Jim Shalom

A semi-retired physician

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Jun 18, 2025, 10:02 PM

Houses of Cards in the Middle East; Now Iran? What next?

In recent times, two regimes in the Middle East, Syria and Hezbollah, abruptly collapsed unexpectedly. Is that what will happen to Iran? If so, will the result lead to a stable alternative, or a Hamas Gaza like imbroglio despite...

Jun 11, 2025, 10:54 PM

Some Thoughts on a Palestinian State and Free Palestine

Western European countries like France condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and advocate for a Palestinian state as a step toward regional integration, the implication being that Israel’s actions are an impediment to peace, and that a two-state agreement is...

Jun 2, 2025, 9:18 PM

A response to the Joint Statement by Starmer, Macron and Carney

On May 19 the French, British and Canadian governments issued the following declaration: We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a...

May 21, 2025, 12:33 AM

The Only Way the Gaza War Can End Quickly

And the war goes on. The current Hamas-Israel conflict began with an unprovoked attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. After 591 days, the war continues with no clear resolution in sight. Additionally, the Houthis from Yemen continue to...

Apr 8, 2025, 7:50 PM

Freedom of Speech, Antisemitism and Education at Columbia University and Beyond

The international media’s focus on the Trump administration's policies on tariffs and Iran has inadvertently downplayed significant strides made in addressing rampant antisemitism on American campuses. Following Israel’s military response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, pro-Palestinian...

Mar 5, 2025, 11:39 PM

Miscalculations in The War with Hamas by Israel and Others

Reflecting on the events of and since October 7, 2023, it is evident that Israel made several miscalculations as did the Palestinian camp and Western countries. The surprise element: Israel’s most significant miscalculation was their surprise at the October 7...

Feb 5, 2025, 11:21 PM

The Gaza Quandary, Trump’s Proposal and the Israel-Palestinian Conflict

President Trump's proposal to evacuate the Gaza population, level Gaza, and rebuild it from the ground up came as a complete surprise to all parties involved in the conflict and to most analysts. The proposal has already sparked strong...

Oct 5, 2024, 4:57 PM

How to Deescalate the Middle East Power Keg

On October 7, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, Yemen, and the other Iranian proxies will have been going on for a year. Israel continues in its ground offensive in Lebanon to make the north of Israel safe...

Aug 4, 2024, 1:24 AM

Changes Needed to Stop the Palestinian – Israeli Conflict From Deteriorating

The current Middle East conflagration involving Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Yemeni Houthis, with Iran's involvement until now in the background, now risks directly engaging Iran and potentially engulfing other countries in the region and beyond. This escalating conflict raises...

Apr 16, 2024, 12:58 AM

Israel Cannot Sustain a ‘More of the Same’ Government Much Longer

Polls now show that more than 70% of the public are calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu's resignation and the government's replacement despite its Knesset majority. Opposition to the government, which began before October 7th, 2023 with massive protests, has...

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About Me

Jim Shalom is a specialist in family medicine, with interests in end-of-life care and the Israeli political scene. He resides in Galilee. He has spent most of his adult life living and working in Israel.

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