Issues Under Fire: Israel: Ally or Adversary

Issues Under Fire: Israel: Ally or Adversary 

As with any relationship, it always comes a time when one has to review the conditions, circumstances and connections that have kept said relationship intact. Over the past few years, the so-called unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel has been stress tested so many times, one can reasonably conclude, said bond has been frayed beyond repair. Hence, in this observer's opinion, its time to redefine said relationship. 

While there's never been much love between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the issues between Israel and the United States goes far deeper and needs to be assessed openly and candidly. Since the row between these two leaders have spilled over into the public square, it presents an excellent opportunity to examine the foundation of the U.S.-Israeli relationship and determine if there's enough remaining value left to continue it.

For decades, U.S. presidents have been saddled with the problem of protecting the state of Israel from its neighbors and the world. At tremendous cost to its taxpayers and reputation, the United States have stood in opposition to the international community in defense of Israeli policies, no matter how many times said policies conflict with international law.

Considering how much Americans have sacrificed for Israel, some want to know what Americans are getting in return. To date the give and take relationship has meant the more the Unites States gives, the more Israel takes.

In light of current events, its not unreasonable to demand to know what Israel provides for the United States, that can't be obtained by other means. If its intelligence, the U.S. can do that as well as anybody. If its about our so-called shared values, if one looks closely enough, one will find Israeli and American values diverge wildly.

If its about Israel being the only true Democracy in the region, if one looks closely enough, one will find Israel's concept of Democracy is beyond troubling. And BTW, if its about friendship, if one looks closely enough, one will find nobody needs a friend like Israel has proven to be. 

When one observes U.S. politicians gushing over the so-called special relationship, the unique partnership and the indispensable link between the United States and the state of Israel, the blatant realities on the ground and behind closed door relations exposes the unholy union for what it really is.

The U.S.-Israeli union is no more than an outdated and barely respectful pretense that masks Israel's overstated value. To continue blindly supporting the existing relationship with this "rogue entity" that returns so little by way of cooperation, compromise and trust is tantamount to insanity.

Bottom line: If one is to be defined by the company one keeps, it would make sense to be more selective in who one calls a friend. If the term guilt by association is applicable here, to continue any form of a relationship with the upcoming Israeli government could prove dangerously detrimental to everything America says it stands for. Podcast Below!