U.S. Senator Ted Cruz endorses Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for President of the United States.
94
Why was this joke of an op-ed even published?
102
Senator Cruz,
History has defined the rightful place for Senator Joe McCarthy. We do not need him reincarnated in 2016 in the persona of you. You lost - "huge loss"! Go home and spare us your condescending evil diatribe.
History has defined the rightful place for Senator Joe McCarthy. We do not need him reincarnated in 2016 in the persona of you. You lost - "huge loss"! Go home and spare us your condescending evil diatribe.
113
Why would the NYT print an op-ed with the title "The Mullahs and Their Missiles?"
The same denigration used for Iraq/Saddam Hussein, where its leader, as part of the fuel for the mania to invade without reason, was usually referred to as "Saddam," is used by racist (against Muslims) caricatures like "Ted," to denigrate Iran by referring to it as "the Mullahs."
Perhaps in the interest of fair play, we can start referring to the deceitful, ungrateful and megalomaniac Bibi, as "Nit-an-YAHOO." He is a pest. And definitely "a yahoo."
The same denigration used for Iraq/Saddam Hussein, where its leader, as part of the fuel for the mania to invade without reason, was usually referred to as "Saddam," is used by racist (against Muslims) caricatures like "Ted," to denigrate Iran by referring to it as "the Mullahs."
Perhaps in the interest of fair play, we can start referring to the deceitful, ungrateful and megalomaniac Bibi, as "Nit-an-YAHOO." He is a pest. And definitely "a yahoo."
113
Ted: you lost. Get over it.
110
reading the comments make one think that no one agrees with Mr. Cruz. It is very similar to reading comments, in the mainstream media led by readers of the NY Times, the Washington Post, CNN and alike, on Mr. Trump's speeches and quotes. It seems that many Americans no longer believe Iran is dangerous to the world. But Mr. Cruz is right, Iran is dangerous, not so much to Israel that can response violently and accurately, but to Arab-Sunni nations. In fact, Mr. Cruz diminish the danger of Iran to the USA. If he, as well as Mr. Trump, worry from ISIS infiltrators that can enter the US through Syrian immigrants the risk of Iranians radicals that will (or are) do so is far greater. But that is not all, Iran is in the process to actually controlling both Iraq (through the Shiite allies) and Syria (using the Hezbollah) and the idea that Iran cares about the Palestinians is ridicules, they are trying to enter the Palestinians territories and Gaza using it as a bridge against Egypt and Saudi Arabia (look at the map please) and the US-Iran agreement actually allows them to proceed.
30
Is this guy out of his mind? What evidence does he have to state that Iran wants to attack the US? I am sick and tired of the warmongers in this country!
61
Mr. Cruz’s argument is disingenuous and lacks any historical context. Iran is the product of US and UK meddling since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, their greed for oil and regional dominance.
Israel has the 12th largest army, a sophisticated navy and airforce, courtesy of Germany and America and that uninspected nuclear arsenal. Iran for its part has never invaded another country and requires the weapons for defensive purposes against its regional neighbours, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Mr. Cruz omitted that while America supplied weapons to Iraq during its war with Iran, Israel supplied Iran. Furthermore, he makes mention of the 10 US sailors but forgets that America never compensated the families when it shot down an Iranian airliner in the 1980s.
Mr. Cruz is playing the provocateur for Israel when Iran does not want or can afford a war .
Israel has the 12th largest army, a sophisticated navy and airforce, courtesy of Germany and America and that uninspected nuclear arsenal. Iran for its part has never invaded another country and requires the weapons for defensive purposes against its regional neighbours, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Mr. Cruz omitted that while America supplied weapons to Iraq during its war with Iran, Israel supplied Iran. Furthermore, he makes mention of the 10 US sailors but forgets that America never compensated the families when it shot down an Iranian airliner in the 1980s.
Mr. Cruz is playing the provocateur for Israel when Iran does not want or can afford a war .
52
I thought I will neither see or hear from "lying Ted" and his ludicrous statement. Daesh is supported by your friends the Saudis. We are tired of war and the GOP wants nothing war and more war.
34
What on earth makes you think that we should pay any more than zero attention to a Christianist with an apocalyptic vision and a personal belief that God intended for him to become president of the US? If ever there was a man who did not deserve a voice in the New York Times, based on his utter lack of knowledge about almost anything and his utter belief that he knows everything, it's Ted Cruz. Why give him a soapbox? He's a man who makes Trump look knowledgeable and lovable and that's pretty next to impossible to do.
99
Senator Cruz, will your comments cause the same reaction as you tore into Planned Parenthood after the illegal video, developed by one of your constitutes? Will a deranged person, pick up your message and kill innocent people.
Word matter. Yet the only words that seem to matter to you is to strengthen your position to be president of the United States of America. And thankfully, Mr. Trump trumped you on that mission, this time.
Word matter. Yet the only words that seem to matter to you is to strengthen your position to be president of the United States of America. And thankfully, Mr. Trump trumped you on that mission, this time.
31
Well isn't this the pot calling the kettle black.
13
Why is Ted Cruz given this platform? Isn't there anyone else we could we hear from who has expertise and none of the clown car baggage of this man? Perhaps the NYT is trying to be "balanced" but this is not a credible way to go about it; in fact it fuels the fire of the "left wing media" myth.
58
Ted Cruz (or rather his intern) cherry picks the data to come to exactly the wrong conclusion.
Quelle surprise!
If anyone wants an accurate account of the “underfunded” Arrow Missile program in Israel, here is one from Reuven Pedatzur, an Israeli with at least as much interest in preserving the State of Israel as Ted Cruz:
http://www.haaretz.com/it-s-possible-to-live-with-iran-1.270418
Especially in the context of Cruz’s claims about Iranian nuclear delivery intent, the Arrow System is simply a way for the Israeli and U.S. arms industry to continue to continue to bleed tax payer dollars for a defensive system which couldn’t possibly work against its stated objective, an offensive nuclear strike.
It is an expensive remnant of Reagan’s Star Wars fantasy, also known as the Strategic Defense Initiative.
And a technological non-starter which the Israeli government is already planning to export to other countries for fun and profit, but with not a smidgen of effective operability.
And guess what?
As of March 2016:
http://tinyurl.com/j839nvx
“Among the current GOP contenders, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has called for large increases in defense spending, won the lion’s share of defense industry donations, receiving $307,955.”
Out for now, but just cementing his bona fides with the Military Industrial AIPAC complex for his next attempt at fooling enough Republicans for enough of the time.
Quelle surprise!
If anyone wants an accurate account of the “underfunded” Arrow Missile program in Israel, here is one from Reuven Pedatzur, an Israeli with at least as much interest in preserving the State of Israel as Ted Cruz:
http://www.haaretz.com/it-s-possible-to-live-with-iran-1.270418
Especially in the context of Cruz’s claims about Iranian nuclear delivery intent, the Arrow System is simply a way for the Israeli and U.S. arms industry to continue to continue to bleed tax payer dollars for a defensive system which couldn’t possibly work against its stated objective, an offensive nuclear strike.
It is an expensive remnant of Reagan’s Star Wars fantasy, also known as the Strategic Defense Initiative.
And a technological non-starter which the Israeli government is already planning to export to other countries for fun and profit, but with not a smidgen of effective operability.
And guess what?
As of March 2016:
http://tinyurl.com/j839nvx
“Among the current GOP contenders, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has called for large increases in defense spending, won the lion’s share of defense industry donations, receiving $307,955.”
Out for now, but just cementing his bona fides with the Military Industrial AIPAC complex for his next attempt at fooling enough Republicans for enough of the time.
88
I just returned from leading my 5th tour to Iran with irancustomtravel.com. Everytime I return..there has been massive development..low& middle class housing projects throughout the country, metro,railways,skyscrapers.modern
malls bustling with shoppers. My American travelers come away in awe of what Iran has accomplished, in spite of the sanctions...wondering why there is such disparity between what we hear & see from our Congress & media. Lyin' Ted explains it all with diatribes such as this . .
With almost every Western country currently involved in billions of dollars of trade negotiations..would Mr. Cruz, kindly explain why he thinks Iran would destroy their economy by committing suicide?
malls bustling with shoppers. My American travelers come away in awe of what Iran has accomplished, in spite of the sanctions...wondering why there is such disparity between what we hear & see from our Congress & media. Lyin' Ted explains it all with diatribes such as this . .
With almost every Western country currently involved in billions of dollars of trade negotiations..would Mr. Cruz, kindly explain why he thinks Iran would destroy their economy by committing suicide?
53
Whose sons and daughters does Ted Cruz want to send to die for Israel?
Israel isn't an "ally" in the traditional sense. Allies don't attack our ships: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident. Allies don't spy on us: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Pollard. Allies don't offer to sell nukes to rogue apartheid regimes: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/23/israel-south-africa-nuclear....
Or just take note of Netanyahu's extraordinary and continuing disrespect for our president.
Israel is a perfidious client state for which we've gotten precious little in return for our largesse and diplomatic support over the years.
Israel isn't an "ally" in the traditional sense. Allies don't attack our ships: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident. Allies don't spy on us: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Pollard. Allies don't offer to sell nukes to rogue apartheid regimes: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/23/israel-south-africa-nuclear....
Or just take note of Netanyahu's extraordinary and continuing disrespect for our president.
Israel is a perfidious client state for which we've gotten precious little in return for our largesse and diplomatic support over the years.
62
I find it remarkable that so many readers dismiss Iran's violent genocidal rhetoric against Israel as merely words, and if, somehow Israel behaved more to their liking, all of this stuff would disappear. Yet somehow, hate speech of a much lower magnitude directed against domestic groups who are more favorably viewed by these same readers , is always (rightfully ) condemned and considered to be a most horrific abuse of free speech.
17
Why don't you march off and enlist with Netanyahu? You, Rush, and Hillary would be a great trio on the front lines of panderers>
26
It's interesting that we are supposed to be so concerned with Iran's "death to Israel/America" hyperbole, but Iran is supposed to sit by passively while American and Israeli politicians essentially scream, "death to Iran."
Perhaps if people like Ted Cruz would stop this nonsense, they would too. After all, it was the US that invaded their country and overthrew their democratic government, not the other way around.
Also Ted, some of us are tired of funding Israel. If they stopped mistreating the Palestinians, then perhaps other middle eastern countries would be less critical.
And "David's Sling"? Who comes up with these names? Give it a rest, you crazy zealots. Everything does not have to be wrapped in your cloak of religion. If you're really God's 'chosen people,' then why not wait for him to help you out. Isn't that what Faith is all about?
Perhaps if people like Ted Cruz would stop this nonsense, they would too. After all, it was the US that invaded their country and overthrew their democratic government, not the other way around.
Also Ted, some of us are tired of funding Israel. If they stopped mistreating the Palestinians, then perhaps other middle eastern countries would be less critical.
And "David's Sling"? Who comes up with these names? Give it a rest, you crazy zealots. Everything does not have to be wrapped in your cloak of religion. If you're really God's 'chosen people,' then why not wait for him to help you out. Isn't that what Faith is all about?
57
The darkness of Mordor is growing...
22
The NY Times has a lot of very anti-Israel readers who emerge from the woodwork to comment, gratuitously about something they know little about
11
Apparently Cruz's Y20120 residential campaign has commenced
21
This guy couldn't beat a T.V. doofus for the nomination of the ridiculous republican party crazies and here he is giving his "thoughts" to us in the NYT. Shame on you NYT!
23
"Hebrew “Israel should be erased from the map.” But it hardly matters. The mullahs’ objectives are plain enough for anyone with eyes to see: The Iranian regime is continuing its determined march toward not only a nuclear weapon, but also the means to launch it, first against Israel and then against the United States."
What irresponsible nonsense. Cruz's evidence for this statement -- eyes to see. Additional evidence of his unfitness for the presidency.
What irresponsible nonsense. Cruz's evidence for this statement -- eyes to see. Additional evidence of his unfitness for the presidency.
11
I agree with Ted. Thank you for representing reality. Israel is in a constant state of danger with the ayatollahs leading the charge.
7
The worst part of Raphael Cruz losing the nomination is has time to come back to Texas and spew his venom here.....It must have be a nausea inducing moment at the NYT Editorial board meeting to decide to put this idiocy on the pages of the NYT, but perhaps they have done a service ....not one of the comments, so far have agreed with him...that is some consolation...oh for the day when these religious nuts, who quite frankly have more in common with the mullahs in Iran than they do with the majority of American citizens, are silent.
22
Oh the old boogieman routine. I would hardly call Israel an ally - they only work with us when it benefits them and Israel continue to oppress and occupy the Palestine people and West Bank.
Part of the reason people in the Middle East despise the United States is we continue to refuse to get Israel to withdraw from the West Bank. Israel is not the 51st state of the US - they are a powerful country on their own - and they continue to threaten Iran - of course Iran is going to be defensive.
Part of the reason people in the Middle East despise the United States is we continue to refuse to get Israel to withdraw from the West Bank. Israel is not the 51st state of the US - they are a powerful country on their own - and they continue to threaten Iran - of course Iran is going to be defensive.
17
There are two underlying points in Mr. R.E. Cruz' opinion piece:
1. Consistency: once a position of a purported "truth" is perceived it becomes THE truth. If this logic is infallble then the embrace of and by Mullah Kevin Swanson and the national religious liberties conference of Mr. R.E. Cruz tags him as bigoted and a consistent and principled monger of hate. (cf. Mr. "D.J." Trump, situational equal opportunity bigot and hate monger).
2. Nominatability: All settler's party in Israel welcome him as their champion. Since he and his ilk are without a legitimate President then were he to convert to Judaism he could then be the anointed as a worthy successor to his Prime Minister.
1. Consistency: once a position of a purported "truth" is perceived it becomes THE truth. If this logic is infallble then the embrace of and by Mullah Kevin Swanson and the national religious liberties conference of Mr. R.E. Cruz tags him as bigoted and a consistent and principled monger of hate. (cf. Mr. "D.J." Trump, situational equal opportunity bigot and hate monger).
2. Nominatability: All settler's party in Israel welcome him as their champion. Since he and his ilk are without a legitimate President then were he to convert to Judaism he could then be the anointed as a worthy successor to his Prime Minister.
11
This message brought to you by Raytheon.
19
Actually Ted, standing idly by is the best solution. Israel is as much a threat as any other of those malicious theocracies. And Ted, we're really tired of you, how about you stand idly by, forever.
26
I am an atheist but this is one of those times that I am forced to sit back and think there must be a creator! Because how else a religious nut job such as Ted Cruz could have been stopped from taking control of the levers of power!? So, that's why I take a moment and say "thank God Curz was defeated in the race!"
Ted, go back to Cuba and take your medieval religious ideology with you. No one buys your lies, not even your party cohorts. You're as bad as the mullas, but the only difference is you wear a tie and lie! You religious fanatic, you!
Ted, go back to Cuba and take your medieval religious ideology with you. No one buys your lies, not even your party cohorts. You're as bad as the mullas, but the only difference is you wear a tie and lie! You religious fanatic, you!
65
Israel should divert money away from settlement building and towards its own defense.
34
Sen. Cruz: Please crawl back under the rock that you came from. The distinguished statesman and diplomat you are not. You're not in the presidential race any longer. Please leave international affairs to your betters.
41
American boys should not die for Israel. It is just another another crazy Mideast state and should be treated like the others. We should not blindly back Israel. Far from it.
39
Hey Rafael, we all know you have no idea what you're talking about, but you're quite skilled at apocalyptic scary terminology. Maybe you could do something as a senator (remember that job?) to imrpove the lives of actual PEOPLE in my home state. Your last gasps of blowing national-level smoke is truly pathetic. Go away.
50
"...President Obama’s failure to sufficiently fund Israel’s missile defense programs..."
The last I checked, Israel has plenty of money, theirs and ours. Why don't they fund their own missile defense programs?
The last I checked, Israel has plenty of money, theirs and ours. Why don't they fund their own missile defense programs?
56
Hmmmmm?
I'm sorry Ted, did you say something.......I was picking my toenails.....
I'm sorry Ted, did you say something.......I was picking my toenails.....
31
Loony tunes, prone to think and talk in extremes, pit the forces of good and evil against each other in every scenario. That is why you lost to Trump, why the party never rallied behind you, and why people don't like you.
38
Israel is a very wealthy nation, and extremely well-armed, and can and has defended itself with some seriously big-time resources. According to a report by NPR "Israel is reportedly seeking up to $5 billion a year in aid. The $3.1 billion the U.S. currently provides covers a fifth of Israel's defense budget. In return, Israel has to spend about three out of every four of those dollars on American-made weapons. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is a Democrat from Connecticut, home to some large defense contractors."
Hmmmmm.
http://www.npr.org/2016/05/11/477693525/as-10-year-deal-nears-end-israel...
Hmmmmm.
http://www.npr.org/2016/05/11/477693525/as-10-year-deal-nears-end-israel...
28
Cruz has no history of supporting Israel. He's using the issue for personal gain. Credibility zero.
33
Ted.....you should be running against Justin, the Canadian Prime Minister with your conservative ideas.
6
"The U.S. has always considered Israel an ally because it is the only democracy in the Middle East."
Huh?
If you're a Palestinian who's been born, raised and lived all of his life in the West Bank, you can be arrested and thrown in jail just for driving on an "Israelis only" road running through your land. That road will have been built with taxpayer dollars -- possibly including some paid by your own relatives in Israel, and certainly including US taxpayers.
THAT "democracy?"
I can think of three reasons to spend US taxpayer dollars on Israel (a wealthy country), and none of them is very good.
REASON 1. Israel is the only "democracy" in the Middle East.
Two responses:
A. Not if you're a Palestinian living in the West Bank (see above).
B. If that really mattered to us, we wouldn't be buddies with Saudi Arabia.
REASON 2. Ensuring Israel's security ensures our own security.
Two responses:
A. Just the opposite. By bankrolling Israel, we antagonize every other country in the area, and at least upset most other countries.
B. If Israel is really concerned about "US security," shouldn't Israel at least make room for a US military base?
REASON 3. We feel guilty for putting Israelis in a "homeland" that we'd thought was a "land without people" but turns out to have had many other people already living there.
Response: How long will we continue to flog ourselves for this?
Huh?
If you're a Palestinian who's been born, raised and lived all of his life in the West Bank, you can be arrested and thrown in jail just for driving on an "Israelis only" road running through your land. That road will have been built with taxpayer dollars -- possibly including some paid by your own relatives in Israel, and certainly including US taxpayers.
THAT "democracy?"
I can think of three reasons to spend US taxpayer dollars on Israel (a wealthy country), and none of them is very good.
REASON 1. Israel is the only "democracy" in the Middle East.
Two responses:
A. Not if you're a Palestinian living in the West Bank (see above).
B. If that really mattered to us, we wouldn't be buddies with Saudi Arabia.
REASON 2. Ensuring Israel's security ensures our own security.
Two responses:
A. Just the opposite. By bankrolling Israel, we antagonize every other country in the area, and at least upset most other countries.
B. If Israel is really concerned about "US security," shouldn't Israel at least make room for a US military base?
REASON 3. We feel guilty for putting Israelis in a "homeland" that we'd thought was a "land without people" but turns out to have had many other people already living there.
Response: How long will we continue to flog ourselves for this?
51
"If these statements are true, the entire Middle East, including Israel, is within the reach of the mullahs’ missiles."
If....
If....
22
How much more defense does Iisrael need?
44
War forever! This seems like a permanent slogan of Republicans. Never try to make any peace with anyone. According to Mr. Ryan only in war we will thrive. And all this with unbelievably innocent look of his blue eyes.... Yes, Republicans are the only real patriots of our country! No kidding???
55
We are the United States of America not the United States of Israel. It's time that the U.S. allows Israel to stand on her own.
75
This breathless and paranoid rehashing of AIPAC/Likud talking points is why you lost to the Sleazy Short-fingered Vulgarian. Your views are cynically crafted to appeal to extreme Christian evangelicals and hardcore American Likudniks (which the younger generation of American Jews are mostly disgusted with), and not our country's national interest. George Washington warned about the danger of such "foreign entanglements" in his farewell address. The other 80% of America that has pride in their country and does not want to pledge allegiance to Netanyahu is glad that the village you came from in Texas is reclaiming their idiot.
116
Ted, Ted, Ted. First of all, congratulations on your new gig as opinion piece writer for the New York Times. Is this an effort to further research what "New York values" really are or are you just reaching out to us liberals? Clearly, you are not writing this for your core constituents. Not too many of them read this newspaper. Why read when you have FOX News?
Next, I doubt if you care that much about Israel. Despite some differences with the international community over settlements and boarder lines, Israel has more friends than ever around the world and continues to be strong militarily and economically. Israel has defacto acceptance from many governments (some Islamic) even without formal diplomatic relations. If you really cared, Ted, you would know this. Or you already know it but can't stop pandering. Nobody was buying your campaign and nobody is buying this, either. If you really want to do something for Israel, go campaign against Trump. Any Democratic administration would be a much better friend to the Jewish State.
Next, I doubt if you care that much about Israel. Despite some differences with the international community over settlements and boarder lines, Israel has more friends than ever around the world and continues to be strong militarily and economically. Israel has defacto acceptance from many governments (some Islamic) even without formal diplomatic relations. If you really cared, Ted, you would know this. Or you already know it but can't stop pandering. Nobody was buying your campaign and nobody is buying this, either. If you really want to do something for Israel, go campaign against Trump. Any Democratic administration would be a much better friend to the Jewish State.
26
"Why does The Times print such drivel?"
To its credit, the Times publishes third-party opinions it agrees with and those it doesn't agree with.
Which do you think this is?
To its credit, the Times publishes third-party opinions it agrees with and those it doesn't agree with.
Which do you think this is?
16
Why the newspaper continues to write about people like Ted Cruz and
even give them editorial space is beyond me. There is so much to write about and sell papers…..where is the imagination of the newspaper? Can't
the newspaper think of anything else to write about?
even give them editorial space is beyond me. There is so much to write about and sell papers…..where is the imagination of the newspaper? Can't
the newspaper think of anything else to write about?
32
Wait - let me get this straight. Cruz says the, "permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany concluded the deal with Iran ..."
You mean, it wasn't just the US? This wasn't just a harebrained scheme cooked up by Obama, alone, in the dead of night? You mean this deal is the best judgement of everyone from allies like France and the UK, to perceived antagonists, like Russia and China? I wonder why they, too, thought it might be a good idea to make Ira rollback its nuclear program...
I wish that, when the Repubs try to get mileage out of this perceived US giveaway, the Dems or TV interviewers would call them out for the reality of this international plan.
You mean, it wasn't just the US? This wasn't just a harebrained scheme cooked up by Obama, alone, in the dead of night? You mean this deal is the best judgement of everyone from allies like France and the UK, to perceived antagonists, like Russia and China? I wonder why they, too, thought it might be a good idea to make Ira rollback its nuclear program...
I wish that, when the Repubs try to get mileage out of this perceived US giveaway, the Dems or TV interviewers would call them out for the reality of this international plan.
64
I just wish Ted Cruz would take the hint and GO AWAY. He was handily beaten, a good declaration by Americans to go off into the sunset like others before him. No one likes to listen to Cruz more than he likes to listen to himself. Go back to Texas and practice law, where you belong.
20
I will never forget PM Netanyahu addressing the joint session of Congress, with Sen Cruz and Elie Wiesel sitting together in the gallery. (Wiesel, who endorsed Pat Robertson for President back in `88.) Netanyahu had beaten the drum for a preemptive Iraq war back in `02. The rejoinder is obvious. If Iran breaks the treaty, the hawks can get their war. Absent that, what for?
18
The historic absolute support of the US government for Likud and Netanyahu has been a disaster for Israel and the long standing relationship with the US. That relationship is increasingly less bi-partisan as a result. The US has behaved as Israel's lawyer where the plaintiffs are younger Jews, most of the EU, a strong element of the Democratic base and the UN. Close examination of this "special relationship" is in order and not additional lawyerly moves that will alienate much of the rest of the world.
14
Dear native-born Canadian Rafael Eduardo Cruz,
Don't bother running for POTUS in 2020 or 2024 or 2028, or however many times you're planning to waste other people's time and money. You'll never get there. We can SEE you, and what we see ain't pretty.
The NY Post had it right when it ran the headline: "Drop Dead Ted!"
By the way, how's Heidi recovering from your coldcocking her in the face the night you dropped out?
Don't bother running for POTUS in 2020 or 2024 or 2028, or however many times you're planning to waste other people's time and money. You'll never get there. We can SEE you, and what we see ain't pretty.
The NY Post had it right when it ran the headline: "Drop Dead Ted!"
By the way, how's Heidi recovering from your coldcocking her in the face the night you dropped out?
23
Thank you Mr. Irrelevant.
29
Haven't Americans recently made clear how much they care about Rafael's opinion?
26
Cruz should be aware that the US and Israel cannot be on the same footing and be called as allies. Actually he is pandering to the Israelis because of the financial clout the Jews hold in the US where they can dole out election funds to the likes of Ted Cruz. Israel is in the same boat as Pakistan and Egypt who get billions in US aid at the expense of the US taxpayers. So there is no need to call Israel as allies. They are all there for the free ride.
Cruz should also remember that Iran had been humiliated in the past when the US helped overthrow a duly elected government of Mossadeq and propped up the tyrannical Shah all for a few barrels of oil. The US has never apologized for this blunder and so Iran will never forget or forgive the US.
Iran has to test the ballistic missiles not primarily to erase Israel, but because its nemesis Saudi Arabia is not prepared to share its prosperity with Iran.
Cruz should also remember that Iran had been humiliated in the past when the US helped overthrow a duly elected government of Mossadeq and propped up the tyrannical Shah all for a few barrels of oil. The US has never apologized for this blunder and so Iran will never forget or forgive the US.
Iran has to test the ballistic missiles not primarily to erase Israel, but because its nemesis Saudi Arabia is not prepared to share its prosperity with Iran.
22
Ted Cruz is a poisonous warmonger who doesn't merit op-Ed space. Shame on the Times for promoting these sick, false views while shutting out the many knowledgeable, sane people with views on the issue. Israel is the one who has assassinated Iran's nuclear energy scientists (which is terrorism) and threatens to bomb Iran's civilian nuclear energy facilities. Who is threatening who with far more force?
34
"Why does this man still act as if he is running for president? Can he please go back to his day job of representing his constituents." This was my initial naive thought.
Silly me, he IS representing the people that he personally cares about: the defense contractors who make David's sling (cue John Oliver joke fiesta).
FYI, the real "David" in this context is Iran. They are entirely justified in needing a deterrent against the unimaginable goliath that is the US and Israeli military arsenal.
Silly me, he IS representing the people that he personally cares about: the defense contractors who make David's sling (cue John Oliver joke fiesta).
FYI, the real "David" in this context is Iran. They are entirely justified in needing a deterrent against the unimaginable goliath that is the US and Israeli military arsenal.
33
Wake up, Senator Cruz. Israel has threatened to attack Iran for years and has begged the United States to "do it for them." Israel has an estimated 200+ nuclear weapons. Iran has none thanks to the Iran nuclear deal. Does it not make sense being in that situation Iran has to take steps to defend itself or deter an attack? Or are you blind to the facts? This world does not need war-mongers like Cruz. Get him out of Washington and send him back to Texas where he belongs.
50
As it is Friday the Thirteenth, I am disappointed that The Times didn't warn its readers of the hazards of clicking on an op-ed by Ted Cruz.
I believe such warnings used to be standard practice a few years back: if you click on an article by Ted Cruz on Friday the Thirteenth, a virus of gloom and doom will permeate your soul and your performance will be limited to grandstanding and obstructionism.
I believe such warnings used to be standard practice a few years back: if you click on an article by Ted Cruz on Friday the Thirteenth, a virus of gloom and doom will permeate your soul and your performance will be limited to grandstanding and obstructionism.
39
But Iran wants nuclear free middle east. Israel -- with all its secret nuclear weapons -- does not.
34
Let go of your father's anger, Sen. Cruz. Your gifts could be put to better use.
1
What the Ayatollahs of Iran desire most is the re-establishment of the Caliphate - under Shi'ite rule. Iran is the spiritual home of Shi'a Islam and four of the five Grand Ayatollahs live there. Fanatical religious fundamentalists they might be, but they are NOT stupid. They know that Israel has a major nuclear strike force and, should Iran send a lowly one or two missiles toward Israel, a hundred will be on the way to Iran before their missiles can reach Israel. Their goals will never be met if Israel's retaliation turns the entire country of Iran into radioactive sand.
On the other hand, both politicians in the United States and Israel have continued to make bellicose calls for invading Iran and overthrowing its political and religious leaders. After 9/11, George W. Busy labeled Iraq, Iran, and North Korea the "Axis of Evil." An unprovoked invasion of Iraq, which had no WMDs, soon followed, overthrowing and executing Saddam Hussein (former Reagan ally and CIA asset). North Korea, which does have nuclear deterrence was not invaded. The message was not lost on the Iranian leadership. Nuclear weapons are not just a first-strike weapon, but also the only deterrent against an unprovoked regime-changing invasion by the world's only super power.
Almost every day I hear Republicans call for nuking, or at least invading, Iran and think there is no better way to force the Iranians to develop a nuclear deterrent out of existential fear of becoming the next Iraq.
On the other hand, both politicians in the United States and Israel have continued to make bellicose calls for invading Iran and overthrowing its political and religious leaders. After 9/11, George W. Busy labeled Iraq, Iran, and North Korea the "Axis of Evil." An unprovoked invasion of Iraq, which had no WMDs, soon followed, overthrowing and executing Saddam Hussein (former Reagan ally and CIA asset). North Korea, which does have nuclear deterrence was not invaded. The message was not lost on the Iranian leadership. Nuclear weapons are not just a first-strike weapon, but also the only deterrent against an unprovoked regime-changing invasion by the world's only super power.
Almost every day I hear Republicans call for nuking, or at least invading, Iran and think there is no better way to force the Iranians to develop a nuclear deterrent out of existential fear of becoming the next Iraq.
5
Just when I thought Mr. Nasty had left the building..........he creeps back in.
16
apparently some mullahs have greater inherent value than other mullahs. i wonder if God knows what Ted knows.
5
The headline on this should read, "Desperate ex-candidate and soon to be ex-Senator Ted Cruz Saber Rattles and Panders to Jewish Voter".
We give Israel Billions to protect themselves, and they have the ability to destroy any Iranian weapons.
Reacting to taunts is a school yard game and I'm guessing Ted was taunted a lot.
We give Israel Billions to protect themselves, and they have the ability to destroy any Iranian weapons.
Reacting to taunts is a school yard game and I'm guessing Ted was taunted a lot.
13
Dear Mr. Cruz
Please note the following link that the Obama Administration has just granted Israel the biggest military aid package the world has ever seen. But by your pandering standards, it's probably not enough, it is?
https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/why-obamas-military-ai...
Sincerely
Mike Walter
Please note the following link that the Obama Administration has just granted Israel the biggest military aid package the world has ever seen. But by your pandering standards, it's probably not enough, it is?
https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/why-obamas-military-ai...
Sincerely
Mike Walter
22
Israel has spies to ascertain our latest defense secrets. On top of the #3 billion we admit giving them, I'll bet we also use them for testing the advanced weaponry on unsuspecting Palestinians., Who needs Bikini Atoll when we have Gaza and the West Bank?
5
Iran can beat its war drums all it wants, but it knows that if it tried to attack either Israel or the US with nuclear weapons, both of those countries would retaliate in a heartbeat--and wipe Iran off the map.
I support Israel, Senator, but I really don't see the logic in the argument that "only" giving Israel a few billion dollars a year is too little.
I support Israel, Senator, but I really don't see the logic in the argument that "only" giving Israel a few billion dollars a year is too little.
16
This may be the single most disingenuous op-ed piece I've ever read. This guy really is Lyin' Ted. The largest military aid package to Israel ever is "stuck" ONLY because Netanyahu and presumedly other in the Israel government are saying "That's not good enough for us. We're pigs so we DEMAND even more or we won't accept your aid." I say they accept our gift or get nothing. The money would likely be better spent here at home in the U.S. on something useful. Hey, maybe we could find a way to spend it on reversing Citizens United.
33
Good lord, I thought we just got rid of this satanic fool. He's back already?
35
Unfortunately for Ted Cruz (but fortunately for the nation), the average readership of the New York Times is far better informed on foreign policy than he is. Before he whips up further hysteria, it would behoove him to study the opinions of several past Israeli intelligence chiefs who concur that Iran is a far more rational actor than many in the current right-wing Israeli administration. Other than a debilitating war that Iran fought against Saddam Hussein's Iraq to defend itself, can he name one country Iran invaded in the last 100 years? Any vestige of anti-Western sentiment in Iran today is mostly among a diminishing segment associated with memories of post 1953 events.
Mr. Cruz, suffice to say your demagoguery is indistinguishable from those of the current mullahs in Iran.
Mr. Cruz, suffice to say your demagoguery is indistinguishable from those of the current mullahs in Iran.
31
"...to make sure that President Obama’s failure to sufficiently fund Israel’s missile defense programs in his latest budget request is reversed. "
How about Israel include money in THEIR budget to fund THEIR defense program.
How about Israel include money in THEIR budget to fund THEIR defense program.
27
So the NYTimes has fulfilled its goal of letting readers her from both the enlightened and the Crooze. I suspect that even the Iranians realize that firing a missile at Israel would be the end of Iran.
7
Odd, Mr. Cruz does not mention the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, that killed 34 US servicemen.
Tom Franzson. Brevard NC
Tom Franzson. Brevard NC
28
Ted, aren't you concerned that by appearing in this venue you might be infected with "New York values," as you so memorably phrased it? Better watch out -- they could sap your shutting-things-down energy.
13
This is standard 'stupid Cruz'. Anyone with an IQ over 90 knows that evry single person in the Middle East knows about Israel's nuclear arsenal and hair-trigger mega-tit-for-tat defense philosophy. Each person thus informed also knows the highly refined state of Iran -- never making war with anyone in the past several centuries -- has no interest in self-destruction.
This op-ed is symptomatic of why no evolved nation would want Ted Cruz in a position of authority. It's not clear why the NYT publishes him.
This op-ed is symptomatic of why no evolved nation would want Ted Cruz in a position of authority. It's not clear why the NYT publishes him.
36
instead of David's Sling, can they call it Gabriel's Horn?
2
Mr Cruz has still not given up on is Presidential aspirations for this year. In that case the Times should not give him a platform to advertise his love for Israel and/or this country.
9
I see the Senator's still braying the same old set of lies, half-truths and distortions: the agreement that kept Iran from developing nukes is traitorous, all them missiles is something brand new, only the far right view in Israel matters, the President hates Israel and hasn't lifted a finger to help them.
Sure, right (and I do mean right), Senator. At least you didn't thump the Bible as hard as you did when you sucked up to the preacher whose "moderate," view was that gay people should be granted an opportunity to reflect and repent before being hanged.
Oh, well. At least this silly bleat of an editorial reminds us that the tale of Cruz' brilliance is greatly exaggerated, and why it is that he just got most egregiously whupped.
Sure, right (and I do mean right), Senator. At least you didn't thump the Bible as hard as you did when you sucked up to the preacher whose "moderate," view was that gay people should be granted an opportunity to reflect and repent before being hanged.
Oh, well. At least this silly bleat of an editorial reminds us that the tale of Cruz' brilliance is greatly exaggerated, and why it is that he just got most egregiously whupped.
23
Why do Iranians hate Israelis? Are they angry that European Jews sought refuge among Arabs in Palestine during WW II? What do Iranians think of Syrian refugees seeking refuge in the West?
3
WHY does the NYTimes give this kind of nonsense space?????
27
I can only imagine that the military industrial complex has you beholden to
them........
And....I would hope that a discovery of this probability would be fact checked
by at least ONE responsible NYT reporter....
Ed Morrow would do this......and this is to keep you honest...Editors of NYT.
them........
And....I would hope that a discovery of this probability would be fact checked
by at least ONE responsible NYT reporter....
Ed Morrow would do this......and this is to keep you honest...Editors of NYT.
13
This writer, an unfortunately many others like him in the senate and government, has zero credibility. He is a disturbed person who's relentless self promotion and narcissism, sociopathic apocalyptic strain of Christianity and inherent disingenuousness points to a self gone terribly wrong in its formation. While we are all works in progress, ppl such as Cruz and his psychological corollaries in Muslim and in Israeli society, pose a lethal danger to the world.
21
What a joke: Ted Cruz, green behind the ears, writing about foreign policy and Iran, a guy in his 40s who is an uninformed ideologue. What a waste of space. Ted, do you know how many nuclear weapons Israel has? Now that you have a lot of time on your hand, why don't read some books on the Middle East rather than just the Bible?
15
Over 40 years ago, I heard: "I'm going to Israel to help them make the bomb." This came from a brilliant nuclear physicist with whom I worked. It's real - Israel has a massive arsena of nuclear weapons.
8
Thanks God , Ted Cruz is not a presidential candidate. Ted Cruz should know that Israel is capable to fight Iran and other Middle East countries together . Israel is very strong in defense and has nuclear arms. America contributes more than our tax dollars in amount more than 3 billion and much of which is used to buy war materials from us. Ted Cruz has no friend in senate or in politics. May be he can go to Israel and join Israeli Defense department or Israeli lobby firm in Washington DC. Ted loves and more concerned for Israel than Netanyahu.
12
I think the revolution and holding Americans hostage had more to do with America's support of the Shah and his secret police, after we overthrew the democratically elected Mossadegh.
Ted Cruz isn't stupid. He knows this. So why doesn't he hold America to blame for bringing the extremists to power through our horrific foreign policies of the time?
And yes, I do actually support giving Israel money and technical assistance in building anti-missile defense systems. We can do both! We can talk with and make peace with Iran and also support Israel. This is a thing.
Ted Cruz isn't stupid. He knows this. So why doesn't he hold America to blame for bringing the extremists to power through our horrific foreign policies of the time?
And yes, I do actually support giving Israel money and technical assistance in building anti-missile defense systems. We can do both! We can talk with and make peace with Iran and also support Israel. This is a thing.
2
Mrs. Clinton in the White House, Sen. Cruz in the Senate, Mr. Ryan in the Congress and President Obama on the golf course seems to me like a workable arrangement for
Israel.
Barring a catastrophe like Trump, Israel may be -- I pray will be -- on the verge of better times.
Israel.
Barring a catastrophe like Trump, Israel may be -- I pray will be -- on the verge of better times.
8
What part of "Don't let the door hit you on the way out" did Ted Cruz not understand when he suspended his campaign?
The US is not standing idly while Israel is threatened. Israel is the largest recipient of US aid. Israel has nuclear weapons. Israel has often demonstrated, for better or worse, the capabilities of its military services. We're not talking about a country cowering in the corner.
Take the warmongering, Ted, and head back to Texas. Maybe you can lead the creeping secessionist movement, as you do creepy so well.
The US is not standing idly while Israel is threatened. Israel is the largest recipient of US aid. Israel has nuclear weapons. Israel has often demonstrated, for better or worse, the capabilities of its military services. We're not talking about a country cowering in the corner.
Take the warmongering, Ted, and head back to Texas. Maybe you can lead the creeping secessionist movement, as you do creepy so well.
23
The Mullahs are right not to recognize "the Zionist entity". Israel is an apartheid state, and should be treated as South Africa was by the whole international community. Unlike the imperialist United States, Iran is a peaceful country, having attacked no other country in several hundred years. Cruz and all its other supporters in Congress don't really care about Israel; it is nothing but a pretext for invading countries in the Middle East and grabbing their oil. When will Americans rise up and overthrow the imperialists who have taken over their country? Could this be the year?
12
Hey Ted! Guess what? The NY Times is part of the 'mainstream media' that you and your Republican cronies have lambasted in your speeches.
I find it hilarious that now that you have lost the primary race, been made irrelevant by your inability to beat a reality show host, you feel the need to crawl to a legitimate publication that you belittled and attempt to use it to prop up your credibility.
Go back to Texas. Perhaps they have not tired of you yet. We have.
I find it hilarious that now that you have lost the primary race, been made irrelevant by your inability to beat a reality show host, you feel the need to crawl to a legitimate publication that you belittled and attempt to use it to prop up your credibility.
Go back to Texas. Perhaps they have not tired of you yet. We have.
26
The NYTimes' decision to be a platform to shore up Sen. Cruz's pro-Israeli bona fides before the Republican tent pops up in Cleveland is bizarre to me. If Rubio or Kasich would also like some column inches on these matters, by all means, please do.
14
Cruz is a right wing "Christian" not to be trusted. His real aim is a holy war against Iran & Islam in general. He wants that so much he can taste it.
21
Ted, Israel is your ally. She does nothing for the most of us despite the tax money that the US government gives to her. I feel sympathy for the peaceful, non-theocrats in that wretched region, but is it worth the sacrifice of AMERICAN lives? Why don't you offer yourself up as cannon fodder?
24
We need to keep things in context, and understand that Cruz and most other fundamentalist Christians don't really care about Israel one way or the other except for this:
The biblical Book Of Revelations is VERY clear that the Jews must be in charge of Israel at Armageddon when the end times come, otherwise Jesus will not return. All this professed love and defense of Israel by Senators and Congressmen is based strictly on that, not some love of that country or its people. With a few exceptions, most federal politicians don't even know any Jews aside from the occasional very wealthy one on Wall Street that contributes to them.
Rarely mentioned by these followers of Christ is the back end of that Armageddon scenario, where Jesus, after arising, gives the Israeli Jews the opportunity to convert to Christianity, and those who refuse are slaughtered and sent to hell. It's the Inquisition, Part Two.
The biblical Book Of Revelations is VERY clear that the Jews must be in charge of Israel at Armageddon when the end times come, otherwise Jesus will not return. All this professed love and defense of Israel by Senators and Congressmen is based strictly on that, not some love of that country or its people. With a few exceptions, most federal politicians don't even know any Jews aside from the occasional very wealthy one on Wall Street that contributes to them.
Rarely mentioned by these followers of Christ is the back end of that Armageddon scenario, where Jesus, after arising, gives the Israeli Jews the opportunity to convert to Christianity, and those who refuse are slaughtered and sent to hell. It's the Inquisition, Part Two.
9
I think the real solution, Ted, is to just carpet bomb Tehran and blow their missile facilities to smithereens. If it would work for ISIS, why not Iran? The only good enemy is a dead enemy. Between the U.S. and Israel we could take care of them in a day or two. Come back and save us, Ted. Then on to Moscow. Remember, only cowards negotiate. You gotta stand on your principles even if they are a smoldering pile of ashes.
5
Mr. Cruz, a christian fundamentalist is looking forward to WWIII which, according to his ilk means the return of the Messiah to an all christian world. He also approves the brutality of the Israelis against the Palestinians. He is an evil person.
19
Ted Cruz needs to go away and do his penance for his disgusting campaign. Just let us be free of this man's raving and posturing. He is just an egotistical extremist who has nothing to offer to either Israel or the United States.
14
Senator, when you are working with Congress to find the money to pay military contractors for arming Israel, could you find the money to arm us Americans against the zika virus? There are those of us who believe that the zika virus is a greater threat than Iran.
14
Why can't we just "stand by"? We already "own" most of the wars going on in the world now.......a few more wouldn't hurt. And we DO have lots of war experience.....might as well get on with it.
1
Attacking Israel would be a fatal error on the part of the Iranians.
3
The Mullahs know full well that any major rocket attack on Israel would result in the nuclear, and therefore permanent, eradication of the Farsi civilization.
Mr. Cruz, you are no longer running for President (at least not for this election). To paraphrase the immortal words of the King of Spain to Hugo Chavez 'you have missed a wonderful opportunity to shut up'. Your hysterical rant ("searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads"... after we incompetently invaded the territorial waters of a hostile nation) does not impress anybody, except perhaps the small minority of American Jews for whom Israel can never be secure.
Dan Kravitz
Mr. Cruz, you are no longer running for President (at least not for this election). To paraphrase the immortal words of the King of Spain to Hugo Chavez 'you have missed a wonderful opportunity to shut up'. Your hysterical rant ("searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads"... after we incompetently invaded the territorial waters of a hostile nation) does not impress anybody, except perhaps the small minority of American Jews for whom Israel can never be secure.
Dan Kravitz
13
Thanks for your support of Israel, Mr Cruz, but the realities may be a bit different. Iran has to think of the day after, when, in all likelihood there will be just a smoldering, radioactive mess where Iran once was on the map. That's a strong deterrent.
6
Mr. Cruz,
Please go home and quit polluting our public realm with your spewed hatred and venom. Now that you've been told to take a hike by the voters, please leave public service (that you obviously disdain so much) and make a life independent of the governmental gravy train. Do you think you could manage that, pretty please? And by the way, you do look an awful lot like Sen. Joe McCarthy (sound a lot like him too). Buhbye!
Please go home and quit polluting our public realm with your spewed hatred and venom. Now that you've been told to take a hike by the voters, please leave public service (that you obviously disdain so much) and make a life independent of the governmental gravy train. Do you think you could manage that, pretty please? And by the way, you do look an awful lot like Sen. Joe McCarthy (sound a lot like him too). Buhbye!
23
While working with your colleagues, an activity at which you've had practically zero success, how about an up-or-down vote on Judge Garland's Supreme Court appointment?
27
Just after his humiliating showing in the primaries is not the time to give him this kind of platform to express his wacko propaganda.
17
Thanks Rafael for your always insightful thoughts. But you know what? We really don't give a hoot what's on your mind. Green eggs and ham, the Mullahs, how to clean a carpet once it's been bombed? No, we really can't be bothered.
We do how smart you are. You can't seem to stop telling us. Which begs the question: How can someone so well educated be so narrow in his beliefs? How can you believe the things you do? Does it say something about Ivy League institutions to produce someone like yourself who is so close-minded about the world around you? Or is it just you? A riddle wrapped in enigma surrounded in mystery, like the old Soviet Union? What gives, Rafael? What makes you so sour about life? What makes you loath so many thing and strike fear into little kids with your apocalyptic visions of hell on earth? What's up with that?
DD
Manhattan
We do how smart you are. You can't seem to stop telling us. Which begs the question: How can someone so well educated be so narrow in his beliefs? How can you believe the things you do? Does it say something about Ivy League institutions to produce someone like yourself who is so close-minded about the world around you? Or is it just you? A riddle wrapped in enigma surrounded in mystery, like the old Soviet Union? What gives, Rafael? What makes you so sour about life? What makes you loath so many thing and strike fear into little kids with your apocalyptic visions of hell on earth? What's up with that?
DD
Manhattan
21
The solution is simple Ted, Iran should "un-sign" the NPT so they can do what they want and just neither confirm or deny a nuke program, not be open for inspections (like the US & Israel), and then buy all the military hardware they want from US weapons manufacturers.
8
America has no allies in the Middle East, only false friends who are trying to use us to serve their own interests. And yes, that very much includes Israel.
22
Sen. Cruz and the arms dealers would be happy for Americans to fight a war with Iran on Israel's behalf. After all, it worked so well in Iraq.
23
Israel is tough enough to defend itself, and shouldn't be a U.S charity case forever. U.S. support with no strings attached emboldens Israel to continue aggravating the situation by expanding West Bank settlements. It's time for some tough love -- making U.S aid conditional on an Israeli pullback from the occupied territories.
25
Given the many lies by Cruz documented by the Times--from Ben Carson stepping out of the race to many, many others--he should not be given the megaphone of a Times platform.
20
We constantly accuse Iran and other nations in the region of threatening Israel, yet we feel to acknowledge the threat Israel poses to the region. The ongoing occupation of Palestine is a series of crimes against humanity. Israel's military aggressiveness is the reason many countries feel they need to arm themselves. Hezbullah and Hamas, whatever you think of them, are an outgrowth of the brutal Israeli occupations of Palestine and Lebanon.
14
So, Ted, why are you still around, trying to prove that you are relevant? You continue being the obtuse, arrogant and wholly uninformed person you have always been. Perhaps you should learn about why Iran might feel threatened, might feel the need to develop weapons with which to defend itself from a country that has multiple military bases on its borders and that has meddled in its affairs for generations. Do you remember Mohammed Mossadegh? If not, it would do you well to study some history.
18
Very little of what Israel's ultra-right wing government does is ethical, moral or even aligns with American interests. Ted Cruz and his ultra-right wing ideology would only amplify the dangers of Israel. Even Donald Trump is not as dangerous and Ted Cruz.
13
The Middle East death match of the moment (because there is always one) is Saudi Arabia/ISIS vs. Iran. Israel is a side show. What is our dog in that fight?
This is really about trying to force President Obama to heel to Netanyahu, despite our own legitimate concerns regarding Israel's imperialism and apartheid toward the West Bank and Palestinian-Israeli population. What are acceptable terms for US money spent on state-supported religious racism?
Israel is a friendly state to us. But their abominable Palestinian policies are actually legitimizing and enhancing pan-Arab (and increasingly US citizenry) condemnation and hostility.
The entire Middle East is rife with lethal tribalism. We can't solve the underlying problems because every one of the players has zero interest in a negotiated settlement. It's all a human rights catastrophe. And playing on this field with anyone makes our own citizens more vulnerable. How does it help US interests in any way if we substitute Hezbollah terrorism for Wahabbist terrorism?
It's only worth flexing our muscles if this is a fight we want to fight to the bitter end. Because beyond disengagement, that is the only other way to extricate ourselves from this.
This is really about trying to force President Obama to heel to Netanyahu, despite our own legitimate concerns regarding Israel's imperialism and apartheid toward the West Bank and Palestinian-Israeli population. What are acceptable terms for US money spent on state-supported religious racism?
Israel is a friendly state to us. But their abominable Palestinian policies are actually legitimizing and enhancing pan-Arab (and increasingly US citizenry) condemnation and hostility.
The entire Middle East is rife with lethal tribalism. We can't solve the underlying problems because every one of the players has zero interest in a negotiated settlement. It's all a human rights catastrophe. And playing on this field with anyone makes our own citizens more vulnerable. How does it help US interests in any way if we substitute Hezbollah terrorism for Wahabbist terrorism?
It's only worth flexing our muscles if this is a fight we want to fight to the bitter end. Because beyond disengagement, that is the only other way to extricate ourselves from this.
10
After some research over a period of time, I have come to believe that the Arab- Israeli conflict is the result of Arab intrangisence and their all-or nothing mentality, backed by their idea that the region should be an exclusively Muslim area free from "Infidels". Their worldview, backed by religion, is not likely to change- therefore we must back our Israeli allies as best we can, since by backing them we back our own values of tolerance, access, religious freedom etc.
4
"...President Obama’s failure to sufficiently fund Israel’s missile defense programs in his latest budget request is reversed"
Wow, I was under the impression that Israel was another country. Silly me.
If he believes this editorial content, why doesn't he openly advocate a declaration of war? that's the implication. but he won't. It's just all posturing
Wow, I was under the impression that Israel was another country. Silly me.
If he believes this editorial content, why doesn't he openly advocate a declaration of war? that's the implication. but he won't. It's just all posturing
8
OMG! The deranged comments here are so much more scary than Ted Cruz . . . We are doomed and that Trump will win the election. What's wrong with you people?
6
You, again, Ted? Haven't you done enough to this country by serving up the donald? Try that whole senator gig for a while.
10
If Israel is our "ally", I'd like to know by what definition?
There is only one world leader more acerbic and hawkish than Netanyahu, and that's Kim Jong-Un.
For the billions we give Israel, what we get in return is a big target painted on our backs, and an endless stream of insults directed at our President.
Shouldn't it be Israel that should be paying us? And considering the cost of our "friendship", they should be paying us billions and billions and billions of dollars.
There is only one world leader more acerbic and hawkish than Netanyahu, and that's Kim Jong-Un.
For the billions we give Israel, what we get in return is a big target painted on our backs, and an endless stream of insults directed at our President.
Shouldn't it be Israel that should be paying us? And considering the cost of our "friendship", they should be paying us billions and billions and billions of dollars.
16
This is exactly the sort of condescending, self-serving gas that gives the lamestream media a bad name. Shame on you, Senator! Shame!
9
Ted: I, too, find Iran’s rhetoric (“Israel should be erased from the map”) alarming and inflammatory, though not much different from some of your statements (“carpet-bomb ISIS into oblivion” to see if “sand can glow in the dark”). I assume that they, like you, say those kinds of things in order to pander to nationalists and sow fear. I have trouble believing they—or America—would ever follow through.
But I take your point. When a country makes provocative statements, it makes people in other countries think harder about building up their militaries, or perhaps striking preemptively. Words, indeed, have consequences.
But I take your point. When a country makes provocative statements, it makes people in other countries think harder about building up their militaries, or perhaps striking preemptively. Words, indeed, have consequences.
6
Translation: Netanyahu owns Cruz and the American right wing. Why?
While nobody should be pleased to see Iran with either long-range missiles or developing nuclear capability, the fact of the matter is that there is no credible threat to the US, other than the potential for "technology diffusion."
If iran does not have a weaponized nuclear capability, the rockets are mostly for show. If Iran does get that nuclear capability, then it still faces an Israel that has nuclear weapons, and as far as threatening the US it would be on par with north Korea or Pakistan for a long time.
Chickenhawks like Cruz are just shilling for money for Netanyahu.
While nobody should be pleased to see Iran with either long-range missiles or developing nuclear capability, the fact of the matter is that there is no credible threat to the US, other than the potential for "technology diffusion."
If iran does not have a weaponized nuclear capability, the rockets are mostly for show. If Iran does get that nuclear capability, then it still faces an Israel that has nuclear weapons, and as far as threatening the US it would be on par with north Korea or Pakistan for a long time.
Chickenhawks like Cruz are just shilling for money for Netanyahu.
15
NYT's downhill momentum is now so noticeable! Heart cries out for balanced newspaper like the erstwhile Christian Science Monitor!
3
“I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues this week and in coming months” Note to Teddy: your congressional colleagues don’t want to work with you. They can’t stand you. You are a defeated little candidate who is looking to reclaim some form of relevance, politically. Go home and lick your wounds – you are done Ted Cruz.
18
That the NYT should headline Cruz' mental disabilities is bad enough, but that the semi-comic level of the Netanyahu handout should be treated by you as serious news is disgraceful. No serious nation sitting next to an atomic threat such as Israel or North Korea should be ostracized for wanting to defend itself. If your heroine Hillary is anti-Iran that's understandable, she is for regime change wars. I thought, however that the NYT was better than that.
9
I was hoping Ted was gone for good and I certainly didn't expect him to turn up on the editorial pages of the NY Times. Please let this loser go back to Texas and not bother us again. Ted talking about the dangers of religious hardliners is ironic at best.
28
Dear Rafael,
1) How about giving some time and money on everyday Americans without jobs, without adequate healthcare and soaring education debts? We are already providing a generous amount of money to Israel as a part of yearly financial package. You want to repeal PPACA and cause further misery, not to mention that you have created a Texas death panel by not expanding Medicaid in Texas.
2) More American citizens have been murdered by Saudi Wahabi fundamentalists compared to Ayatollah regime. You fail to mention this in the article. Wahabi fundamentalists have been a greater threat to us for past fifty years.
3) Iran has intelligent engineers and lot of open minded moderate citizens. We have to get their support and get them on our favor. Iran and Israel are the only few countries which are a democracy, rest are all dictatorial regimes. You have to negotiate with Iran and make it a win-win deal. If your party senators like Boy Tom Cotton keep writing threatening letters to Iran outside their authority, we will fail to make any effective deals with other countries.
1) How about giving some time and money on everyday Americans without jobs, without adequate healthcare and soaring education debts? We are already providing a generous amount of money to Israel as a part of yearly financial package. You want to repeal PPACA and cause further misery, not to mention that you have created a Texas death panel by not expanding Medicaid in Texas.
2) More American citizens have been murdered by Saudi Wahabi fundamentalists compared to Ayatollah regime. You fail to mention this in the article. Wahabi fundamentalists have been a greater threat to us for past fifty years.
3) Iran has intelligent engineers and lot of open minded moderate citizens. We have to get their support and get them on our favor. Iran and Israel are the only few countries which are a democracy, rest are all dictatorial regimes. You have to negotiate with Iran and make it a win-win deal. If your party senators like Boy Tom Cotton keep writing threatening letters to Iran outside their authority, we will fail to make any effective deals with other countries.
15
Maybe they've heard sanctimonious American politicians talking about "carpet bombing" and they're looking to protect themselves with some "Peace Through Strength".
10
cute little bs scare piece reimagining some current events with the allusion of foreign policy experience for a vp ticket beg.
5
After 9/11, the following October Iran helped America invade the part of Afghanistan they adjoin....the Taliban consider Shiites heretics....and what did George Bush do? Include Iran in the "Axes of Evil" speech with North Korea and Iraq the following January.
When did Iran hit the accelerator on it's nuclear program? After the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They noticed that we weren't invading North Korea, which had the bomb and no oil, and we did invade Iraq, which didn't, and does.
Developing a nuclear program was a very sane response to what Iran saw America doing.
Israel has demonstrated that it can work with autocrats. Let's hope the theocrats in Iran eventually recognize this. "The enemy of my enemy" sort of thing. Iran has much more geopolitical importance than does Saudi Arabia.
When did Iran hit the accelerator on it's nuclear program? After the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They noticed that we weren't invading North Korea, which had the bomb and no oil, and we did invade Iraq, which didn't, and does.
Developing a nuclear program was a very sane response to what Iran saw America doing.
Israel has demonstrated that it can work with autocrats. Let's hope the theocrats in Iran eventually recognize this. "The enemy of my enemy" sort of thing. Iran has much more geopolitical importance than does Saudi Arabia.
7
Why are you giving space in this newspaper to Ted Cruz?
14
Q: What would you call, six months from now, 100 million Cruz supporters who vote him into the White House, all dead from a virus transmitted by the "Vote Ted Cruz" button?
A: Impossible, because he has no chance of winning.
A: Impossible, because he has no chance of winning.
3
Mr Cruz, stop pandering to AIPAC - your presidential campaign is over! Concentrate in doing your job for the State of Texas and look after and defend the interests of your local constituency instead of those of foreign countries. didn't you learn a lesson from your failed run against Trump?
21
Yet again a failed person and failed presidential candidate flails at trying to be relevant. No one cares Teddy boy. Israel is providing many more benefits to its citizens than the US does, paid for by the backs of the American taxpayer. Israel likes to be the Nazi with their neighbors and wonders why those same neighbors are hostile. The citizens of Israel are clueless, but the American citizen doesn't have to be.
19
Why on earth would you thrust Cowboy Cruz in our faces so soon after a vast majority of the nation clearly informed His Irrelevance that he should sit down and shut up?
23
Isn't this how he got the moniker "Lyin' Ted"?
21
Iran's official position vis-a-vis the Israeli oppression of the Palestinians is that it will abide by whatever agreement the Israelis make with the Palestinians. This is a more than reasonable position. Therefore, Israel can best insure its security by ending its decades long oppression of the Palestinian people and and extending to Palestinians the human and equal rights Israel has denied them for going on 69 years this month.
To further peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, the US should put pressure on Israel, including withholding all aid and diplomatic cover that the US has wrongfully been providing.
As for Iran's testing of a ballistic missile, the United States is armed to the teeth with ballistic missiles, armed with nuclear weapons no less. Therefore, the United States has no moral standing to call out Iran on its development of such missiles.
To further peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, the US should put pressure on Israel, including withholding all aid and diplomatic cover that the US has wrongfully been providing.
As for Iran's testing of a ballistic missile, the United States is armed to the teeth with ballistic missiles, armed with nuclear weapons no less. Therefore, the United States has no moral standing to call out Iran on its development of such missiles.
13
Senator Cruz (aka 'The Chosen One) seems to think that he's some sort of
Moses figure. His spouse, Heidi, claimed that his candidacy was like an
effort to free the slaves (Let my voters go!). When speaking to his evangelical admirers, he was always ready to call down the wrath of God whenever he found a problem he wasn't fond off. It was much the same as pulling a biblical rabbit out of his hat. And given his predilection for prophesy,
he may believe that Jesus won't come again until all the Jews recognize
that Jesus was the messiah after all and proclaim that Jesus is their Lord
and Savior...thanks to Cruz himself.
The problem is that Senator Cruz seems to be itching for a End Times fight
when thinking of Iran or the Middle East. And the real danger is not Iran vs.
Israel, but Israel vs. a deluded pious 'friend' who, if given the opportunity,
might be eager to make things happen so that End Times really get rolling
for good. No doubt he believes in former president and equally pious
man of God George W. Bush's policy of preemptive strikes and only God
knows what kind of disaster for the world that would be.
.
Moses figure. His spouse, Heidi, claimed that his candidacy was like an
effort to free the slaves (Let my voters go!). When speaking to his evangelical admirers, he was always ready to call down the wrath of God whenever he found a problem he wasn't fond off. It was much the same as pulling a biblical rabbit out of his hat. And given his predilection for prophesy,
he may believe that Jesus won't come again until all the Jews recognize
that Jesus was the messiah after all and proclaim that Jesus is their Lord
and Savior...thanks to Cruz himself.
The problem is that Senator Cruz seems to be itching for a End Times fight
when thinking of Iran or the Middle East. And the real danger is not Iran vs.
Israel, but Israel vs. a deluded pious 'friend' who, if given the opportunity,
might be eager to make things happen so that End Times really get rolling
for good. No doubt he believes in former president and equally pious
man of God George W. Bush's policy of preemptive strikes and only God
knows what kind of disaster for the world that would be.
.
20
Iran hasn't attacked, bombed, invaded, another nation in over a hundred years; Israel just did it again YESTERDAY!
The Senator from Israel/Canada/Cuba/Texas is almost certainly not as delusional as he must think the rest of us are, he's just the most cynical politician since Machiavelli.
The Senator from Israel/Canada/Cuba/Texas is almost certainly not as delusional as he must think the rest of us are, he's just the most cynical politician since Machiavelli.
23
Ted Cruz wants us to pick a fight and fight a war with Iran for Netanyahu's Israel.
6
Dear Senator Cruz, please look at a map, the jet stream, and prevailing westerlies. If Iran bombs Israeel, it also bombs Jordan and Lebanon and the fallout will come back to it.
6
The whole problem is that every politician is paid off by dollars from Israeli and Jewish lobbies. We would not be a target if we did not juxtapose our fate and identity with that of Israel. We are not Israelis. If we detached somewhat from them we would not have as many enemies. This is a matter of existential threats perceived by Israelis and Jewish people. However, this is not in America's national security interest anymore. This is not to suggest walking away from Israel completely, but to put in real context.
10
Does Senator Cruz seriously doubt that the United States is committed to defending Israel?
Does Senator Cruz seriously doubt that Israel is quite capable of defending itself?
It strikes me that Senator Cruz, having just been consigned to the dustbin of GOP presidential wannabees, just needed to have his name in the paper.
Does Senator Cruz seriously doubt that Israel is quite capable of defending itself?
It strikes me that Senator Cruz, having just been consigned to the dustbin of GOP presidential wannabees, just needed to have his name in the paper.
9
There is no doubt that the positions Iran takes about Israel are worrisome.
But, when Ted Cruz is the advocate for Israel I think automatically of exaggerations, hyper-bloviating sentiment, sensationalism and self-aggrandizing gamesmanship.
I cannot take him seriously.
He is simply the wrong person to be a spokesman for anything serious.
I shall wait until a responsible adult comments about the situation between Israel and Iran.
But, when Ted Cruz is the advocate for Israel I think automatically of exaggerations, hyper-bloviating sentiment, sensationalism and self-aggrandizing gamesmanship.
I cannot take him seriously.
He is simply the wrong person to be a spokesman for anything serious.
I shall wait until a responsible adult comments about the situation between Israel and Iran.
6
I don't agree with the article, but one important point Sen. Cruz missed is that Israel, as a small densely populated country, would suffer particularly high losses from a nuclear attack. Israel's population density is 1,004 people per square mile. By contrast, Iran has 124 people per square mile. 92% of Israel's population live in cities, versus 71% for Iran.
Therefore, if an Israel-Iran nuclear conflict were to erupt, Israel could suffer many more civilian casualties relative to Iran. (I'm assuming that Iran develops nuclear weapons and has a decent plan to evacuate civilians into sheltered mountainous areas).
Overall, geography is a huge bargaining chip for Iran.
Therefore, if an Israel-Iran nuclear conflict were to erupt, Israel could suffer many more civilian casualties relative to Iran. (I'm assuming that Iran develops nuclear weapons and has a decent plan to evacuate civilians into sheltered mountainous areas).
Overall, geography is a huge bargaining chip for Iran.
5
Whatever you think of Cruz he's got it right on this issue. And once Trump gets in office we'll have a POTUS and administration that understands and values a close relationship with the only beacon of hope,light and democracy in an otherwise landscape of Islamic fascism.On a sidenote, in a poll taken last week, over 65% of Israeli arabs said they were proud to be citizens of Israel.They, obviously, in light of what is happening in all the nations around them understand and value what it means to live in a nation where they have equal rights under the law.
5
what in the world has come over you...what in heaven's name are you doing Ted...
EMAPTHY TED!!! you need a good does of empathy as seen from the shoes of those that walk in Iran and the average Israeli. everyone wants peace you knucklehead! except those like you that have a constipated fear based view of world.
Jonathan
EMAPTHY TED!!! you need a good does of empathy as seen from the shoes of those that walk in Iran and the average Israeli. everyone wants peace you knucklehead! except those like you that have a constipated fear based view of world.
Jonathan
13
Cruz reads into this interview what he wants it to say. Nowhere does it call for destroying Israel. It calls for a Palestinian state - as, indeed, many Jews in Israel favor. It also points out - truthfully - that the United States has been working tirelessly to undermine, if not destroy, Iran's civil and religious government ever since our pet poodle, the Shah was tossed out. It is Cruz who translates a desire for a Palestinian state into a desire to destroy Israel. Perhaps Cruz is unfamiliar with the two-state solution first confirmed on November 29, 1947 in the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, Resolution 181. The Jewish population of the area accepted this partition into two states. The Arabic population of the area (and the governments of all surrounding Arab states) rejected a Palestinian homeland unless it included ALL of the land. They have been at war with Israel ever since, as a result of their own bad choice in 1947.
7
All my Israeli friends say that Netanyahu is an idiot yet he is the prime minister. And on our side we have Trump gaining momentum in the elections.
We don't need this column because both our democracies are already sending a message to the entire world with our elections. It is not just the Mullahs who are nervous it is everyone else too. Kennedy famously said "
Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect. But we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in -- to prevent them from leaving us". I am glad the new prime minster in Canada seems sensible otherwise they would have built a wall to prevent us from fleeing north.
We don't need this column because both our democracies are already sending a message to the entire world with our elections. It is not just the Mullahs who are nervous it is everyone else too. Kennedy famously said "
Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect. But we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in -- to prevent them from leaving us". I am glad the new prime minster in Canada seems sensible otherwise they would have built a wall to prevent us from fleeing north.
7
Ted? Hello Ted? You there? It's over Ted. You suspended your campaign. We don't need to hear anymore of your scary stories. Save them for when you're around the campfire on your next hunting trip with the wife and kids.
10
I'm tired of the warmongering, and the saber rattling for the sake of Israel. It's time for them to stand on their own and to wean them from the teat of the USA.
10
I'm sure the Arab Muslim residents of Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, Amman Jordan, Beirut Lebanon, Damascus Syria and many smaller cities well within a 100 mile radius of Israel will have some sway with Tehran when they are ready to wipe Israel off the map. Can you say human shield Ted? Of course you can, because you're special.
4
And as a citizen of the US I should care more about the wants and needs of Israel than I should care about the wants and needs of Americans (see Flint for example) because... Because why, exactly?
I can't come up with a rational answer.
I can't come up with a rational answer.
20
The carpet bomber just doesn't stop. Hey Ted, if you want to spend your tax dollars to fund Israeli defense systems, be my guest. I'd rather mine go elsewhere, or better yet, I'd rather my taxes were lowered altogether.
10
Israel already has similar operational missiles and actually has operational nuclear weapons. If anything, it's Iran which is potentially threatened.
24
Ted Cruz may not be the right messenger, but the US financed 75% of the NATO budget in 2015, spending $585 billion and leftists whine about the $3 billion spent on Israel? Very curious. Something to do with the fact that Israelis are Jews?
If their argument is that that we can spend the money at home for other things, then they should vote for Trump, who intends to slash NATO.
If their argument is that that we can spend the money at home for other things, then they should vote for Trump, who intends to slash NATO.
3
Let's follow the money, shall we?
Raytheon is key supplier of the multi-mission radar systems used by the DSWS (David's Sling Weapons System). As it happens, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) is headquartered in--you guessed it--Texas. In 2010 it had total sales of $4.8 billion (mostly to the US military) and employed 12,000 people.
While there is nothing wrong with supporting a company that does considerable business in one's home state, it would have been welcome if Mr. Cruz added that disclaimer, as it has the potential to skew an unbiased judgement of the need for this system.
Also, how much has Raytheon contributed to Mr. Cruz's campaigns? The silence from the Senator on this matter is not very assuring.
At OpenSecrets, although it doesn't mention individual companies' donations to individual campaigns, it's worth noting that none other than Ted is the TOP recipient of military lobbying money of ANYONE in the Senate, receiving $289,654 in 2015-2016: https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?Ind=D.
Care to elaborate on this relationship, Mr. Senator?
Raytheon is key supplier of the multi-mission radar systems used by the DSWS (David's Sling Weapons System). As it happens, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) is headquartered in--you guessed it--Texas. In 2010 it had total sales of $4.8 billion (mostly to the US military) and employed 12,000 people.
While there is nothing wrong with supporting a company that does considerable business in one's home state, it would have been welcome if Mr. Cruz added that disclaimer, as it has the potential to skew an unbiased judgement of the need for this system.
Also, how much has Raytheon contributed to Mr. Cruz's campaigns? The silence from the Senator on this matter is not very assuring.
At OpenSecrets, although it doesn't mention individual companies' donations to individual campaigns, it's worth noting that none other than Ted is the TOP recipient of military lobbying money of ANYONE in the Senate, receiving $289,654 in 2015-2016: https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?Ind=D.
Care to elaborate on this relationship, Mr. Senator?
64
Let's not be preoccupied with what goes on abroad. Let's just focus what goes on in America now. Please.
19
Since when is Ted Cruz an expert on anything?
42
Now let's see...Mr. Cruz has, I believe, told us that Iranians are liars (thus his opposition to the recent nuclear agreement between us and them) yet he is willing to believe the statement about missile testing from them without question. Relax, Mr. Cruz. MAD works as it did during the entire cold war. Take a chill pill, sit down and mediate for a while - it's good for you.
17
Ah, "The Mullahs." Anyone who has done any research on Iran's political scene would know that the religions authorities of Iran hold diverse opinions (many spending much of Ahmadinejad's term as president under house arrest) and are not a monolithic block. Does Cruz have a limited understanding of Iran or is a more nuanced picture of Iran just inconvenient?
25
Who says a politician is liable for saying the truth? The agenda is what matters.
It's like debate club: get a subject, go on and win, does not matter what the facts are. What about this: Ted, next time, give it a try to an essay about intelligent design. But make sure you make a point that God did a better job than Allah.
It's like debate club: get a subject, go on and win, does not matter what the facts are. What about this: Ted, next time, give it a try to an essay about intelligent design. But make sure you make a point that God did a better job than Allah.
9
"I'm relevant, I'm relevant," screams little Teddy.
"No, no you're not, not go sit quietly in your seat and quit screaming for attention!"
"No, no you're not, not go sit quietly in your seat and quit screaming for attention!"
21
To the NYT Editors
Ted Cruz lost the recent race for the GOP nomination, lost quite badly in fact.
Surely you can find someone relevant to fill the Op Ed pages?
The senator has had more than his 15 minutes of fame.
Stop feeding oxygen to the embers lest he flare up again and regale us with his crass egoism and myopic agenda.
Thank you.
Ted Cruz lost the recent race for the GOP nomination, lost quite badly in fact.
Surely you can find someone relevant to fill the Op Ed pages?
The senator has had more than his 15 minutes of fame.
Stop feeding oxygen to the embers lest he flare up again and regale us with his crass egoism and myopic agenda.
Thank you.
31
In Cruz's world, we never negotiate with our enemies. So our enemies remain our enemies until they magically change their position overnight with no outside intervention.
In that scenario nothing would change for the better, as no intermediate transitional stages are tolerated.
Now lets talk about weapons. The neglected elephant in this room is the possession by Israel of nuclear weapons. When this fact is known it sheds a little light on some of the more bellicose statements of Netanyahu and Israel's more hawkish factions.
Israel has been threatening to 'do something' to Iran if the US does not for years. So the difference between Iran and Israel is that one country is more direct with their statements, the other couches their rhetoric in veiled threats.
Both countries have made threats against the other, and attacks as well.
In that scenario nothing would change for the better, as no intermediate transitional stages are tolerated.
Now lets talk about weapons. The neglected elephant in this room is the possession by Israel of nuclear weapons. When this fact is known it sheds a little light on some of the more bellicose statements of Netanyahu and Israel's more hawkish factions.
Israel has been threatening to 'do something' to Iran if the US does not for years. So the difference between Iran and Israel is that one country is more direct with their statements, the other couches their rhetoric in veiled threats.
Both countries have made threats against the other, and attacks as well.
28
There is something called MAD. In the Senator's nightmare scenario, we simply put out a press release assuring Israel is under the umbrella.
Second, in order to counter this perceived threat, a missile shield was installed earlier and announced yesterday. While the intent to protect Israel is laudable, this deployment in the context of MAD, can only be seen as incredibly aggressive and extraordinarily hostile message to Russia.
Considering how scary all these things are, nothing is helped by bluster and inflammatory rhetoric. We have to be in communication with people who we may have opposed before or find outrageous, insulting, or terrifying, because the consequences of not doing so are way too high.
Second, in order to counter this perceived threat, a missile shield was installed earlier and announced yesterday. While the intent to protect Israel is laudable, this deployment in the context of MAD, can only be seen as incredibly aggressive and extraordinarily hostile message to Russia.
Considering how scary all these things are, nothing is helped by bluster and inflammatory rhetoric. We have to be in communication with people who we may have opposed before or find outrageous, insulting, or terrifying, because the consequences of not doing so are way too high.
4
Once again, a Republican with no family members in the armed services wants to start a war. Show me any time a Cruz has risked anything to keep America safe and we'll talk, but I'm pretty sure those little girls won't be in the ROTC any time soon!
41
Israel is a lousy ally. They fail to take any advice on how they could possibly play better with their hostile neighbors, and then come crying and screaming when the feel threatened.
30
Israel is perfectly capable of taking care of itself, thanks to billions of military aid from the U.S.
It is more likely to start a war than to be subjected to an unprovoked attack.
It is more likely to start a war than to be subjected to an unprovoked attack.
42
Reading this propaganda, which sounds like it was written by Netanyahu, I am doubly appreciative of President Obama, who put his foot down with that manipulator, and was willing to pay political prices for doing so.
64
Mr. Cruz,
I am so thankful that you are not going to be our next President.
I am so thankful that you are not going to be our next President.
64
As much as I don't like Trump, I am so glad this guy didn't get any more t.v. time. He is scary!
52
Well, at least with Ted Cruz we always knew where he stood. The same can't be said about Trump or HRC. You get the feeling with Cruz that he is almost self destructive in his unwillingness to triangulate for the benefit of his audience.
On the issue of Israel he has been consistent from day one. Love him or hate him, I sure would like to see a lot more consistency from other leaders running for higher office.
On the issue of Israel he has been consistent from day one. Love him or hate him, I sure would like to see a lot more consistency from other leaders running for higher office.
6
By now the terms of this 'debate' (if that's what it is) are known by all, and the Texas senator's particular views have been running on an endless loop for months now. So, in what possible sense can Cruz's rehashing of his paranoid world-view be considered newsworthy.
Does the Times feel it owes him something after months of telling the truth about his poisonous attacks on Obama, and pretty much everything else? Or is this an effort to show the colors of an open and fair NYT? Pitiful.
Does the Times feel it owes him something after months of telling the truth about his poisonous attacks on Obama, and pretty much everything else? Or is this an effort to show the colors of an open and fair NYT? Pitiful.
19
As Speaker Ryan mentioned yesterday, it is the House that has the power of the purse. He reportedly told Donald Trump that as President, he can't spend a dime that Ryan and his colleagues don't let him, so, rather than continue to criticize President Obama for not asking for more, get in there and tell your fellow Republicans to allocate the funds. Better yet, if it is greater war involvement in the Middle East you want, declare it and bring back the Draft. Put your money where your mouth is. As your friend Palin would say, "Man up." Pretending that someone else should do what you have the authority to do but won't is the chicken way out!
22
Just as Ted never pauses for a moment to question why so many people hate him, he doesn't spend one word in this piece examining why Iran might be hostile to Israel and the US. Unfortunately, Ted's combination of arrogance and stupidity is the norm among US politicians, not the exception.
45
thank God this man did not win the nomination.
29
This column is an excellent reason why Ted Cruz should never hold elective office.
He is a dangerously delusional war hawk.
He is a dangerously delusional war hawk.
45
There is a reason, Mr. Cruz, that nobody wanted you to be president. This is one of them.
44
Calm down Ted, you didn't get the GOP nod because people are tired and wary of apocalyptic fear mongering. Iran needs to be brought into the fold, so that their moderate base grows. As far as Israel goes, their continued inability to solve the Palestinian issue gives all extremists the fuel they need to fan their own radical fires.
26
No one has been more frank about his continued hostility toward all things rational and sane than this man. The Times does itself a serious disservice in publishing this partisan garbage from a delusional self-proclaimed prophet of doom. The Times is so much better than this.
21
Thank God Ted Cruz will never get anywhere near the presidency. Unlike Iran's verifiably dismantled nuclear program (which Cruz foolishly tried to thwart), Israel actually has numerous nuclear warheads and the means to deploy them. Israel has more important things to worry about than Iran's conventional (extremely expensive) small yield balistic missles... For instance, Hezbollah's large supply of (Iranian produced) rockets launched against Israel from a few miles away. Iran doesn't need balistic missle to attack Israel. And Iran can't disguise or deny intent from a ballistic missle coming from it's own country like it can (and frequently does) with rockets coming from Lebanon.
If Cruz knew more, he would understand that Iran's balistic missles program has far more to do with us. Without nuclear weapons Iran would still like the ability to use conventional arms to deter a would be president Cruz from attempting regime change. The ability to shut down the straight of Hormuz and use balistic missles against ships and bases in the larger persian gulf to prevent our military from developing a huge pre-invasion presence against which Iran would stand no chance. CBM's would clearly complicate an American lead effort to oust the revolution.
This is a perfectly legitimate reason Iran would seek non-nuclear ballistic missles just as China has produced non-nuclear ballistic missles (dubbed carrier killers). The strategy has a name. It's called A2/AD. look it up.
If Cruz knew more, he would understand that Iran's balistic missles program has far more to do with us. Without nuclear weapons Iran would still like the ability to use conventional arms to deter a would be president Cruz from attempting regime change. The ability to shut down the straight of Hormuz and use balistic missles against ships and bases in the larger persian gulf to prevent our military from developing a huge pre-invasion presence against which Iran would stand no chance. CBM's would clearly complicate an American lead effort to oust the revolution.
This is a perfectly legitimate reason Iran would seek non-nuclear ballistic missles just as China has produced non-nuclear ballistic missles (dubbed carrier killers). The strategy has a name. It's called A2/AD. look it up.
9
Senator Ted Cruz's words are even more frightening than I knew. My God. He wants to plunge us into Armageddon. Looks to me like President Benjamin Netanyahu is his speech writer. The Ben and Ted show is all about retribution, destruction and oppression. My younger 2 children, through their father, are from the family of Anne Frank, who believed in unity and love. http://drsusanna.org/mjotatalkshumanrights/holocaustremembered.html
14
I love the wordcraft. "Mullah's missiles." Good one, Ted. But you fail to explain why the mullahs might want to assure Iran's destruction as the country works to join the world -- economically, culturally and in every other way. Doesn't make sense. Might it be that they want to be strong -- a Shia country surrounded by Sunnis who hate them? Ted, please rework this paper. For now -- incomplete.
16
Ted
It is time to stop running for president. You lost.
Time to work for the people of Texas. A shadow campaign complete with position papers positioned to cap on a brawl in Cleveland really won't work. Time to go home.
It is time to stop running for president. You lost.
Time to work for the people of Texas. A shadow campaign complete with position papers positioned to cap on a brawl in Cleveland really won't work. Time to go home.
14
Luckily, faith has very little to do with it. The reality is, there will be no Iranian nuke.
10
And who can forget the image of the World Trade Towers on September 11, 2001? Obviously Ted Cruz did! Cruz has a selective memory and a very selective agenda! Hopefully Cruz will shortly become a distant memory.
6
An obvious ploy for funding from Sheldon Adelson
20
Or perhaps we could sever our alliances with all states, such as Israel, who refuse to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, wtih which we ourselves are out of compliance, not being actively working toward global disarmament.
9
Maybe it's time for Israel to stop being the bully in the mideast and work seriously for peace. If another state was doing to Texans what the Israelis are doing to the Palestinians, what would the rest of the US do? Like the US and others, Iran is a sovereign state and can do whatever they want and face the consequences. Lets use our resources to help the American people, not a country led by religious fanatics on a suicide mission directed by the sky being.
10
I am so thankful to the Republican primary voters that they gave you a good rebuke. Even the neoconic, Apocalyptic, Evangelical Republicans do not want you and prefer Donald Trump – now I know why?
Probably in schools where you went to learn among other subjects they only teach you Biblical history and not from the ancient civilization such as the Persian civilization, Gandhara, Harrapa, Mohenjo-Daro, or Palmyrene civilization.
Israel is the most powerful nuclear armed nation in that part of the world. Its GDP in 2014 was $305.68 Billion. They keep milking us for more. Ted, Charity begins at home, let us provide debt free college education & Affordable Health care to our people here in the US.
We had enough of wars since 2nd world war. We have been in a constant state of war since then. Let us use our brains instead of brawn. It is time to give PEACE a chance.
BTW you were elected by American voters in Texas, be loyal to them at least and not be a foreign lobbyist.
Probably in schools where you went to learn among other subjects they only teach you Biblical history and not from the ancient civilization such as the Persian civilization, Gandhara, Harrapa, Mohenjo-Daro, or Palmyrene civilization.
Israel is the most powerful nuclear armed nation in that part of the world. Its GDP in 2014 was $305.68 Billion. They keep milking us for more. Ted, Charity begins at home, let us provide debt free college education & Affordable Health care to our people here in the US.
We had enough of wars since 2nd world war. We have been in a constant state of war since then. Let us use our brains instead of brawn. It is time to give PEACE a chance.
BTW you were elected by American voters in Texas, be loyal to them at least and not be a foreign lobbyist.
19
Ted, It's good to see your personal vendetta is still alive and well against President Obama, and no mention of your being trounced in the presidential race?
The problem with your religious fundamentalism determining your political maneuvers is that you see the apocalypse around every corner. The deal is done; Iran has explicitly agreed to not building weapons. Ironically, it's these kind of policies that will bring about the apocalypse, and it will be your fault, not Iran's.
The problem with your religious fundamentalism determining your political maneuvers is that you see the apocalypse around every corner. The deal is done; Iran has explicitly agreed to not building weapons. Ironically, it's these kind of policies that will bring about the apocalypse, and it will be your fault, not Iran's.
8
"We need a war, or else there will be war."
17
Mr. Cruz seems to be capable of remembering all the transgressions by Iran while silent on our transgressions. It is this disingenuous and self righteous view of history that gets us in trouble. We and the British before us have been tormenting Iran for almost a hundred years. Mr. Cruz mentions the taking of American hostages but neglects to bring up how Iranian Revolution was a blowback from bad U.S. policy towards Iran. Please put back your self-rightous blow horn. Amazing how a former Presidential candidate either does not have a clear picture of U.S.-Iran history or choses to ignore it for political reasons.
17
Thank you Mr. Cruz for performing your preferred leader's bidding and delivering the Israeli message to the American people.
Iran will never be a perfect ally or partner to the United States. However, this should not preclude our current administration from attempting to mend the broken fences between our groups. The alternative is much worse, for both us and the country that Mr. Cruz will always steadfastly defend to his grave.
Israel will always need protecting, but our needs and desires must always come first. For some odd reason, Republicans seem to continually put Israel above the United States. Our need right now is to bring Iran back from the brink, step by step, and the Obama administration was correct in closing the deal with them, no matter how much Republicans may protest.
Iran will never be a perfect ally or partner to the United States. However, this should not preclude our current administration from attempting to mend the broken fences between our groups. The alternative is much worse, for both us and the country that Mr. Cruz will always steadfastly defend to his grave.
Israel will always need protecting, but our needs and desires must always come first. For some odd reason, Republicans seem to continually put Israel above the United States. Our need right now is to bring Iran back from the brink, step by step, and the Obama administration was correct in closing the deal with them, no matter how much Republicans may protest.
9
The idea that Iran would commit suicide by attacking the state of Israel with a nuclear weapon is laughable, and Cruz's persistent statement that Iran is closer to producing a nuclear weapon is a blatant lie. But that's Lyin' Ted for you, the one thing Trump has got right. And another thing that people like Ted Cruz appear to forget is that the Iranians have very good reason to hate the US. We are the ones who imposed a generation of rule by the Shah on them. The Islamic Revolution did not just appear out of thin air in 1979.
15
Ted Cruz is so out of touch with reality and our national interests, I cannot understand why you bother to give him space on your pages. This is just another jab at the President's efforts to deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and to appeal to and appease the radical right wing Israeli government at the same time. Sound bites for Cruz, no substance for the U.S. We already spend more money for Israel's military than any other nation. The Republican Congress excels in obstruction of spending to rebuild American infrastructure and support social security and education, and Cruz is a leader in that obstruction.
9
One again, self-declared international and Middle East expert, Rafael "Ted" Cruz shares his biblical perspective on Iran's threat to the universe and especially straight, Protestant White Christians living here in the US.
Nowhere does "Ted" Cruz reveal the motive for Iran's evil genocidal intents against the US and Israel beyond the fact that they will do it because the Mullahs are just a bunch of nasty guys. This point of view begs the questions why would these bad guys with even worse agendas seek suicide by launching an attack against the US or Israel? In "Ted" Cruz's discussion here, only the potential of a possible threat is discussed with the unmentioned subtext of scuttling Obama's efforts to seek a peaceful way out that meets our interests as well as Iran's. Too, the efforts of the military spending lobby on this declarations goes unmentioned.
Nowhere does "Ted" Cruz reveal the motive for Iran's evil genocidal intents against the US and Israel beyond the fact that they will do it because the Mullahs are just a bunch of nasty guys. This point of view begs the questions why would these bad guys with even worse agendas seek suicide by launching an attack against the US or Israel? In "Ted" Cruz's discussion here, only the potential of a possible threat is discussed with the unmentioned subtext of scuttling Obama's efforts to seek a peaceful way out that meets our interests as well as Iran's. Too, the efforts of the military spending lobby on this declarations goes unmentioned.
6
The notion that Iran's leaders are irrational and cannot be negotiated with and are not subject to the threat of mutually assured destruction is a common canard in American politics and it is the basis for this hit piece by Sen. Cruz. Iran negotiated in apparent good faith to end to its nuclear program in a deal vetted by the US and its allies. The people who negotiated that deal are not stupid or deluded, contrary to what Sen. Cruz would like us to believe. Moreover, Israel is a nuclear armed nation (it's not officially acknowledge, but it's the world's worst kept secret) and any nuclear attack on Israel by Iran would lead to swift and total destruction of Iran and its ~78 million people. Iran's mullahs may be hawkish and bombastic, but they aren't crazy or stupid - contrary to what Sen. Cruz would like us to believe.
11
Surrender the Alamo, Ted. The Republican establishment has formed an uneasy alliance with Trump because you as the alternative was worse. Your end-of-the-word Armageddon bombast was soundly rejected by Republican primary voters.
13
Hey Ted, get with the program. You party's nominee doesn't want the US taxpayers to foot the bill for other countries' defense. Besides, Israel is quite prepared to defend against Iran and other threats in the Middle East. And, the demographics of Iran are changing toward a more moderate electorate. The Revolution is over.
Your grandstanding days and 15 minutes were over long ago.
Your grandstanding days and 15 minutes were over long ago.
10
Frankly, the scariest idea put forward in this piece is the notion that Ted Cruz is going back to Congress.
16
There is a grand irony to an avowed theocrat complaining about theocratic regimes.
17
Ted, no one is interested in more war. That mentality went out with W. That's why we elected Obama.
You lost the primaries and no one likes you so please, go away.
You lost the primaries and no one likes you so please, go away.
16
Isreali's claim that they were promised land. That land could be anywhere in the world. Instead of using American Taxpayer money to build Israel's defenses in a war that will never end because both parties in the conflict will not budge, why do we not take the initiative to re-settle all Israeli's in one of the states that we Americans stole/bought from the native Indians. That way Israeli's get t heir promised land. Paletsinains get their own state. And Israel now being in continental America would be safe from their middle-eastern enemies. All the money that is saved from not having to build defense systems around the world could be used for betterment of life in USA and also humankind. You could be killing 4 birds (instead of proverbial 2) with one stone.. But of course I am being an idealist and the war-mongers in the world will nto like this idea
3
All religious zealots share one trait which scares me: The ability to justify anything, not by reason, but by their ‘faith’.
They’re all prone to hyperbole, gnashing of teeth, and above all, provocation. I’m tangled up in the atheists mobius strip: If there really is a God, God help us.
In the context of this article, the irony is sublime: there’s only a single deeply religious leader, or ex-leader, who actually makes me feel safer and gives me hope, Jimmy Carter. You could learn a lot from him, Mullah Cruz.
They’re all prone to hyperbole, gnashing of teeth, and above all, provocation. I’m tangled up in the atheists mobius strip: If there really is a God, God help us.
In the context of this article, the irony is sublime: there’s only a single deeply religious leader, or ex-leader, who actually makes me feel safer and gives me hope, Jimmy Carter. You could learn a lot from him, Mullah Cruz.
10
Ah, The Mullahs and Their Missiles. The much-anticipated followup to Senator Cruz's breathtaking rendition of Green Eggs and Ham. It makes nearly as much sense.
6
Come on, NYT!
Let's maybe not give limited Op-Ed space on folks that can readily hold press conferences if they want to get their opinions out there.
Mr. Cruz is a senator, with his own communications staff and plentiful access to the press.
Setting aside his long record of championing ideas that are riddled with falsehoods and specious logic, the man doesn't need your help getting his message across.
Let's maybe not give limited Op-Ed space on folks that can readily hold press conferences if they want to get their opinions out there.
Mr. Cruz is a senator, with his own communications staff and plentiful access to the press.
Setting aside his long record of championing ideas that are riddled with falsehoods and specious logic, the man doesn't need your help getting his message across.
11
Why do many in Iran have a longstanding hatred for the USA? Maybe because the CIA overthrew their democratically elected prime minister in 1953 and subsequently installed a brutal, dictatorial king, who later was replaced by the ayatollahs after the 1979 revolution overthrew the puppet government our country had set up. It's so disheartening how stupid most of our politicians are with regards to foreign policy. When will we STOP messing up every action we take on the global stage?
6
I don't understand. First we have this from Cruz (3rd from last paragraph): "As a first step, I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues this week and in coming months to make sure that President Obama’s failure to sufficiently fund Israel’s missile defense programs in his latest budget request is reversed. Shockingly, even after admitting that the nuclear deal with Iran places Israel in greater danger and making assurances that support for the Jewish state would be increased, the president could not find a single dollar to put toward procurement for the David’s Sling or Arrow-3 missile defense systems, which are being jointly developed by the United States and Israel."
Then we have this in last paragraph: "Providentially, David’s Sling, which guards against such ballistic missiles, is ready to go online this year; it will be followed by the Arrow-3 system to protect the Jewish state from longer-range weapons."
It sounds to me like the program is going forward no matter what, that it is being funded, or am I mistaken? Or is it that "providentially", by the grace of God but of course not Allah, the system is going online even though Obama is not willing to fund it? Or what? Hard to tell what is going on here with this essay.
Then we have this in last paragraph: "Providentially, David’s Sling, which guards against such ballistic missiles, is ready to go online this year; it will be followed by the Arrow-3 system to protect the Jewish state from longer-range weapons."
It sounds to me like the program is going forward no matter what, that it is being funded, or am I mistaken? Or is it that "providentially", by the grace of God but of course not Allah, the system is going online even though Obama is not willing to fund it? Or what? Hard to tell what is going on here with this essay.
3
After reading and listening to much of what Mr. Cruz writes and says, I have to wonder about the standards of Harvard's debate team.
9
Israel is not US ally. They are more like a blackmailer. We give them billions in aid every year then they meddle in our politics. It is time to force them to stand on their own. Until we do they will never make peace with the people they displaced and keep in despicable conditions.
15
I thought these guys were supposed to wind up on Fox after they lost an election.
16
I share Mr. Cruz's concern. We should all be concerned about all countries including our own with large stockpiles of nuclear arms along with the ability to deliver theme to far off places. There is no question that nuclear proliferation is a huge problem that hasn't been addressed by the UN, the US and the other major powers.
Theocratic governments are a particular concern but North Korea isn't a theocracy and it's clearly as dangerous as Pakistan or Iran.
While I used to be comfortable with a moderate Israel having nuclear weapons, since the election of Ariel Sharon I'm much more concerned about the hardening theocracy in Israel.
The fact is the US has to lead the world on eliminating nuclear weapons and this should be at the top of the UN and NATO's agenda.
Theocratic governments are a particular concern but North Korea isn't a theocracy and it's clearly as dangerous as Pakistan or Iran.
While I used to be comfortable with a moderate Israel having nuclear weapons, since the election of Ariel Sharon I'm much more concerned about the hardening theocracy in Israel.
The fact is the US has to lead the world on eliminating nuclear weapons and this should be at the top of the UN and NATO's agenda.
3
"I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues"?
That's a first.
That's a first.
15
Not surprisingly, Ted Cruz seems to have no knowledge of American history. He must have been too busy debating at Princeton to have bothered to take time to learn any.
If he had, he might know that the mullahs and anti-American feelings in Iran didn't spring up from no where. The CIA conspired with the oil companies in the 1950s to overthrow the democratically elected president and put back in charge a repressive dictator, the Shah, who while friendly to the U.S. and Israel was brutal to his own people and used his secret police to tamp down anyone who would dare protest against him.
But of course in ole' Ted's eyes the only American president who has ever done anything wrong is Obama whom he believes does everything wrong.
If he had, he might know that the mullahs and anti-American feelings in Iran didn't spring up from no where. The CIA conspired with the oil companies in the 1950s to overthrow the democratically elected president and put back in charge a repressive dictator, the Shah, who while friendly to the U.S. and Israel was brutal to his own people and used his secret police to tamp down anyone who would dare protest against him.
But of course in ole' Ted's eyes the only American president who has ever done anything wrong is Obama whom he believes does everything wrong.
4
As far as I understand it, the nuclear deal with Iran leaves Iran open to develop ICBMs that could hit the U.S. as well as missiles that could hit Israel. That seems to me to be a big weakness and gap in the nuclear deal. I am sure there is alot going on that the public does not know about, which leads me to hope that the people in the current U.S. administration have things under control or at least have some plan to thwart the ICBM threat and the threat to Israel. But I also was hoping that the banks and other in control of the economy had things under control when house prices kept going up to the stratosphere leading to the stock market crash in 2008. I would like to see the Obama administration take concrete steps against the Iranian missile threat.
3
Senator Cruz has accomplished the impossible. He has got all of us, Democrats, independents and the occasional Republican to agree:
Cruz is a danger to the world and to America.
Cruz is a danger to the world and to America.
15
What makes him even qualified to pen this Op Ed? He's a senator from Texas with almost no foreign policy experience and a failed Presidential candidate. Go hide your head in the sand.
11
I have only one question for Senator Cruz: How you gonna pay for it without raising taxes? What do you cut from the domestic budget if you don't raise taxes? I'm sick of hearing how we can't afford Social Security, healthcare coverage for all, an infrastructure jobs program, and any form of financial support for our college students but anything the military or our "allies" want gets a blank check.
9
Seems to me Ted Cruz "values" two things about New York. Our money, and editorial space in the NY Times. I find it heartening that my home state soundly rejected this charlatan in the GOP primary. I suspect that for most New Yorkers, his opinion isn't worth the cost of a subway fare card. In that regard, the Times was generous to give him the space, if only to show us the lengths that some politicians will go to pander.
142
And don't forget those American sailors on their knees. I like sailors that win, good saliors don't end up in Iranian waters on their knees.
We live in a beautiful world and the news past 90 degrees west is nothing but blue sky. The only meanace on our borders are a few great whites on the shores and some lowgrade Mexican smoke, what a headache that can be.
I dumped my old girlfriend, high maintenance you know plus she is always after me to beat up her ex boyfriend, I don't even know the guy. Anyway it's a new day out there the Moon is approaching Jupiter, nothing goes wrong when the Moon appraoches Jupiter, the top is down on my wheels I'll call Judy, no wait, Holly yes definately Holly, gotta go see ya.
We live in a beautiful world and the news past 90 degrees west is nothing but blue sky. The only meanace on our borders are a few great whites on the shores and some lowgrade Mexican smoke, what a headache that can be.
I dumped my old girlfriend, high maintenance you know plus she is always after me to beat up her ex boyfriend, I don't even know the guy. Anyway it's a new day out there the Moon is approaching Jupiter, nothing goes wrong when the Moon appraoches Jupiter, the top is down on my wheels I'll call Judy, no wait, Holly yes definately Holly, gotta go see ya.
Israel is more than capable of taking care of itself. It is time for us to stop giving money, arms and lectures to Israel.
4
Sounds like lying Ted is at it again
7
NYT: Why are you giving this failed, hateful misogynist bigot a platform?
He lost. We are all safer for his voice being minimized in the public sphere. Are you really so desperate to sell content that you're willing to put every woman's, person's of color, immigrant's, and member's of the LBGTQ community life at risk to keep endless war stirred up for the good of your cronies in the weapon's industry???
What the heck is this hot mess of bellicose vomit? Are you so indecent in your quest for relevance as a medium that you have allowed the doppelgänger of the Zodiac killer to act out his own mass murder fantasy for thousands or millions of brown people a half a world away?
Are you just pandering to your zealous zionist contingent who are terrified that a majority of the US population might evolve to correctly consider all the sects along the Judeo-Christian spectrum of equal significance - and danger to the hope and decency that is democratic, secular governance?
I am appalled to see this hateful, bigoted, fundamentalist, charlatan sociopath given 8,000 words of stir up sectarian violence and ramp up the risk of needless loss of live of American service women and men as well as the brutalizing of a long besieged population.
How long must the people of the Middle East et al serve as the offal for political and profiteer vultures to feast upon?
The very presence - much less the content - of this editorial is utterly shameful.
He lost. We are all safer for his voice being minimized in the public sphere. Are you really so desperate to sell content that you're willing to put every woman's, person's of color, immigrant's, and member's of the LBGTQ community life at risk to keep endless war stirred up for the good of your cronies in the weapon's industry???
What the heck is this hot mess of bellicose vomit? Are you so indecent in your quest for relevance as a medium that you have allowed the doppelgänger of the Zodiac killer to act out his own mass murder fantasy for thousands or millions of brown people a half a world away?
Are you just pandering to your zealous zionist contingent who are terrified that a majority of the US population might evolve to correctly consider all the sects along the Judeo-Christian spectrum of equal significance - and danger to the hope and decency that is democratic, secular governance?
I am appalled to see this hateful, bigoted, fundamentalist, charlatan sociopath given 8,000 words of stir up sectarian violence and ramp up the risk of needless loss of live of American service women and men as well as the brutalizing of a long besieged population.
How long must the people of the Middle East et al serve as the offal for political and profiteer vultures to feast upon?
The very presence - much less the content - of this editorial is utterly shameful.
5
Secretary of State?
1
You just quit the run for president. Can't you stay away for a while? We're not interested in your "wisdom" NOT.
5
Since 2011, the US Congress has secured more than 1200 million dollars for Iron Dome, which is exclusively for the purpose of Israel's missile defense. Obama also asked for 37 million dollars for the development of the David's Sling missile, just not money for its (premature) deployment. I know that Ted Cruz is beholden to Raytheon for the money they intend to make on the US government teat with this, but the US voters need to begin to wonder why it is so hard to find hundreds of million of dollars for NIH to fund research to prevent a possible Zika virus disaster.
6
Cruz is Joe McCarthy and Jeanne Kirkpatrick's love child raised by Netanyahu -- but definitely not on a kibbutz. These debater's tricks don't hold up. Follow his link to the "searing" images and you will see that they don't support what he claims they do. "Searing?" US sailors being arrested and US sailors appearing comfortable in detention for violating Iranian territorial waters. How many other of his "footnotes" lead to evidence that can easily be interpreted much differently? It is painful to see how Ted desperately wants us to be in the late 1970s so his Reaganite narrative will have cred. Try some originality for a change.
9
Shut up, Ted. We listened to you for nearly a year. Now we're done.
13
Reading Ted's "thoughts" makes me almost sorry to not be a Republican -- I was denied the opportunity to vote against him in the primary.
15
As usual there is no talk of funding the initiative. If Senator Cruz is serious I would like him to propose a tax on Americans to pay for our follies in the Middle East. Israel is quite capable of defending itself and any attack by Iran would certainly end up with their destruction as well. The Shia, unlike the Sunni, do not seem committed to suicide as a strategy.
8
"The sensible thing to do now is to face this reality, however unpleasant it may be, and do what we can to bolster our defenses and those of our allies."
This must have been written well before Mr. Rodes spilled the beans on Mr. Obama's attitude towards reality right here in the NY times. To Mr. Obama the only use of reality is to spin it. And as he spins at a thousand rotations per second -- to match the speed of the centrifuges so they appear to stand still, Mr. Obama sees mullahs as nice and friendly fellows.
That's the reality we have to face...
This must have been written well before Mr. Rodes spilled the beans on Mr. Obama's attitude towards reality right here in the NY times. To Mr. Obama the only use of reality is to spin it. And as he spins at a thousand rotations per second -- to match the speed of the centrifuges so they appear to stand still, Mr. Obama sees mullahs as nice and friendly fellows.
That's the reality we have to face...
7
Please advise what it is the United States receives in return from Israel that is equivalent to the annual stipend of approximately $4 billion, not including I presume the additional funding proposed by Senator Cruz? Perhaps these expenditures need to be reexamined in light of the continued intransigence of our "special friend" in the ME.
6
With the recent release of how avidly Mr. Obama seems to have been in allowing the Benghazi murderers to escape when we could easily have caught them during the 9-hour battle, many are seeing this ridiculous president as not just ignoring the problem but aiding and abetting the other side.
I know this sounds otherworldly, but many people with information on how EASILY we could have saved lives have never even been interviewed, and have been repeatedly warned against telling the media what they were told by the military and the government.
When we finally elect a President ready to defend this country this fall, it will be for the first time in eight years.
I know this sounds otherworldly, but many people with information on how EASILY we could have saved lives have never even been interviewed, and have been repeatedly warned against telling the media what they were told by the military and the government.
When we finally elect a President ready to defend this country this fall, it will be for the first time in eight years.
3
Teddy, somewhere in the long and torturous (for us) path that you will undoubtedly hew in your political career, take some time to introspect with humility your many faults.
It is very dangerous for public policy to be crafted purely out of personal agendas, a perceived divine right based on religious beliefs and absolutes. Especially in a democracy.
I support Israel too. But not at the cost of a blank check from the American taxpayers. Nixon opened up China. And China is not a threat that it could have been if it remained closed (think North Korea times a million).
Similarly Iran has to rejoin the community of nations.
Bellicose rhetoric from you to counter bellicose rhetoric of the other party just makes us look weak and as silly as the other side. And it is certainly not the path to peace or co-existence.
The American people have been sending clear messages for many years now. We are exhausted trying to make peace between nations who prefer the status-quo. It's time you listened.
It is very dangerous for public policy to be crafted purely out of personal agendas, a perceived divine right based on religious beliefs and absolutes. Especially in a democracy.
I support Israel too. But not at the cost of a blank check from the American taxpayers. Nixon opened up China. And China is not a threat that it could have been if it remained closed (think North Korea times a million).
Similarly Iran has to rejoin the community of nations.
Bellicose rhetoric from you to counter bellicose rhetoric of the other party just makes us look weak and as silly as the other side. And it is certainly not the path to peace or co-existence.
The American people have been sending clear messages for many years now. We are exhausted trying to make peace between nations who prefer the status-quo. It's time you listened.
14
The nytimes is part of Americas political problem
They are fully aware that the our government has been bought by the wealthy to serve the interest of The wealthy.
Israel is a classic example
Wealthy Jews: many of which aren't Americans have bought both the republican and Democratic Party. Our Middle East strategy is an abysmal failure and it has been for decades. Both parties have failed. That the nytimes supports this prolonged Vietnam indicates they have a greater allegiance to Jewish interests than to American interests. Readers should take all their articles in Jewish interests with a grain of salt. The nytimes isn't going to cover/question this corrupting influence. The military industrial complex is also never examined in terms of how they influence policy. Why? The nytimes gives HRC a pass on her hawkishness. They privately despise Obama over his pivot away from the Mideast. They allow hate mongers like Cruz to freely spread their nonsense propaganda. The Jewish times simply can't cover the Middle East because they have a conflict of interest. American is a non Jewish nation yet Israel gets more foreign aid from us than any other nation. We bankroll a nation that has dirt cheap tuition and large percentages on govt bankroll for religious reasons. Yet America doesn't have money to prevent flint or give veterans good healthcare or make college more affordable. Our taxpayer dollars are being used by bought off politicians for reasons that are not in our best interest
They are fully aware that the our government has been bought by the wealthy to serve the interest of The wealthy.
Israel is a classic example
Wealthy Jews: many of which aren't Americans have bought both the republican and Democratic Party. Our Middle East strategy is an abysmal failure and it has been for decades. Both parties have failed. That the nytimes supports this prolonged Vietnam indicates they have a greater allegiance to Jewish interests than to American interests. Readers should take all their articles in Jewish interests with a grain of salt. The nytimes isn't going to cover/question this corrupting influence. The military industrial complex is also never examined in terms of how they influence policy. Why? The nytimes gives HRC a pass on her hawkishness. They privately despise Obama over his pivot away from the Mideast. They allow hate mongers like Cruz to freely spread their nonsense propaganda. The Jewish times simply can't cover the Middle East because they have a conflict of interest. American is a non Jewish nation yet Israel gets more foreign aid from us than any other nation. We bankroll a nation that has dirt cheap tuition and large percentages on govt bankroll for religious reasons. Yet America doesn't have money to prevent flint or give veterans good healthcare or make college more affordable. Our taxpayer dollars are being used by bought off politicians for reasons that are not in our best interest
8
Diplomacy means dealing with potential enemies with care. As long as they conform with agreements made, we watch what they do but we do not overreact. Cruz is being an agent of disruption, here, knowing that we have not any agreement with Iran to not threaten Israel nor even the U.S., just an agreement to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, he is urging actions which would undermine that agreement to no good result for anyone.
5
Do we really want to promote the conservative, orthodox values of Israel that treat women as second class citizens, that bullies its Palestine neighbors and takes their land and homes, that also runs itself as a religious state, and that has been a drain on U.S. resources and integrity in the Middle East? I'm tired of paying for a one-sided relationship with a princess.
10
Cruz:"Who can forget the searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads by our “moderate” partners this past January?"
And only you could forget the U.S. Navy's reaction to this event: The U.S. Navy officer, Cmdr. Eric Rasch, who oversaw the 10 sailors captured and briefly detained by Iran earlier this year was fired from his job as the commanding officer of Coastal Riverine Squadron 3.
Cruz: "The Iranian regime is continuing its determined march toward not only a nuclear weapon, but also the means to launch it, first against Israel and then against the United States."
I have lived more than half a century in these United States and never has there been a moment when several thousand nuclear weapons have not been aimed at me. They are still there - 33-to-40 mins. over the horizon. You know why I sleep well despite this? Because no one - except us - has ever lit one off. What keeps me up at night isn't Iran with a nuclear weapon - its a lone nut job with a suitcase.
Cruz - please accept that there is a substantial gap between you and reality.
And only you could forget the U.S. Navy's reaction to this event: The U.S. Navy officer, Cmdr. Eric Rasch, who oversaw the 10 sailors captured and briefly detained by Iran earlier this year was fired from his job as the commanding officer of Coastal Riverine Squadron 3.
Cruz: "The Iranian regime is continuing its determined march toward not only a nuclear weapon, but also the means to launch it, first against Israel and then against the United States."
I have lived more than half a century in these United States and never has there been a moment when several thousand nuclear weapons have not been aimed at me. They are still there - 33-to-40 mins. over the horizon. You know why I sleep well despite this? Because no one - except us - has ever lit one off. What keeps me up at night isn't Iran with a nuclear weapon - its a lone nut job with a suitcase.
Cruz - please accept that there is a substantial gap between you and reality.
15
Whatever can be said about the authenticity of his claims, loyalties, and commitment, this piece is nothing short of his latest "suspended campaign" strategy: advance an actual policy instead of obstructing government for political gain and fame. Here, Senator Cruz can demonstrate his bona fides as the reasonable one with policy ideas and concern for international security. That he has hypocritically chosen a "liberal media" outlet with 'New York values" to spread his message does not surprise. Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes.
2
I would venture a guess that 99% of knowledgeable individuals polled from the Pentagon, CIA, and State Dept. would tell you unequivocally that they are much more concerned about Pakistan's launching of a nuclear strike, either "accidentally" or on purpose than Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iran is a much more rational actor than Pakistan, despite the loony right's portrayal of Iran as a nutty Theocracy.
I'm not saying that Iran is a day at the beach, but Pakistan is a nightmare. The reason why we will probably never leave the area is mostly due to their instability.
Pakistan is the world's "Area 51". We probably can't handle the truth of what is really going on over there.
Iran is a much more rational actor than Pakistan, despite the loony right's portrayal of Iran as a nutty Theocracy.
I'm not saying that Iran is a day at the beach, but Pakistan is a nightmare. The reason why we will probably never leave the area is mostly due to their instability.
Pakistan is the world's "Area 51". We probably can't handle the truth of what is really going on over there.
9
The foreign policy of Texas politicians appears to be based on the assumption that the world is full of cartoon villains out to destroy us. Diplomacy is for wimps. We might not like the regime in Iran, but it appears to be acting rationally. It is also one of the more stable countries in the region. Picking a fight with Iran would not go well.
5
One can only imagine how the military/industrialize complex would have been salivating at a Ted Cruz presidency with his conflict around every corner, war of the week policy. In his never ending indulgence in revisionist history, he conveniently forgets that the mullahs took over Iran in the late seventies ultimately deposing a CIA backed dictator in the Shah and if they had wanted to attack Israel and ultimately destroy themselves, they would have attempted it long before now. They are not as dumb as him.
Ted Cruz is all that is wrong with American politics and its government, however, it is always even more scary to think about the people that actually listen to, agree with and ultimately elect a clown like this.
Ted Cruz is all that is wrong with American politics and its government, however, it is always even more scary to think about the people that actually listen to, agree with and ultimately elect a clown like this.
8
What is happening in the middle east is dangerous and depressing, but Iran, which has plenty of reason to consider itself threatened, has as much right to arm itself, and to posture assertively, as has the United States. Anyone who expected Iran to be the sheep laying down with the wolf is historically delusional, or truly believes in the myth of American moral perfection. The only thing that the deal with Iran accomplishes is a temporary delay in producing nuclear arms. It will not change the rhetoric or internal Iranian politics until diplomacy has had a chance to work. Cruz's braying is self serving and defeats the long term effort.
5
Hey, Rafael, does Israel have nuclear warheads capable of removing Iran from the map? Yeah, I know your man Netanyahu won't admit it, but it's the worst kept secret in the world.
And who is Iran fighting in Syria? Would it be our enemy ISIS? As usual, simplistic lack of thought on the part of politicians makes our middle eastern aims counter to our country's best interests. I know Rafael is perfectly comfortable lying about in a den of vipers, but I don't think our country is.
And who is Iran fighting in Syria? Would it be our enemy ISIS? As usual, simplistic lack of thought on the part of politicians makes our middle eastern aims counter to our country's best interests. I know Rafael is perfectly comfortable lying about in a den of vipers, but I don't think our country is.
8
Please Texas, do no reelect Mr. Cruz.
11
Isn't he just going to carpet bomb the entire Middle East?
All these paragraphs and yet his goal is so simple?
Truly one of the great minds, if not of this generation, but of all generations!
Okay, maybe not.
All these paragraphs and yet his goal is so simple?
Truly one of the great minds, if not of this generation, but of all generations!
Okay, maybe not.
4
It's the same old, same old neocon George W. Bush version of the world . It's amazing how this school of thought has been wrong so often and yet, like Paul Krugman's economic zombies, these international policy zombies are still around. As for Israel, I don't think that Iran is ready to accept mutually assured destruction. Actually, Iran has more to fear from the Saudis who are ramping up their government and forces to confront Shia Islam. The Middle East needs to go through a Reformation and try to settle the religious issue on a bigger stage than just some bullies in the schoolyard.
As for Cruz, he should go back into the rich obscurity that he deserves and join the other losers in the dustbin of history.
As for Cruz, he should go back into the rich obscurity that he deserves and join the other losers in the dustbin of history.
6
Mr. Cruz just a few days ago exited from this season's presidential campaign buffoonery being generally viewed as the most disliked man in our national legislature. Members of his own party publicly expressed how much he is disliked by his colleagues. His motive for writing this opinion piece thus is clear: to try to begin to resurrect his standing by attacking one of his favorite whipping targets and to gin up enthusiasm anew in his evangelical base. Why did the New York Times decide to aid and abet him in this? Surely this shouldn't count as news that's worthy to print, but is a political puff piece. Did the New York Times really owe Mr. Cruz this favor? Why?
7
Ted, do you never tire of your incessant overdramatizing and fear-mongering?
11
Israel has 150 nuclear weapons to defend itself with. Iran's nuclear weapons development was stopped by the Agreement with the six leading nations. Iran has to defend itself from Sunni attacks, Isis attacks, Al Qaeda attacks.
Iran never forgets the attacks Sunni Iraq made in the Iraq Iran war (1980-88) in which over 1,000,000 Iranians were killed some by weapons of mass destruction, mustard and sarin gas that Sunni's used against them. I wonder if Cruz would want missile defense of Pentecostal Texas if Catholic Mexico used Illegal gas to kill 1,000,000 Texans. I wonder what Ted would do if Russia helped Mexico in this imaginary scenario. Because the US, under Reagan and Bush did aid Iraq and Saddam in the war. Of course if Russia's CIA had also overthrown a democratic elected government in Texas, 30 years earlier, and installed a dictator, in Texas, I wonder if Ted would have hateful feelings towards Russia 65 years later.
Iran never forgets the attacks Sunni Iraq made in the Iraq Iran war (1980-88) in which over 1,000,000 Iranians were killed some by weapons of mass destruction, mustard and sarin gas that Sunni's used against them. I wonder if Cruz would want missile defense of Pentecostal Texas if Catholic Mexico used Illegal gas to kill 1,000,000 Texans. I wonder what Ted would do if Russia helped Mexico in this imaginary scenario. Because the US, under Reagan and Bush did aid Iraq and Saddam in the war. Of course if Russia's CIA had also overthrown a democratic elected government in Texas, 30 years earlier, and installed a dictator, in Texas, I wonder if Ted would have hateful feelings towards Russia 65 years later.
5
Two questions. When was the last time Iran invaded another country (and yes, I understand the whole war by proxy, i.e. Hezbollah)? What does Iran stand to gain from attacking the regions other power that has nuclear weapons?
11
Just what the world need now--a replay of "Shock and awe."
And then what?
And then what?
6
Calm down, Teddy. Israel and Iran are much more alike then you think. After all, aren't they both at heart theocracies that justify their actions by referencing their respective holy books - one of which you are so fond of? And aren't both only quasi democracies? The Iranian mullahs suppress their government's opposition while Israel reduces millions of Palestinians with their version of apartheid in its quest to permanently absorb "Sumeria" and "Judea". That's a lot of common ground to build on. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if both states became fast friends in the next few years.
13
Good grief. Ted Cruz outlining how he's going to work with (tongue in cheek) colleagues and against "President Obama's failure...". Haven't we been through this sort of thing before? I suggest he stay in character but practice brevity. Just say "NO" regarding anything Obamaish, but spare us additional op/eds.
5
OMIGOSH! The entire world is agin' us! What shall we do? If only there was a true-good old fasioned red blooded American who would run for president and rule over and protect us from the dirty Mullahs and foreign trash like the Cubans!
Maybe Mr Cruz could be the . . .
Of, that's right. He already was a GOP candidate but the Republicans rejected him.
Que sera, sera!
I guess we'd best get used to the idea of being blown up by crazy Cubans and Iranian Mullahs.
Maybe Mr Cruz could be the . . .
Of, that's right. He already was a GOP candidate but the Republicans rejected him.
Que sera, sera!
I guess we'd best get used to the idea of being blown up by crazy Cubans and Iranian Mullahs.
4
The first round in a tiresome 2020 campaign. There is something deeply disturbing in the attempt of Christian Mullah like Senator Cruz to face off with Iranian Mullah. Sadly, Mr. Cruz appears to have learned very little from his being rejected even by the Republican base.
9
Why even allow this horrible person to write an op-ed column? Nobody wants to hear from this bigoted homophobe, at least no one who actually reads the ny times or has half a brain. There are much more pressing matters to report on than allowing this whacko a platform to spew his fear-mongering tactics. Editors, you're better than that and we as your readers/subscribers deserve better. This man has done nothing for this country other than to try and set it back 50-100 years. Let him post his thoughts on far right wing websites. I don't wanna hear from this fool ever again. If his own 'people' don't even like him, why do you think we would?
8
TLDR version:
Israel. Israel. Israel.
Please vote for me the next time. Okthxbye.
Israel. Israel. Israel.
Please vote for me the next time. Okthxbye.
16
Every last presumptuous fool who tells you that they know what God thinks is delusional, without exception. If you buy into their lies, they will rip you off without any shame whatsoever.
8
I am tired of this guy and was hoping he would just go away but now the NYT gives him a big soapbox to stand on and deliver his nonsense.
23
People who stand on soapboxes are expected to speak--and make larger targets of themselves.
1
I don't know where "TrusTed" is more of a nuisance- on the campaign trail or in the Senate.? But he is baaaack.
8
Large number of Americans are lately wondering why we in America should care about Netanyahu, Israel or they safety? What are they to us? Are we they guardians or protectors? Why we should not have with them relations as we have with any other country in the World. If we give them any aid, it should be on the same bases as we give aid to any other country in the World. In another word: We shouldn't be obsessed with Israel, Netanyahu and Jews in general and kowtows to them. We should treat them as we treaty anybody else in the World, and all our problems with Israel, Netanyahu and Jews will disappear and soon we shall forget that they even exist.
10
Who is this "we" who would prefer to forget the existence of Jews? Yikes!
1
Mr. Cruz,
You talk piously about the American crew members detained by Iran for illegally entering their waters. I wonder what you would suggest the US Navy do if an Iranian war ship ever entered US waters.
You seem especially concerned for these sailors, even though they were returned unharmed. But you don't seem equally concerned about the 34 Americans killed by Israel when Israel attacked the USS Liberty in international waters. Where is your concern for these Americans?
Perhaps you could explain why American tax-payers should be asked to further pay for Israel's defense, when Israel is already known to have a fully operational nuclear arsinal.
It was recently reported that Obama offered Israel the biggest "aid" package the US has ever offered it, and Israel turned it down as not big enough. Why? Why should US tax payers be asked to pay even more for this country?
Why should we continue to give money to this country which already has by far the largest and most advanced air force in the Middle East?
Why should American tax payers be asked to give even more money to this country which continues to violate international law by occupying and moving its population into land aquired by war?
Why?
You talk piously about the American crew members detained by Iran for illegally entering their waters. I wonder what you would suggest the US Navy do if an Iranian war ship ever entered US waters.
You seem especially concerned for these sailors, even though they were returned unharmed. But you don't seem equally concerned about the 34 Americans killed by Israel when Israel attacked the USS Liberty in international waters. Where is your concern for these Americans?
Perhaps you could explain why American tax-payers should be asked to further pay for Israel's defense, when Israel is already known to have a fully operational nuclear arsinal.
It was recently reported that Obama offered Israel the biggest "aid" package the US has ever offered it, and Israel turned it down as not big enough. Why? Why should US tax payers be asked to pay even more for this country?
Why should we continue to give money to this country which already has by far the largest and most advanced air force in the Middle East?
Why should American tax payers be asked to give even more money to this country which continues to violate international law by occupying and moving its population into land aquired by war?
Why?
38
A simple and easy to answer question for Mr. Cruz:
Which comes first: Israel or America?
Which comes first: Israel or America?
24
Great question, which comes first, Israel or America.
Answer: Neither. The military industrial complex comes first. Cha-Ching for Halliburton.
Answer: Neither. The military industrial complex comes first. Cha-Ching for Halliburton.
1
America cannot stand idly by while a demagouge from Texas imposes religious based, Sharia type of laws on our secular republic
55
it did and it has....whoda thunk a Canadian was capable of such things? must've been brainwashed.
A Ted Cruz scare piece on Friday the 13th. Well done, New York Times!
55
Once the Cold War was over, our strategic interests ceased to coincide with Israel's. Time to cut the cord.
17
To the one sound democracy in the Middle East? Beg to differ...
3
Why do people instantly dislike Ted Cruz? Because it saves them time.
28
The last refuge of a scoundrel: abject groveling before Israel.
32
Edwin, this country isn't going to change in its support and even adulation of the only democracy in the Middle East. If you have been trained to hate Israel this much, you are in for a miserable life.
You should seriously consider emigrating to some place that shares your views on the Middle East. The Iranians make room for a lot of national minority groups, and I bet there's a job waiting for you there.
You should seriously consider emigrating to some place that shares your views on the Middle East. The Iranians make room for a lot of national minority groups, and I bet there's a job waiting for you there.
6
Mutually Assured Destruction is the single best way to keep mortal enemies from killing each other.
It worked for the U.S. and U S.S.R. during the Cold War.
It works for India and Pakistan.
It even works for South Korea and North Korea and the leader of North Korea is a genuine whack job.
If any Middle Eastern asylum drops a nuke on Israel it will, quite simply, cease to exist.
M.A.D. works far better than conventional wars Rafael...just ask the hundreds of millions of Americans and Russians not blown away by nuclear fire.
It worked for the U.S. and U S.S.R. during the Cold War.
It works for India and Pakistan.
It even works for South Korea and North Korea and the leader of North Korea is a genuine whack job.
If any Middle Eastern asylum drops a nuke on Israel it will, quite simply, cease to exist.
M.A.D. works far better than conventional wars Rafael...just ask the hundreds of millions of Americans and Russians not blown away by nuclear fire.
4
Ah. yes, I remember well the passage in 1 Samuel where David's guardian refused to buy David a sling, and Goliath killed him.
Time to open a congressional investigation into the true authorship of the Psalms, and quick. That rapture isn't going to rapt itself, ya know.
Time to open a congressional investigation into the true authorship of the Psalms, and quick. That rapture isn't going to rapt itself, ya know.
9
Our intervention has made no difference in the region. It has cost us thousands of lives and $ Trillions. Israel, Iran, Syria, et al., are addicted to and endless cycle of retribution and violence. Let them have it. If they wipe each other out, it will serve as an object lesson in stupidity.
It is past time to stop funding Israel and the other countries engaged in this madness and use that money to improve our lives at home. Let's feed OUR hungry, care for OUR elderly, improve OUR schools, repair OUR roads. Let the wackos in the Middle East fend for themselves.
It is past time to stop funding Israel and the other countries engaged in this madness and use that money to improve our lives at home. Let's feed OUR hungry, care for OUR elderly, improve OUR schools, repair OUR roads. Let the wackos in the Middle East fend for themselves.
13
Is this piece step one in the Ted Cruz rehabilitation tour ? Is this a belated apology of sorts to the pro-Israel lobby and fundraisers (Sheldon Adelson, Saban ect) who funded him ? Or merely a reminder that his eloquent demagoguery can still serve a purpose, for someone, somewhere ?
Surely as a first order of business after losing the Republican primary as one of the most unloved political figures in history (Lucifer in the flesh said Boehner) a piece on domestic policy would have been in order ? Is Israel really our most pressing public policy issue ?
A charlatan he was and one he remains
Surely as a first order of business after losing the Republican primary as one of the most unloved political figures in history (Lucifer in the flesh said Boehner) a piece on domestic policy would have been in order ? Is Israel really our most pressing public policy issue ?
A charlatan he was and one he remains
28
Were it not for the world's three major Abrahamic religions, Ted Cruz would not have a job. Please hate and revile your chosen tribal enemies of whichever century you inhabit so that Ted may continue to toot his dog-whistle on the national stage.
11
" "without any error" " Dear Mr. Cruz, you including trump, including the entire republican establishment is full of error, errors in which you do not see past your own world and the power that consumes you. Take a walk outside in the Bronx, or in East Brooklyn and see where this nation is headed to. Instead you invoke fear in us and terror, to ignore the crippling infrastructure and debt in this nation. Progress is what you and your party is afraid of, A world union is what you are afraid of.
7
Ted: Please go away. Stay in Texas. Your fifteen minutes are up.
18
Obama's offering the largest defense funding in history to Israel apparently means little to the Senator
9
Our Ally? I've been pretty busy this week; when did the Senate ratify a treaty of alliance with Israel?
8
And this is Mr Cruz's first salvo in his campaign to be the Cheney in a war-minded, disastrous Trump administration.
10
Yo Ted! Israel has 200 nuclear missiles, not including the depleted uranium (du) bunker busters we sold them. You're worried about Iran getting 1 (one). Wake up and smell the radiation. You are definitely not ready to be Commander in Chief of our military.
19
September 1, 1939
W. H. Auden
....
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
....
Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
...
What huge imago made
A psychopathic god:
****I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.****
Exiled Thucydides knew
All that a speech can say
About Democracy,
And what dictators do,
The elderly rubbish they talk
To an apathetic grave;
Analysed all in his book,
The enlightenment driven away,
The habit-forming pain,
Mismanagement and grief:
We must suffer them all again.
....
Each language pours its vain
Competitive excuse:
But who can live for long
In an euphoric dream;
....
The lights must never go out,
The music must always play,
All the conventions conspire
To make this fort assume
The furniture of home;
Lest we should see where we are,
Lost in a haunted wood,
Children afraid of the night
Who have never been happy or good.
The windiest militant trash
Important Persons shout
Is not so crude as our wish:
....
All I have is a voice
To undo the folded lie,
....
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.
....
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/september-1-1939
(arbitrary edits to fit ... apologies)
W. H. Auden
....
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
....
Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
...
What huge imago made
A psychopathic god:
****I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.****
Exiled Thucydides knew
All that a speech can say
About Democracy,
And what dictators do,
The elderly rubbish they talk
To an apathetic grave;
Analysed all in his book,
The enlightenment driven away,
The habit-forming pain,
Mismanagement and grief:
We must suffer them all again.
....
Each language pours its vain
Competitive excuse:
But who can live for long
In an euphoric dream;
....
The lights must never go out,
The music must always play,
All the conventions conspire
To make this fort assume
The furniture of home;
Lest we should see where we are,
Lost in a haunted wood,
Children afraid of the night
Who have never been happy or good.
The windiest militant trash
Important Persons shout
Is not so crude as our wish:
....
All I have is a voice
To undo the folded lie,
....
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.
....
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/september-1-1939
(arbitrary edits to fit ... apologies)
11
I'm sorry Raphael, you have mistaken me for someone who cares what you have to say. You have as much foreign policy experience as I do designing nuclear power plants. Your inane statements that you would "carpet bomb" ISIS belies your utter lack of understanding of counterinsurgency tactics. It may play well with your gun-slinging constituents but would do nothing more than embolden our enemies and enrage otherwise neutral civilian populaces. It was YOUR party who launched a disastrous war of choice in Iraq that set the Middle East on fire. The US expended 4500 soldiers, 30,000 were wounded, $2 Trillion spent and our global credibility irreparably harmed. And what did we get for YOUR party's war of choice? We got ISIS. I suggest that you go back to Texas and stay out of matters about which you know absolutely nothing.
20
Ted, you need to stop your fear mongering and call for more and more money to arm the ME. I think you need to worry about the welfare of Texas which is a southern, coastal state that is in danger of devastation from climate change as well as Zika. We already support Israel with billions. I think you need to think about helping the working people of this country for a change.
In case you haven't noticed, the American GOP base has rejected you in favor of a crazy person- that's how much you are reviled. Your ideas have been rejected. Please Texas- vote this guy out of office and keep him away from the rest of us. He's poison.
In case you haven't noticed, the American GOP base has rejected you in favor of a crazy person- that's how much you are reviled. Your ideas have been rejected. Please Texas- vote this guy out of office and keep him away from the rest of us. He's poison.
12
This guy is ridiculous.
US policy is so lopsided in favor of Israel that it's no wonder our credibility is in the tank over there.
Just look at how insecure Israel is with billions of dollars a year in military aid. You would think that after this many years of getting SO much SO wrong, Israel and it's staunchest allie would ask the really tough questions.
Instead, we will double military aid which means more innocent death and destruction will be visited on both sides.
And the chances of a political solution will fade ever further away.
The agreement forged by Kerry and the Obama administration is the only glimmer of hope to come out of the mideast in over a generation.
And Cruz trashes it.
US policy is so lopsided in favor of Israel that it's no wonder our credibility is in the tank over there.
Just look at how insecure Israel is with billions of dollars a year in military aid. You would think that after this many years of getting SO much SO wrong, Israel and it's staunchest allie would ask the really tough questions.
Instead, we will double military aid which means more innocent death and destruction will be visited on both sides.
And the chances of a political solution will fade ever further away.
The agreement forged by Kerry and the Obama administration is the only glimmer of hope to come out of the mideast in over a generation.
And Cruz trashes it.
9
If Israel would like to buy our protection, fine. otherwise best of luck.
5
If there's an important point to get across to the American people, Ted Cruz is the wrong messenger.
146
Congratulations Mr. Cruz. You finally said something that I can agree with!
3
Is Ted Cruz a Middle East policy expert? Isn't there anyone else more qualified to write about this topic in the Times? Why are we being subjected to Presidential Campaign 2020 already?
5
Wait a minute - Did Ted Cruz just threaten to do his job? "I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues..."
8
Why even give this failure from Texas a platform to speak from? I particularly enjoyed this:
"Who can forget the searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads by our “moderate” partners this past January?"
Senator Cruz, how would the United States respond if an Iranian warship entered the Gulf of Mexico?
Putz couldn't even beat Trump. Goodbye, Senator.
"Who can forget the searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads by our “moderate” partners this past January?"
Senator Cruz, how would the United States respond if an Iranian warship entered the Gulf of Mexico?
Putz couldn't even beat Trump. Goodbye, Senator.
21
Who can forget the searing images of our sailors with guns pointed at their heads? Maybe you did, as there was no gun in the photograph you linked to. The others I found through a search might have shown weapons, but none were pointed at our sailors.
Mr Cruz, you inhabit a world of imaginary evils, where you see things that aren't there and then try to foist your terror on the electorate. Thank god you aren't going to be our president.
Mr Cruz, you inhabit a world of imaginary evils, where you see things that aren't there and then try to foist your terror on the electorate. Thank god you aren't going to be our president.
12
"...rockets fired from Gaza are not the only threat Israel faces..."
Israel possesses nuclear weapons. As Ronald Reagan reminded us all, nuclear deterrence is created by mutually assured destruction.
Cruz must have some big contributors in the defense industry who want to unbalance the nuclear stand-off that already exists.
Israel possesses nuclear weapons. As Ronald Reagan reminded us all, nuclear deterrence is created by mutually assured destruction.
Cruz must have some big contributors in the defense industry who want to unbalance the nuclear stand-off that already exists.
5
if iran's enemies weren't armed to the teeth, they wouldn't need to either.
4
Providentially, I have some fish scraps. Enough. Really Ted, this is your big come back to relevance? Overrought prose about Iran. Get together with all your friends in Washington and play golf or something. Oh wait..........
7
Senator Cruz; once again you have shot from the hip and missed.
7
False equivalency. Will you be giving Sarah Palin and Donald Trump space on the OpEd page of the Times? Both have 0 credentials to comment on Israeli/American relations. Remember Ms. Palin thought Europe was a country? They may be banging around at the head of the Republican party, with "could be" and "also ran" status but the depth of their qualifications is nil. Mr. Cruz - perhaps a little better, but why would he be so worried about anything having to do with the government when he wants to get rid of it? Perhaps Mr. Cruz could spend some of his newly gotten spare time, on actually voting for a Supreme Court justice, instead of obstructing every piece of legislation that has ever come his way. and spewing vitriol at the president. Behavior like that does not give me confidence in any of his opinions.
7
1. Although I am ordinarily no great fan of Presidential memoirs, I am looking forward to the chapter in President Obama’s memoirs concerning the Iran deal where he explains why Mr. Netanyahu’s efforts to protect
his people from the possibility of nuclear annihilation and increased aggression from Iran and its hired terrorists and assassins caused him so much consternation.
2. Sen. Cruz and Mrs. Clinton are world’s apart in their political thinking, but they share a high regard for Israel’s safety, which is one of the few good things to emerge from our present election campaign.
his people from the possibility of nuclear annihilation and increased aggression from Iran and its hired terrorists and assassins caused him so much consternation.
2. Sen. Cruz and Mrs. Clinton are world’s apart in their political thinking, but they share a high regard for Israel’s safety, which is one of the few good things to emerge from our present election campaign.
26
I think most Americans think that it's a bad thing that HRC and the reruns are on the same page
The average American doesn't see the benefit of an alliance with Israel
I suspect that Jewish money buys American politicians. I doubt any real strategic benefit
The average American doesn't see the benefit of an alliance with Israel
I suspect that Jewish money buys American politicians. I doubt any real strategic benefit
1
Ted Cruz is a US mullah. No change in rhetoric, Iran's still the devil.
Congressional Republicans are voicing the desire to instigate an offensive ground war in Iran. Of course they wouldn't vote to empower a Democratic president with a declaration of war until some price was paid, but after that, WW3 baby.
Ted Cruz looks forward to working with his congressional colleagues to thwart Obama in a poorly thought out political battle on foreign policy. Obama's failure to fund Israel? Give me a freaking break. They stand to make billions as a payoff for the Iran deal. More than ever in their short history.
Congressional Republicans are voicing the desire to instigate an offensive ground war in Iran. Of course they wouldn't vote to empower a Democratic president with a declaration of war until some price was paid, but after that, WW3 baby.
Ted Cruz looks forward to working with his congressional colleagues to thwart Obama in a poorly thought out political battle on foreign policy. Obama's failure to fund Israel? Give me a freaking break. They stand to make billions as a payoff for the Iran deal. More than ever in their short history.
17
The US has no credibility on human rights if it does not support Palestinian rights including the law mandating the right of refugees to return home. The US should stand my Iran on this issue.
4
The USA has no credibility on any rights issue until the Black Hills are returned to the Sioux.
As far as Palestine is concerned, the indigenous People who dwelt there a thousand years before Arabic was ever spoken in the area have returned to their ancestral home- it is called Israel.
As far as Palestine is concerned, the indigenous People who dwelt there a thousand years before Arabic was ever spoken in the area have returned to their ancestral home- it is called Israel.
2
The article notes at the end “Ted Cruz is a Republican senator from Texas”. That is true. And he is also a failed presidential candidate.
3
Wasn't it Teddy Roosevelt who said something about the hero "in the arena," and the "coward" who knows neither victory nor defeat because he never engages at all?
Anyway, just sayin'.
Anyway, just sayin'.
3
Any essay about Iran's potential nuclear capabilities that does not mention Israel's very real nuclear arsenal is one that lacks even the pretense of seriousness. It is one thing to be concerned about threats to our longtime ally in the Middle East. It is another to ignore completely the threats that our ally in turn presents, whether intentionally or not, to its neighbors.
216
You are right!
Why, moral equivalency today has made idiocy a legitimate form of intellect.
The Arabs are absolutely terrified of the Israeli nuclear arsenal, so much so that one never hears it mentioned. Instead, the Sunnis fear their real enemy-the "hidden Mahdi" end of the world Persian arch rivals in Tehran.
But go ahead, display that anti-Semitism by mentioning Israel's nukes in the same breath as Iran.
But it was Iranian IEDs which killed and maimed our soldiers in Iraq.
Go find a moral equivalency for that one.
Why, moral equivalency today has made idiocy a legitimate form of intellect.
The Arabs are absolutely terrified of the Israeli nuclear arsenal, so much so that one never hears it mentioned. Instead, the Sunnis fear their real enemy-the "hidden Mahdi" end of the world Persian arch rivals in Tehran.
But go ahead, display that anti-Semitism by mentioning Israel's nukes in the same breath as Iran.
But it was Iranian IEDs which killed and maimed our soldiers in Iraq.
Go find a moral equivalency for that one.
3
The agreement with Iran is a "faith based initiative." The administration hopes the Iranian leadership will moderate over time. Now that its a done deal, we all better hope the administration's faith was well placed.
4
Once again, it is important to understand that Israel is not our 51st state. It is its own state with its own evolving agenda. The current Israeli leadership is extremely hawkish and unwilling to make the choices that could bring peace to the Middle East, like ending the illegal settlements. It also possesses a robust nuclear arsenal, enough to threaten mutually assured destruction. So, why do American taxpayers have to part with badly needed national resources to fund a foreign country that offers its citizens far more welfare than we do? For instance, Israel offers its citizens universal medical care as a right and average college tuition is less than 3,000 per year as mandated by their government. Israel also has a huge population of persons who do not work for religious reasons and are effectively on the public dole. Maybe they need to dig deeper into their own pockets first so our citizens can get better medical care and less expensive higher education?
317
Or deeper into the pockets of Sheldon Adelson and Haim Saban.
2
Thanks for making this clear.
I got all confused when several high-ranking members of England's Labor Party recently opined that Israel should be liquidated and the Jews moved to the USA.
I kinda thought maybe progressives were indeed advocating for a Jewish 51st state. Now I get it, you just want them gone, but not necessarily in Nebraska.
I got all confused when several high-ranking members of England's Labor Party recently opined that Israel should be liquidated and the Jews moved to the USA.
I kinda thought maybe progressives were indeed advocating for a Jewish 51st state. Now I get it, you just want them gone, but not necessarily in Nebraska.
3
Following the senator's religious and military grandstanding in recent months I can see some hard line Iranian using the exact same title in an article about him
7
Yup, you are right.
Cruz is just like Khamenei.
And Congress is just like the People's Assembly in Tehran.
And US nukes are like the Iranian nuclear program.
And Iranian disdain for human rights is just like the US's contempt for same.
And one idiot today is just like another.
Cruz is just like Khamenei.
And Congress is just like the People's Assembly in Tehran.
And US nukes are like the Iranian nuclear program.
And Iranian disdain for human rights is just like the US's contempt for same.
And one idiot today is just like another.
3
Two more thoughts.
The Israeli government is a tyranny to its own people by virtue of their intransigence to a two-state solution, and their obscene dependence on taxpayers of the United States.
Don't misunderstand me. I know and respect the unique relationship we have with Israel and their play in the Middle East but c'mon.
Ted Cruz needs to focus on America's crumbling infrastructure and actually do his job --- that he swore an oath to do -- which he hasn't yet done in his six years in the senate. So far he has cost this country more money than he has saved and if he thinks this is lost on us, he's more ignorant than I thought.
The Israeli government is a tyranny to its own people by virtue of their intransigence to a two-state solution, and their obscene dependence on taxpayers of the United States.
Don't misunderstand me. I know and respect the unique relationship we have with Israel and their play in the Middle East but c'mon.
Ted Cruz needs to focus on America's crumbling infrastructure and actually do his job --- that he swore an oath to do -- which he hasn't yet done in his six years in the senate. So far he has cost this country more money than he has saved and if he thinks this is lost on us, he's more ignorant than I thought.
13
Just one more thought...
Israel today is like an oasis of freedom in a sea of butchery, anarchy and hopelessness.
And you most likely are downloading some Israeli app which will make your life better, in your luxury US cocoon, far removed from the nightmare of Islamic fascism.
But I get it, I don't like the Jews either.
Israel today is like an oasis of freedom in a sea of butchery, anarchy and hopelessness.
And you most likely are downloading some Israeli app which will make your life better, in your luxury US cocoon, far removed from the nightmare of Islamic fascism.
But I get it, I don't like the Jews either.
3
As an American taxpayer I deeply resent the idea that the first responsibility of American citizens is to fund and fight the eternal enemies of Israel.
Cruz, Netanyahu, and the other Old Testament Patriarchs do not represent the Enlightenment values upon with our nation was founded, and share a deeper ideology with the hated Mullahs they resemble.
The rational outcome of their dreams, hopes, and polices, is some justification for a "limited nuclear solution" to at last rid the earth of God's and Israel's enemies. Such men are, by the standards of the Founding Fathers and and the scientific age, insane.
They wed modern technology and weaponry to a medieval mindset, Patriarchal absolutism, and an apocalyptic view of history.
Cruz, Netanyahu, and the other Old Testament Patriarchs do not represent the Enlightenment values upon with our nation was founded, and share a deeper ideology with the hated Mullahs they resemble.
The rational outcome of their dreams, hopes, and polices, is some justification for a "limited nuclear solution" to at last rid the earth of God's and Israel's enemies. Such men are, by the standards of the Founding Fathers and and the scientific age, insane.
They wed modern technology and weaponry to a medieval mindset, Patriarchal absolutism, and an apocalyptic view of history.
20
The real tragedy is that those of us older than the senator are going to have to hear this rubbish and be wary of his machinations until we die. Ugh.
10
So happy this man's eager finger will not be on the "launch missiles" button (metaphorically speaking).
13
Yup, I feel better about that.
It will be far safer to have the "launch" button under an Ayatollah's finger in ten years time.
Thank you, Barack!
It will be far safer to have the "launch" button under an Ayatollah's finger in ten years time.
Thank you, Barack!
4
All the while reading his column I was thinking that the country really dodged a bullet when this guy's bid for the presidency failed. He appears not to have any of the qualities this country needs in a president.
17
I agree.
In his whole life, he shows no sign of being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a half-hour speech, and then refusing to release the transcripts of same.
And does Ted have a national security email server in his house?
Nope. What a loser!
In his whole life, he shows no sign of being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a half-hour speech, and then refusing to release the transcripts of same.
And does Ted have a national security email server in his house?
Nope. What a loser!
4
As Lindsey Graham said "one's poison, one's a bullet through the head."
1
This author, Ted Cruz, is representative of too many elected officials who have no idea of what science is. These individuals believe that due to the exceptionalism of the United States, we are entitled to have certain things, rockets, ballistic missile defense, etc., but no other country (or very few countries) should also develop them.
Unfortunately, the laws of physics are the same in the United States as they are in Iran. Forget about reading "Lolita in Tehran," just understand that people read Newton in Tehran.
We would all be better off if some of our elected officials had some idea of what they were talking about.
Unfortunately, the laws of physics are the same in the United States as they are in Iran. Forget about reading "Lolita in Tehran," just understand that people read Newton in Tehran.
We would all be better off if some of our elected officials had some idea of what they were talking about.
14
This is all beside the point. The fact is the Iranians have no intention of being helpless to defend themselves. They have acted exactly as we would and have. That is a actually hopeful since they act like they have a sense of self preservation. Maybe they will hold off on the warheads for the missiles, maybe they won't, in any case we have to honor the threat and treat them as an unannounced nuclear power. They are a medium sized country with trained engineers and enough money to fund them. Copying, and in some cases improving existing systems, is obviously within their independent capacity. Senator Cruz and all our politicians need to be very clear on the reality of the current situation. The name of the game from now on is deterrence and containment and coexistence, from a position of adequate strength.
9
As if Ted Cruz really cares about Israel. He cares about winning and if this essay of his gets him any votes anywhere he'll be happy. Israel and the Middle East do not concern him as much as he says they do. If he or anyone else in the GOP was truly concerned about the Middle East they would stop their idiocy concerning Obama and look at the military budget with an eye towards smarter spending and use of our soldiers. Instead they continue the same old dance: thwart Obama, blame Obama, claim that government is at fault. It's boring.
Worse than that is their attitude that all refugees from the Middle East must be terrorists, even the ones that helped us when we invaded Iraq. We do ourselves no service when we make blanket statements about the Middle East, Israel, Muslims, or any other group of people. In this reader's opinion, Cruz's essay is merely an attempt to camouflage his interests in gutting our government, cutting our social safety net to nothing, and diverting us from the issues America needs to address at home. The only reason we care so much about the Middle East is because of the oil. A real honest look at the Middle East would result in less support for the region, not more. We ought to be developing alternative sources of energy instead of marching into any part of the Middle East. Why not talk about that instead of Israel?
Worse than that is their attitude that all refugees from the Middle East must be terrorists, even the ones that helped us when we invaded Iraq. We do ourselves no service when we make blanket statements about the Middle East, Israel, Muslims, or any other group of people. In this reader's opinion, Cruz's essay is merely an attempt to camouflage his interests in gutting our government, cutting our social safety net to nothing, and diverting us from the issues America needs to address at home. The only reason we care so much about the Middle East is because of the oil. A real honest look at the Middle East would result in less support for the region, not more. We ought to be developing alternative sources of energy instead of marching into any part of the Middle East. Why not talk about that instead of Israel?
17
What on earth would move the NYT to print an incendiary article on a sensitive foreign affairs subject penned by a man who has displayed almost zero understanding of anything other than his own ego? Given the man's political setbacks in recent weeks, a student of people possessing illusions of omnipotence might have predicted an article like this.
8
Ted Cruz is power hungry. He is planting the seeds for his next Presidential run. He is trying to please his backers in oversees to let them know that he still has their best interests.
Does he has the best interests of those who sent him to Senate?
Does he has the best interests of those who sent him to Senate?
6
I must admit my curiosity as to why the Times persists in publishing war mongering tripe of this sort. Surely the opinions of the bellicose interventionists are well known and available in many fora. Also, do the writers or those who sign these Op-eds get paid? It would be nice to know that my subscription is not underwriting this type of nonsense.
7
NYT, the desire to provide balance and a range of views is admirable . . . so long as the voices included enhance the conversation; that is to say, they're qualified, measured, informed, and in search of actual answers and beneficial outcomes. However, lending such a respected forum to someone so willing to fan mere partisanship and, above all, self interest is a form of malpractice. Giving a self-promoting bloviator the imprimatur of the most important opinion page in the country does not do you credit for impartiality -- it demeans the forum.
6
If Ted was a Pastor, and I was his congregant, and he gave this sermon, I would think back to the Pastor before the current one, and before long I'd stand up leave that church of militarism. I have better things to do with American blood and treasure than defending someone who has it coming to them.
5
Ted Cruz shut down the government as a career-promoting publicity stunt and cost our economy $24B. He has no credibility to be writing this Op Ed piece or any other.
17
Good Grief, I thought the Cruzer was back taking care of his day job in what passes for Congress today. I know they do not do anything but they could at least go the motions in return for their hefty pay. Sure beats picking working on an oil rig in Texas.
6
Really? I rarely say this about anyone, but Ted Cruz has absolutely nothing useful to say or contribute.
In the future please do not waste the ink, paper, and bytes on him.
In the future please do not waste the ink, paper, and bytes on him.
9
"In a New York Times Magazine profile published over the weekend, Ben Rhodes, one of Obama’s top foreign policy advisers, revealed that the administration manipulated the news media to publish favorable (and at times highly inaccurate) coverage of the Iran nuclear deal.
Rhodes’s statements about the White House press corps — as young, ignorant, and easy to take advantage of — and the notion that the Obama administration used them to lie to the public, were front and center throughout the bulk of Monday’s White House press briefing."
I'll trust Cruz over the lying Obama administration any time.
Rhodes’s statements about the White House press corps — as young, ignorant, and easy to take advantage of — and the notion that the Obama administration used them to lie to the public, were front and center throughout the bulk of Monday’s White House press briefing."
I'll trust Cruz over the lying Obama administration any time.
I don't understand the fascination with missiles. If I was going to nuke someone, in this case most likely Saudi Arabia, I would just put my bomb in a shipping container and detonate it by remote control.
4
This man, Ted Cruz, will not go away, and I have a feeling he plans to insinuate himself into our lives any way he possibly can for the next four years.
7
Sounds like Ted attempting to seize executive high ground from Trump and set the stage for his Y2020 comeback. The guy is a junior senator who, as his campaign demonstrated, seems incapable of critically thinking beyond his prejudices. There are no contingent, alternative outcomes with Cruz.
9
Ted trying to come up with a reason Texans should re-elect him to the Senate. My guess, is that John Cornyn is having a big celebration at the ranch this weekend (all Texans of substance have a "ranch") over Teds recent performance and to help line up his replacement, whose campaign will be "I'm running to be your senator, not your president."
5
We should not expect anything different from the Israeli senator. Thank God he is out of the running to become the person with the codes and his finger on the nuclear trigger.
Since he seems willing to spend this kind of money I suggest he get his buddies in the House to submit a budget that funds American infrastructure, healthcare, education, the environment and removes the subsidies (welfare payments) to the Kochs, hedgefund managers etc to pay for it. They can then attach the funding for his country Israel to that budget.
Since he seems willing to spend this kind of money I suggest he get his buddies in the House to submit a budget that funds American infrastructure, healthcare, education, the environment and removes the subsidies (welfare payments) to the Kochs, hedgefund managers etc to pay for it. They can then attach the funding for his country Israel to that budget.
10
Here he goes again, Mr Cruz is the boy crying wolf all the time, any other person I will consider seriously, but him. He build his political career saying that everybody is wrong, and missing what he sees so clearly. Go home to Texas and do something for somebody, instead of tearing everything down, and take the opportunity to make allies. It takes a village to govern.
11
"Who can forget the searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads by our “moderate” partners this past January?"
Who can forget Iran Air 655 passenger jet, shot down by the United States in 1988, killing all 290 civilians and crew?
If nothing else, Iran is interested, like most of us, in self-survival. Does Senator Cruz really believe that Iran would ever, ever seriously threaten the United States with nuclear weapons. Someone is out of their mind here and it's not "the mullahs."
Who can forget Iran Air 655 passenger jet, shot down by the United States in 1988, killing all 290 civilians and crew?
If nothing else, Iran is interested, like most of us, in self-survival. Does Senator Cruz really believe that Iran would ever, ever seriously threaten the United States with nuclear weapons. Someone is out of their mind here and it's not "the mullahs."
20
So since Mr. Cruz no longer has the luxury of a cadre of reporters following him around to report every utterance that comes out of his mouth on the evening news, he is resorting to sharing his dislike of all things Obama via the written word.
Our foreign policy is already murky enough in spots without contestants from the "amateur hour" to further muddy the waters.
Our foreign policy is already murky enough in spots without contestants from the "amateur hour" to further muddy the waters.
8
Senator Cruz ends this dire article with facts that make his warnings largely irrelevant. Israel has developed, with our generous support, a sophisticated anti-missile defense system. They also have a capability for massive -- even nuclear -- retaliation, and no one in Teheran would doubt (or should doubt) they would use it. We've spent enough on Israel. They have the military and technological means, and the economic power (just look at GDP and per capita income) to build up their military and more than defend themselves. I see no reason for alarm or further deep-pocketed spending on Israel -- besides, the Iranians are equally (and legitimately) concerned by finding themselves surrounded by Sunni states, led by the equally or more extreme Saudis, who are violently against Shiites, as we see every day with state-sponsored or "terrorist" violence against Shiites in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan, and, of course, Isis-controlled territories. It's a fallacy to believe that any nation goes for 40 years without change. If that were true, Nixon would never have gone to China, the Berlin Wall would never have fallen, and we would have the relations with Vietnam that we have today. Iran is no different.
161
There is unfortunately a simpler reality -- missile-defense systems will never achieve 100% reliability and this is a "problem" where offense is cheaper to multiply than defense. What this means is simple, and "old-school" cold-war: Iran is restrained from actually using such weapons by the the knowledge that Israel has them too, and the best that Iran could achieve is "Mutually-assured Destruction" - MAD.
As long as those in power in Iran are not truly crazy ... they are deterred. The issue is who is in fact crazier? how sure are you that Netanyahu is so sane?
As long as those in power in Iran are not truly crazy ... they are deterred. The issue is who is in fact crazier? how sure are you that Netanyahu is so sane?
Cruz's delusional thought processes aside, this is yet another targeted hit piece designed to disparage Obama. His national approval ratings are much higher than Cruz. The people have spoken and there not interested in voting for a hawkish religious zealot.
14
If Ted Cruz wants more money for defense, he should raise taxes on the wealthy. A lot.
17
cruz blithely asserts something that isn't true. classic republican tactic like the 'war' on Christmas. and, as it's been commented on well before this dumb op ed piece, why would iran do something that would cause the destruction of wide swaths of their ancient civilization? there might be fanatics in the country, but I don't think there are as many lunatics as in, say, the American right wing.....
7
Thanks, Ted for rousing us from our idleness. It's good to know that any international problem can be solved through the judicious application of violence. I'm glad you are urging Congress to appropriate money to protect people half way around the world, while our own combat veterans commit suicide daily, waiting for doctors' appointments which never come. Because Congress, urged by Mr. Cruz, doesn't see fit to spend American tax dollars on improving the lives of American citizens, like ensuring access to medical care, or allocating funds to rebuild our failing infrastructure. Only when there are weapons to be purchased does Mr. Cruz's humanitarian streak come to the surface.
But take comfort, Ted. You're a pariah not only in your own political party, but across America as well. Please crawl back under your rock, handsomely subsidized by the government you love to attack daily. Maybe the next time of bunch of heavily-armed cattle ranchers seize an obscure building in the middle of nowhere, you can join their fight against our overreaching government. Don't forget to bring some beef jerky, though.
But take comfort, Ted. You're a pariah not only in your own political party, but across America as well. Please crawl back under your rock, handsomely subsidized by the government you love to attack daily. Maybe the next time of bunch of heavily-armed cattle ranchers seize an obscure building in the middle of nowhere, you can join their fight against our overreaching government. Don't forget to bring some beef jerky, though.
7
Yes, please give more of my taxdollars to Israel so they can buy weapons from our defense contractors. Forget healthcare, green energy, education, or our mass transit systems from the 1800s.
10
"I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues this week and in coming months ..." Really? Since when has Ted Cruz ever worked with anyone, in the Senate or otherwise? To work with someone suggests compromise to actually achieve an agreement. But in Ted Cruz's reductionist, religious-based world, those who don't agree with him are scorned and ridiculed. So Mr. Cruz's words should be altered to read: I look forward to working with my colleagues who agree with me entirely.
6
If Israel wants missiles, let them use their own funds. Our generosity with our tax dollars can go toward rebuilding our own infrastructure and investing in energy programs and job training for the very citizens who voted for Trump instead of Cruz because they are weary of dumb ideas like this.
Also, there's nothing here about addressing the actual problem: horrible relations with Iran. But that's hard. Why take on the hard stuff when we can just throw weapons and our money at the problem?
Also, there's nothing here about addressing the actual problem: horrible relations with Iran. But that's hard. Why take on the hard stuff when we can just throw weapons and our money at the problem?
5
I'm that this entire article is just a manifestation of a verbal tic on Cruz's part. He's been talking to the base and thinks that he's still talking to the base. It'll take a while for him to re-enter an atmosphere that supports intelligent life.
5
Mr. Cruz - do you happen to have financial interests in the defense industry? Just asking, because these attempts to get the US military to take action in internal struggles in the middle east often have a personal economic motivation.
7
So he wants the US to spend more taxpayer money to arm another country that already has nuclear capabilities, but won't fund efforts to prevent the spread of Zika in the United States, which is an actual threat.
8
So while your president nominee is running as fast as possible away from international commitment you conservative neoncons are fast running towards the next war. Please, let's spend some money here to educate our population, fix our roads, bridges, tunnels and subways and stop wasting it on reckless foreign ventures.
7
Iran like several other Middle Eastern countries and Donald Trump are inclined to make bombastic statements. While they can't be ignored, they need not be taken at face value. For example, anyone who says they have a missile that will travel 1,250 miles without any error is either a liar, a fool or ignorant.
1
Maybe the best course of action in the US is to discontinue our perennial meddling in their affairs. Oil is such a dirty thing to invade countries over.
3
Hasn't Iran shipped 98% of their highly enriched uranium to Russia, poured concrete into their plutonium generating reactor and drastically reduced the number of centrifuges? How else could this have been accomplished other than by tough negotiations and diplomacy?
6
I'm sorry Senator Cruz, some of the points you make may be valid and certainly there is need for caution, but I don't lend much credibility any more to the opinions of people who support unnecessary war (Iraq being the prime example, WMD or not) and then continually proclaim how they are unquestioning believers in the Prince of Peace. Unnecessary war is the ethical equivalent of international murder (the culpability for which lies in leaders who make the decisions, not soldiers under orders).
Tell me first how the War in Iraq violated your sincere Christian belief in just war theology & then I will listen to the rest. Otherwise, go pander your religion & war to someone else. Sorry.
Tell me first how the War in Iraq violated your sincere Christian belief in just war theology & then I will listen to the rest. Otherwise, go pander your religion & war to someone else. Sorry.
9
I cannot say I'm surprised Iran is concerned about defending itself given the level of paranoia. After all, it was fellow Republican Cuckoo Bird Texas Governor Greg Abbott who ordered the Texas National Guard to monitor the U.S. Military during Jade Helm 15 training exercises for signs that The Lone Star State was about to be invaded.
6
Ted Cruz and the ayatollahs he rails against have the same demonizing mindset.
Iran is not completely run by ayatollahs and has not, historically, been run primarily by ayatollahs. The best thing we can do re Iran is to encourage, by our policies, developments which will reduce the influence of religious fundamentalists and increase the influence of a secular professional middle class there.
Here at home, it will help domestic and foreign policy if we continue to reduce the influence of Ayatollah Ted.
Iran is not completely run by ayatollahs and has not, historically, been run primarily by ayatollahs. The best thing we can do re Iran is to encourage, by our policies, developments which will reduce the influence of religious fundamentalists and increase the influence of a secular professional middle class there.
Here at home, it will help domestic and foreign policy if we continue to reduce the influence of Ayatollah Ted.
6
Ted Cruz, and much of the far right, believe that a world with Islam in it is fundamentally unsafe. This was one of Trump's first great boosts too, his harsh talk on Muslims. We should ban them. We should hunt them. We should patrol their neighborhoods and put them on lists.
I have watched as this talk has grown more and more acceptable. And now it is ordinary for me to see multiple calls for genocide, in America, every single day. And it isn't the one off calls in singular internet comments. On Reddit, a site with millions of users, posts regularly make the front page with thousands of votes full of comments calling for extermination.
I feel I can no longer ignore these constant and increasingly popular calls for genocide.
If you can't live your life without being terrified of some group of others you are not a patriot.
You are a coward.
I have watched as this talk has grown more and more acceptable. And now it is ordinary for me to see multiple calls for genocide, in America, every single day. And it isn't the one off calls in singular internet comments. On Reddit, a site with millions of users, posts regularly make the front page with thousands of votes full of comments calling for extermination.
I feel I can no longer ignore these constant and increasingly popular calls for genocide.
If you can't live your life without being terrified of some group of others you are not a patriot.
You are a coward.
7
Cruz needs to go back to Calgary. At least there, he can fit nicely into the legalized prostitution. His experience prostituting himself to the GOP is legend. Now that he knows his Keystone Pipeline aspirations are as dead as Marley's ghost, he's onto trying to keep his face in the public eye.
And let's call Cruz's rantings in proper perspective. If he can manage to create a war with Middle Eastern leaders, how nice for Alberta and Texas oil who won't fail to seek "spoils of war."
And let's call Cruz's rantings in proper perspective. If he can manage to create a war with Middle Eastern leaders, how nice for Alberta and Texas oil who won't fail to seek "spoils of war."
5
Please don't add blame Canada to blame Obama. Otherwise, good points.
I may be Roman Catholic, but I am not keen on forcing Armageddon upon our planet during my lifetime. I myself can wait for Judgment Day, for the walls to come tumbling down. Perhaps Mr Cruz should run for the presidency of Israel, which has been long locked and loaded for nuclear warfare with their Muslim neighbors. I would imagine that their government would be more receptive to his alarmist Middle Eastern perceptions, and could even allow him to live out his dreams of saviorship were he to become shrill enough. Or maybe this is just the signal that the 2020 American presidential campaign has begun. Either way, perish the thought.
2
The Iran nuclear deal calls for Iran not to develop (much less test) ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Read literally -- as many critics of the deal have done -- this means that Iran can't develop missiles intended for use with conventional weapons, or even defensive missiles, if they're big enough to carry a nuclear weapon.
Needless to say, Iran doesn't interpret that provision quite the same way. Nor do any other signatories to the Iran nuclear deal, who've been notably silent whenever this interpretation is tossed out by critics. Nor is such an interpretation plausible: Iran, just like any other country, would never agree to freeze in time its missile technology while its enemies -- not just Israel, but Saudi Arabia and others -- continue to develop theirs.
To his credit, Cruz doesn't raise this specious argument. One hopes that means it's dead and buried forever.
Needless to say, Iran doesn't interpret that provision quite the same way. Nor do any other signatories to the Iran nuclear deal, who've been notably silent whenever this interpretation is tossed out by critics. Nor is such an interpretation plausible: Iran, just like any other country, would never agree to freeze in time its missile technology while its enemies -- not just Israel, but Saudi Arabia and others -- continue to develop theirs.
To his credit, Cruz doesn't raise this specious argument. One hopes that means it's dead and buried forever.
12
What happened Senator Cruz? The defense industry that bankrolled part of your failed campaign still wants their payback?
I think we're all more than a little tired of the idea that all our resources should be devoted to the Middle East.
Let's spend the money on something constructive, like infrastructure stimulus in the US. Let's repair the crumbling bridges, roads, and yes, high-speed rail would be nice. This is what's needed to give the working class the good jobs at good wages they desperately need.
Surely, even you can agree, it's the morally and economically responsible thing to do.
I think we're all more than a little tired of the idea that all our resources should be devoted to the Middle East.
Let's spend the money on something constructive, like infrastructure stimulus in the US. Let's repair the crumbling bridges, roads, and yes, high-speed rail would be nice. This is what's needed to give the working class the good jobs at good wages they desperately need.
Surely, even you can agree, it's the morally and economically responsible thing to do.
4
Ted Cruz now has time on his hands returning to be the Hawk. Just what we need. Just what the Near East needs - more weapons in an explosive situation.
One should think after a stinging defeat an intelligent person would take some time to reflect where he was wrong - not lash out in that same, unsuccessful way.
One should think after a stinging defeat an intelligent person would take some time to reflect where he was wrong - not lash out in that same, unsuccessful way.
4
It is incumbent on all liberal minded people to protect the Jewish minority by ensuring that they have a qualitative military advantage over those, like Iran, who seek and actively fund their destruction.
Anyone who calls themselves liberal, or left-wing, but does not believe in protections and special status for minorities, particularly those will a long history of being oppressed, is simply fooling themselves.
Anyone who calls themselves liberal, or left-wing, but does not believe in protections and special status for minorities, particularly those will a long history of being oppressed, is simply fooling themselves.
2
If you think promoting regional hostilities is protecting Israel, who oppress their own minorities in a big way, that's sad.
3
Political fodder. Quite apart from the ongoing legitimate discussion of the West's deal with Iran (and everybody's assertion of their complete knowledge of the deal and its certain outcome), this column has one purpose only: to advantage Cruz as he prepares for the upcoming GOP convention. He's obviously also working behind the scenes, but he's hoping that a few more public professions of his anti-Obama and conservative positions will give him clout at the convention and beyond.
3
I find it difficult to believe that Mr. Cruz can't understand that there are different factions within the Iranian government, especially since the US political system is a dichotomy.
2
With all the modern sciences' availability through the Internet and other media it is an intellectual prerogative to bring the less informed world upto date.
This will hopefully blunt the advance of superiority claims.
This will hopefully blunt the advance of superiority claims.
1
The statements of the Iranian regime about Israel are horrible, but Sen. Cruz doesn't help things by leaving out a few details.
"To give credit where credit is due" inexplicably leaves out the little detail that Iran met the requirement that it ship 90% of its uranium out of the country. That's not a determined march toward a nuclear weapon.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-ships-off-uranium-as-part-of-nuclear-ag...
Sen. Cruz also fails to credit our President for adding more funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system than Congress was willing to spend.
Here's an article that explains a bit more about the varieties of missile defense systems and why they get funded.
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.580318
"To give credit where credit is due" inexplicably leaves out the little detail that Iran met the requirement that it ship 90% of its uranium out of the country. That's not a determined march toward a nuclear weapon.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-ships-off-uranium-as-part-of-nuclear-ag...
Sen. Cruz also fails to credit our President for adding more funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system than Congress was willing to spend.
Here's an article that explains a bit more about the varieties of missile defense systems and why they get funded.
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.580318
1
Lyin' Ted Cruz at it again. Imagine America is in Iran's position. There is a country propped up by Russia dominating its holy land (think Syria times a million). Its neighbors belong to a religion directly adverse to its existence (think Mexico times a million). It is being sanctioned by a great number of countries due to its attempt to gain weapons these countries possess (think guns and taxes squared by a million). Would Mr. Cruz do anything different if he were in Iran's position?
Mr. Cruz wants to punish Iran for attempting to exercise rights he believes in. This seems to be contradictory Mr. Cruz. Don't Iranians have the same (god given) rights as Americans?
Lyin' Ted: He holds the Bible high, but when he sets it down he lies.
Mr. Cruz wants to punish Iran for attempting to exercise rights he believes in. This seems to be contradictory Mr. Cruz. Don't Iranians have the same (god given) rights as Americans?
Lyin' Ted: He holds the Bible high, but when he sets it down he lies.
2
Also, he lies about what is in the Bible. He should reread the Gospels and listen to his Pope, a true Christian.
"blessed are the peacemakers"
"blessed are the peacemakers"
3
Lets see, congress complains that President Obama pays for programs approved by Congress but where Congress has not appropriated funds. Then Senator Cruz wants President Obama to fund programs not approved by Congress.
Solution: Congress should appropriate money for these programs. Considering Senator Cruz' relationship with his colleagues, I don't think he's the best person to get the ball rolling. Perhaps he could work with his good friend, Senator McConnell?
Solution: Congress should appropriate money for these programs. Considering Senator Cruz' relationship with his colleagues, I don't think he's the best person to get the ball rolling. Perhaps he could work with his good friend, Senator McConnell?
Perhaps if we stop peddling Fear, America might actually be able to Lead the World back to Peace and Prosperity. We could start setting the example by investing in ourselves and in public education and infrastructure, paying real living wages to skilled and educated People in every community to do the Work that needs to be done to build and maintain healthy communities in a spirit of Liberty and Prosperity. If we better account for the Value responsibly and accountably CREATED, the World might take notice and actually Follow. That would be True Leadership. By the way, how much is the David's Sling Weapons System worth to our good friends at Raytheon (http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2016/03/01/us-israel-...?
1
This is an incendiary article coming from a politician who, if voted to be U.S. president one day, would plunge this country into wars of unfathomable calamity. I'm glad that sane Republican voters, alarmed by this bellicosity, quickly rejected him as their flag bearer for the November 2016 presidential election.
2
".......not only a nuclear weapon, but also the means to launch it, first against Israel and then against the United States.'
Tough to give credence to anything that follows or for that matter precedes when obviously incendiary words like that are strung together.
But it hardly matters. Your objective is plain enough for anyone with eyes to see.
The fact is Iran is controlled by old men and their acolytes whose objectives are in fact not much different than Mr. Cruz or any other people who wrap themselves in the robes of religious belief.
Clearly Mr Cruz has no trouble pinning the tail on their donkey but appears to not just be blindfolded but to have his whole head wrapped when it comes to looking in the mirror. What is the difference between one set of beliefs and another? A quarrel in the schoolyard.
As long as a person keeps it to him or herself it shouldn't make one whit of difference what an individual believes. It is when a nation of people through their government touts belief as the guiding force of their nation that troubles arise. We see this in others but are blind to the direction we are often forced to follow by the religious belief of our own political leaders.
The political guilt we still feel thanks to rejecting Jewish refugees and asylum seekers during WW2 is still playing out and until religious beliefs on all sides are removed from discussion no realistic solution to any problems will be found.
Mr Cruz is intelligent enough to know this.
Tough to give credence to anything that follows or for that matter precedes when obviously incendiary words like that are strung together.
But it hardly matters. Your objective is plain enough for anyone with eyes to see.
The fact is Iran is controlled by old men and their acolytes whose objectives are in fact not much different than Mr. Cruz or any other people who wrap themselves in the robes of religious belief.
Clearly Mr Cruz has no trouble pinning the tail on their donkey but appears to not just be blindfolded but to have his whole head wrapped when it comes to looking in the mirror. What is the difference between one set of beliefs and another? A quarrel in the schoolyard.
As long as a person keeps it to him or herself it shouldn't make one whit of difference what an individual believes. It is when a nation of people through their government touts belief as the guiding force of their nation that troubles arise. We see this in others but are blind to the direction we are often forced to follow by the religious belief of our own political leaders.
The political guilt we still feel thanks to rejecting Jewish refugees and asylum seekers during WW2 is still playing out and until religious beliefs on all sides are removed from discussion no realistic solution to any problems will be found.
Mr Cruz is intelligent enough to know this.
1
The problem with religion creeping into governments is that religion, particularly fundamentalist religion, favors belief over thought. Religious fundamentalists of any stripe shouldn't be allowed into the control rooms of governments with their scientific and technological power and weapons. Look how well it's working in the Middle East, not to mention the House of Representatives.
4
Mr. Cruz is at it again, doing what he does best and what he has built his career upon: pitting human beings against each other, lying when mere distortion won’t do, then standing back and hoping to profit from the hysteria that follows.
As he certainly knows Iran is very far from building a nuclear weapon, and the recent treaty Iran agreed to puts it even farther away joining the nuclear club. Most of us believe this is a good thing.
Cruz throughout might as well be pointing to his own rhetoric and to the policies he himself supports, as when he threatened to assassinate the Iranian leader at the 2015 Values Voters Summit, saying “If you vote for me, under no circumstances will Iran be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. And if the Ayatollah doesn’t understand that, we may have to help introduce him to his 72 virgins.” This charming bit followed Cruz calling his own president a “communist.”
His op-ed also shows that what Cruz wants is what he always wants: Money. Money for those building weapons systems. More money sent abroad while our own cities continue to rot. This is all part of a pitch. Cruz needs to gin up popular support so that Congress and the President agree to another billion for another weapons system.
Ted Cruz continues to offer nothing but hate and division, fear and lies. Let’s hope the voters of Texas send him into the private sector at their next opportunity, where he can do less harm. The country cannot afford him in the Senate.
As he certainly knows Iran is very far from building a nuclear weapon, and the recent treaty Iran agreed to puts it even farther away joining the nuclear club. Most of us believe this is a good thing.
Cruz throughout might as well be pointing to his own rhetoric and to the policies he himself supports, as when he threatened to assassinate the Iranian leader at the 2015 Values Voters Summit, saying “If you vote for me, under no circumstances will Iran be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. And if the Ayatollah doesn’t understand that, we may have to help introduce him to his 72 virgins.” This charming bit followed Cruz calling his own president a “communist.”
His op-ed also shows that what Cruz wants is what he always wants: Money. Money for those building weapons systems. More money sent abroad while our own cities continue to rot. This is all part of a pitch. Cruz needs to gin up popular support so that Congress and the President agree to another billion for another weapons system.
Ted Cruz continues to offer nothing but hate and division, fear and lies. Let’s hope the voters of Texas send him into the private sector at their next opportunity, where he can do less harm. The country cannot afford him in the Senate.
1
The Senator's concern might be better expressed were he to examine Pakistan, a nuclear nation that has a far greater potential for disaster than Iran. First, Iran is a stable country whose economy would be ruined by military action they initiate. Second, Pakistan is a tottering giant run by a corrupt machine, challenged by radical Sunnis who put religion before all else and who would not hesitate to use a nuclear weapon, were one at their disposal.
As usual, Mr. Cruz is barking up the wrong tree.
As usual, Mr. Cruz is barking up the wrong tree.
1
Unfathomable that such shallow people as this, and moreover, a certain presumptive nominee for POTUS from a current major political party, have (or may have) access to actionable intelligence and thus influence on far reaching decisions that chart the future of our nation. The system that elects people like this is seriously flawed. Dark Money, Corruption, Gerrymandering (Accountablity) - Bought and Paid for - will destroy our Republic from within, we are well underway down that track, and this guy thinks he is an Engineer.
2
Another reality the Senator is choosing to ignore is his own irrelevance. Comedy that he "looks forward" to working with his colleagues. I wonder who they might be...
3
Why publish anything this man has to say? He has proven himself a demagogue? And you give him pride of place on the editorial page? I'm extremely disappointed with your decision
4
Why won't Ted Cruz leave us alone? I thought we'd never have to hear from him or read about him again, but here he is. It's a nightmare that won't stop.
5
Gee, how often do you get to talk back to Ted Cruz? Thank you, NYT.
I also thank my lucky stars this trigger happy, war mongering hothead isn't going beyond the level of Senator. Before I question the need for these costly new weapons systems, I would like to ask Ted, how much of his campaign funding came from the defense industry?
I also thank my lucky stars this trigger happy, war mongering hothead isn't going beyond the level of Senator. Before I question the need for these costly new weapons systems, I would like to ask Ted, how much of his campaign funding came from the defense industry?
26
Ted Cruz reminds me of a woman I used to date who would dredge up every every wrong I ever committed each time we got in a disagreement. To put it mildly...a relationship like that is very tiring.
I used to wonder why some people do this, and - at the time - I couldn't come up with an answer that satisfied me. But now I've come to realize it's just a coping mechanism, a method to gain power or leverage or others. I've also learned something else over the years: only the most unpleasant people are prone to doing this.
I used to wonder why some people do this, and - at the time - I couldn't come up with an answer that satisfied me. But now I've come to realize it's just a coping mechanism, a method to gain power or leverage or others. I've also learned something else over the years: only the most unpleasant people are prone to doing this.
16
I guess he's still running.
Why else an op-ed in the Times utilizing every hysterical mantra about Iran from the Likud playbook?
As a Jew, I have to wonder: do non-Jews ever get tired of this constant pandering to single issue Israel voters?
No other group--not even the supposedly invincible NRA or AARP--gets this kind of loving attention. And they both, whether you agree with them or not, represent American interests.
Enough already. According to every poll, Jewish voters vote on domestic issues, not Israel. (We are Americans, after all).
Of course, this oped may be directed not at voters but a few donors like Sheldon Adelson and AIPAC. But why subject all of us to this jargon. Why can't Cruz and the other politicians just call the donors who care about his pledges of fealty to Israel and keep the rest of us out of it.
Please.
Why else an op-ed in the Times utilizing every hysterical mantra about Iran from the Likud playbook?
As a Jew, I have to wonder: do non-Jews ever get tired of this constant pandering to single issue Israel voters?
No other group--not even the supposedly invincible NRA or AARP--gets this kind of loving attention. And they both, whether you agree with them or not, represent American interests.
Enough already. According to every poll, Jewish voters vote on domestic issues, not Israel. (We are Americans, after all).
Of course, this oped may be directed not at voters but a few donors like Sheldon Adelson and AIPAC. But why subject all of us to this jargon. Why can't Cruz and the other politicians just call the donors who care about his pledges of fealty to Israel and keep the rest of us out of it.
Please.
31
Netanyahu is essentially a fascist and until Israel starts treating Palestinians justly, they are no friend of mine. Since the agreement with Iran on nuclear weapons, etc., Iran's right wing has been thrown into a crisis for some reason. It's likely a power struggle that the rest of the world cannot see yet. The agreement opened up the Iranian people to join the rest of the world in important ways. The mullahs want a closed Iran, or a modified closed Iran that suppresses the peoples' personal aspirations--especially the young--but at the same time keeps the coffers full. It's like China. Basically a free and open world promotes Iran's prosperity; while at the same time, the mullahs want a system that drags the people back to the 14th century.
Is Iran a danger to Israel? Probably not. Israel is much stronger militarily. Plus, Israel is no real ally, of no use in the region against the greatest radical Islamist threats: useless against ISIS.
Israel is just there, the darling of 20% of the U.S. population who are Evangelical, etc., and a pariah to the rest of the world for its treatment of the Palestinians. Israel has become nothing more than an enormously expensive burden to the U.S.
Is Iran a danger to Israel? Probably not. Israel is much stronger militarily. Plus, Israel is no real ally, of no use in the region against the greatest radical Islamist threats: useless against ISIS.
Israel is just there, the darling of 20% of the U.S. population who are Evangelical, etc., and a pariah to the rest of the world for its treatment of the Palestinians. Israel has become nothing more than an enormously expensive burden to the U.S.
43
Re treatment of the Palestinians-- when visiting Israel, look over the horizon and you will see dozens of minarets of mosques everywhere--allowing Israeli Arabs total freedom of religion--In the surrounding Arab countries, how many synagogues are there? zero. Churches ? almost zero. It takes hundreds of Israeli soldiers to defend a small group of jews in Hebron who want to live near a Jewish holy site..You cannot "treat the Palestinians" like you treat, say, Americans because the Arabs want you dead and gone.
2
Testing the waters for a third party run, Ted? Your precipitous withdrawal as a result of your Indiana primary smackdown (proud to be a Hoosier on that day, at least) was out of character and suspicious. Please, please do run this fall.
24
Ted Cruz, the anti-government guy, needs to wean himself off of government employment and send out some resumes. I am sure he would get, two, three, four or more job offers. From somewhere.
56
And government hater Ted needs to stop proposing that the USA continue to bleed our taxpayers for military intrusion world-wide.
2
He could always be installed atop one of those Arrow rockets and ride it to its target in Iran, becoming the first to strike a blow in defense of Israel.
1
Senator Cruz basically is arguing that Iran is inherently evil, and that conflict between Iran and Israel/US is avoidable only by continuing to spend more money to build up an increasingly metastatic military. These are the same arguments that are used to demonize Russia for expanding its sphere of influence in Euro-Asia, and China for expanding its sphere of influence in the South China Sea.
While we cannot ignore the potential threats posed by all three countries, we are doomed to eventual Armageddon as long as America perpetuates its incessant "good vs. evil" posturing, with of course America always being the "good."
What would happen if we acknowledged to Iran that we made mistake in supporting a brutal and repressive dictatorship in Iran simply because it was anti-Soviet and pro-oil companies? What would happen if we acknowledged to Russia that we were overzealous in continuing to expand NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union, even though Russia was at its weakest and posed no military threat at the time? What if we acknowledged to China that we understood their security concerns after 150 years of brutalization at the hands of Japan and the West, including the US?
The US has a long history of arrogance and aggression towards the rest of the world, and then we throw up our hands in wonder when someone wants to destroy us. We reap what we sow.
While we cannot ignore the potential threats posed by all three countries, we are doomed to eventual Armageddon as long as America perpetuates its incessant "good vs. evil" posturing, with of course America always being the "good."
What would happen if we acknowledged to Iran that we made mistake in supporting a brutal and repressive dictatorship in Iran simply because it was anti-Soviet and pro-oil companies? What would happen if we acknowledged to Russia that we were overzealous in continuing to expand NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union, even though Russia was at its weakest and posed no military threat at the time? What if we acknowledged to China that we understood their security concerns after 150 years of brutalization at the hands of Japan and the West, including the US?
The US has a long history of arrogance and aggression towards the rest of the world, and then we throw up our hands in wonder when someone wants to destroy us. We reap what we sow.
44
. . . and you left out all of the wonderful U.S. Monroe Doctrine "initiatives" in the Western Hemisphere. ;-)
"Providentially," Mr. Cruz is no longer a threat to the United States and the world as a candidate and there will be no "carpet bombing."
Heidi Cruz alluded to supporters in their "National Prayer Team" that her husband's losing campaign was akin to the "25 year" fight to end slavery and that they would keep "moving forward." Today's essay seems an early part of that effort, though the views of Mr. Cruz seem more likely to bring us closer to the "end of days" than to take the world forward. But that's part of God's plan, too, isn't it Ted?
Heidi Cruz alluded to supporters in their "National Prayer Team" that her husband's losing campaign was akin to the "25 year" fight to end slavery and that they would keep "moving forward." Today's essay seems an early part of that effort, though the views of Mr. Cruz seem more likely to bring us closer to the "end of days" than to take the world forward. But that's part of God's plan, too, isn't it Ted?
44
The Congressional Research Service reports US bilateral military aid to Israel at 3.1 billion or about 20% of Israeli defense spending currently. In 2000 - beginning of Bush Administration - the number was 3.1 billion plus a 950 million economic grant. By 2008, Bush reduced military aid to 2.6 billion and eliminated the economic grant. Obama comes in and increases military aid to 3.1 billion. So, there it is, another example of Obama reversing the damage from the "unfortunate Presidency".
Why doesn't Cruz work with his Congressional buddies to pass another bill that would undoubtedly be paid for by the poor? Congress handles appropriations.
For Mr Cruz, getting something done is the low and slow road without much PR boost. Fortunately, we're all better off that the unfortunate Mr Cruz is satisfied only to rally the support of those who believe the Armageddon scenario to be inevitable and desirable. WWI and WWII were just warm up acts.
Why doesn't Cruz work with his Congressional buddies to pass another bill that would undoubtedly be paid for by the poor? Congress handles appropriations.
For Mr Cruz, getting something done is the low and slow road without much PR boost. Fortunately, we're all better off that the unfortunate Mr Cruz is satisfied only to rally the support of those who believe the Armageddon scenario to be inevitable and desirable. WWI and WWII were just warm up acts.
24
Mr. Cruz, the most loathed Senator in America among a most loathsome bunch,
returns to his high horse appeasing his base's desire for yet more fear. It's
a winning strategy with his Texas fans who have, in their paranoid way,
been smoking enough loco weed to believe that 'Operation Jade Helm'
was an attempt by the Obama administration to corral gun-loving patriots
in underground bunkers under Walmarts.
These statements by Mr. Cruz carry great currency with the bankrupt
Republican party as demonstrated by Cruz' dizzying rise and equally dizzying
fall as the near-front runner of the GOP. Now he can go back to predicting
Armageddon as the 'Chosen One'. Maybe he's looking for a position with
the pathological liar Trump's administration for VEEP, or Secretary of Mistakes.
He will, in spite of his harsh words for Trump bury both his pride and his
nose deeply into Mr. Trumps business end if it suits him by recalling that
before Trump was a psychopath, that he, Cruz, was Donald's very best
friend.
returns to his high horse appeasing his base's desire for yet more fear. It's
a winning strategy with his Texas fans who have, in their paranoid way,
been smoking enough loco weed to believe that 'Operation Jade Helm'
was an attempt by the Obama administration to corral gun-loving patriots
in underground bunkers under Walmarts.
These statements by Mr. Cruz carry great currency with the bankrupt
Republican party as demonstrated by Cruz' dizzying rise and equally dizzying
fall as the near-front runner of the GOP. Now he can go back to predicting
Armageddon as the 'Chosen One'. Maybe he's looking for a position with
the pathological liar Trump's administration for VEEP, or Secretary of Mistakes.
He will, in spite of his harsh words for Trump bury both his pride and his
nose deeply into Mr. Trumps business end if it suits him by recalling that
before Trump was a psychopath, that he, Cruz, was Donald's very best
friend.
36
I'll start worrying when Texas is within their range.
15
Who needs Iranian pretend missile attacks when the single star state loves someone like Ted Cruz? Texas has always loved its fear-mongers.
2
Dear Senator Cruz,
Thank you for your support for Israel which has never wavered.You have not only endeared yourself to the Jewish people but to our creator as well.
Thank you for your support for Israel which has never wavered.You have not only endeared yourself to the Jewish people but to our creator as well.
5
what? simple nonsense... endeared... creator... idiot!
1
. . . creator?
1
Senator Cruz, go away. Worry about your Texas constituents. Stop impacting my life with your ridiculous saber rattling. This approach has done is nothing but harm, and failed to make us stronger.
I applaud this President for making a move towards diplomacy, that includes our allies and even Russia and China. The world works better as one, rather than having the US dictate policy for everyone.
Lastly, I'm tired of 8 years of ceaseless attacks on a twice elected President. Senator Cruz, I think you'd rather work with the Iranians than even try working with OUR President. Congress controls the purse strings, yet you still find fault in Obama. Your positions are weakened when all we consider you to be is opposition to Obama.
I applaud this President for making a move towards diplomacy, that includes our allies and even Russia and China. The world works better as one, rather than having the US dictate policy for everyone.
Lastly, I'm tired of 8 years of ceaseless attacks on a twice elected President. Senator Cruz, I think you'd rather work with the Iranians than even try working with OUR President. Congress controls the purse strings, yet you still find fault in Obama. Your positions are weakened when all we consider you to be is opposition to Obama.
48
No, please, Ted. Stay focused on meaningless national op-eds. No urban Texan wants your hateful visage turned back to your home state.
1
The ability to reach the US with a missle would be about five times this new test. Perhaps a conventional intercontinental ballistic missle demonstration would be in order to show the power of non-nuclear weapons?
2
The last person I would rely upon for advice on domestic and foreign policy is Ted Cruz. His intellectual dishonesty is a direct result of his goal of being the most ideologically pure, most conservative member of the senate (and the most disliked even by other conservatives). Just another egotistical narcissist to be ignored.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
36
Iran has been the victim of 60+ years of American covert and overt regime change war. Beginning with a coup at the behest of British Petroleum and the British government against a democratically elected Iranian government that installed the royal tyrant dictator the Shah of Iran in power. America supported Saddam Hussein of Iraq in his war against Iran that left hundreds of thousands of Iranian casualties. The U.S. Navy shot down a civilian Iranian airplane. America has been engaged in covert drone, cyber and assassination war against Iran.
Iran is an ancient Persian civilization and the most populous Shia Muslim country. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has no nuclear weapons. Iran has never attacked nor threatened to attack America. "Enemy"?
Israel is an extremist European Zionist Jewish supremacist colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons. Israel denies the divine equal certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to the 6 million Christian Muslim Arab Palestinian Israelis under Israeli dominion by occupation, blockade/siege, exile and 2nd class citizenship. Since the end of World War II, Israel has been the #1 recipient of American military aid. Israel is not a party to the NPT and hase nukes. Nor is Israel a party to any chemical nor biological weapons treaties or conventions. "Ally"?
Fossil fuel, Zionism and militarism are the only American interests in the Middle East.
Iran is an ancient Persian civilization and the most populous Shia Muslim country. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has no nuclear weapons. Iran has never attacked nor threatened to attack America. "Enemy"?
Israel is an extremist European Zionist Jewish supremacist colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons. Israel denies the divine equal certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to the 6 million Christian Muslim Arab Palestinian Israelis under Israeli dominion by occupation, blockade/siege, exile and 2nd class citizenship. Since the end of World War II, Israel has been the #1 recipient of American military aid. Israel is not a party to the NPT and hase nukes. Nor is Israel a party to any chemical nor biological weapons treaties or conventions. "Ally"?
Fossil fuel, Zionism and militarism are the only American interests in the Middle East.
38
It is also worth noting that Iran is entirely surrounded by American military installations in Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, the Persian Gulf, and probably some places we haven't heard about.
If there were Chinese bases in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and every Caribbean island, we'd be nervous.
Why can't we allow the Iranians to feel the same way about our military surrounding them?
If there were Chinese bases in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and every Caribbean island, we'd be nervous.
Why can't we allow the Iranians to feel the same way about our military surrounding them?
1
I am no Ted Cruz supporter; but I cannot abide by the lies and vile invective spewed out by an obvious Jew-hater, and hater of his own country.
Everything you state about Israel is so patently wrong (except for Israel having nukes), it could have emanated from the standard Palestinian propaganda diatribe.
And your statement that Iran has never threatened to "attack" America belies the fact that ( Cruz is absolutely correct on this one) Iran unceasingly declares America to be its enemy, and constantly threatens to wipe out Israel.
'Blackmamba can lie and distort all the facts his twisted heart desires;but he (or she) simply proves the old adage,"haters gonna hate".
Everything you state about Israel is so patently wrong (except for Israel having nukes), it could have emanated from the standard Palestinian propaganda diatribe.
And your statement that Iran has never threatened to "attack" America belies the fact that ( Cruz is absolutely correct on this one) Iran unceasingly declares America to be its enemy, and constantly threatens to wipe out Israel.
'Blackmamba can lie and distort all the facts his twisted heart desires;but he (or she) simply proves the old adage,"haters gonna hate".
It is perfectly possible to despise Israel's far right idiots without forgetting the sheer loathsomeness of Iran's far right idiots.
Or to put this another way rather than just spray vaguely-antisemitic adjectives, both countries have way to many vicious religious nutjobs with way too much power.
But pick up a soapbox, go visit sunny Teheran in a bikini top without a headscarf on, pick a nice streetcorner, and start giving a speech. I think I can promise a quick lesson in what the religious police use the sticks for.
Or to put this another way rather than just spray vaguely-antisemitic adjectives, both countries have way to many vicious religious nutjobs with way too much power.
But pick up a soapbox, go visit sunny Teheran in a bikini top without a headscarf on, pick a nice streetcorner, and start giving a speech. I think I can promise a quick lesson in what the religious police use the sticks for.
1
Senator Cruz,
Your tenure as a Senator has been an unmitigated failure and you were even worse a failure as a Presidential candidate.
Nobody likes you in the Senate. Most Americans have a seething dislike of you.
You have no concept of how to govern.
Look in the mirror.
You are the problem.
Your tenure as a Senator has been an unmitigated failure and you were even worse a failure as a Presidential candidate.
Nobody likes you in the Senate. Most Americans have a seething dislike of you.
You have no concept of how to govern.
Look in the mirror.
You are the problem.
66
I'm glad Sen. Cruz dropped out of the presidential race; although not sure his colleagues would appreciate to have him around again in Capitol Hill... While the Iranian regime is distasteful, it has shown time and time again that it 's a rational actor, especially when it comes to provoking the U.S. or Israel. The majority of the Iranian people, including/especially its youth are pro American and have more in common with young people in Tel Aviv than in Riyadh.
20
Since he has the worst attendance record in living memory, I doubt that he will spend any significant time on Capital Hill.
2
Perhaps if we had a two state solution. Perhaps if Israel left the occupied territories. Perhaps if some Israeli leaders weren't as extreme as some Muslim leaders. Perhaps if the IDF weren't complicit in the Sabra and Shatila massacres. Perhaps if the powers that be didn't help carve up this region of the world without any regard to tribe, sect or religion. Perhaps if the Republicans believed in diplomacy rather than punishing and isolating these regimes ...perhaps then all this would end.
29
Perhaps if the Palestinians would agree to a two-state solution with Israel. Perhaps if they discontinued their stabbing campaign in Jerusalem. Perhaps if they stopped celebrating killers. Perhaps if they altered their charter.
Perhaps if they stopped buiding tunnels. Perhaps if they stopped stockpiling rockets and missiles. Perhaps if they gave up depicting Jews in newspapers and schoolbooks as monsters; perhaps if they started looking at their own leaders as the thieves and criminals
they really are; perhaps if they looked into mirrors and finally asked themselves the question: Did we make a mistake in 1948?
Perhaps if they stopped buiding tunnels. Perhaps if they stopped stockpiling rockets and missiles. Perhaps if they gave up depicting Jews in newspapers and schoolbooks as monsters; perhaps if they started looking at their own leaders as the thieves and criminals
they really are; perhaps if they looked into mirrors and finally asked themselves the question: Did we make a mistake in 1948?
3
Read my lips, Mr. Cruz. I don't one more penny to go towards helping Israel with anything until every child in the United States is covered by health insurance and never goes to school nor bed hungry. This is not only because I am sick, bored, and now furious with the constant fear-mongering you Republican Politician do. I want American children to be treated as if their government values them and it is obvious to all but the most obtuse that the only children Republicans value is their own family's children or every human embryo.
As for Israel? They need to learn to sit down and problem solve with their neighbors. I don't know if you have heard or not but Iran and Saudi Arabia are supposedly bitter enemies so let the Saudi's take care of Iran. Another thing you apparently unaware of is that Israel is not part of the USA and never has been.
As for Israel? They need to learn to sit down and problem solve with their neighbors. I don't know if you have heard or not but Iran and Saudi Arabia are supposedly bitter enemies so let the Saudi's take care of Iran. Another thing you apparently unaware of is that Israel is not part of the USA and never has been.
51
Is Cruz suffering from short term memory loss? Just in the past 48 hours John F. Lehman (Reagan’s Navy secretary and Republican member of the 9/11 commission) confirmed Saudi direct government complicity in 9/11. The world's newspapers (but not the NYT) are awash with evidence of a massive U.S. Government cover-up involving the FBI, CIA and the President's own office to spare their 'allies' embarrassment and retribution.
But no, all Cruz is concerned with is Iran, and he self-righteously cries:
"Who can forget the searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads by our “moderate” partners this past January?"
Cruz conveniently forgets that the sailors broke international law and their commander was recently fired for gross incompetence. But who cares? Certainly not Mr. Ted 'selective memory' Cruz.
But no, all Cruz is concerned with is Iran, and he self-righteously cries:
"Who can forget the searing images of American sailors on their knees with guns pointed at their heads by our “moderate” partners this past January?"
Cruz conveniently forgets that the sailors broke international law and their commander was recently fired for gross incompetence. But who cares? Certainly not Mr. Ted 'selective memory' Cruz.
31
Cruz is just an evangelical end-timer who sees Israel as a key component to the events his type interprets Revelations as describing.
28
while ignoring the Gospels and his own Pope
"blessed are the peacemakers"
"blessed are the peacemakers"
10
Senator Cruz, surely you are aware that those sailors were released from Iran, unharmed, within a day. Surely you realize that our countries' dialogue facilitated that.
Surely you aware that Israel has every military advantage and will not hesitate to use them.
Surely you are aware that President Obama offered Israel historically generous military aid, which Netanyahu wants to increase yet more.
Surely you are aware that all of Bibi's grandstanding to Congress failed to stop multinational diplomacy.
Surely I am aware that you are simply a Likud mouthpiece.
Surely you aware that Israel has every military advantage and will not hesitate to use them.
Surely you are aware that President Obama offered Israel historically generous military aid, which Netanyahu wants to increase yet more.
Surely you are aware that all of Bibi's grandstanding to Congress failed to stop multinational diplomacy.
Surely I am aware that you are simply a Likud mouthpiece.
37
Reading these comments I'm more convinced than ever that ABC = Anybody But Clinton. A continuation of this administration's policy will be a "NAQBA"
1
Wow, such an enlightening op-ed.
Iran doesn't like us and they are testing ballistic missiles.
No doubt they are about a day away from launching one either at us or at Israel, so that we can retaliate and wipe them off the face of the earth.
No wonder you came so close to getting the GOP nomination, you're obviously a genius.
Iran doesn't like us and they are testing ballistic missiles.
No doubt they are about a day away from launching one either at us or at Israel, so that we can retaliate and wipe them off the face of the earth.
No wonder you came so close to getting the GOP nomination, you're obviously a genius.
15
"I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues." He does? I wonder whether they look forward to working with him.
18
I'm a little disappointed in the NY Times for accepting this submission. Ted Cruz is a cancer on our society, magnifying our fears in pursuit of personal gain and fame. I expect more from the Times.
30
I understand your position, but many of us readers don't want the New York Times to become an echo chamber of like-minded thought. Having a refreshingly different viewpoint presented, even if I find it personally loathsome and disingenuous, is always welcome (at least to me). At the very least, know thy enemy.
2
Deciding we need to go to war, is not up to you. And it will be young kids dying for your crusade, not you or yours, so stop offering their lives at the altar of 'justice'.
Go back to Canada, or Wisconsin, your time in the lime light came and went.
Go back to Canada, or Wisconsin, your time in the lime light came and went.
18
is Cruz pandering to the jewish community?! This man really wants us to believe that he cares about Israel!!
10
It is your prerogative to write an op-ed, Mr. Cruz, but some former presidential candidates have the dignity to step out of the limelight for at least a few days after they lose an election. I am sure I am not alone when I say that my fatigue of you is so strong enough that I would much rather hang out with mullahs than hear anything else you have to say - and they are probably more rational.
Perhaps you should take some days off. Fry up some machine gun bacon. Samantha Bee has some good skits about you I can recommend.
Perhaps you should take some days off. Fry up some machine gun bacon. Samantha Bee has some good skits about you I can recommend.
20
What, him again already?
Mr. Cruz can thank the empowerer-in-chief of Iran, George W. Bush, who handed Iraq to Iran on a silver platter.
Prior to invading Iraq, if Bush had first offered Iraq to Iran on a silver platter in exchange for giving up both their nuclear and ballistic missile programs, do you think they would have taken that deal? You betcha.
Mr. Cruz can thank the empowerer-in-chief of Iran, George W. Bush, who handed Iraq to Iran on a silver platter.
Prior to invading Iraq, if Bush had first offered Iraq to Iran on a silver platter in exchange for giving up both their nuclear and ballistic missile programs, do you think they would have taken that deal? You betcha.
7
Israel receives $3 billion/year in military aid from us - the highest of any nation. We give $1.5 billion/year to Egypt and its dictator Sisi (part of which he and his cronies siphon off) and $1 billion/year to Jordan in part so they honor the peace treaties with Israel. Obama has offered to increase military aid to Israel to $4 billion/year for next 10 years - Netyanahu does not want to sign since he believes he will get even better deal from next President. Netyanahu is allied with Putin. Israel sold drone technology - developed with US tax dollars - to Russia to use against Ukraine. The same Putin and Russia that is Iran's main sponsor and sold Iran the anti-missile system. Israel sees Iran as a bigger threat than ISIS, a mortal enemy of Iran and the U.S./West. We are Israel's closest ally and should continue to support Israel, but it is well past time for Israel to reciprocate, to stop free-riding (the biggest free-rider) and pay for its own defense.
16
Ted Cruz needs to get back to the job he was elected to do - representing the people of Texas in the Senate. If he has any ambitions regarding US international affairs, he should put his shoulder to the wheel in the Senate and work diligently with the various committees concerned. He has had his "day in the sun" on the national scene - goodbye Mr. Cruz!
6
I am far more worried about Republican theocrats or Republican proto-fascists with their fingers on the nuclear trigger than I ever will be about the Iranian mullahs.
12
North Korea actually has nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them - regionally, and soon, globally. Hence, our allies Japan, South Korea, and others in the region are in much more danger than Israel. I wonder if Ted loses any sleep over the clearly stated intentions of Kim Jong-un.
This piece reeks of the same myopic Islamophobia that has done so much damage to our relations with Middle Eastern countries over the past half century. It speaks volumes about a sore loser's contempt for the rational and successful foreign policy of the current occupant of the White House, and his evident support for the same sort of policies that have created so much havoc in the Middle East. A return to a Bush's gun-slinger approach to Middle Eastern policy could easily bring about the sort of Armageddon that Ted Cruz evidently desires: an epic battle between Good and Evil.
News flash: the world is not a cartoon. There are good and bad people, motives, and behaviors in every country, especially ours. We need to redirect our efforts to removing the log from our own eye in order to see clearly how to remove the splinter from someone else's.
This piece reeks of the same myopic Islamophobia that has done so much damage to our relations with Middle Eastern countries over the past half century. It speaks volumes about a sore loser's contempt for the rational and successful foreign policy of the current occupant of the White House, and his evident support for the same sort of policies that have created so much havoc in the Middle East. A return to a Bush's gun-slinger approach to Middle Eastern policy could easily bring about the sort of Armageddon that Ted Cruz evidently desires: an epic battle between Good and Evil.
News flash: the world is not a cartoon. There are good and bad people, motives, and behaviors in every country, especially ours. We need to redirect our efforts to removing the log from our own eye in order to see clearly how to remove the splinter from someone else's.
12
Kudos to the Gray Lady.
Whether one agrees with Mr. Cruz or not, this perspective is quite rare on the NY Times editorial page, and a huge shout out to the Editorial board for posting an article that does not tow the typical NY Times byline and opinion.
But my oh my. Everyone commenting here, right after lamenting about Trumps close-mindedness. These sharp attitudes toward Israel.....one would think Israel recently attacked the United States to deserve such bile. Did anyone read Roger Cohen's piece today about the Arab Spring? These are Israel's neighbors. Israel IS a democracy. We need to continue to support Israel just like we need to continue to support South Korea and Japan. All these nations are democratic Islands in really bad neighborhoods.
Whether one agrees with Mr. Cruz or not, this perspective is quite rare on the NY Times editorial page, and a huge shout out to the Editorial board for posting an article that does not tow the typical NY Times byline and opinion.
But my oh my. Everyone commenting here, right after lamenting about Trumps close-mindedness. These sharp attitudes toward Israel.....one would think Israel recently attacked the United States to deserve such bile. Did anyone read Roger Cohen's piece today about the Arab Spring? These are Israel's neighbors. Israel IS a democracy. We need to continue to support Israel just like we need to continue to support South Korea and Japan. All these nations are democratic Islands in really bad neighborhoods.
4
Will you please, go away?
11
Look at the bright side:
With Ted Cruz taking the lead on this, what are its odds of success?
With Ted Cruz taking the lead on this, what are its odds of success?
10
Cruz's article is interesting for what it does NOT say: that Iran's recent missile tests are violations of the Iran nuclear deal.
Many other Iran critics have asserted this, and I'd expected Cruz would too. Does this mean that even Iran's harshest critics are finally abandoning that absurd argument – the obvious Implication of which is that Iran may never again develop, much less fire, a missile with a large enough payload area to hold a nuclear weapon, an interpretation of a provision in the nuclear deal that, I'll wager, those Iran critics are alone in arguing is valid?
Many other Iran critics have asserted this, and I'd expected Cruz would too. Does this mean that even Iran's harshest critics are finally abandoning that absurd argument – the obvious Implication of which is that Iran may never again develop, much less fire, a missile with a large enough payload area to hold a nuclear weapon, an interpretation of a provision in the nuclear deal that, I'll wager, those Iran critics are alone in arguing is valid?
14
Has Iran ever toppled a democratically elected government in the USA? Installed a brutal, torturing, murdering military dictator in the USA, arming him and supporting him diplomatically and financially for 26 years until Americans finally got rid of him?
No. Iran has never crushed democracy in the USA to further the business interests of its ruling elite. But the USA did do exactly that to Iran.
How dare the Iranians! Kicking out the American-installed dictator, disliking the USA for what the American ruling elite did to them, and strengthening their ability to deter military aggression against Iran by the constantly sabre-rattling USA and expansionist settler-colonialist state of Israel.
It must feel awful to be Ted Cruz, miserable day in and day out about imagined catastrophic threats like Iran. No one ever explained to him how nasty, greedy people like American neocons who want to dominate the world militarily always dream up narratives to transform the countries they want to dominate and subjugate and control into imaginary aggressors.
How dare anyone oppose American imperialism! Such naked aggression must be crushed by any means necessary!
No. Iran has never crushed democracy in the USA to further the business interests of its ruling elite. But the USA did do exactly that to Iran.
How dare the Iranians! Kicking out the American-installed dictator, disliking the USA for what the American ruling elite did to them, and strengthening their ability to deter military aggression against Iran by the constantly sabre-rattling USA and expansionist settler-colonialist state of Israel.
It must feel awful to be Ted Cruz, miserable day in and day out about imagined catastrophic threats like Iran. No one ever explained to him how nasty, greedy people like American neocons who want to dominate the world militarily always dream up narratives to transform the countries they want to dominate and subjugate and control into imaginary aggressors.
How dare anyone oppose American imperialism! Such naked aggression must be crushed by any means necessary!
19
How much money are you asking for Mr. Cruz?
How much is Israel paying for this and why can't they pay more? Like pay for the whole thing?
What American companies eventually get the money spent on this weapons system?
How much is Israel paying for this and why can't they pay more? Like pay for the whole thing?
What American companies eventually get the money spent on this weapons system?
9
Senator Cruz, when did you ever work with the President on anything? Or, for that matter how often did you even work with members of your own caucus? No, instead you voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act 62 times, use the Senate filibuster a zillion times, block virtually every Presidential nominee and fixate on making Obama a one term President above all other legislative responsibilities including keeping the government running and not defaulting on our debt. And now, you want the Congress and the President to work together? If you ant to work with the President, how about confirming his nominee to the Supreme Court? Baby steps, baby steps...
12
Ted, you lost the primary and need to get over it. Shaking your war-mongering stick serves no purpose other than your own hubristic one. Move on and try to evolve. You owe us that.
10
I'm relieved, honestly, at how irrelevant this feels. My overwhelming response: Who cares what Ted Cruz thinks?
20
MR. Cruz has been misled, Israel is only a friend of itself an has been using us for too long.
10
Tell me Ted, what has Israel done for the U.S.? We give them billions of aid, yearly. We provide them with their entire Air Force. We veto UN resolutions regarding their hunan rights violations, which would otherwise result in sanctions. We protect them from getting sued in the international courts of justice. We paid for the Iron Dome, which protected millions of their citizens from missiles.
And what have we gotten from them, exactly? Nothing.
As Trump would say, they need to either need to pay up (big time) or get lost. Oh and they need to stop insulting our President.
And what have we gotten from them, exactly? Nothing.
As Trump would say, they need to either need to pay up (big time) or get lost. Oh and they need to stop insulting our President.
18
I'm curious Senator, since you members of the Tea Party always insist on offsetting spending cuts whenever new spending happens, what part of the US military defense budget exactly are you willing to cut to pay for enhanced military aid to Israel?
10
The country heaved a collective sigh of relief when Ted Cruz was forced to suspend his campaign for President. Left and right, wealthy or middle class, we could all come together and unite on one thing: we do NOT like Ted Cruz or what he stands for.
And now, here you are, giving him a prominent Op-Ed platform to spout his views.
Seriously?!? What was the NYTimes thinking?
The best advice is to ignore Ted Cruz.
And now, here you are, giving him a prominent Op-Ed platform to spout his views.
Seriously?!? What was the NYTimes thinking?
The best advice is to ignore Ted Cruz.
10
Dear Failed Presidential Hopeful Cruz, why don't you and your wife and all of your relatives grab a rifle, storm over to Iran, and "act accordingly" all by yourselves?
You should have been a participant on "The Biggest Loser." You would have won hands down every season.
You should have been a participant on "The Biggest Loser." You would have won hands down every season.
5
Why are Israel's security and our security so often considered one and the same?
"Congress should seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Israel’s security and so to our own."
Let Israel be concerned with (and pay for) its own security. We'll do the same with our security.
"Congress should seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Israel’s security and so to our own."
Let Israel be concerned with (and pay for) its own security. We'll do the same with our security.
14
The thinking expressed here underscores the rise of Trump and Sanders.
2
Ted Cruz, every neo-con's dream. Maybe he should be Hillary's running mate.
So what if Iran gets the bomb? Israel has the bomb. Saudi Arabia has the bomb. The US and Russia each have bombs that can reach Tehran. If the mullahs are suicidal and launch a preemptive strike, they'll get what they hoped for. But Ted knows they aren't that. He knows the mullahs are just attempting, like every other nation, to extend their strategic hegemony as far as they are able. So Ted is disingenuously looking for a fight for America, because like his neo-con buddies, he believes that if the US isn't waging war somewhere, it is somehow failing to fulfill its ultimate purpose.
There is no reason for the US to support Israel in its Middle Eastern power struggles anymore. Let Israel fend for itself. We might do them an incidental favor by removing our support of Iran in Iraq--yes, we oppose Iran as against Israel and support it as against ISIS--but that's about all we should do.
It is time to quit the crusading. Let the Middle East be what it will be.
So what if Iran gets the bomb? Israel has the bomb. Saudi Arabia has the bomb. The US and Russia each have bombs that can reach Tehran. If the mullahs are suicidal and launch a preemptive strike, they'll get what they hoped for. But Ted knows they aren't that. He knows the mullahs are just attempting, like every other nation, to extend their strategic hegemony as far as they are able. So Ted is disingenuously looking for a fight for America, because like his neo-con buddies, he believes that if the US isn't waging war somewhere, it is somehow failing to fulfill its ultimate purpose.
There is no reason for the US to support Israel in its Middle Eastern power struggles anymore. Let Israel fend for itself. We might do them an incidental favor by removing our support of Iran in Iraq--yes, we oppose Iran as against Israel and support it as against ISIS--but that's about all we should do.
It is time to quit the crusading. Let the Middle East be what it will be.
7
If you think Hillary has anything in common with Ted Cruz, you need to look again. Please get your head out of your social media buddy bonding and get some facts. These memes come straight from Republican central, and are intended to keep Republicans in office.
If you can't stomach her, vote down-ticket and throw the bums out. Bernie, that white knight, can't do a single thing without support, and neither can she.
The voting records of Bernie and Hillary are very similar.
If you can't stomach her, vote down-ticket and throw the bums out. Bernie, that white knight, can't do a single thing without support, and neither can she.
The voting records of Bernie and Hillary are very similar.
1
Ted, a lot of us are really tired of the one-sidedness of Republican campaign rhetoric and its demonization of President Obama.
The Iran deal was certainly better than no deal. We have gone from having no control on Iran's nuclear program to having some very serious control. Everyone knows it is not a complete or permanent solution. It is a first, very important step. And the only alternative would have been a major war.
President Obama has already proposed a record funding package for Israel -- which the Israelis, with their usual brinksmanship, are being slow to agree to.
No discussion of U.S. policy, and especially U.S. aid, to Israel can be complete at this point without discussing human rights concerns. Netanyahu's governments have consistently included crass racists, Netanyahu himself race-baited in the last election, Israel has become markedly less democratic and its current government is pushing it further in that direction. The government is pushing the confiscation of Palestinian land and its conversion to settlements past its already obscene level. And all this very largely -- though not entirely -- has the support of the Israeli electorate.
Of course, many will say Israel's secure existence should be a priority at another level, beyond trying to deal with its internal human-rights problems. The problem is that it's the Israelis themselves who force others to tie the things together, by being completely intransigent and indeed reactionary.
The Iran deal was certainly better than no deal. We have gone from having no control on Iran's nuclear program to having some very serious control. Everyone knows it is not a complete or permanent solution. It is a first, very important step. And the only alternative would have been a major war.
President Obama has already proposed a record funding package for Israel -- which the Israelis, with their usual brinksmanship, are being slow to agree to.
No discussion of U.S. policy, and especially U.S. aid, to Israel can be complete at this point without discussing human rights concerns. Netanyahu's governments have consistently included crass racists, Netanyahu himself race-baited in the last election, Israel has become markedly less democratic and its current government is pushing it further in that direction. The government is pushing the confiscation of Palestinian land and its conversion to settlements past its already obscene level. And all this very largely -- though not entirely -- has the support of the Israeli electorate.
Of course, many will say Israel's secure existence should be a priority at another level, beyond trying to deal with its internal human-rights problems. The problem is that it's the Israelis themselves who force others to tie the things together, by being completely intransigent and indeed reactionary.
9
Oh great, another war! And Mr. Cruz, how in heaven's name do you plan to pay for this "protection"? "..with the generous assistance of the American taxpayer.."
Well, well, I'm sure the American taxpayer will feel warm and fuzzy knowing his taxes went to Israel as he stands in line at the unemployment office when another American company moves to Mexico, China or some other horrid
place and his/her job is gone.
Focus, Mr. Cruz, Focus! Focus on the issues that concern Americans. It appears Mr. Cruz that you are way out of touch.
Well, well, I'm sure the American taxpayer will feel warm and fuzzy knowing his taxes went to Israel as he stands in line at the unemployment office when another American company moves to Mexico, China or some other horrid
place and his/her job is gone.
Focus, Mr. Cruz, Focus! Focus on the issues that concern Americans. It appears Mr. Cruz that you are way out of touch.
6
No new revelations here. Where is the detailed alternative strategy for blunting the Iranian nuclear weapons development program? Bunker bombs? Going it alone on sanctions? Doing everything we can to make an already destabilized region more volatile? "Moderation" in this case was having the Iranian regime agree to a conversation and that was bought about by broadly supported sanctions over a prolonged period. The long game had one specific and narrowly focused goal, to slow if not prevent Iran's development of a nuclear weapon. That result was achieved; but like every success of this administration that cannot be acknowledged by the President's political enemies. More of the same old empty rhetoric Ted, which may explain why you are not a nominee.
4
Essentially, Ted Cruz says, "I can scare you with scenarios, so trust me to keep us safe." Most of this op ed is opinion with little to back it up. We still don't understand the Middle East if we take Cruz's tack.
Think three things.
The Middle East is about oil.
The Middle East is about tribes, not nations.
The Middle East, and Iran in particular is fighting a religious disagreement with the other "nations" in the area.
Cruz displays no sense of understanding any of these things.
Think three things.
The Middle East is about oil.
The Middle East is about tribes, not nations.
The Middle East, and Iran in particular is fighting a religious disagreement with the other "nations" in the area.
Cruz displays no sense of understanding any of these things.
3
Trust Ted? Not on your (or my) life. Budget wizardry by threatening our credit and costing billions, not to mention regular people who suffered in your government shutdown? No wonder Boehner, now he's bonded with his Pope, thinks you are just like Satan.
2
Ted Cruz proves once again that he is NOT a Constitutionalist. Foreign policy is the responsibility of the President, but Mr. Cruz apparently cannot accept the fact that he is a presidential loser. He throws the word "mullah" around with complete lack of responsibility. Oh! He is soooo smart. After all, he is a zealot mullah himself. Please go home to Canada or Cuba, Mr. Cruz.
7
@David D:
Mr. Cruz may be many things, most of which are undesirable, but he is NOT stupid, and he knows what the Constitution says and means. In fact, it is not the POTUS alone who bears the responsibility for the making and implantation of foreign policy. For example, Article Two provides that the president "shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur..."
The Dept. of State's website is an aid to understanding. Posted there is a paper delivered in June 1999 by Richard F. Grimmett, Specialist in National Defense, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division, delineating the "Foreign Policy Roles of the President and Congress." The paper points out that:
"The United States Constitution divides foreign policy powers between the President and the Congress so that both share in the making of foreign policy. What the Constitution does, AND ALL THAT IT DOES, is to confer on the President certain powers capable of affecting our foreign relations, and certain other powers of the same general kind on the Senate, and still other such powers on Congress." (Emphasis in original.)
So, it just may be that Mr. Cruz knows a bit more than you think. I personally will defer to Professor Alan Dershowitz when it comes to analyzing Mr. Cruz's legal acumen. The good professor said Cruz was one of his most brilliant students...
Mr. Cruz may be many things, most of which are undesirable, but he is NOT stupid, and he knows what the Constitution says and means. In fact, it is not the POTUS alone who bears the responsibility for the making and implantation of foreign policy. For example, Article Two provides that the president "shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur..."
The Dept. of State's website is an aid to understanding. Posted there is a paper delivered in June 1999 by Richard F. Grimmett, Specialist in National Defense, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division, delineating the "Foreign Policy Roles of the President and Congress." The paper points out that:
"The United States Constitution divides foreign policy powers between the President and the Congress so that both share in the making of foreign policy. What the Constitution does, AND ALL THAT IT DOES, is to confer on the President certain powers capable of affecting our foreign relations, and certain other powers of the same general kind on the Senate, and still other such powers on Congress." (Emphasis in original.)
So, it just may be that Mr. Cruz knows a bit more than you think. I personally will defer to Professor Alan Dershowitz when it comes to analyzing Mr. Cruz's legal acumen. The good professor said Cruz was one of his most brilliant students...
Will Ted Cruz every just go away? I think the American primary voters sent a very clear message to him but he seems not to be able to hear. Perhaps Ted needs someone as irrelevant as Rick Santorum to show him the door. Texans, please send him packing in 2018.
11
What about Paraguay?
"[We must] make sure that President Obama’s failure to sufficiently fund Israel’s missile defense programs in his latest budget request is reversed."
Israel is a wealthy country. Why in the world should US taxpayers fund its missile defense?
"[We must] make sure that President Obama’s failure to sufficiently fund Israel’s missile defense programs in his latest budget request is reversed."
Israel is a wealthy country. Why in the world should US taxpayers fund its missile defense?
9
So now Ted Cruz is an expert on international issues? Must be since he's here in the NYT. Of course it does just seem like the usual: 'don't just stand there, do something' stance of the Republican Party.......and look where that's been getting us. But then, learning from experience isn't popular with ideologues.
4
OK, Iran has a missile that can reach Israel but no atomic bomb. Israel has a missile that can reach Iran and an atomic bomb, both of which we gave them, plus lots of money we give them. Looks like we are causing a escalation of arms in the area.
I find it odd that North Korea has both a bomb and many ways to deliver it and is run by a nut while our allies have neither but nobody makes a big deal out of it. Too me they are a far greater threat than Iran.
All this Iran talk by the GOP is just to court the Jewish vote and money, not to help keep peace in the world.
I find it odd that North Korea has both a bomb and many ways to deliver it and is run by a nut while our allies have neither but nobody makes a big deal out of it. Too me they are a far greater threat than Iran.
All this Iran talk by the GOP is just to court the Jewish vote and money, not to help keep peace in the world.
5
Ted Cruz. Please just go away.
8
Reading this reminds me why I find this politician with the ghoulish similarity to Mr. Haney, the flim-flam television character from Green Acres, more odious than Donald Trump. His extreme '7 Mountains' Dominion theology is one where Mr. Cruz sees himself as 'an anointed king' for the End Times. Yes, isn't this who you wish to have access to those nuclear codes?? Especially on reading his words here. Added to that, Cruz is another American politician who ignores the reality of Wahhabi Islam being the greatest source of terrorism in the Middle East. Yes----Cruz makes Trump seem rational by comparison. Need I say more??
4
Please, Mr. Cruz, go back to Texas and hush. Apparently, very few are interested in what you have to say.
7
The man who most wants to make USA like theocracy is hand waving at Iran to distract from his failed bid for presidency. If I were as cynical as Ted Cruz, I would say he's already positioning himself for 2020. Sad!
2
Campaign over?
Too much time on your hands?
As Bugs would have said, "What a maroon!"
Too much time on your hands?
As Bugs would have said, "What a maroon!"
5
Ted Cruz has returned to Washington to now try to become Commander in Chief of the Chicken Hawks. The Dracula like Senator is back trying to stoke fear and promoting the need for the US military to (fill in the blanks). This call to arms is merely an extension of the opposition to the Iran Nuclear deal. Most of the opposition to that deal is around Iran entering the international community and has very little to do with Nukes. I wish one media person would ask the Canadian how he plans to pay for the war that he is advocating while moving toward smaller government and lower taxes for the rich. North Korea has demonstrated that they have all the components to fire off mid-range nukes. But cruz is worried Iran has missiles. Wouldn't have anything to do with the beginning of currying favor with AIPAC for his run in 2020. That is when we can expect him to rise from his crypt again and run for the presidency regarless of who wins 2016.
4
Jeez Ted give it a rest already. The campaign's over.
5
For the first time in my life I will say, I agree with Ted Cruz.
2
Dear Senator Cruz,
Thank you for finally explaining to the clueless NYT readers what the P + 1 stands for. Who would have known if not for you explaining it to us?
Thank you for finally explaining to the clueless NYT readers what the P + 1 stands for. Who would have known if not for you explaining it to us?
2
In all fairness, he's used to speaking to Republicans.
2
"The president could not find a single dollar to put toward procurement for the David’s Sling or Arrow-3 missile defense systems, which are being jointly developed by the United States and Israel," Cruz writes. Don't worry, though--"Providence" HAS! "Providentially, David’s Sling, which guards against such ballistic missiles, is ready to go online this year; it will be followed by the Arrow-3 system to protect the Jewish state from longer-range weapons."
2
I asked my friend, Donald Trump, whether he thought Ted Cruz's concern for Israel is for real. Trump looked at me incredulously. "You believe Lying Ted?"
2
Dear Mr. Cruz,
I suggest you listen to Don Corleone's sagacious advice:
"Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer".
Opening any kind of dialogue with Iran is better than not speaking to them at all.
If they are going to develop nuclear devices and are dumb enough to try and use the same, then it's better that the Iranian population knows that ALL the benefits they are receiving from "détente" will disappear as soon as the missiles start flying, flying in a war, I might ad, they have NO chance of winning and have a great chance of having their population being incinerated.
Let them blather their "rhetoric" and continue to excoriate the State of Israel because, frankly, THAT kind of talk is cheap. I'm sure that any attempt by the Revolutionary Guards or the Mullahs to openly attack Israel will bring a swift and dire response from both Israel and the United States, rightfully so.
Perhaps joint airstrikes by both American and Israeli aircraft just might awaken in them the fact that "yes, Israel exists" and it might have been wiser for them to send an "ambassador" as opposed to a missile to the Jewish state.
I suggest you listen to Don Corleone's sagacious advice:
"Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer".
Opening any kind of dialogue with Iran is better than not speaking to them at all.
If they are going to develop nuclear devices and are dumb enough to try and use the same, then it's better that the Iranian population knows that ALL the benefits they are receiving from "détente" will disappear as soon as the missiles start flying, flying in a war, I might ad, they have NO chance of winning and have a great chance of having their population being incinerated.
Let them blather their "rhetoric" and continue to excoriate the State of Israel because, frankly, THAT kind of talk is cheap. I'm sure that any attempt by the Revolutionary Guards or the Mullahs to openly attack Israel will bring a swift and dire response from both Israel and the United States, rightfully so.
Perhaps joint airstrikes by both American and Israeli aircraft just might awaken in them the fact that "yes, Israel exists" and it might have been wiser for them to send an "ambassador" as opposed to a missile to the Jewish state.
2
Ted Cruz seems to have forgotten that Israel is a well-armed, highly capable nuclear power which Iran would directly attack at its own risk and peril. The more sensible policy for the USA and its allies at this juncture would be to minimize their presence in the Middle East altogether and hone their foreign policies to those matters that most directly and importantly concern their own national security.
151
This guy still? What, are we being punished or something?
18
Please make this wannabe second coming go away.
6
Why are the biggest advocates for war almost always people never fought in one?
12
Earth to Ted: The U.S. has a nuclear arsenal and so does Israel. The North Koreans have made the same claim about the accuracy of their missile tests and their leader is far more dangerous than Iran's. Thank heavens we no longer have to worry about this militarist being elected President of the U.S.
4
Teddy Cruz. Out of the race but still bringing the fear.
5
There is no area in which Israel isn't 'sufficiently funded.'
6
Desperately seeking relevance, the very unlikable Senator Ted Cruz from Texas seeks to fund Israeli military efforts while Congress claims it cannot fund Zika research and treatment. Even worse as a silly Dominionist, Cruz also neglects to say that Iran is complying with the nuclear agreement...
5
Mr Cruz and others who hate Iran so much have for decades turned a blind eye towards it's arch rival Saudi Arabia which has been spitting poisonous venom throughout the world. More than any other country, Saudi Arabia has been been spreading Islamism by supporting all kinds of terror in Asia, Africa, Europe and yes in America. Saudi Government has given financial support to radical mosques in USA. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have thrived on Saudi support in radicalizing many Madrasas. Saudi hand in 9/11 events is getting clearer than ever. Iran is no angel and not necessarily without having major fault lines in it's policy.But because of massive mutual interests between Saudi Arabia and USA in promoting each other's agenda in arms race Iran remains their common enemy. Sunni Jihad is as bad as Shia Jihad. Political Islam has no place in a civilized Democratic Society
1
Welcome back to Washington, Ted. I see that you're looking forward to working again with your colleagues in Congress. I wonder if they're looking forward to seeing you again because I heard some of them say awful things about you.
Thanks for revealing that Obama is the obstructionist. Who knew?
One more thing, Ted- if you decide to shut down the government again do it in Texas only and not for the other 49 states.
Thanks for revealing that Obama is the obstructionist. Who knew?
One more thing, Ted- if you decide to shut down the government again do it in Texas only and not for the other 49 states.
6
A Cruz missile? A Hail Mary pass to allow an end-run at the Convention? A collection of clichés? A bad breath of air from the walking Ted?
5
Ted makes a lot of leaps in this article, with his usual scare tactics based on deliberate misinformation.
We continue to give Israel billions a year in foreign aid, which Ted fails to mention.
And I assume that Ted was one of the Senators who signed the "Cotton letter", supporting Israel's snub of the President of the United States.
We continue to give Israel billions a year in foreign aid, which Ted fails to mention.
And I assume that Ted was one of the Senators who signed the "Cotton letter", supporting Israel's snub of the President of the United States.
6
Our ally Israel?
What has Israel ever done for us, other than put us in the ethically challenging position of offering excuses for their behavior in the UN? Let's stop doing favors for Israel until they fully enfranchise all of the adults living under their control. I don't want any part of the current dubious regime of occupation. Decades of oppressing a minority within have hardened Israel. They are no longer anything like a liberal democracy, and deserve no support.
What has Israel ever done for us, other than put us in the ethically challenging position of offering excuses for their behavior in the UN? Let's stop doing favors for Israel until they fully enfranchise all of the adults living under their control. I don't want any part of the current dubious regime of occupation. Decades of oppressing a minority within have hardened Israel. They are no longer anything like a liberal democracy, and deserve no support.
12
Senator Cruz,
You lost - now get off the stage. It must be difficult to go back to the senate where you are reviled. May I suggest a good therapist ?
You lost - now get off the stage. It must be difficult to go back to the senate where you are reviled. May I suggest a good therapist ?
8
It is hard to tell whether Cruz's main war is with Iran or Obama. And this is where Congressional intransigence has led. Iran is dangerous, but Obama will handle it his way with no room for further Congressional gamesmanship. Cruz should expect Obama to pay him zero heed.
3
This article shows why we are are well served by not having Senator Cruz in the white house. Behind all his bellicose rhetoric is a story largely untold. It's well known by now that there are elements within the military industrial complex and the foreign affairs elite that want to continue the campaign of regime change in the Middle East. Senator Cruz is merely their water boy.
This neocon theory, hatched into tragic reality under the Bush administration called for the overthrow of seven Middle East governments, all to be remade in accord with US interests. And what are those interests that would justify such enormous loss of life?
Contrary to Senator Cruz's obfuscation, it's not the protection of defenseless Israel. The US/Israeli military alliance has never been stronger. And this between two leaders that don't like each other.
Israel has the sixth largest and best equipped military in the world, and thanks to Obama is about to get a 10 billion dollar weapons deal with the US. Israel is just the emotional tag line for Cruz's argument since protecting Israel has long been a passionate issue and passion often clouds ones vision.
The real strategic interest behind this article is creating surrogate governments from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, thereby controlling the potential flow of oil from its most accessible region to the rest of the world. The real subject of this story isn't Israel, it's China. A word to the wise as they say is always sufficient.
This neocon theory, hatched into tragic reality under the Bush administration called for the overthrow of seven Middle East governments, all to be remade in accord with US interests. And what are those interests that would justify such enormous loss of life?
Contrary to Senator Cruz's obfuscation, it's not the protection of defenseless Israel. The US/Israeli military alliance has never been stronger. And this between two leaders that don't like each other.
Israel has the sixth largest and best equipped military in the world, and thanks to Obama is about to get a 10 billion dollar weapons deal with the US. Israel is just the emotional tag line for Cruz's argument since protecting Israel has long been a passionate issue and passion often clouds ones vision.
The real strategic interest behind this article is creating surrogate governments from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, thereby controlling the potential flow of oil from its most accessible region to the rest of the world. The real subject of this story isn't Israel, it's China. A word to the wise as they say is always sufficient.
5
Israel is a wealthy country. It pay for whatever defense systems it needs.
As for Iran threatening the US or Israel, this is absurd. Any attack on the US or its allies means regime destruction for Iran.
As for Iran threatening the US or Israel, this is absurd. Any attack on the US or its allies means regime destruction for Iran.
4
Is this 2020 already ? This guy's ambition is delusional and disgusting.
6
I always find it amusing that americans', including cruz, memories of us-iran relations only go as far back as 1979.
why, does anyone wonder, did the iranians storm our embassy and take people hostage? because they were angry.
why?
they'd had enough of covert us involvement in iranian politics. iran elected a leader whose political beliefs the us didn't agree with. so what did we do?
overthrow the iranian government and install the shah and his brutal secret police force, savak.
is it all coming back to you know?
if we don't learn from history (which we NEVER seem to do), we are doomed.
why, does anyone wonder, did the iranians storm our embassy and take people hostage? because they were angry.
why?
they'd had enough of covert us involvement in iranian politics. iran elected a leader whose political beliefs the us didn't agree with. so what did we do?
overthrow the iranian government and install the shah and his brutal secret police force, savak.
is it all coming back to you know?
if we don't learn from history (which we NEVER seem to do), we are doomed.
2
Think about Cruz's statements. Iran might launch against Israel? Ok. One question: Why? To satisfy the anti-Zionist "street" in Tehran? Ok then, lets look at that. Iran launches and what happens? Israel retaliates of course and blows Tehran to smithereens. Israel receives 40% of all US Foreign Aid every year. And Iran wants to attack them? Ludicrous.
Lets look at option 2: Iran wants to attack the United States. One question should immediately come to mind: Why? Why would a tiny, third world country (albeit with a nuclear weapon) attack the United States, the most economically powerful, most technologically advanced, most militarily advanced empire in the history of the world? You would, in effect, be asking to be annihilated and that's exactly what would happen. And Iran could forget about their backer, Putin: he'd walk away from you then. Iran would be on it's own.
Lets look at option 3: Iran "gifts" it's nuclear weapons to a terrorist organisation that deploys them in a proxy attack. This has been spoken about before. Ok. How would Iran do this? How would it manage to disguise this? The US would certainly find out what Iran had done. And then what? B52's and the end of the world, is what.
People like Ted Cruz need to stop scaring less informed Americans for blatant political self interest. This guy has made a habit of it in the Senate and now the New York Times is giving him, as Margaret Thatcher once described it, the "oxygen of publicity". This is irresponsible.
Lets look at option 2: Iran wants to attack the United States. One question should immediately come to mind: Why? Why would a tiny, third world country (albeit with a nuclear weapon) attack the United States, the most economically powerful, most technologically advanced, most militarily advanced empire in the history of the world? You would, in effect, be asking to be annihilated and that's exactly what would happen. And Iran could forget about their backer, Putin: he'd walk away from you then. Iran would be on it's own.
Lets look at option 3: Iran "gifts" it's nuclear weapons to a terrorist organisation that deploys them in a proxy attack. This has been spoken about before. Ok. How would Iran do this? How would it manage to disguise this? The US would certainly find out what Iran had done. And then what? B52's and the end of the world, is what.
People like Ted Cruz need to stop scaring less informed Americans for blatant political self interest. This guy has made a habit of it in the Senate and now the New York Times is giving him, as Margaret Thatcher once described it, the "oxygen of publicity". This is irresponsible.
5
Although I am not a fan of Senator Cruz's politics, it would be a mistake to ignore Iranian military, including missile, threats: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Threats_to_Israel/Iran.html . Yes, that piece also has a "slanted point of view." Such is the nature of commentary about the modern Middle East and Israel. We should not ignore potential threats. What else is new?
We will find out whether or not the nuclear deal was good or bad--one day (maybe). Are the people making comments here any more informed or prescient than an army of experts who cannot agree ( https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2011-02-20/war-over-contain... )? All of us can find links to articles that support various points of view and many of us already have entrenched opinions.
I am not convinced that the senator's comments do much beyond stoking long existing partisan (and other security issue) divides.
We will find out whether or not the nuclear deal was good or bad--one day (maybe). Are the people making comments here any more informed or prescient than an army of experts who cannot agree ( https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2011-02-20/war-over-contain... )? All of us can find links to articles that support various points of view and many of us already have entrenched opinions.
I am not convinced that the senator's comments do much beyond stoking long existing partisan (and other security issue) divides.
2
It is amazing to know how little Ted Cruz knows about Iran. Iran Is like the United States a divided government with a long history of independence. We must work with Iran and respect them.
Ted Cruz is starving our federal government. Now he is claiming We should fund what he likes and starve the rest. This opinion piece is an example why he lost the Presidency.
Ted Cruz is starving our federal government. Now he is claiming We should fund what he likes and starve the rest. This opinion piece is an example why he lost the Presidency.
239
Lost the Presidency? He never even came close to having a chance to run.
1
I expected more from the NYT.!
The man is so clearly in pain, suffering from loss; it is simply cruel to publish this piece and to expose him to such easy ridicule. Show a little compassion why don't you!
The man is so clearly in pain, suffering from loss; it is simply cruel to publish this piece and to expose him to such easy ridicule. Show a little compassion why don't you!
4
Does Mr. Cruz, will Mr. Cruz even understand that nation states, unlike unspeakables such as ISIS, have interests that much of the time belie public bombast and rhetoric? Has Mr. Cruz and others who hold his position asked themselves how it is in the interests of Iran, the hegemon of its region just emerging from isolation, to attack Israel?
It is true that Iran is Israel's declared enemy but the Persians also aren't stupid. I seriously doubt they feel the need to exacerbate their own severe domestic problems by throwing a missile at Tel Aviv.
Keep a close eye on Iran, yes. Try to do the trust-but-verify thing. But wave the 37 year old bloody shirt and all but call for war based on cherry-picked factoids and willful ignorance? Sorry, Mr, Cruz. I doubt Americans want 2003 again, especially now that we've seen the consequences of that mendaciously baaed war.
It is true that Iran is Israel's declared enemy but the Persians also aren't stupid. I seriously doubt they feel the need to exacerbate their own severe domestic problems by throwing a missile at Tel Aviv.
Keep a close eye on Iran, yes. Try to do the trust-but-verify thing. But wave the 37 year old bloody shirt and all but call for war based on cherry-picked factoids and willful ignorance? Sorry, Mr, Cruz. I doubt Americans want 2003 again, especially now that we've seen the consequences of that mendaciously baaed war.
2
Amen. Now we have the spectacle of John Kerry running around Europe on U.S. taxpayer's dime shilling for Iran. Unless, something's changed in the last 15 minutes Iran's raison d'être is "Death to America."
2
No. Iran's people do not want to be isolated, and Iran's civilization is older than ours.
Please check out the history of Mossadegh and BP (remember that oil spill?). We installed the Shah. When we go in and destroy the neighborhood, we should not be surprised that it doesn't work over the long haul, without extreme repression.
Please check out the history of Mossadegh and BP (remember that oil spill?). We installed the Shah. When we go in and destroy the neighborhood, we should not be surprised that it doesn't work over the long haul, without extreme repression.
2
The nuclear deal places Israel and the world in LESS danger. Now comes the American wing of the Israel lobby dancing to the tune of more foreign aid for Israel. Must they have their quid pro quo?
2
Ted Cruz is a dangerous charlatan, a fanatic that is unbending to the evidence, and we ought to be glad he is out of contention for the presidency. Canada is probably delighted to have gotten rid of this demagogue, hated even by his republican colleagues for his rigid ideology and unable or unwilling to get along, and realize that politics, the art of the possible, is only feasible when reasonable compromise is acceptable...and not considered treason. Israel is assured of U.S.'s protection and Obama, along with others in the community of nations, is doing all he can to reinforce Israel's military; this, in spite of Netanyahu's unusual and baseless refusal to abide by mutual cooperation, and the courage to show real interest in solving the Israel-Palestinian conundrum that is weakening his image abroad. Cruz is a fear- and war-monger, just looking after himself, as usual. His behavior only knows one way to relate, and that is as an 'attack dog', reason enough to make him irrelevant. We need thoughtful, careful, reasonable ongoing discussion about the ills affecting the Middle East, and the world; but first, we must introspect, look at ourselves, as we have a bone to chew in all this (and the curse of oil is only part of it). Religious intolerance, and Jihadism (violent Islam) seem prevalent, but so is the environment of poverty, joblessness and a sense of disenfranchisement, that allows it. And speaking of religion, we have our own dogmatic folks at home, right?
5
What Senator Cruz does not point out is that Israel is already a nuclear power and any attack on them by Iran would lead to the complete annihilation of Iran. Surly, the Mullahs know this. Israel would do what Ted proposed in his run for the presidency, "carpet bomb" Iran until "the sand glows in the dark. When will sanity replace hyperbole from this man.
5
"I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues this week" The sun will rise in the west before that happens.
5
Donald Trump: "lyin' Ted". Just sayin'
5
Rafael "Ted" Cruz is too young to have experienced personally growing up in the Cold War when the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction, surprisingly, kept the peace between two major nuclear superpowers, albeit with a lot of worry.
At this point, Israel has enough nuclear capability to reduce Iranian cities to rubble. And its preemptive strikes in the past on Iraq, for example, show that it is willing to strike first when it thinks doing so will advance its interests with little downside risk.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Iran would want a capability to inhibit such first strikes by others. If the Iranians were to strike first, its destruction is already assured.
The more Bebe speaks, the more counterattack capability Iran seeks.
At this point, Israel has enough nuclear capability to reduce Iranian cities to rubble. And its preemptive strikes in the past on Iraq, for example, show that it is willing to strike first when it thinks doing so will advance its interests with little downside risk.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Iran would want a capability to inhibit such first strikes by others. If the Iranians were to strike first, its destruction is already assured.
The more Bebe speaks, the more counterattack capability Iran seeks.
6
Maybe you failed physics, but one nuclear strike can pretty much annihilate Israels.
2
I do agree with one word in this piece: "enough." Enough U.S. aid to Israel. We need to stop backing what is becoming an apartheid state, that increasingly breeds terrorism by its appalling human rights violations against the Palestinians. All U.S. aid needs to be placed in escrow until Israel returns to the community of nations.
12
Mr. Cruz
Will the rock not have you beneath it again? Please, please, please ask more politely again begin thy crawl for the sake of the country.
Will the rock not have you beneath it again? Please, please, please ask more politely again begin thy crawl for the sake of the country.
11
Once again the distinguished Senator from Canada has demonstrated his unfitness for elected or appointed office. Perhaps Iran seeks nukes because it's the one deterrent we and Israel respect? The mullahs may be many things, but suicidal they're not. And Israel's nuclear arsenal (which never comes up for discussion, when demanding a "nuclear free" Middle East) would guarantee their obliteration if they tried to carry out their threats.
6
Why must we hear from this man. He needs to get back to work in Congress. He may be "intelligent" but has zero common sense. He points fingers but never has any real programs well thought out to help America be better for everyone -poor,middle class and rich. Let's worry about healthcare, poverty, education for our almost banana republic. Keeping people ignorant give men like him power. He is no more than a Fox news sound bite. Rant over.
8
Fear mongering Friday!
Who will protect the U.S. From a do nothing congress that refuses to vote on anything to support the average American?
Who will protect our access to clean water and usable roads, tunnels and bridges?
There is a lot of work to do here at home. We need to spend the foreign aid money on infrastructure projects that will employ Americans...
Israel can defend herself...and should defend herself...and will. But I don't think it will come to that.
Who will protect the U.S. From a do nothing congress that refuses to vote on anything to support the average American?
Who will protect our access to clean water and usable roads, tunnels and bridges?
There is a lot of work to do here at home. We need to spend the foreign aid money on infrastructure projects that will employ Americans...
Israel can defend herself...and should defend herself...and will. But I don't think it will come to that.
7
The best protection for Israel is the agreement Kerry and Obama carved out with Iran. Of course, it's easier to call Obama a liar, particularly if you have a distorted world view and think your sh** don't stink.
It is a matter of record that America thrives under Democrats and does poorly under all the recent Republicans. Unfunded wars, check! (go out and shop) Tax cuts for the rich, check! Voter suppression, check! Interference with women's bodies and doctors (coat hanger abortions, here we come) and preventing birth control, check! Deregulation of every form of toxic waste, check! Global warmings is a hoax, fossil fuels forever, check!
Giving the military weapons its own brass say won't work and are too expensive, check! Not counting lifetime disability and caring for veterans, check!
History is full of the powerful taking advantage of the weak. But this time, it's permanent, and the sixth extinction is under way, obvious to anyone paying attention to world news. Coming to a place near you, in your lifetime, but no, it's all a hoax and we need to go on giving trillions and a pass on toxic waste to our buddies who fund our elections.
It's my country too, and of all the sick puppies that govern us, Ted Cruz is one of the worst. He knows better than his Pope (a good man) too. I'd suggest a rereading of the four gospels: they're short and clear and repetitive.
It is a matter of record that America thrives under Democrats and does poorly under all the recent Republicans. Unfunded wars, check! (go out and shop) Tax cuts for the rich, check! Voter suppression, check! Interference with women's bodies and doctors (coat hanger abortions, here we come) and preventing birth control, check! Deregulation of every form of toxic waste, check! Global warmings is a hoax, fossil fuels forever, check!
Giving the military weapons its own brass say won't work and are too expensive, check! Not counting lifetime disability and caring for veterans, check!
History is full of the powerful taking advantage of the weak. But this time, it's permanent, and the sixth extinction is under way, obvious to anyone paying attention to world news. Coming to a place near you, in your lifetime, but no, it's all a hoax and we need to go on giving trillions and a pass on toxic waste to our buddies who fund our elections.
It's my country too, and of all the sick puppies that govern us, Ted Cruz is one of the worst. He knows better than his Pope (a good man) too. I'd suggest a rereading of the four gospels: they're short and clear and repetitive.
18
Some of my friends here say it's OK for people to have nuclear weapons. I'm not so sure about that. Obama got the Nobel for his work to reduce the presence of nuclear material before he became President, and his continuing efforts. I understand he's been persuaded to spend money updating ours, likely a great shame.
In the devil's bargain that is extreme weaponry, at home and abroad, and locally as well as internationally, the presence of firepower is always dangerous. It's use to avoid mutually assured destruction can be defended, but it remains a devil's bargain.
When the rootin' tootin' brigade gets going, their ability to do harm is tremendous. People defend their aggression saying they are reasonable. Aggression is not reasonable, and brinksmanship is a dangerous game.
That said, we're stuck with it. But our policing is fraught with unintended consequences. It's hard to imagine how much safer the middle east might be if we had left Mossadegh alone instead of installing the Shah and inflaming the mullahs, but hindsight is always 20:20.
We went in boots and all, in Iraq: result costly mess
We tried to help in Libya: result costly mess
We tried to stay out of it in Syria: result costly mess
Perhaps we should take better care of each other instead. I'm willing to acknowledge it's complicated.
Global warming is the biggest threat:
http://phys.org/news/2016-05-climate-exodus-middle-east-north-africa.html
"Climate-exodus expected in the Middle East and North Africa"
In the devil's bargain that is extreme weaponry, at home and abroad, and locally as well as internationally, the presence of firepower is always dangerous. It's use to avoid mutually assured destruction can be defended, but it remains a devil's bargain.
When the rootin' tootin' brigade gets going, their ability to do harm is tremendous. People defend their aggression saying they are reasonable. Aggression is not reasonable, and brinksmanship is a dangerous game.
That said, we're stuck with it. But our policing is fraught with unintended consequences. It's hard to imagine how much safer the middle east might be if we had left Mossadegh alone instead of installing the Shah and inflaming the mullahs, but hindsight is always 20:20.
We went in boots and all, in Iraq: result costly mess
We tried to help in Libya: result costly mess
We tried to stay out of it in Syria: result costly mess
Perhaps we should take better care of each other instead. I'm willing to acknowledge it's complicated.
Global warming is the biggest threat:
http://phys.org/news/2016-05-climate-exodus-middle-east-north-africa.html
"Climate-exodus expected in the Middle East and North Africa"
1
Actually, the first three ("synoptic") Gospels (Mark, then Matthew and Luke) are relatively consistent, though they do have major contradictions. It is only in the Gospel of John, written in the second century CE by an unknown author believed by biblical scholars to be located either in Alexandria or Greece, that alters the picture. It is overtly anti-Semitic. It changes Jesus from the "Son of Man" in the synoptic Gospels to the "Son of God." It gets much of the geography of Palestine wrong.
Until John, most of the early Christians, Peter in particular, saw themselves as one of many offshoots of Judaism, not a separate religion. Jesus certainly did if the synoptic gospels are correct. They believed that the Messiah had to meet all of the Hebrew conditions, one of which being that he was a direct descendant of King David. Both Luke and Matthew trace differing lineages from David to Joseph. But, John introduced the dogma that Jesus was NOT born of Joseph, but of God. So why did Luke and Matthew spend so much time with their genealogy?
Paul, (Saul of Tarsus) who never knew Jesus or his disciples, had what we now recognize as a classic frontal lobe seizure on the road to Damascus. As a result he converted to Christianity and set about to enlarge the church by cutting its ties to Judaism and making it palatable for the "gentiles." Between Paul and John, today's Catholic Church was created as a rival to Judaism and a seat of religious-sanctified political power in the world.
Until John, most of the early Christians, Peter in particular, saw themselves as one of many offshoots of Judaism, not a separate religion. Jesus certainly did if the synoptic gospels are correct. They believed that the Messiah had to meet all of the Hebrew conditions, one of which being that he was a direct descendant of King David. Both Luke and Matthew trace differing lineages from David to Joseph. But, John introduced the dogma that Jesus was NOT born of Joseph, but of God. So why did Luke and Matthew spend so much time with their genealogy?
Paul, (Saul of Tarsus) who never knew Jesus or his disciples, had what we now recognize as a classic frontal lobe seizure on the road to Damascus. As a result he converted to Christianity and set about to enlarge the church by cutting its ties to Judaism and making it palatable for the "gentiles." Between Paul and John, today's Catholic Church was created as a rival to Judaism and a seat of religious-sanctified political power in the world.
1
Sour grapes. I wonder if Mr. Cruz knows of the nuclear retaliation that would be the result of any attack the nature of which he believes is imminent. I bet Iran does. Remember Pearl Harbour. Remember Hiroshima. Let's put some common sense into this thread.
"If you have a nation of men who have risen to that height of moral cultivation that they will not declare war or carry arms, for they have not so much madness left in their brains, you have a nation of lovers, of benefactors, of true, great, and able men". - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"If you have a nation of men who have risen to that height of moral cultivation that they will not declare war or carry arms, for they have not so much madness left in their brains, you have a nation of lovers, of benefactors, of true, great, and able men". - Ralph Waldo Emerson
15
@ rixax - rixax exactly my point about 4 minutes after you you get to the point more quickly and well.
Ayatolla Seyyed Ali Khamenei or his military advisers surely know the consequences for Iran of sending ballistic missiles, whatever the available warheads, against Israel. Perhaps Ted Cruz has not had a single thought about this but we can at least hope that Hillary Clinton has learned something since her infamous "totally obliterate them" statement (see my comment).
Thanks for the RWE lines, wish I had them readily on tap.
Larry
Ayatolla Seyyed Ali Khamenei or his military advisers surely know the consequences for Iran of sending ballistic missiles, whatever the available warheads, against Israel. Perhaps Ted Cruz has not had a single thought about this but we can at least hope that Hillary Clinton has learned something since her infamous "totally obliterate them" statement (see my comment).
Thanks for the RWE lines, wish I had them readily on tap.
Larry
Thank you Sen. Cruz for speaking out about this clear and present danger to the US and our allies, if we have any left that trust us. Its unusual to see some light in the sea of darkness that pervades the once great NYT with the rigid lockstep of a blind and totalitarian political correctness. Ignore the tawdry cheap shots that will soon follow and keep speaking out. There are millions of Americans not in any way affected by the paralysis within the liberal cocoon that are listening. Soon, very soon, they will be heard too.
1
Are you really so deluded that you think Iran, with a couple of small, first generation nuclear weapons, will go up against two of the greatest nuclear powers on the planet? It's like somebody who buys a six-shot revolver and thinks he can now attack the 1 million strong (counting the Regular Army, Army Reserves, and available National Guard) American Army.
The Ayatollahs might approve of some 20-somethings "martyring" themselves as suicide bombers against the West or their Sunni neighbors, but, they, themselves have long-range plans to establish Shi'a Islam as the dominant Islamic sect in the world. Provoking a reprisal nuclear strike on the home base of Shi'ism is the furthest thing from their plans. They, themselves, are no more interested in becoming radioactive dust than we are.
The Ayatollahs might approve of some 20-somethings "martyring" themselves as suicide bombers against the West or their Sunni neighbors, but, they, themselves have long-range plans to establish Shi'a Islam as the dominant Islamic sect in the world. Provoking a reprisal nuclear strike on the home base of Shi'ism is the furthest thing from their plans. They, themselves, are no more interested in becoming radioactive dust than we are.
How do we bankrupt Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Russia.......? We stop buying their oil. Look at S.A., they are realizing the long term prosepcts of reduced petro-income and are projecting major reductions in their hard currency reserves! They are 'attempting' to turn to a less-oil based economy. We need to reduce our oil imports as well as Europes oil imports in the next 10 years! The clout S.A and the rest of these countries have over the west's economies, for the last 70 years was obvious to Winston Churchill and ever president since Roosevelt! Tesla, Prias, the Volt, and every other elecrtic car and their manufactuures should receive as many subsidies and tax incentives as the coal, military, and every other major domestic manufacturing industry had during their infancies! if we dramtically incentivize new electric cars purchases by a mere 15% in the next 3-4 years, and then another 20% in the following 2-3 years we could dramatically reduce this country's oil addiction.! This year that would be 15% of 16 million cars. THis would greatly expand out electric car exorts, address avarage fleet fuel consumptions issues, support our home grown utilities, and, and and. Only then will we be able to starve Iran, Iraq, S.A. Jordan, and Russia. Money talks!!!! In the mean time, there will never be daylight between Israel and the US! It is the only democracy in the region, we are joined at the hip regardless of who is in power now or in the future! We are our brothers' keeper!
1
China is desperately suffering from pollution because its power system is primarily coal-based. I suspect that, should we ban import of oil from Iran, Jordan (???), Saudi Arabia, and Russia, China would fill much of the void in its desperate need to reduce coal-powered energy production.
While the Iran nuclear deal has already been violated in that Iran has been manufacturing heavy water far in excess of what it is allowed (and we, in turn, are purchasing the excess heavy water so that Iran will not be in violation of the agreement -- is anything more absurd?), I hate Ted Cruz, and whatever he says grates on my nerves.
He's a religious fascist who wants to impose his own Evangelicalism on the rest of us. And he is an obstructionist, willing to shut down the workings of our government so that he can shut down valuable women's clinics like Planned Parenthood. He has no place in our government.
He's a religious fascist who wants to impose his own Evangelicalism on the rest of us. And he is an obstructionist, willing to shut down the workings of our government so that he can shut down valuable women's clinics like Planned Parenthood. He has no place in our government.
8
There is a treaty called the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT). All nations on Earth except four "rogue" nuclear powers are signatories. The four rogues all have nuclear weapons, refuse to allow inspections, and are in non-compliance with U.N. resolutions. They are North Korea, Pakistan, India, and Israel, three of whom are U.S. allies.
The third article of the NNPT gives all member nations the RIGHT to develop domestic nuclear power plants and to do nuclear research and development as long as they keep the purity no higher than 29.5%. This is an international right and, to date, Iran has not violated it.
Right now, Iran can only sell half of the oil it produces - the rest is needed for energy production internally. Their drive to develop nuclear power plants (an internationally guaranteed right, remember, under the NNPT) is primarily to free up more of their oil for export as a "cash crop."
The agreement forced on Iran by Obama actually attempts to strip or limit some of their rights granted under the NNPT. Iran has uranium resources and is developing the technology to refine the uranium for fuel and has not, according to every intelligence report I've seen, come close to refining their uranium anywhere near their permitted limit. Weaponizing uranium for bombs requires purifying it to around 95%.
Let's not make this another hysterical WMD scare as a "casus belli" which will likely force them into secret weapons development as a deterrent.
The third article of the NNPT gives all member nations the RIGHT to develop domestic nuclear power plants and to do nuclear research and development as long as they keep the purity no higher than 29.5%. This is an international right and, to date, Iran has not violated it.
Right now, Iran can only sell half of the oil it produces - the rest is needed for energy production internally. Their drive to develop nuclear power plants (an internationally guaranteed right, remember, under the NNPT) is primarily to free up more of their oil for export as a "cash crop."
The agreement forced on Iran by Obama actually attempts to strip or limit some of their rights granted under the NNPT. Iran has uranium resources and is developing the technology to refine the uranium for fuel and has not, according to every intelligence report I've seen, come close to refining their uranium anywhere near their permitted limit. Weaponizing uranium for bombs requires purifying it to around 95%.
Let's not make this another hysterical WMD scare as a "casus belli" which will likely force them into secret weapons development as a deterrent.
Ted Cruz is certainly the most exceptional of Americans (sarcasm intended). At least he is not going to become President but keep in mind Hillary Clinton's infamous statement that she was prepared to obliterate Iran, important because she may become President.
The direct quote from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=857guwaNbRc
"We would be able totally to obliterate them."
The context was provided by the question repeated by HC "If Iran were to launch a nuclear attack on Israel what would our response be?" The question was hypothetical in the extreme since only Israel had nuclear weapons. A more Secretary-of-State-like statement might have been, "Iran understands that were it to successfully develop nuclear missiles and use one it could expect to instantly become the target. It is hard to imagine that Iran's leaders would risk the instant response from the US/Israel. Inscriptions on missiles are hardly to be taken as declarations of the policy of a country."
So let's hope Hillary's declaration of committing genocide was just an empty threat.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
PS since I have not read the comments I note that the commander of the boat Cruz refers to was fired yesterday (fired was the word used on BBC World Radio)
The direct quote from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=857guwaNbRc
"We would be able totally to obliterate them."
The context was provided by the question repeated by HC "If Iran were to launch a nuclear attack on Israel what would our response be?" The question was hypothetical in the extreme since only Israel had nuclear weapons. A more Secretary-of-State-like statement might have been, "Iran understands that were it to successfully develop nuclear missiles and use one it could expect to instantly become the target. It is hard to imagine that Iran's leaders would risk the instant response from the US/Israel. Inscriptions on missiles are hardly to be taken as declarations of the policy of a country."
So let's hope Hillary's declaration of committing genocide was just an empty threat.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
PS since I have not read the comments I note that the commander of the boat Cruz refers to was fired yesterday (fired was the word used on BBC World Radio)
3
What's the big deal?? -- A hypothetical question is met with a hypothetical response.
Clinton's answer may not have met your assuming standards with her answer, but it's hard to imagine that any U.S. politician (aside from Donald Trump) would put this country, and the world in danger by heedlessly resorting to nuclear weapons.
Clinton's answer may not have met your assuming standards with her answer, but it's hard to imagine that any U.S. politician (aside from Donald Trump) would put this country, and the world in danger by heedlessly resorting to nuclear weapons.
Unfortunately, the United States is the only country in the history of mankind to use nuclear weapons against civilian cities - Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These slaughters of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, along with the indiscriminate bombings of major cities by all parties in WW II were a prime impetus for the creation in 1949 of the four Geneva Conventions on the conduct of war. Use of nuclear weapons today (even small "tactical" ones) would be not only a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions, but would be, by every definition known, a crime against humanity. It terrifies me that, aside from Bernie Sanders, ALL of the recent presidential contenders (not least among them Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton) are so cavalier about mass murder and genocide.
@ N. Smith - A hypothetical question does not requre a hypothetical response. Using the phrase "obliterate them" is quite different from my suggested response, something another commenter also notes.
Thanks for the reply
Larry
Thanks for the reply
Larry
Mr. Cruz, you act as if the particular points you bring up in this column surely will startle us. But educated people who follow the news know that Iran is run by aging bellicose leaders who sound like this. Yes, they would like nothing more than to wipe Israel off the map. But what you don't seem to grasp is that they aren't likely to do that. Their bellicosity is all part and parcel of how they hold onto their power in a country whose demographics are increasingly making their leadership problematic. The point is, unless Iran is caught violating the Iran Nuclear Deal,it's close to impossible for them to do a bomb rush. The United States will vigorously defend any attack against Israel, so all your rant does is establish that you're in bed with Netanyahu.
In fact, your rallying cry for yet more American tax dollars to pay for yet more defense systems for Israel sounds as if you just got off the phone with Netanyahu and are now letting us now what he told you. Well, guess what? He's already made this very clear.
Enough already. Go back to your anti-government rants, collect your nice government paycheck, and go in there to help your fellow Republicans block hearings on the appointment of Judge Garland, whine that the request for funding the fight against the Zika virus is asking for way too much money, and do nothing for the citizens of Flint. That's where you're in your element.
In fact, your rallying cry for yet more American tax dollars to pay for yet more defense systems for Israel sounds as if you just got off the phone with Netanyahu and are now letting us now what he told you. Well, guess what? He's already made this very clear.
Enough already. Go back to your anti-government rants, collect your nice government paycheck, and go in there to help your fellow Republicans block hearings on the appointment of Judge Garland, whine that the request for funding the fight against the Zika virus is asking for way too much money, and do nothing for the citizens of Flint. That's where you're in your element.
10
Aah, Friday the 13th. Thanks for the reminder Senator.
8
The Obama administration - and Liberals in general, with every word they utter - completely ignores the reality of Iran.
A nation whose leaders and people truly, deeply, believe that Salman Rushdie should be slaughtered because of words he wrote is a nation of emotionally deranged and violent children.
A nation that intentionally sends children to prison to be tortured, raped, and killed as leverage against political prisoners, is a nation of emotionally deranged and violent children (Reza Kahlili, "A Time To Betray").
A nation that intentionally sends assassins to Germany to kill ex-patriate critics of the regime is a nation of emotionally deranged and violent children (Roya Hakakian, "Assassins of the Turquoise Palace").
These are not rational adults. These are killers. Shah Palavi killed close to 10,000 prisoners during his nearly 40 year reign. But the mullahs who came after him killed 2-3 times that many in their first decade. This is the work of emotionally deranged and violent children.
And the cause of all of this violence? Islam.
A nation whose leaders and people truly, deeply, believe that Salman Rushdie should be slaughtered because of words he wrote is a nation of emotionally deranged and violent children.
A nation that intentionally sends children to prison to be tortured, raped, and killed as leverage against political prisoners, is a nation of emotionally deranged and violent children (Reza Kahlili, "A Time To Betray").
A nation that intentionally sends assassins to Germany to kill ex-patriate critics of the regime is a nation of emotionally deranged and violent children (Roya Hakakian, "Assassins of the Turquoise Palace").
These are not rational adults. These are killers. Shah Palavi killed close to 10,000 prisoners during his nearly 40 year reign. But the mullahs who came after him killed 2-3 times that many in their first decade. This is the work of emotionally deranged and violent children.
And the cause of all of this violence? Islam.
3
Senator (I gag on the word) Ted Cruz sounds completely unhinged in this scare- and war-mongering rant. It frighteningly shows the kind of President he'd be, were such a nightmare ever to occur: "Christian" first, Israeli second, and American third.
10
"...I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues this week and in coming months..."!
To what, actually do your job? To legislate?
Or to read Green Eggs and Ham to them...
To what, actually do your job? To legislate?
Or to read Green Eggs and Ham to them...
7
For the BILLION$ we provide to Israel every year, why is it we have virtually no influence on Israeli behavior? We normally have conditions for the Billions we give others.
We have contained the Iranian nukes - who is going to restrain the Israeli nukes?
A pox on both their countries - we have better things to do with our taxes.
We have contained the Iranian nukes - who is going to restrain the Israeli nukes?
A pox on both their countries - we have better things to do with our taxes.
11
The Israel first Congress, including Ted Cruz, take their marching orders from Tel Aviv and the warmongering Israeli PM Netanyahu. If Cruz is so gung ho to start another Middle East war for Israel , let this chickenhawk and his offspring lead the first wave into Iran. As for us, we believe in peace, diplomacy and trade with Iran, a country that has not attacked another country in 200 years ( unlike Israel ) and does not threaten our national interests.
7
A (1) pro-Israel (2) editorial by a (3) Republican!!!
Might as well publish a pro-Israel piece in Der Sturmer!
My guess is the majority of the commenters didn't even read the article in their froth-mouthed frenzy to write their Israel-bashing screed.