Commentary Highlights: Anti-Israel Narratives Crumble, Democratic Economic Record Questioned

Commentary suggests that accusations of genocide against Israel have begun to fall apart, with claims of widespread starvation, deliberate targeting of journalists, and other narratives unraveling. Seth Mandel of Commentary argues that the global propaganda campaign against Israel was largely reversed, describing the portrayal of Israel as the villain as "exactly backwards." He posits that the "Hamasnik cult" will find acclimating to this new reality disorienting and that the use of the term 'genocide' served to avoid defending a particular worldview.

In discussions of economic policy, The Wall Street Journal editors note the Democratic Party's strategy to campaign on "affordability" amidst voter frustration with inflation. However, they point out that inflation has averaged 5% annually during the Biden administration, a rate higher than during the Trump terms. The editors also highlight Democratic proposals to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 or more, suggesting that businesses will pass these costs onto consumers. Furthermore, they recall promises made about the Affordable Care Act reducing healthcare costs, noting instead that premiums for employer plans have roughly doubled since 2010. The piece concludes that hoping for affordability under current Democratic policies is an exercise in wishful thinking.

In the realm of sports, a female athlete shares her experience of competing against a team that included a male pitcher in a girls' state softball tournament, which her team lost. She expresses devastation and hurt, noting that such outcomes at the elite level can impact a player's future. While acknowledging lessons about gender identity, she emphasizes the importance of girls protecting one another when adult institutions fail to do so.

Separately, an analysis from The Hill raises concerns about Guyana's UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett being considered for UN Secretary-General. The authors argue that her positions align more closely with China, Cuba, and Hamas than with U.S. interests. Examples cited include her endorsement of China's World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, her accusations of Israeli genocide, and her positive remarks about Cuba. The piece urges the U.S. to veto her candidacy.

Regarding immigration enforcement, Mark Krikorian at Commonplace praises Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for achieving high arrest numbers for undocumented immigrants over the summer without significant public attention. While acknowledging criticism that not all arrested individuals are criminals, he notes that a substantial portion of those arrested by ICE in July had criminal convictions or pending charges. Krikorian suggests that the administration should enforce removals for all undocumented immigrants, not just those with serious criminal records, to uphold immigration limits. He also points to self-deportation as a low-key method for reducing the undocumented population.