Opinion
America’s unique ally
Yoram Ettinger
Published: 18.02.11, 14:30
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1. Truth
Dr Williams ,   Newcastle U.K   (02.18.11)
About time! somebody said the truth. Maybe the true democratic position regarding Israeli Society, would be more exposed, if you spent your energies on articles like this, instead of attacking the Haredim!
2. israel shouldnt count on US anymore
fad egypt   (02.18.11)
america has a long series of foreign policy failures 1-1979 forcing israel to give up sinai for nothing 2-1979 betraying the shah of iran and doing nothing to stop the islamic coup 3-1979 supporting the islamic fighters in afganistan againt the soviet , these islamic fighters formed taliban regime 4-1980-1988 supporting saddam hussein against iran , saddam became the bitter enemy of the us after that 5-1990 supporting syria against lebanon to deploy forces there because the former was against saddam hussein during the war 6-1993-2000 forcing israel to sign oslo agreement and to give up everything to mass murderer arafat 7-2002 even during the intifada the pressure continued on israel to accept the road map and the two state solution 8-2003 invasion of iraq 9-2004 blessing the expulsion from gush katif for nothing 10-2005 forcing egypt to make democratic reforms to allow the muslim brotherhood to participate in 2005 elections and to allow multi candidate to run in the presidential elections 11-2006 forcing israel to allow hamas to participate in the elections 12-2006 1701 cease fire resolution in lebanon war 12-2007 forcing israel to enter negotiation with unelected leadership represented in fayad government 13-2008 forcing pakistan musharef who was us ally against terror to leave and to allow elections in pakistan so weak zardari elected and pakistan became a base of terror , wikileaks said that zardari is cooparating with terror to appease them 14-2009-2010 forcing israel to accept the two state solution and to freeze the settlements while no pressure on the palestinians and refusing to honor bush promises 15-2009 appeaseement of the muslim world , iran to come to negotiation table to solve the nuclear crisis 16-2010 cooparating with arab world in a vote calling on israel to join the NPT while no mention of iran or pakistan 17-2010 while hizbullah taking over lebanon the us returned the ambassador to syria 18-2010 betrayal of the moderate tunisia president 19-2011 betrayal of egyptian christians when 24 coptic were butchered in alex massacre , no mention of cutting tthe assistance to egypt was made or pressing egypt to fight terror but they pressed egypt only and forced it to give in to the muslim brotherhood and betrayed its longtime ally mubarak this is the USA shame on USA
3. israel is the only
fad egypt   (02.18.11)
country that fights terror and radical islam not like any other country even america has removed the expression of fighting jihad or terror from its national security policies that means that us doesnt know its enemy till now or we can say that hussein obama wants to consider the jihad as legitimate israel is the only state that fights terror because it understands the meaning of jihad , radical islam , not like other arab countries and the european countries which always appease the muslim world there shouldnt be democracy in the middle east before the eradication of the radical islam and the arab nationalizm
4. Priceless Israel?
esnuffnstl ,   USA   (02.18.11)
It's true the US military benefits by having its weapon systems tested and improved via Israeli belligerance. The remainder of the article lists various things Israel has done SOLELY to protect its own interests with the odd rationalization that these also benefit the US (when the US wouldn't have a fraction as many problems in the ME if not for US support of Israel.) Israel is hardly a "priceless" benefit to the US (as one might argue the UK is) but instead comes at the expense of billions of US tax dollars as well as US lives. The article conveniently leaves out the backlash Americans have experienced from support of Israel; including, but hardly limited to, the 9/11 attacks--spearheaded by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. According to the 9/11 Commission Report, "By his own account, KSM's animus toward the United States stemmed not from his experiences there as a student, but rather from his violent disagreement with U.S. foreign policy favoring Israel." I'm sure the rationalizations from the "fortress Israel" crowd that are sure to follow my comment will be equally as "priceless."
5. DONT DELUDE YOURSELVES !.
Orao. ,   Srbia.   (02.18.11)
The US has no Economical interessts in Israel. The US has also lost the Spirit who Built it. Israel will leave the US for the EU, to her own Peril. Orao.
6. yoram is spot on
mohson   (02.18.11)
With all of the turmoil in the arab and moslem world, US's only reliable ally in the region as Yoram says is israel. Some americans do not realize this and one of them is obama. While he has helped trigger arab streets with liberation feelings which is good, he has not really appreciated that arabs because of religion and culture are antiamerican and antiwestern.Look at Hamas, moslem turkey and iran.Unfortunately, only moderate autocratic arab regims can do reasonable business with the west. One of obama's principal confidents is columbia professor rashid kalidi who while being educated, is a born liar and manipulator and who has twisted obama's understanding of israel. Lost is the fact that israel is the ancient land of the jews, a country that lasted some 1500 years in old times and that arabs who lived there were foreign interlopers. With europe in trouble and scared because of its moslem citizenry and their high birth rate, the only countries left to fight for western values are few and far between. And the real solution to the israel arab dispute is for israel to control most of its ancient land including judea and samara, and part of jordan. And hamas needs to be thrown out of gaza in the next encounter. and that land made a no man's buffer. If you listen to the idealogues in hamas and hizbollah and even egypt, if they controlled the world, citizenry would all pray to allah 5 x a day and it would look like iran with its lies, 5 wives per man, and nuts. On another subject, it is not inevitable that lieberman be indicted by weinstein. Murder was not involved and the AG does not have a good chance to convict. Lieberman is very strong in defending israel, the arabs are scared of him and rightly so cause he would blow them up not like barak who gently pushes back. And lieberman is clear, direct and does not back up. Weinstein should think 3X before on indictment. Who will be left to defend israel-bibi who is insecure but well meaning, livni who is an olmert moronic pacifist , barak who is washed up, peres who is an errant dreamer, ramon who runs after olmert with a water can,braverman and oron who would concede to a binational palestine with a jewish zdimmi province at the mercy of the moslem arabs like the jews of turkey are. The arabs on the west bank are foreign and need to move to Jordan or outside the areas as they are foreign interlopers. Hebron,ramle, bethlehm, jericho are all ancient jewish cities and no connection to the arabs.
7. Israeli frustration and American confusion
Ali kazim ,   Kut, Iraq   (02.18.11)
It seems all you want is for America to be in full fight with the Moslem. And Arab people , for one simple reason : to prove that Israeli strategy is correct on a theoretical level , ie, the only problem in the region are its people but not Israeli occupation. The American know that Mubarak for all his ills was a nationalist and the Saudis are ultimately working for their people, Saddam was a nationalist , the jefforsonian in Iraq did not add much to the Iraqi well being, Iraq has been in the top list of most corrupt countries after the US induced democratic system and afganistan is not far behind.
8. Yes, but does America remain our credible
tanya ,   tel aviv israel   (02.18.11)
capable ally??? Get rid if little brother syndrom.
9. Israel has been the longest and most loyal ally of the US in
Jehudah Ben-Israel ,   Qatzrin, Israel   (02.18.11)
the region and perhaps worldwide. Yet, the Obama administration, and especially the present occupant of the Oval Office, for some reason, either due to lack of knowledge, naivete and possibly due to built-in hostility to the nation-state of the Jewish people and therefore to the people whose nation-state Israel is, has demonstrated nothing but contempt to Israel and to its Jewish citizens! Fortunately, the same can't be said about the American public as a whole nor about the representatives of this public at the US Congress. Will now, the Obama administration will begin to realize the value-added Israel provides to the US in its engagement - economic, political, military - with the region...??? Let us hope so, although with Obama in office, I wouldn't hold my breath...!!
10. esnuffnstl @ 4, what are you afraid of? The truth?
leo ,   usa   (02.18.11)
11. # 4
Faith ,   Israel   (02.18.11)
Speaking here not from the fortress, just from the other side of your very narrow-minded and selective opinion, summing why Israel is such a thorn in your side. This is indeed very convenient, blaming Israel for all your problems. I get a feeling you are a tad anti Israel in general, with or without all the problems. So much for progressive thinking.
12. ally
colin   (02.18.11)
Israel will remain the USA ally until the islamic president of america feels he has the groveling politicians by the balls. America will drop Israel as it did Tunsia, Egypt and everybody that does not bow to the american diplomacy(??)BEWARE ISRAEL YOU ARE ONLY A TOOL AND ACCEPTED AS IDIOTIC FOOLS.
13. #4 Correct
Jon ,   Baltimore US   (02.18.11)
More people in the US are finally realizingthat Israel has lied for years and is just trying to ethnically cleanse the area that it counquered in 1967 bu thas to do it slowly through its system of courts because it is a "democracy". It does not want peace with it's neighbors until it is done doing that, this wasproven by it's refual to even talk about the Arab Peace Initiative that offered it peace with all of it's Arab neighbors.
14. To: No. 4
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.18.11)
I take strong issue with a number of comments in your post. Let me explain how U.S. aid to Israel is structured. It basically takes three forms: 1. A small amount in the form of interest-bearing cash loans. Only two countries have a perfect repayment record. Finland is one. Israel is the other. 2. A somewhat larger amount in the form of military credits. These credits must be spent in the United States, and carry a back-end provision requiring Israel to make available to the manufacturers all improvements made. These improvements have been legion, and they have always been made available. 3. The largest amount of aid to Israel comes in the form of joint venture investment capital, chiefly in medicine and information technology. Did you know that roughly half of the chemotherapy protocols in use in the world today were developed in Israel? Did you know that Intel's largest research and development facility outside the United States is in Israel? Did you know that mobile telephone technology came out of a joint venture between Motorola and an Israeli company? Is Israel a large recipient of U.S. aid? Yes, it is. But whereas aid to certain countries is like pouring money down the drain, there is no doubt that the United States has more than recouped on its investment. I take considerable offense at your linking the September 11 attacks to U.S. support of Israel. That's like blaming the Jews for the Second World War. I also take exception to your phrase "Israeli belligerance [sic]." The Arabs were the aggressors in each and every war which Israel has fought. Israel has also had to endure seven decades of unremitting Arab terror. Take a look at the Middle East today. Israel is a tiny bastion of democracy and stability in a sea of ruthless, totalitarian and/or Islamofascist regimes, many of which are in turmoil for reasons which have nothing to do with Israel or the ersatz "Palestinians." Democracy and stability. That used to mean something in Washington D.C.
15. Thank you, Mr. Ettinger
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.18.11)
... for an absolutely brilliant opinion piece.
16. To: No. 4
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.18.11)
Here is an article you will find interesting. It says a great deal about who the United States' friends are. On issues described as "key to the United States," guess which is the ONLY country in the world with a 100% record of voting the way the U.S. votes? http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/15-biggest-recipients-us-aid-14-voted-us
17. Bibi volunteered first step helping Egypt tear up Treaty
Marcella   (02.18.11)
While we worry about Egypt abrogating the treaty with Israel, the IDF confirmed that the PM has given his UNCONDITIONAL approval to a total of 4000 Egyptian troops in Sinai with no timeline for withdrawal, no limits to their operations and movements, and no conditions whatsoever. So now one key part of the Treaty protecting Israel is gone, thanks to the Israeli PM. Later requests by Israel regarding oil supply and Iran's ships along Suez were ignored, of course. They did not even bother to reply. At this point Israel realizes that protection of the pipeline supplying Israel was just a pretext. "There is little doubt in the IDF's high command that the Egyptian troops are in Sinai to stay, whereas Israel's forces on their side of the border are seriously undermanned for dealing with an unforeseen cross-border flare-up." (Debka) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don't you notice a rather disturbing common behavior in Israeli governments regarding Israeli interests after the 1967 victory? The Israeli media will now be focused on Egypt, and will continue to blame the US for further concessions to the PA. But Israel's security has been put mostly in danger by a long list of very self-destructive government decisions dating several decades. More attention should be put onto that.
18. "Israel's reliability, capability, credibility"!!!!
Salma ,   Palestine   (02.18.11)
Jonathan Pollard is the clear evidence and What hidden is Greater .
19. esnuffnstl Shove it !
BEN JABO ,   ISRAEL   (02.18.11)
According to Gallup Polling, which is certainly more reliable and less biased than you are, American's, by a vast Majority, are on Israel’s side Last years Gallup Poll indicated 63% of American’s favored Israel The latest poll now shows its 69%, an increase of 6 percentage points Only a minority of American’s hold your views, don’t try to make it out to be otherwise Of course, if you have a reputable impartial poll that proves otherwise, put it here, for all to see Be a good fellow/gal, go buy some Petroleum jelly and do the necessary with your propaganda
20. To: Marcella at No. 17
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.18.11)
Grist for the mill. No choice but to take back Sinai. We always knew that sooner or later, we'd have to do precisely that. The Arab and Islamic Middle East is ablaze, and a lot of attention in the various countries is focused on crushing domestic unrest. I don't know that a better opportunity could come along.
21. USA Israel's unique ally?!
Jerry ,   The Netherlands   (02.18.11)
On the one hand it still is Israel's only true friend (the people more so, not fully the respective administrations), on the other hand up till now the focus has been on Esau's interests (also towards Ishmael), whilst it should "slowly become" obvious, that the focus needs to be on Israel's interests also for the sake of the rest of the world. Only a BIG secure Jewish Israel (nonviolent transfer) will bring balance and peace to the ME and stop hateful Jihadism. Ishmael will stop being an outcast, when it accepts Israel and is proud to have the jews as neighbour and friend (not usurping the jews' house). Not mindless handshaking on the White House lawn, but a true acceptance of Israel's essence by Esau, Ishmael and the rest of the world will make the Family of Humankind come true. You choose, Ya'akov will react accordingly.
22. Sarah's #14
esnuffnstl ,   USA   (02.18.11)
---I take considerable offense at your linking the September 11 attacks to U.S. support of Israel. That's like blaming the Jews for the Second World War. Seriously, WWII comparisons? I'm sure you don't like it when people compare certain aspects of Israel with Nazi Germany. And I agree, such comparisons have no place. So do likewise for those who disagree with you, okay? Things are what they are and comparisons with other things inevitably inject bias and opinion (especially WWII comparisons.) ---The Arabs were the aggressors in each and every war which Israel has fought. I agree (although I would substitute "the various nations that went to war against Israel" with "Arab." It is generalizations such at this that are the root of much of the endless cycle of violence in the ME.) I find little to no fault with Israeli actions prior to 1973. However, Israeli reaction to these wars has been counter-productive (much like the Bush Administration's reaction to 9/11 which only increased anti-Americanism, cost us a fortune, and killed countless Americans and others.) If you truly want to silence people like myself there is an easy way: support Israel doing what it can to make peace with the Palestinians. It is this--and primarily this--that in2011 causes so much dislike of Israel from so many around the world. Israel needs to be the "bigger person" (being the most powerful nation in the ME with the support of the world's last superpower should help) and do what it needs to make peace with the Palestinians. Now I know there are lots of rationalizations (you might call them reasons) not to do this from those who think like you. But as a (fairly) objective observer, it's easy to see this is BY FAR the best way to ensure Israel's long-term survival. It's certainly the best way to marginalize a large number of enemies. Is all the hostility and dislike of Israel really worth some settlement deep within the West Bank? Btw, I'm well aware of how US aid to Israel is structured. Thanks anyway, though.
23. dead weight
bill ,   can   (02.18.11)
with allies like israel us will soon go down
24. #20 Sarah B.
Marcella   (02.18.11)
I think along those lines as well, Sarah, and not only regarding the Sinai. When (not if) Israel is attacked next, the Jews must take full control of all the PA area and Temple Mount. For starters. My biggest concern is not with the IDF. I know they'll fight like lions. My worry is that Israelis don't even have control over THEIR OWN government at this time!!! Decisions seem to be made according to directives given by foreign governments. The way things are with the Israeli political leadership - and I won't name names or their weaknesses - fighting a war will be harder than ever. We have at least one new detail in the picture: the legal team at IDF HQ determining how hard the men can fight so as not to inflict too many casualties among civilians. That's the mindset right now. It is frightening! ~~~~~~~~~ And one added issue: it will be demoralizing for the IDF to know that every inch they reconquer, maybe at the cost of their own lives, could end up being surrendered to the enemy months or years later as an offer of peace!
25. Israel, eyes wide open.
ג'ון הנביא   (02.18.11)
Soon, events will get out of control!
26. Unique in MILKING AMERICA
Nina ,   NYC   (02.18.11)
For something like 10 Billion a year in direct and indirect help, including the hush moneys given to Jordan and Egypt to play ball with Israel. Get OFF OUR BACKS.
27. Israel is a millstone around America's neck
crackerjack   (02.19.11)
28. Who supports the following statement from Marcella's #24?
esnuffnstl ,   USA   (02.19.11)
"We have at least one new detail in the picture: the legal team at IDF HQ determining how hard the men can fight so as not to inflict too many casualties among civilians. That's the mindset right now. It is frightening!"
29. #22...Sarah is wrong as usual
Mikesailor ,   Miami, FL   (02.19.11)
The 1956 Suez crisis, i.e. invasion of Egypt, was Israeli agression, pure and simple. Likewise the '67 war was an Israeli 'preemptive strike (can you say Pearl Harbor) . Likewise both invasions of Lebanon and the bombing of Gaza which is still under siege to this day. Of course, Sarah, and the other wingnuts will always claim victimhood but why should you appease them by acceding to their rewriting of history. Israel is inique. They are the only 'ally' guaranteed military aid with nothing being asked of them. They have never fought alongside US troops, but instead have killed US servicemen ( Remember the Liberty?), and US citizens (Rachel Corrie, Furkas Dorgan, Tom Hundall etc. )with impunity. They have also spied on Americans (Jonathan Pollard, the NUMEC diversion of enriched uranium, the theft of the PROMIS software by the late Robert Maxwell and Mossad) yet they whine everytime someone points out their hypocrisy. So, read your history and remember that zionist apologists like Sarah or Jabo, Gee or zionist etc.etc. will make up stories rather than argue historical fact. that is the hasbara way.
30. To: Marcella at No. 24
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (02.19.11)
No, dear. This time, Sinai, the West Bank and Lebanon to the Litani remain in our hands for good. The world hasn't left us a choice. They will be formally annexed; their Arab populations repatriated to Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. And the areas will be acquired with very little concern for collateral damage -- just like the NATO troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, where relentless bombing has cost the lives of tens of thousands of civilians. Enough has been far too much. I really have missed Taba!
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