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[quote]Originally posted by Raoul:
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Can you name one legitimate interest we have in the Israeli-Palastinian crisis ?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Well, it depends on various views I would say. Firstly, if the United States wants to maintain its pre-eminence in world affairs, it has to get involved in many of these situations, even if oil (god forbid) isn't involved. It seems to me you are very concentrated with this issue, and in provoking Arab anger. Honestly, do you think pulling out of this situation will do anything to alleviate Arab anger at the United States. They are already yelling at us to get involved, so sitting back and letting Israel do whatever it wants will hardly bode well with the Arab States. Now, you will probably then argue that, if we cut off Israel's military aid, it wouldn't have such the capability that is has today (hell, it probably wouldn't exist today, but lets say it did), and you have argued that before. However, would that be in America's interest? No, for cutting off American aid isn't going to make any new friends, it will only weaken our only partner in the region while strengthening regimes that are hostile to the U.S.. That would be foolish, to say the least. Now, while the Arab states may not like U.S. support for Israel, their lessening share in the oil market (and it is decreasing, for I talk to OPEC guys here in Vienna from time to time) will make sure that they are careful not to hurt the one thing their economies are so relient upon, and therefore, they will be careful not to do anything to take away big clients (knowing, non-OPEC members would only be so willing to step in and help). Furthermore, the U.S. has to get involved, and has an interest, because it is the only power that is capable of doing such. While the Palestinians may hate us, as Clinton showed, we are still prepared to push Israel to give a lot to them, and Arafat knows this. Europe may be in a better geographic position, but they are biased towards the Palestinians and the Israeli's will have nothing to do with this--and having leverage with the Israeli's is incredibly important. Thus, America's interest is a stable region. States don't have to like each other, but as long as they aren't killing each other, that is desirable. Therefore, I would argue, getting a more stable status quo in the region is in America's best interest, and if it pulls out, the resulting chaos would be detrimental in the long run.
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