Israel’s Stonehenge Didn’t Serve an Astronomic Purpose

Jan. 16 2025

Sometimes archaeologists, like other scientists, come across evidence that supports one or another rival theory, or that suggests an explanation for a previously unexplained phenomenon. Other times, as in a recent high-tech investigation of a mysterious site in the Golan Heights dating about a millennium before the probable time of Abraham, a discovery contradicts existing explanations without offering anything better. Gavriel Fiske writes:

Rujm el-Hiri, sometimes called “Stonehenge of the East” or the “Wheel of Ghosts,” is a series of concentric stone circles encircling a central burial mound with a small chamber. Constructed of up to 40,000 tons of rock, the site’s purpose is unknown, but some researchers have speculated that it was used for religious rituals related to the solstices.

A new study, [however], found it is unlikely that Rujm el-Hiri . . . was used as an observatory. . . . By using “geomagnetic analysis and tectonic reconstruction” of land movement in the Golan over time, [a] Tel Aviv University team discovered that Rujm el-Hiri has shifted and rotated at an average rate of 8–15 millimeters per year—meaning it had moved tens of meters since its construction around 3000–2700 BCE.

Read more at Times of Israel

More about: Ancient Israel, Archaeology

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait