The letter says protesters could have focused on "the Syrian regime's daily savagery against its own people, " or the actions of Iran or Hamas, but instead "chose to protest against Israel, the Middle East's sole democracy, " according to a copy posted on Twitter by Ofir Gendelman, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

CNN: Israel detains pro-Palestinian activists

Simply put, the values that lead to failure are in no way the sole preserve of the upper middle classes, let alone white people.

FORBES: Rather Than Bash the Rich, We Should Emulate Them

To go back to my original post, Russia would be wise to concede that it has lost near-total influence in the Middle East, that the United States is the sole dominant external power in that region, and that it could trade away the few remaining chips it has in order to shore up its position in its own backyard.

FORBES: Where is the Russian Realpolitik on Syria?

The act of throwing a shoe at someone or showing them your sole is "incredibly offensive" in the Middle East, he said.

CNN: Why shoe throwing is 'incredibly offensive'

It would do it in a way that would protect seniors and middle-class families, and not ask them to bear the sole burden of the need to reduce our deficit.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing