26-10-2016, 11:46 PM
(This post was last modified: 27-10-2016, 12:18 AM by John Knoble.)
Middle East policy is no doubt another area where reality is hidden under layers of mythology to support a number of U.S. domestic and international strategic and sentimental goals of various religious factions. Would American Jews as a group be as supportive of the defense budget if Israel wasn't under siege? Would as many be receptive to the neocon right agenda?
There is psychological cost for Israelis using public transportation and policing the occupied areas, as there is for their residents, subject to constant humiliation at checkpoints. The grandchildren of the original displaced refugees in the camps could be living like Saudi princes in neighboring countries for a fraction of what's been spent on defense in the region over the years, but all of the countries in the region would get less aid from their Western or Russian patron states and religious sympathizers if they got along. It is self-perpetuating.
Bad idea to stoke polarization in a part of the world where stubbornness and long memories are part of the culture.
_______________________________
Don't like the Presidential choices? You can still support a write-in protest campaign in several states. See @JLK32387 on Twitter.
There is psychological cost for Israelis using public transportation and policing the occupied areas, as there is for their residents, subject to constant humiliation at checkpoints. The grandchildren of the original displaced refugees in the camps could be living like Saudi princes in neighboring countries for a fraction of what's been spent on defense in the region over the years, but all of the countries in the region would get less aid from their Western or Russian patron states and religious sympathizers if they got along. It is self-perpetuating.
Bad idea to stoke polarization in a part of the world where stubbornness and long memories are part of the culture.
_______________________________
Don't like the Presidential choices? You can still support a write-in protest campaign in several states. See @JLK32387 on Twitter.