The more Russia changes,the more it remains the same.

The more Russia changes, the more it remains the same: Pushing itself onto world stage as per Syria and Ukraine. That’s what it also did after the Bolshevik Revolution 100 years ago when Klara Rasputnis fled. Read her story of “betrayal, drama and love” in “Klara’s Journey,” (Marion Street Press) http://amzn.to/13Sp769 ebook, Follow me on twitter, @bengfrank

Second anniversary of Ukraine ousting Yanukovych.

Ukraine is marking the second anniversary of the protest that ousted President Yanukovych.The last three days of the protests were the most violent and more than 70 people were killed. Since those events, Russia has annexed Crimea and armed conflict broke out in the east. Check out “Klara’s Journey,”(Marion Street Press) an historic novel and a story of betrayal, drama and love.” http://amzn.to/13Sp769, wherever books are sold and an ebook.  Follow me on twitter @bengfrank

Israel is destination for India tourists!

Israel is an emerging tourist destination in India and has witnessed a phenomenal growth of 13 per cent in 2015, from 35,000 to 40,000. The India ministry of tourism noted that over 3 million tourists, world-wide, visited Israel last year. For more on Incredible India and its small but vibrant Jewish community, read “The Scattered Tribe: Traveling the Diaspora from Cuba to India to Tahiti & Beyond,” (Globe Pequot Press)  http://amzn.to/J3Z47T, a travel narrative. )  Blog: www.bengfrank.blogspot.com, twitter @bengfrank 

Miami to fight DC establishing consulate in the city.

The city of Miami readies a fight over Washington permitting a Cuba consulate to be established in Miami, home of those who fled Castro and are still leaving Havana. Check out "The Scattered Tribe, Traveling the Diaspora from Cuba to India to Tahiti & Beyond," (Globe Pequot Press). http://amzn.to/J3Z47T. Also an ebook Follow me on twitter @bengfrank.

Why aid to Pakistan?

Since 9/11, according to congressional reports, U.S. taxpayers have given Pakistan at least eighteen billion dollars, much of it to the military,” (which backs militant groups that cross into India and commit terrorist acts.) “Last year alone, the U.S. gave Pakistan $1.5 billion dollars. Isn’t it about time we asked ourselves whether this is a good idea?” says the New Yorker. Info on India, its Jewish community, check out “The Scattered Tribe, Traveling the Diaspora from Cuba to India to Tahiti & Beyond,” (Globe Pequot Press), http://amzn.to/J3Z47T.Ebook. Follow me on twitter @bengfrank. www.bengfrank

Visit Israel

More Americans visited Israel in 2015 than in any year since Israel was reborn in 1948. The tourism statistics released today show that some 620,000 Americans visited Israel in 2015, 3% more than in 2014, the previous record year. Check out my chapter on travel to Israel in "The Scattered Tribe: Traveling the Diaspora from Cuba to India to Tahiti & Beyond," (Globe Pequot Press) http://amzn.to/J3Z47T, a travel narrative. Follow me on twitter @bengfrank. www.bengfrank.blogspot.co

Iran challenges U.S.!

Is there a message here? : A series of Iranian officials vowed on Friday to expand Tehran's missile capabilities, a challenge to the U.S. which has threatened to impose new sanctions even as the vast bulk of its measures against Iran are due to be lifted. Background on Jews in the Near and Far East, check out “The Scattered Tribe, Traveling the Diaspora from Cuba to India to Tahiti & Beyond,” (Globe Pequot Press) http://amzn.to/J3Z47T.   Follow me on twitter @bengfrank. www.bengfrank.blogspot.com