Ira Sharkansky

A recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion shows strong sentiment against trusting Israel, but along with that various segments willing to cooperate.
• 38% would agree to returning relations with Israel to their former status, along with various reasons concerning their ability to work in Israel and other economic opportunities
• 40% would agree to the resumption of security coordination with Israel, which in fact has been agreed to by the Palestinian Authority.
• 43% would agree to the resumption of peace negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel [Ira Sharkansky]

We’ve long known about the problems at the top of government. Democracy or not, it ain’t easy holding together large and–inevitably– complex societies. And now the issue is highlighted in the two countries closest to me: Israel and the United States. In both cases the Prime Minister or President have reached the extreme of illegitimacy. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]

Along with, or perhaps behind the quarrels over the presidential transition, is the global pandemic.It’s the worst case since the flu that accompanied World War I more than a century ago.The US President should take considerable credit for his country’s leading indicators of illness and death. His various claims about cures and vaccines, plus his reluctance to wear a mask have contributed to the widespread disregard, and the increasing incidence of infections. [Ira Sharkansky]

The refusal of the top man to accept the decision of the voters may have its parallel here in Israel. Bibi, like Trump, wants to hold on to his power. Among other reasons, to protect himself from the judicial process. Bibi’s style is far more polished than Trump’s But he’s a liar. He accepted the suspension of any annexation of the West Bank, and the sale of advanced planes and other military equipment to the UAE in dealings with the United States, but he acted in both cases as those were temporary matters agreed to by others, without a role for himself. [Ira Sharkansky]

Politics here and there. Lots of it, but in different contexts.
Here in Israel it focuses on what is said to be a significant drop in new infections, and what should be open in response. The reality is some doubt about the widely publicized figures, insofar as many of the Haredim are still avoiding the general rules about congregating, and not having themselves tested for the disease. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]

Jews are sharply divided. Here, in Israel, close to or more than 70 percent support Donald Trump, and only 30 percent or less support Joe Biden. In America, among Jews, the figures are opposite. Polls show that some 70 percent support Biden, and about 30 percent support Trump. One people with a split opinion. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]