The Soviets were working to gain new "satellites" and the US wanted to spread democracy, so both wanted Israel to join their respective sphere of influence. Czechoslovakia was selling weapons to Israel right after the war of independence until Israel announced they'd side with the Western world, then weapons sales from them halted immediately.

If Israeli economy sooo "strong", why haven't y'll returned a SINGLE multi-million-dollar check that is taken away from the increasingly impoverished American taxpayers, just as token of appreciation for all they have done for you so far - including saving your backsides SEVERAL time?! Can you guys even spell "gratitude"? Didn't think so.

cut back in israel?????? name one!

These same measures also expose the banality of Ahmadinejad's alliance with such self-proclaimed champions of anti-capitalism as Evo Morales of Bolivia and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. And it makes a mockery of what passes for "progressive anti-war activists" in the United States who fall head over toe trying to have dinner with Ahmadinejad when he visits New York, in support of his "anti-capitalist," and "anti-imperialist" positions.

Like the Soviet Union, Iran will collapse under its own weight. Just give it time.