opinion Archives - The Portland Press Herald

The Conversation: The Gaza Strip — why the history of the densely populated enclave is key to understanding the current conflict

by Maha Nassar, University of Arizona The Conversation October 11, 2023October 11, 2023

THE CONVERSATION — The focus on conflict in the Middle East has again returned to the Gaza Strip, with Israel’s defense minister ordering a “complete siege” of the Palestinian enclave. The military operation, which involves extensive bombing of residences, follows a surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas militants who infiltrated Israel from Gaza and killed more […]

Times Record Opinion

The Conversation: Hamas assault echoes 1973 Arab-Israeli war — a shock attack and questions of political, intelligence culpability

by Dov Waxman, University of California, Los Angeles The Conversation October 11, 2023October 10, 2023

THE CONVERSATION — The parallels were striking — and surely not coincidental. Exactly 50 years and a day after being taken completely off guard by a coordinated military attack by its neighbors — Egypt and Syria — Israel was again caught by surprise. Early on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants invaded southern Israel by land, sea and air, and […]

Op-eds, Opinion

Commentary: Maine needs climate change action, not distraction. Vote ‘no’ on Question 3

by Tina Riley Special to the Press Herald October 11, 2023October 10, 2023

We cannot work effectively with the utilities to ensure they comply with our plan to transition away from fossil fuels and modernize the grid while also fighting in court to force them to sell.

Op-eds, Opinion

Commentary: The Hamas attack tore off Israel’s veneer of invincibility. Is there a sustainable path forward?

by David N. Myers Los Angeles Times October 11, 2023October 10, 2023

Bringing an end to the stranglehold of the occupation may be the best chance to break the cycle of violence.

Editorials, Opinion

Our View: Freight railroad free-for-all is unacceptable

by The Editorial Board October 11, 2023October 10, 2023

The secrecy enjoyed by railroads leaves Maine unable to either evaluate or respond to potentially extraordinary risks to public health and safety.

Op-eds, Opinion

Clarence Page: When Trump’s rhetoric comes straight from Hitler, he’s in trouble, or we all are

by Clarence Page Tribune Content Agency October 11, 2023October 10, 2023

His recent fact-free assault on immigrants invokes a theme – ‘poisoning the blood of our country’ – right out of the dictator’s manifesto.

Times Record Opinion

Michael Reagan: House Republicans need to grow up

by Michael Reagan Guest column October 10, 2023October 9, 2023

OK, my fellow Republicans, you got rid of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Eight of you joined with every Democrat in the House of Representatives — the only part of the federal government we control — to vote McCarthy out, 216-210. In the process, you threw the House into chaos, killed any hope of passing important bills […]

Times Record Opinion

Elwood Watson: History in the House

by Elwood Watson Guest column October 10, 2023October 9, 2023

October 3, 2023, will go down in American history as the first time a Speaker of the House was expelled from Congress by his own peers. Kevin McCarthy, a man consumed of blind personal ambition and self-interest, was shown the exit door by his congressional colleagues. Eight Republicans – Andy Biggs, Ken Buck, Tim Burchett, […]