It's really a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Keep doing what's been done and the US is accused of kissing Israeli butt.
You introduce a little "CHANGE" and Israel will be forced to defend itself if and when it gets attacked, then the US gets blamed for not getting involved.
Geez.

What's worse?

I can't think of a reason for the Israelis to NOT be irritated with Obama.

I'm an American, and I'm already sick of his damned stupidity.

He's tanking the economy, his world apology tour was a disaster, he's embarrassed the living **** out of me as an American, so - what's not to dislike?

Some of you seem to think that the US supports Israel out of some sort of (misguided) altruism. This isn't the case. The US supports Israel for the benefit of the US, not for the benefit of Israel.

This is true about all our foreign aid and humanitarian efforts. While it might help people, we're doing it because it helps us (or, we think it will help us). If it ever turned out that it would be better to bomb those same people, we'd do it in a heartbeat. If you don't believe me, look at Iraq.

You need to distinguish between the reasons for an act, and the *explanation* for that act. The reasons for protecting Israel range from the Religious Right wanting to foster their biblical prophecies, to our military wanting to have a presence in the predominately hostile Middle East. These are the reasons for protecting Israel.

The *explanations* are much nobler-sounding. Defending the underdog against overwhelming odds. Preventing another Holocaust. Supporting a democratic country in a region riddled with dictatorships and theocracies. How noble of us, right? That's why politicians say these things. They want the support of the American people. But it's a crock.

If it ever turns out that the US decides its interests would be better served by bombing Israel out of existence, you can bet that suddenly Israel will disappear. The US is looking out for its own interests. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.

I dont really get Obama, I think the health care scheme is a good idea. I also think that the people who were calling him evil for announcing it are over reacting. In Britain we have the NHS, sure it aint perfect and it I pay into it every week. But if anything happens to me or any pther family member they will recieve help. Id hate to live in a country where if you was ill, but you couldnt afford health care you would be left to rot!!

Anyway back on topic, I dont think anything will come of this. Obama needs Isreal, for the time being. They have no qualms about going to war and they have a formidable air force. Which is always beneficial. Isreal also needs the USA as the USA is kind of like the play ground bully. They will step into to help Isreal, or just "warn" other countries off attacking Isreal. They have a beneficial relationship, and I cant see them giving this up.

As for the guy who said lets cancel all foreign debt, Iv often thought who these people are that lend trillions of £'s or $'s to governments and where they got the money in the first place. And what could they do if all the government that owed them money refused to pay.

Originally posted by tooo many pills
I never understood why America was so bent on helping Israel.
They don't really want peace.

In the 70's when Israel won at war with Eygpt, the eygptians complained to OPEC and they stopped giving gas to all nations with ties to Isarel. The gas shortages of the 70's.

If that happened now, what do you think would happen?

Why do we let them push us around? What excatly do they bring to the table?

[edit on 8-10-2009 by tooo many pills]

Israel is at the forefront of technological and medical research for one thing - and they have been point man in the middle east for a long time though now their position is tenuous at best - however when you say Israel doesn't want peace that may be but try to keep in mind that the Palestinians don't want peace either - they want to see Israel wiped off the face of the map and their flag even reflects this - the Palestinian flag includes Israel as part of greater Palestine and not as an independent state apart from Palestine. And this has been true since the very beginning...Their constitution also has words to this effect - if I find it I will post...none of the issues on either side bodes well for peace...They are both intractable.

Obama isn't very popular in Israel from what I can tell from reading comments on JPost articles etc.

I don't think there's any government involvement in that unpopularity. Mostly the media whipping it up.

I am a Netanyahu supporter who thinks Obama is doing a good job.

(had to mention it in order to counter the ridiculous idea that pro-Israelis are automatically anti-Obama).