Free Republic

US President Donald Trump claims he ‘forced Israel’s hand’ to launch an operation against Iran, countering a theory that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been manipulating him. The remarks contradict Secretary of State Marco Rubio's suggestion that Israel’s plan to attack Iran triggered Washington’s involvement in Operation Epic Fury. The US president says he prefers someone from within the Iran than former crown prince Reza Pahlavi to replace the slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei

Gay-marriage ban returns to agenda By Matt Stearns , Knight Ridder Newspapers WASHINGTON — The Senate this week will debate a measure that everybody knows is doomed — a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. A waste of time? Not to its supporters. The purpose of debating the amendment now is not constitutional change. It is climate change — of the political variety. The Republican Party's conservative base has grown increasingly angry over immigration and federal spending, adding to other problems that make 2006 a tough election year for the GOP. And politicians in trouble always turn to their base....

Republicans plan controversial votes on gay marriage, flag burning By James Kuhnhenn Knight Ridder Newspapers WASHINGTON - When President Bush beat John Kerry in 2004, Republicans said a ballot initiative in Ohio to ban gay marriage sealed the election, drawing legions of conservatives to the polls. Bush and Republican senators now will seek another dose of conservative magic to embolden their party's base. Call it nostalgia - or election-year jitters. In Saturday's radio address, Bush will urge support for a national ban on gay marriage. A meeting Monday at the White House with opponents of gay marriage will follow, then...