell said it is the "moment of truth" for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Worrysome Headlines

By James D. Besser
Published on November 1, 2001

If ever a president went into a period of national crisis with a surplus of good will, it was George W. Bush.

Diplomatic Train Wreck

By James D. Besser
Published on October 25, 2001

Israeli officials were stunned by Monday's stern State Department rebuke over Israel's stepped-up military effort against the Palestinian Authority. And the fact they were surprised hints of deeper trouble to come along the U.S.-Israel axis.

Arab, Muslim Leaders Want Linkage

By James D. Besser
Published on October 4, 2001

A parade of Arab and Muslim leaders is passing through Washington, promising support for the U.S.-led effort against terrorist kingpin Osama bin Laden -- but also urging the administration to press harder for a cease-fire and new negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

New—and Risky—Game for Mideast

By James D. Besser
Published on September 20, 2001

The devastating terrorist attacks in Washington and New York changed everything in America, and the repercussions of what President George W. Bush is calling the "first war of the 21st century" will be felt throughout the Middle East, as well.

Israel-Bashing Feared at Racism Conference

By James D. Besser
Published on July 12, 2001

Israel-Bashing Feared at Racism Conference

Fighting the Israel Bash-a-Thon

By James D. Besser
Published on June 7, 2001

Critics of the United Nations have been handed a big load of new ammunition as the international body careens toward a high-profile conference that could be the biggest Israel bash-a-thon ever.

Senate Shocker

By James D. Besser
Published on May 31, 2001

The stunning change in the U.S. Senate triggered by Sen. James Jeffords' switch from GOP to independent status means a seismic shift in the war over a host of domestic issues, including the church-state skirmishes that have preoccupied Jewish groups.

Tax Plan Could Endanger Services

By James D. Besser
Published on May 24, 2001

This week congressional Republicans tried to put the finishing touches on a compromise version of President George W. Bush's giant tax cut that some Jewish leaders say could ravage a wide range of health and social service programs serving the community's neediest citizens.

Opportunities Ahead—Maybe

By James D. Besser
Published on February 8, 2001

Talk to Jewish Republicans these days and you hear a palpable sense of coming out of the wilderness.

ADL reports on Hate Group

By James D
Published on September 24, 1998

Hate groups have been out of the news in recent months, but that doesn't mean they are not exploiting recent events--including the tumult on the stock market and the Monica Lewinsky scandal--to expand their base.

Yeasty Mix at UJA Conference

By James D
Published on March 26, 1998

It was a moment that almost perfectly defined thisweek's United Jewish Appeal young leadership conference inWashington. In one section of the vast Washington Hilton ballroom,hundreds of young Jews were intently listening as special U.S. peaceenvoy Dennis Ross and Israeli Ambassador Eliahu Ben-Elissar gavesharply differing views of the current Israeli-Palestinianstalemate.