Opinion
Uncle Sam forever?
Gidi Grinstein
Published: 20.08.07, 07:32
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1. First of all, the Israeli government has already abandoned
Jake T ,   Alaska   (08.20.07)
the Jews of Israel. Many of the most important government policies are geared towards the weakening of Judaism in Israel. From education to land ownership. The government has abandoned cities like Sderot. Told them, through their inaction, that they are on their own in the next war. The government has abandoned the needy, the elderly, the Holocaust survivors. The government has neglected the IDF. Without proper equipment and training, their ability to defend the country's Jews is severely limited. And the government is making plans for the massive expulsion of Jews from their homes. Look closer, Israeli Jews. It's not just the Americans that have turned their backs to you. It's your own government.
2. Americans have never been on Israel's side.
Glenn ,   Canada   (08.20.07)
Americans have always done what's in their best interest. They have betrayed Israel too many times to be considered true allies. Now Washington has pledged $80 million dollars for training members of the Palestinian security services. Instructors from the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security will begin carrying out exercises with Mahmoud Abbas’ Presidential Guard in the fall. The move represents a change in tactics for Washington, which until now has used the CIA to train PA soldiers. PA security forces trained by the CIA recently failed to stop a Hamas take over of the Gaza Strip. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/131901 The Americans never learn from experience, it seems. Abbas is already making overtures to Hamas. The eventual alliance of the nice and the bad terrorists is a given. All those weapons, training and equipment will be eventually turned against Israel. The writer is correct in his assessment of the weakening of the US/Israel alliance. Israel has missed an important opportunity to solidify its territory and security. Instead the government has played the part of a spineless puppet in the Americans' hands.
3. World Leader??? Are these the guys telling Israel what to do
Canadian Otter   (08.20.07)
Here's an item that can be added to the story of the lost 200,000 USA guns in Iraq. A small South Carolina parts supplier collected about $20.5 million over six years from the Pentagon for fraudulent shipping costs, including $998,798 for sending two 19-cent washers to an Army base in Texas, U.S. officials said. The company also billed and was paid $455,009 to ship three machine screws costing $1.31 each to Marines in Habbaniyah, Iraq, and $293,451 to ship an 89-cent split washer to Patrick Air Force Base in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Pentagon records show. http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20070816/pl_bloomberg/a_piz20xqxeu_1 These are the same people who failed in Iraq creating more turmoil in the Middle East and more terrorists all over the world. They are the ones telling Israel to give up land in exchange for nothing. The latest news is that the Palestinians are asking for complete control of the Temple Mount and half of Jerusalem. And the US will tell Olmert to agree. To which Olmert will agree. Nothing is too much when it comes to making Abbass happy. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123432
4. HIGH TIME TO REALIZE !
Nowhere Man ,   Metropolis, Zion   (08.20.07)
Israel has unnecessarily aligned to US positions in the past. Not 1 second has the Israeli elite started to think about Israel's future without the US. We can only hope it's not too late and Israel will be able to build a future without the US. US mentality has already completely rottened us.
5. of course it can happen
(08.20.07)
we were best mates with france before the US came along and look what happened
6. this is not new news
Joseph ,   Malta   (08.20.07)
The Bible clearly says that Israel will be left alone and all the armies of the world will bome against her. Only when Isreal turns to the one they have pierced will Hashem comes to destroy all her enemies. therefore the best thing for Israel today is to turn the the G-d of Abrahm Isaac and Jacom TODAY and forget secularism
7. Finally!!!
M. Hartley ,   Atlanta, US   (08.20.07)
It's about high time we got top billing again for whatever ails EVERYBODY. We didn''t like having to share the spotlight with "those Joooooooooos" all the time. We don't care whether it's good or bad. We just want that attention.
8. To #3
M. Hartley ,   Atlanta, US   (08.20.07)
You're looking at that yahoo article the wrong way. How about: 1) Dang, we Southern girls are smart to have figured out that loophole. 2) At least, we keep catching ours. You don't even know about yours. 3) What's a little money? After talk, it's the second cheapest commodity under the sun. 4) At least, the money stayed in the country. As for the other article, it's pretty simple: If you -this not being personal- don't like the way we do business, you can always say, "NO." You're not saying much for yourself, when you not only blame us for what we do and don't do, but for what you, yourself, do or not do. It's heads I win, tails you lose. Hell, I'll take a gig like that all day long.
9. friend or neutral
leo solomon ,   nahariya,israel   (08.20.07)
Till Israel was abandoned by France in 67the U.S. was,if anything ,a hostile neutral.In 48 they embargoed arms to Israel .In 56 they joined with Russia in forcing Israel to give up the Sinai -and we all know about the enmity of Carter.All depends now ,as it always has ,on who becomes President.
10. How low can you go?
Ehud ,   TA   (08.20.07)
The level of analysis and insight is ridiculous. If you are part of the free world the US (and not Russia, or China), which so far is the only real superpower, is your natural ally. If the "Reut Institute" suggests to "boost the number of diplomats and the Foreign Ministry's operational budget" as an alternative to an alliance with the US, it either doesn't know what it is talking about, or it is simply a lobby group for the FM.
11. A Plausible Scenario, However...
Hani ,   Palestine Vagabond   (08.20.07)
it would certainly spell the end of Israel as a Jewish state, as its life support system would go offline. Ironically, this could finally bring about peace as more balance interlocutors become involved.
12. Who will you turn to?
Chonny ,   Colorado, US   (08.20.07)
Right now, the United States is fighting some of Israel's historic enemies (Babylon/Iraq, Persia/Iran, Magog/Russia etc.), but we aren't doing it "well enough" and so Israel should look for another ally? Are you insane? Who will do for Israel what the US has already done? The French?? Are you kidding?
13. We should get in bed with the chinese
Bel Agon ,   Is   (08.20.07)
They're already gaining on the americans and will surpase them as an economic force.
14. Keep talk SMART Israeli-clock is ticking...
Bob ,   Moscow   (08.20.07)
15. #8 and #3 it's a cultural difference
AY_Lamb ,   USA   (08.20.07)
Culturally; Israel puts stock into education and the development of the individual i.e. most Israelis are bi lingual. American education is oriented on achieving normative milestones designed by education councils that define what a socially productive person in America needs to "know". Guess what? understanding other languages or cultures ain't on the list. If you wish for American diplomats to be apathetic or logical even you are living in a fantasy world and YOU are adhering to the same faith based fact free foreign policy the Republicans here in the States have used for the last 20 years. In America academically credentialed buffoons are the "popular kids" and retain leadership positions throughout the duration of their lives. You know though I don't want to be so negative though because, the best thing about "good ole boyz and girlz" and "suthun wannabes" like chimpy B is they easily succumb to magic and illusion and they don't have to understand; they just require joviality and what they feel is a warm secure environment within the emotional confines of their perspective of the universe; sorta like a snug little "pig in a blanket" (a favorite Suthun delicacy). If you can accomplish that they will do what is "right" for you and contribute to your goals and if you work the "trick" just right??? their behavior will even become predictable.
16. America has been the "hammer" of the whole earth in some
Rivkah   (08.20.07)
ways and that cannot go on forever. The Bible says "Joseph" is the hammer of the whole earth. How is America the Joseph of the Bible? Through Joseph's son Manasseh who was told by his grandfather Jacob (Israel) that he would becomes a great nation (USA). Manasseh is half Egyptian and the Great Seal of the USA is half Egyptian (pyramid). The blessing or birthright of Abraham went to Joseph while the scepter went to Judah. So, from God's perspective, Israel in the Middle East which is mostly the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi from ancient Judea, is a near kinsman country to America. Will America lose its blessing? It could. Israel could lose a friend if America loses its blessing, but Israel will never lose the Lord who is the Chief friend and the only one who really counts and who can be counted on. Even out of the Jewish holocaust of WWII came the miracle of Israel, reborn.
17. If US is a friend of Israel, then why
Chaim ,   Canada   (08.20.07)
is Jonathan Pollard still in jail? The US behaviour in this matter proves that its "friendship" is an illusion.
18. Rivkah
ephraim ,   diaspora   (08.20.07)
Shalom Rivkah: Your post was truely refreshing. Spoken like one who knows where the birthright rest as did your name sake. It will be wonderful when Ephraim and Judah are once again united as one stick in the Father's hand. David
19. Israel's History
Thomas ,   Cleveland, USA   (08.20.07)
Two of the most glorious victories in Israeli history came about by Israelies defying U.S. pressure. In 1948 and again in 1967.
20. 18 Ephraim. The votes in the UN show Joseph (Manasseh) and
Rivkah   (08.20.07)
Judah (Israel in Middle East) are at times one stick in the Father's hand. Ephraim, the other son of Joseph was told he would become a multitude of nations with the gates of their enemies: the British Commonwealth. At times, all three are together: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Judah as one stick in the Father's hand; but not always. The books "Judah's Scepter and Joseph's Birthright" and "The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel" show how this came to be.
21. #17 Chaim: Jonathan Pollard could have been
Rivkah   (08.20.07)
released many years ago, but it would have meant releasing a terrorist which Pollard was not willing to do because he wished to protect Israel and America from that person. Pollard chose the HIGHER road which is often more costly, but leads to a better resurrection after death. Many would have compromised. He chose not to and should be encouraged by his integrity which will give him a higher place in God's kingdom, if not on this earth. Former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger said little damage was done to the USA by Pollard and he was shocked at the sentence. He was not President and enemies were attacking him for being Jewish, too, perhaps; so there was little he could do. Remember the 1.1 million or more Jews in Jerusalem when Titus the Roman attacked in 70 A.D. Some took the way of greater personal sacrifice and died there in the battle. Others, chose a longer life on this earth and left the city when given the chance before the battle. Who was right? Who was the greater? What is important is who is greater in God's eyes and that is something we will find out in the world to come, not in this lifetime.
22. #18 and #21 FYC
AY_Lamb ,   USA   (08.20.07)
just on statement for you to consider "shotei hanevua" think about it.
23. Israeli-US relationship
Joy ,   USA   (08.20.07)
In 1990 I was in Israel with a tour group. Media was beggining to talk about the relationship and also the Muslim presence. The things we now see openly were but a shadow to most of us then. I agree with MS. Grinstein that the day will come when the USA may not stand by Israel. I am sure that there will be many reasons given at that time. My reason for thinking it will happen is because in the Bible everytime Israel trusted some power other than YHWH the "reed" broke. America is not Israel's savior, YHWH is. As for America, as she pushes Israel to give up her land she piles up judgement on her head. I say may YHWH help us all.
24. #9 and #19 - You are right - The US has never been a friend.
Jake T ,   Alaska   (08.20.07)
So why do we deceive ourselves? The Jews of Israel are on their own. The US Roadmaps lead only to Israel's destruction. It's about time little David realized that it's only him and G-d. It's from this realization that Jews will find their own strength. But first they'll have to get rid of the enemy in power - Kadima. Kadima and company have deceived the Jews of Israel and while pretending to act on their behalf, when anybody can see it's a government representing the interests of the Americans and the Arabs. The enemy has taken over. There's no way Israeli Jews can ever win this way.
25. America is no friend. Israel should chart own course.
Steve ,   US   (08.20.07)
This new defense package is bribery plain and simple. The Jews should defend themselves against enemies irrespective of Bush's lectures that Israel should exercise restraint. Bush is putting out this defense package in the hope that Rice can blackmail Israel into suicidal concessions at the upcoming November "peace" conference. Bush and Rice are not friends of Israel. Bush one of the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel president in my thirty six years as a Registered Republican. Next to Carter, I'm not sure who is worse. Only a self-professed Christian Zionist could pressure a war hero like Ariel Sharon to expel thousands of Jews from the Holy Land. And Bush is not through with Israel. He's eyeing his legacy which will include a Palestinian terror state in Samaria and Judea and a nuclear Iran that will try to wipe the Jewish state off the map. This is the legacy Bush will leave us; a truncated Jewish state, 10 miles wide and an Iranian nuclear power to be reckoned with. I say to Bush, "Keep your money, we will destroy Hezbollah and Iran's nuclear capability!" Keep you aid. With friends like George W. Bush who needs "enemas?"
26. NO MAtter what HAPPENS AMERICA WAS AND IS OUR ONLY FRIEND!
GOD BLESS AMERICA ,   MIRA ISRAEL   (08.20.07)
WE ALL KNOW THAT IT WILL HAPPEN IN SOME POINT IN TIME BUT WE ALSO KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY. GLORY FOR GOD AND ISRAEL.
27. just say no to CZs
AY_Lamb ,   USA   (08.20.07)
Think about it?? Most Evangelicals recognize GWB (43) as the spiritual leader of their faith. They are all still mired in their interpretation of the "chosen people" thing, they are obsessed with what they see as a unique and reverent understanding of the "End of the World" and they see wealth as some sort of blessing and poverty as some sort of consequence for a lack of faith. It all sums up to a bad outcome. Xian Zionism is great for them but the truth is they see all of you as kofer. Sorry for the negativity but, I am obligated to "keep it real" K"H
28. #21 I am not sure your facts are correct
Chaim ,   Canada   (08.20.07)
I read that Caper Weinberger was the person most responsible for making sure Pollard never goes free. He reneged on the plea bargain and pushed from behind the seen by using false accusations to imply Pollard is such a great American security risk that he must never be released.
29. You can blame American Jews
Alex ,   bend, Oregonm USA   (08.20.07)
I wish you would have mentioned the role American Jews have played in getting anti-Israeli politicians elected to high office in the United States. Perhaps the most notable example of this was when they actually backed a Muslim over a Jew for US Congress in 2006. Whatever weakening of US support you will see in the future you can lay at the feet of your brethren abroad in the States.
30. Rivkah:
ephraim ,   diaspora   (08.20.07)
Blessings to you. Though the House of Joseph, both USA and British Isles, are at times one stick in the Fathers hand with our brother Judah, I was speaking of the completion of that Prophecy, when we will be united as brothers both spiritually and physically in Torah, In Mashiach, and in Eretz Israel. Then the whole world will know that there is a G-d in Israel and in the whole creation.
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