Is Israel a strategic burden? (Iran, Palestinian, middle east, enemies)
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P.S----- The bald guy with the light beard is Stephan Walt and among the two. He is the more 'nice' realist, IF of course there is such a thing as a 'nice realist'.
In a word? Yes... And they have been for a long time. They are also a financial burden.
They are a security risk. Stealing state secrets and selling them to our enemies. The secret of how our subs are made so quiet. Secrets to China.
They have attacked a US Naval ship and escaped accountability. With friends like Israel who needs enemies.
If you enjoyed the movie, you will enjoy their book which is one of the most well documented and researched books ever written on the subject. (over 130 pages of footnotes)
I have asked the question of what strategic benefit there is in having our "special" relationship with Israel, but at best the replies are basically, "because".
Chapter 2 specifically discusses the question of assets verses liabilities that our relationship with Israel gives us. Also, chapters 5 and 6 were interesting as it discussed Israels role in helping to shape US foreign policy in the region and how public discourse is dominated by a pro-Israeli view in the US.
through researching the numerous footnotes, one thing that I found most striking, and much to the credit of Israel is the level of discourse on this subject within Israel itself. Unlike here in the US, this consensus view that Israel must be coddled like a child and protected at all cost is one that is not as widely held as many in the US may think. There appears to be a growing sentiment inside Israel that our relationship as it is constructed today is becoming a greater hindrance to both Israel and the United States.
While I suspect most will likely disagree with me, I don't believe that Israel is a strategic asset to the US either politically, economically, or diplomatically. This may change in the future but places like Diego Garcia, Turkey, and even at the moment, Baghdad are far more strategically valuable than Israel.
If you enjoyed the movie, you will enjoy their book which is one of the most well documented and researched books ever written on the subject. (over 130 pages of footnotes)
I have asked the question of what strategic benefit there is in having our "special" relationship with Israel, but at best the replies are basically, "because".
Chapter 2 specifically discusses the question of assets verses liabilities that our relationship with Israel gives us. Also, chapters 5 and 6 were interesting as it discussed Israels role in helping to shape US foreign policy in the region and how public discourse is dominated by a pro-Israeli view in the US.
through researching the numerous footnotes, one thing that I found most striking, and much to the credit of Israel is the level of discourse on this subject within Israel itself. Unlike here in the US, this consensus view that Israel must be coddled like a child and protected at all cost is one that is not as widely held as many in the US may think. There appears to be a growing sentiment inside Israel that our relationship as it is constructed today is becoming a greater hindrance to both Israel and the United States.
While I suspect most will likely disagree with me, I don't believe that Israel is a strategic asset to the US either politically, economically, or diplomatically. This may change in the future but places like Diego Garcia, Turkey, and even at the moment, Baghdad are far more strategically valuable than Israel.
To give you some insight into the volatile nature of Israeli politics, check this out.
The duly elected Prime Minister of the newly formed Kadima Party (fairly moderate) wishes to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, not even Hamas, and yet the very hard right, pro-war party of Likud (Benjamin Netanyhu) would rather hold their entire election process sooner than to negotiate. Now if that isn't contentious, I don't know what is. Being Olmert is already under investigation for voter fraud, there is a good chance that Netanyhu will be once again the next Prime Minister of Israel, followed soon after by full scale military assault on Gaza and airstrikes in Iran. (both items being strongly pushed in the Knesset by Netanyhu at this very moment)
I actually had some hopes with Olmert and the fledgling Kadima Party, so much for that idea.
(IsraelNN.com) Likud Party Chairman and opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu called for early elections Monday, and said Prime Minister Olmert and the current government have no mandate to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority.
"This government has no mandate to negotiate the borders of this country or to divide its capital city," he told a meeting of the Likud Knesset faction. "The government must go back to the people and allow the nation to choose its leadership once again."
A lot of liberals are suggesting the US cut ties with Israel. I say that the day America turns her back on Israel is the day we seal our fate as a nation. The Bible says God will bless the allies of Israel but will curse her enemies. If you look at history from Hitler back to Egypt, and nation that went against Israel did meet its fate. It will be no different in the future.
A lot of liberals are suggesting the US cut ties with Israel. I say that the day America turns her back on Israel is the day we seal our fate as a nation. The Bible says God will bless the allies of Israel but will curse her enemies. If you look at history from Hitler back to Egypt, and nation that went against Israel did meet its fate. It will be no different in the future.
So Hilter was against Israel... oh, nevermind, forget it.
While I suspect most will likely disagree with me, I don't believe that Israel is a strategic asset to the US either politically, economically, or diplomatically. This may change in the future but places like Diego Garcia, Turkey, and even at the moment, Baghdad are far more strategically valuable than Israel.
I'm afraid you don't get it. Israel is not strategically valuable because of its position, the US has no bases in Israel so it's location in the Middle East really doesn't matter.
Israel is strategically valuable because it provides the US with an attack dog in the region. Israel can and arguably has done America's dirty work when it is not in US interests to do it itself.
Is Israel perfect morally or as an ally? Not at all. There are many morally questionable aspects to Israel's actions and Israel has worked with nations potentially hostile or semi-hostile towards the US. However, the US has also worked with nations hostile towards Israel, such as let's say virtually the entire Middle East.
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