sycasey said:
Big C said:
I would never claim to know more about foreign affairs -- especially in that area of the world -- than Thomas Friedman,
However...
I was saying, like, on October 9th, that Israel -- no matter how horrific the Hanas attacks were -- was going to lose hearts and minds around the world, what with their harsh rhetoric and ham-handed response. I mean, eff Hamas, but Israel is just driving people over to their side. Huge mistake.
Friedman's just realizing this now?
And Biden's first response was to unconditionally support Israel, because he's old and that has been the knee-jerk US response since he was young. And then his second response was to hug Netanyahu, while using our influence behind the scenes to temper Israel's response. Okay, this is called good diplomacy, but people don't see what's going on "behind the scenes", by definition.
I would also say that the US response is not just Biden. It's been long-standing US government policy to unconditionally support Israel in their disputes in the Middle East, for both parties and through multiple administrations.
I think this is foolish policy with a guy like Netanyahu in charge, who basically just takes our money and tells us to f*** off if we ask him to change his policies or approach. The assistance should come with conditions, and if the conditions are not met then the aid should stop. Unfortunately, there is a lot of inertia to reverse in order for us to get the majority of DC politicians there.
The continued obsession with Netanyahu is just bizarre. Israel is operating under a coalition government. If Netanyahu dies tomorrow, there would be literally no change in Israeli policy in Gaza. And if there was a change, it would more likely be to escalate the violence.
The Israeli population is behind the war effort and not in the mood to reach any settlement whereby Hamas remains in power. And there is very little Israeli support for pursuing a two state solution at this time - even if there is long term support for the concept.
The Netanyahu obsession is perhaps explained by the fact that Dems hate him for exposing Obama's failed middle east policies. That is the only reason I can fathom for the left's obsession.
Out of curiosity, what conditions would you place on the aid? And would similar conditions apply to Ukraine, Taiwan, and other foreign aid? Please be specific.
Also, I think we need to define what are US interests? How is it in the US interest to perpetuate the existence of Hamas? If Israel persists in its current policy (i.e., war in Gaza), what are the downsides to the US? For all the rhetoric, all the players in the middle east - with the exception of Iran - want Hamas removed. Who is the US currying favor with in pursuing Biden's current policy of equivocation? Is it just a domestic political play (Michigan)?