Wednesday, May 14, 2008

USA Financial Aid to Israel
Most of America's financial aid to Israel came after Israel's 1967 War. The state of Israel, which has about 1/1000 of the world's population, is of an unusual importance and interest to the USA, and does receive more than its size would indicate. The United States recognizes that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Many Americans feel they have a moral obligation to support Israel, both Jews and non-Jews.
In fact, Israel is like the surrogate for the USA in the region. They have been called the hit-man for the G-dfather, who is the USA. In many ways Israel is the middleman for USA industries. Israel is the testing ground for weaponry. Israel is advancing US intersts in the region. In other words, USA is supporting its only partner in the Middle East.
This is why 1/3 of the US foreign aid has gone to Israel. USA voted for Israel's birth in the United Nations and has been supportive ever since in varying degrees. When you receive money from someone, you feel obligated to meet their conditions. This problem has been discussed in Israel. It has its good and bad points. It would be nice to not rely on another country's expectations, but Israel is not ready to unfetter its harness to the USA just yet. With the threat of Iran in the present, for both Israel and the United States, Israel needs its friends. I just pray that the next president of the United States is up to keeping the friendship between these two countries intact.
Reference: Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, RMEA.com

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