The Zionist movement continues to have an impact on our world--not just on Danny and Reuven in The Chosen. After reading Chapter 13, it's important to stop and build out schema and understand how U.S. support of Israel effects us. That means, we need to read and dig for answers. Why is the U.S. supporting the state of Israel? What's the cost of that support? Can we afford it in our current economic situation? Should we be involved in something that has such deep political and religious roots?
Visit the following sites, find some of your own, and then share your thoughts.
American poll says . . .
Why the U.S. supports Israel
A Nation Like Ours
U.S. Israel Support Unshakeable
U.S. Threatens World Peace
After reviewing the links, I have made some conclusions regarding Israel and the US. The US is supporting Israel because our country likes the growth of peace in Israel, but this support comes at a hefty cost. We give Israel 3 billion dollars a year! I don't understand why our country would give ANOTHER country 3 BILLION dollars a year while our country is struggling financially. To me, this is insane. This kind of reminds me of how our government basically gives people from other countries who are not citizens privileges that we, as legal citizens of this country, do not get. Our government gives them free college education, and they don't have to pay taxes. This amazes me. Why would our country support the growth and success of people who do not live in this country? Why don't citizens receive the same rights? Wouldn't the US want their own country's people to grow and prosper?
ReplyDeleteAfter taking a look at these links this whole situation seems kind of ridiculous. I mean come on now, 3 billion dollars to a country that has strong military defense and seems to be running pretty smoothly? I understand how the U.S. has history with Israel and feels the need to be on their side and back them up if they were under attack. But after reading those articles it seems as though they are at peace with most counties that could possibly plan to attack them. What this really boils down to is why are we giving all this money (increasingly) to a country that really doesn’t need it? Like Alexes pointed out, the U.S. is struggling with our own debt, so why they heck are we (in my opinion) wasting all that money that could go to a country that is in real need of it or us? I honestly don’t understand why were giving it to Isreal.
ReplyDeleteThis is crazy can I just say! It shocks me at how much really is going on here. Our government thinks its ok to give Israel 3 billion dollars to help support them and help advance their military, when we cant even feed and support our own citizens! Its crazy! We have so many citizens of our OWN country out of work, and homeless now, yet we give our money to the Israelis! We are in debt, and had to cut the space program, yet we have enough some how to give them! It just does make sense to me!
ReplyDeleteWe cannot afford to be giving them this money. Instead we should be fixing our OWN country! We have problems HERE not THERE! We need the money HERE not THERE! Its not our job to give them money!
If our pea brain government feels the need to give money to other countries, they need to fix their own homestead first.
First of all, I wanted to be a little off topic and post a site that I found for the benefit of the posterity. (I left my little "how to imbedd thingy" in my locker and there ain't no way that I'm gonna go all the way back to East just to get it tonight. So I'll post the URL. Y'all are big kids, you can figure it out.) http://www.jewsagainstzionism.com/zionism/history.cfm
ReplyDeleteThis is an anti-zionist page that could have been created by Reb Saunders. It really helped me to understand his point of view. It's got some Israeli history as well, in case anybody cares.
Anyway, back on topic, I have to agree with all you guys. What the heck are we doing in Israel? They don't need our help! I mean, it was alright when they were just a pathetic little fledgling of a country, but now...according to one site I visited, they're one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. The fact that we're stil helping them... it's like we adopted a baby and are continuing to breast feed it, even though it's now a grown man of thirty-two.
A more cynical person than I might suggest that we're Israel's best buddy because they're sitting on vast quantaties of oil and we're the world's number one oil consumer, but that's beside the point...
Anyway, no, we cannot afford to suport Israel. Let's focus on solving our own problems. Or, if we really have to meddle, let's help someplace that needs it, like Haiti, Darfur, or--heck-- even Mexico!
After viewing the links, and some of my classmates' previous comments, I have gathered my own thoughts and beliefs on the idea of why does America support Isreal, and is it neccessary? I believe, yes, Israel is an important ally with the U.S. Yes, it does get quite a few, how should I say...benefits, from the U.S., but you have to get past that stuff and realize why it's really there. It is one of the few countries in the middle east that the U.S. has allied with. What would happen if we didn't have it? What if Israel was allied with Iraq? That would make our middle-eastern problem even worse! Israel is small, but it is allied with a strong and powerful country--ding ding, the USA! We are a force to be reckoned with, and I say any country on our side and that helps us deserves benefits. But I do agree, we should focus on our own economic problems first, because if we are the protector of Israel, and we weaken, what will happen? The current economic does make it difficult to support, and I think we should save some of that money for our own country, but we need Israel, as a buffer, just like Reb Saunders needs Reuven as a buffer. (Sorry, text talk!) The more allies we have, the stronger we are as a country, and the more intimidating we are.
ReplyDeleteEven though 3 billion dollars is a tad ridiculous I believe remaining in Islam is a good idea. We have been allies with them for about 3 decades now and suddenly picking up camp and leaving just sounds like a bad idea. Islam is somewhere US can land our planes and keep on date about the other Middle Eastern countries were many terrorist live. Yes I agree with Ashleigh that we need to focus on America more but Islam is related to America because many Jews live here and support it. Islam was their safehaven after WWII and they work so hard to take over that state, removing ourselves would threaten its survival. Imagine what would happen if we did...and they turned against us leaving nearly all of the Middle East against us. It could lead to another world war putting us in greater debt with thousands of innocence people killed and even more injured. What would we do then?? I agree with Nixi. "'The more allies we have, the stronger we are as a country...'"
ReplyDeleteI can say that I agree with the fact that 3 billion dollars is an extreme amount of money to invest in another country's military. In one of the links it says a few things that the US has benefitted from helping out Israel though, like Israel giving us a passageway to help other countries' problems and allowing us to research new ways to protect ourselves from attacks. Even though 3 billion dollars is a lot of money, we still should remember that the US and other countries are benefitting from this, too. I agree with what Ashleigh said about how our country needs money and there are so many homeless and poor people out there. It seems like we are ignoring what is right in front of us. It is so crazy to me that there are so many people here that need help yet the government is giving away 3 billion dollars away like it's nothing to a country across an ocean from us. What I also thought was kind of shocking is that because we are allied with Israel, it creating tensions between the US and other countries. I think that the US should give Israel some space since they don't even need the increasing amount of money that we give them. We should probably take care of our own country's problems before we go pouring our money into other country's issues.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, here's a site I found that gives some more information on our political involvement in Israel (sorry it's a little long):
ReplyDeleteUS Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Like most of the people who posted before me, it blows my mind that we are so involved in Israel's politics and are giving them so much money. It's so unnecessary. I understand that, like Alexa said, they're an important ally, but giving them $3 billion a year is required to keep them as an ally? They don't need it. The second link even said, "Israel has both a major domestic arms industry and an existing military force far more capable and powerful than any conceivable combination of opposing forces." So not only do they not need our financial support, but they probably wouldn't even need our military support.
Also, there's the whole issue of our involvement creating tensions between us and other countries. In the link I posted, it said,"But Palestinians also saw in him a leader handicapped by and unable to counter the strong Bush-Sharon relationship, therefore unable to improve daily Palestinian life." President bush had such a strong relationship with Israel, it was sort of a threat to Palestine. It probably resulted in them not liking us very much. And what about any countries that already didn't like Israel? Now they wouldn't like us either.
So basically, I think our involvement in Israel is not only unnecessary, but also potentially harmful to our own country. And besides, all that money could go to things like, I don't know, increasing funding for public schools? So we don't have to cut budgets and possibly programs? We should really put our country's own needs first, especially until we're out of debt.
After viewing some of the links and reading some of the previous comments I can see both sides of the story. America needs to give much more focus to our own needs before we give away billions of dollars that we really don't have. But we do need to stay allied with as many countries as we can. We have to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Having an ally is going to give our country a better chance of winning in a war. As I mentioned though giving away the billions of dollars probably isn't the only way t stay allied with other countries. Alexa asked the question: "What if Israel was allied with Iraq?" This question really makes me think. Our country is a lot better off being allied with Israel than we think.
ReplyDeleteLike what Lexi said, three billion dollars is just outrageous. Our money should be sponsoring another country. They're strong enough and are more than capable of it, as Emily and Nichi said. What's the U.S. gaining from this? Bragging rights? Well, that's useful when the economy's bad, and we can't even take care of ourselves. Our tax money goes to other nations rather than our people here who are needy.
ReplyDeleteWe have many organizations who could use that financial help, but whatever, spend it on a nation that doesn't need it.
The United States should not be involved in this; it's not practical. Its religious and political ties are constrictive. We need to keep our nation out of debt before handling someone else's problems.
In my opinion, I see America as the country that feels the need to be "mighty" and "the best". I believe that this is the cause of all the interferences our country makes into other countries business. Yes, like Teresa said, I understand that we've been allies with Israel for a long time, but like Emily said, they have their own forces and strength to fight their own battles. I find it a bit unnecessary for us to be giving them billions of dollars that we are obviously in great need of. Are we going to see that money again? Probably not, because we're allies, we're best friends, we owe it to them for not attacking us. Which brings me to my next point, I do feel like we need allies, because they're much better than enemies, but as stated before, Israel is doing just fine without us. I think it's time for us to let them fight their own battles. After all, that's what we constantly do. I don't mind if we want to help Israel somewhat, but we should worry about our own people first.
ReplyDeleteI have read the links, I have read the comments, and yet, I am having a hard time coming to any conclusion on subhject because I can see both views on this.
ReplyDeleteOn one side, it is not worth the cost ($3 billion!) to help out people who are not American. This sounds very rude and selfish but when it comes down to it, you are more likely to save your own life before you save someone else's, unless you are extremely self-less. Although this matter is not really life-or-death, it can lead to it. Our econmic system is trashed right now, as others has mentioned, and it is not wise to be throwing money around to others because one day, that money might just run out. I also like how Alexes said they are treated better than legal citizens and I think this adds to the dispute. The government is trying so hard to make the minority(Zionists) happy that it is at the cost of the majority(almost everyone else). I also don't think it is wise to deal with a religious affair. Some religious fanatic are not right in the head and will do anything (and I do mean anything; ex: hit a jew day) for the religion they think is right. So if the government is throwing money at people who may not be someone else's religion, nobody's going to be happy.
On the other side, this idea could be an extremley good thing. Helping Israel will have America look good in other countries' eyes and they may help us later in war, trade, etc. Also, Israel may be of great importance to us down the road. This matter also makes the Jewish people who are Zionists very happy and they will probably do more to help our country.
Ok, I am about to make a text to world inference to tie together my thoughts. This situation could be similar to one that was recently in Mexico. There was this big debate about if we should let Mexicans into the country illegal to work to feed their families. On one side, they need the money to survive. On the other, it's not fair for them to live here without the taxes everyone else faces. I think, like an matter, there are pros and cons to each side, it just depends on your beliefs and values. After reviewing all the pieces to the puzzle, my beliefs tell me we should not give SO much money to Israel, if any, because we need to focus on Americans before we think of anyone else.
I feel the same way about our country helping out Israel by donating 3 billion dollars to them but in a way I think it’s necessary. Our preceding government officials for what ever reason thought it would be in our country’s best interest to create an alliance with Israel, we can’t change that. As Nixi pointed out we consume a lot of oil and they are one of our countries only “friends” in the Middle East. If we broke our alliance we really don’t have a reliable source to obtain all of the oil we use in daily life from. We may really have it better justleaving things the way they are.
ReplyDeleteI agree much with Teresa, I believe it is a great idea to stay in Israel and stay close allies with Israel, because in our country we have Jewish/Israeli people and even though the majority of Americans are not, we still should support our fellow citizens and acknowledge them as a part of our country. Also in one of the cites it states it is giving our military practice against foreign weapons. I do strongly believe that we should not be giving them such a myriad of money per year, as many above me have stated, our nation needs the money, WE ARE IN A SERIOUS RECESSION. It saddens me that we are more cocerned with others problems when they seem to have peace and be stable while we are neither at peace nor stable at this moment. I understand the need to maintain and be allies with Israel but i want to leave with a question where do we draw a line? When is it too much?
ReplyDeleteIf we weren't asked to be invloved then I honestly don't believe we should be inserting ourselves into such a personal and testy situation. I'm in agreement with the "American Poll"and Alexes' comment,
ReplyDeletehow can we get involved in settling the problems of another country when we still need help getting things done in our own?
Peace is a wonderful privelege to have and help is a nice thing to give but as the article said..we can't replace our top priorities as country for another country's top priorities. Our president already has plenty to deal with and
if every country so strongly believes in peace, where are Israel's other allies and why aren't they helping as well?? 3 billion isn't a small amount.! Even for the size of our country.
I realize as well that having Israel as an ally is a great advantage but maybe not such an advantage that uses up our uh..resources so our country is suffering too. I'm not saying we should be selfish and stingy but I think a little give and take is in order here..
All right, I do not agree with America backing Israel up so much. I understand that they need peace and we can help, but I don't think that we necessarily need to be the ones to help. There are many other countries more economically stable than us that can help out just the same. I like what Aleya said that Israel may be a good ally, but we can't be the ones to help if we are so economically unstable. Our country needs to come first, even before a trusted ally.
ReplyDeleteKind of off topic, but before I say anything... I have to say that I think it is hilarious to read comments of kids who claim to be a certain political party because of their parents, and to read those same peoples comments which actualy oppose the party they support. It's cool to read about people actually forming their own opinion... anyway, I (Being the nonchalant political person I am) see both sides. First, 3 billion dollars is hardly a hairstrand of the debt we're in, and we have been allys with isreal for a while. Should we quit on them now? No one likes an Indian giver (I hope that's not racist) However, The US has a tendency to barge into everyones 'bidness and If we keep saying "oh, what's another billion dollars here or there" were screwed
ReplyDeleteWell I have to say these links opened my view of our involvement in Israel. Seriously, $3 billion?? That's a lot and like many of you have previously stated, we need to be spending this money on us. Being allis is great and I believe its beneficial to us, but there is a limit. Like Gomez said, when do we draw the line?? I think we need to gradually start pulling away to keep the peace and support and start working on us. It's time to put ourselves first and start rebuilding America.
ReplyDeleteSoo..I have a question. And it may be unanswerable, but I am going to ask it anyway. Why does the United States feel the need to butt into everyone else's business? No doubt, I am proud of our country and what we have established and accomplished, but when we will find that maybe staying out of the bull crap isn't such a bad idea?
ReplyDeleteI think having Israel by our side is a good idea, but not right now. As Brett said, seriously, like 3 billion dollars? Do you know what I could do with 3 billion dollars?? I wouldn't be spending it on keeping "peace" and maintaining Israel as an alli. And did anyone notice how on the "Why the U.S supports Israel" article, that when mentioning "Strategic Reasons for Continuing U.S. Support", it only says things about militia and intelligence? Does anyone even care about the people or is it only what they have either in their heads or what they own. It's BS if you're asking me. I understand that help is needed and I would most definitely want someone we trusted to help us out if we had suffered a hardship in our country, but Israel knows just as much as we do that our economy is not in the greatest shape ever. We can't be pulling out 3 billion here, 6 billion there. Not happening, but unfortunately, it is. Being "involved in something that has such deep political and religious roots" as Mrs. Holloway said, is all around a bad idea. I don't like it now, nor do I think I ever will like it. We need to focus on ourselves for a change and then let them come to us when we're in a better position. It's like, however cruel this may sound, a person drowing. Once they get their head above the water, they feel a little more safe. But, then this huge wave comes along and knocks them right back down. In my own opinion, Israel is our wave.
After viewing the links and my classmates thoughts, I agree with just about everyone's ideas. The first link said that more Americans believe we should back Israel than believing that Israel should help themselves. I agree with a mixture of these both. As Gomez and Brett pointed out, the line just needs to be drawn between these two. Yes, America should keep the alliance with Israel and help them out to a certain degree, but we definitely need to focus on our homeland first. Sure, most politicians in the world are bonehead radicals who become brainwashed by their own thoughts and actions because they are only in it for the power, but this doesn't mean we aren't capable of fixing our economy. It WILL get better before it gets worse, but every little thing helps, like cutting back on that 3 billion per year to Israel. America helps Israel because one day down the road, we are going to need them big time with their wicked awesome air force and such. I think America should definitely continue to help out Israel, but focus a little more on our financial needs.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this point has been made many times, I also agree that 3 billion dollars is pretty extreme. I think having Israel as an ally is important, because honestly most countries don't really seem to like us at all, but I think it's more important to deal with our own problems first. If we're always focused on helping other countries, instead of first solving our own debt and recession problems, then we as a nation won't be as strong as we can. I'm pretty sure Israel wants a powerful ally, so what if we first worry about our own problems, and then help others?
ReplyDeleteI do want to point out though that we probably aren't seeing the whole side of the story. There are hardly any things in our government that republicans and democrats don't fight about, and for some reason, this seems to be one of them. So maybe, and just maybe, they're on to something.
Everyone is freaking out about the the anual 3 billion dollars the U.S gives to Isreal! Dont' get your panties in a wad people! I think that's pretty hilarious! A lot of people are saying that it doesn't make sense why we do it when we ourselves are in debt, but if you think about it there are a lot of things that go on behind closed doors that we don't know about. A lot of comments are simular, quoting that "America needs to first take care of itself before getting involved with another counrty's situations". It's really hard to form an oppinon about that for me because I'm not sure I could turm away from someone in need even if I'm facing my own problems. I think it's hard to turn your back on countries in need like so many others have. I get that people fear for the country we love, but we are all people who expect help from others.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is very brain-racking!!!!
I mean it's just heavy in general because I'm nuetral on the subject and refuse to choose a specific side, Yes, America should continue its actions with Israel, or No, What the U.S is doing for Israel is completly out of the question and out of this world insane.
In the end we have no say which is kind of a shame, yet it's probably for the best. One last thing I'll say before I go... think about these questions,
1.) How much do you really know about Israel to form a solid opinon with acctually facts?
2.) Do you know any more deep specific reasons why the U.S gives Israel such a large sum of money?
3.) If your opinon was against continuing to help Israel, why do you feel that way what are you hard specific reasons?
singed QUEEN B *****
After reading the links, I don't understand why it is America's responsibility to help out Israel. Can they really not manage on their own? Do they really need America all up in their business? The article titled "Why the US supports Israel" says that we give 3 billion dollars to Israel in military and economic aid. Do they make good use of this money? I understand why it makes sense to help a country that is constantly under attack, but the article states that the majority of the military aid given does not go towards counterterrorism efforts. We need to focus, as a country, on helping the CITIZENS of America. The country already has a massive debt as well as many people suffering under the conditions of the recession, without jobs. We cannot afford to waste money on anything. The leaders of the U.S. need to focus more on helping the people who live on U.S. soil.
ReplyDeleteSo everyone has pretty much come to the conclusion that America is in some deep trouble at the moment. We know this and we have known this for awhile. I feel also that our government is very messed up and decieiving. They think not of benifitting us(the people) but of what will make them look better and as my classmates have said, become "mighty" and "the best" both on a national and world scale. One article made a large point on the USA's war effort towards the Soviets while "helping" Israel. As an opinion very against SOME veiws of the government i think they are not only spending too much money supporting such a small country but also wasting it trying to use this country as an excuse to test weapons against those of the Soviets.
ReplyDeleteAs a country of freedom we should try to maintain peace with everyone if possible! Help those that we can and be open to all. Unfortunatly we are in very tough times and sadly, it seems we will never be able to acheive such desirable goals. BUT we certaintly should not be spending 3 billion dollars on a country whose population does not exceed that amount!!! They may need support but not that much we can help without being their only crutch. Be generous but remember that we also are in need. We also care for others and its awful to see our own suffer to watch as our family is left in the cold and our children go hungry. Help us first and then work towards maintaning the peace and love needed throughout the entire world.
Before looking at the links, I knew that we were close allies with Israel, but I didn't know how close we truly are. I know many others have pointed it out, but 3 billion dollars?? I can understand that we want to keep hold of the bond we have with them, but to that length? It all just seems pretty ridiculous. Many Americans are in an economic crisis, and some are losing their jobs. This, plus gas prices going up and up, proves that maybe we shouldn't be spending this much money on another country. We still have a large number of homeless people wandering around the streets here in America as well. I'm not saying we should be extremely selfish with all of our money, just that we shouldn't spend a large amount on another country. If we did spend money on another country, we should at least give it to one that really needs our help. I understand that we want to help Israel because they are a good ally of ours, but do they really need it? Yeah, maybe they aren't the most stable country, but they aren't as bad off as a lot of others. In conclusion, I can't truly understand why we're spending so much money on a country that doesn't desperately need it.
ReplyDelete3 billion dollars? Aren't we trillions of dollars in DEBT? I'm all for charity and giving, but really? I mean, that seems a little steep for me. And by a little, I mean a lot. That seems like a lot of money just to keep buddy buddy with another country. I agree with what Deanna says completely. Help yourself first. I think we should be helping a country that really needs it IF we spend that amount of money on someone. Isreal is our ally, but you don't see us giving Britain 3 million dollars. I don't really get why we would support something that doesnt need it.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the late comment, but here are some of my views on this "U.S helping Israel" situation...
ReplyDeleteI definitely know that the U.S. is not helping Israel just out of kindness. Why would someone help someone else with such a serious situation without wanting something in return, whether it be little or big? Israel is very powerful when it comes to their military, could this be the reason why? Or perhaps it has something to do with the land that the Zionists are after, maybe the U.S. wants to have some benefits from the land as well? It seems like a logical assumption. I believe that the U.S. is looking for something out of helping Israel. But is this okay?
The U.S. is in WAY too much debt to be using more money (3 billion dollars) that we don't even really have to help support Israel. Why would the U.S. use this to help someone if we weren't wanting something in return? I don't understand. Israel is also strong enough with the type of military they have. Why would they need our help? If the U.S. left them now, they would probably be able to actually take care of things themselves. So now I have a question (even though everyone has already commented).
What does the U.S. want from Israel and why does Israel truly need our support?
I know its late but i figured it would be better to do it late than not at all.
ReplyDeleteI'm am shocked by how much money the U.S. spends on Israel. Arent we in a recession? this is ridiculous. Why cant we at least reduce what we are sending over there?I dont believe we can afford this. It isnt like we are even spending it on our people. This is furthering our county's forever-growing debt.
I think the reason that the U.S. cant stop helping them is because of fear. I think the U.S. is scared that if they do that the Israelis will be mad. On a couple of the sites they mentioned that they had a very strong military and nuclear technology. If they get mad what is stopping them from using that on us? The U.S. feels responsible for its people and i dont think it is a good idea to just stop the funding altogether. The political involvement with something so religious isnt really a big deal because it doesnt matter what people you help; those people will always have some sort of religion. I think they just happen to be helping Jews this time. And come on!! Give them a break they have been tortured all through history. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance everyone blamed the Jews when something went wrong. If crusaders came across a Jewish Settlement they would ransack and burn their houses and rape the women. then through the Holocaust... I mean COME ON!! Six billion Jews dead is crazy. maybe it is just their time in history to finally get a break. who knows?
I was very surprised to see how much time, effort and money our government puts into supporting the Israeli government. It is hard to put myself on one side of the issue or another because they both have very valid points.
ReplyDeleteI understand the point of view saying that we need to leave Isreal alone and stop wasting our money trying to help. Our government is in debt right now, and it is not necessarily practical that we are giving so much money to help Israel.
However, I do think that being supportive of Israel in these rough times is ultimately a good thing. As President Obama said in May of 2009 on the Jewish Democratic Council, “Obviously this reflects the extraordinary relationship, the special relationship between the United States and Israel. It is a stalwart ally of the United States. We have historical ties, emotional ties. As the only true democracy of the Middle East it is a source of admiration and inspiration for the American people." I do agree with him here. Isreal is in a greeat location, and having an ally in the Middle East is very beneficial for our country. As well as an being an inspiring Jewish state, Israel has helped the United States many times in the past 60 years. I do not know all aspects of our very complicated foreign policy agenda with Palestine but although Isreal has its problems, I believe that our country should continue to work with Israel and continute to be supportive.
From reading all this jazz, you can pretty much see that a lot of other people in the middle east hate Israel. There's constant warfare between them and the Palestinians still today. They've had a pretty turbulant history for only being around 62 years. But I feel like I agree with most of you guys for once that $3 billion a year in aid is a lot for how stable and dominant they are in that region. I'm not saying we should stop supporting them or even stop giving them aid but maybe only give them $1 billion or half a billion a year. I don't know how big a chunk of our budger $3 billion is annually but we owe too much to China and we're too far in debt to be handing out that much to Israel.
ReplyDeleteI do believe however that we should still be extremely involved politically with Israel. They're a shining light in that dark hole of the middle east. I mean, I understand that they have commited war crimes, but you can't seriously tell me that you believe Palestinians haven't. They're a few doors away from Ahmadinejad and Bin Laden, wherever he is, and we need an ally as strong as them over there in case anything really big happens. They're the black sheep of the middle east and they're exremely important to us. Our sentimental ties with Israel will not be broken easily.