Let's talk about our Relationship with Israel

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 12:25

Big wide paddle today with many subtopics:

1. Is Israel our closest or one of our closest allies, as it claims to be? Explain your answer, please.

2. Is it in our national interest to have a close relationship with Israel? Why or why not?

3. What Israeli policies, if any, do you object to? Why?

4. If you controlled our foreign policy, would you alter our relationship with Israel? If so, how?

CRad · 02-13-2004, 15:20

What are your thoughts on those questions?

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 15:27

I'm happy to discuss them, but usually I like to see an expression of interest in the topic before I do it. It seemed like there would be based on some things in another thread, but . . .

CRad · 02-13-2004, 16:10

1. yes. One of our closest

2. I don't know. They are so small I don't see how they could do much in the way to help us.

3. None. It's their country and they can run it as they see fit. I think they are stubborn to a fault sometimes but they are between a desert and sea.

4. I'd quit giving any money to the Palistinians and give it to Israel, but then I'm completely on their side and think if the Palistinians want a state Jordon or Saudi Arabia can up some of their land for it.

My answers are biased and not at all mainstream. I like the Israelis and think the Arafat and his gang are nothing but terrorists.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 16:15

Quote:

Originally posted by CRad
My answers are biased and not at all mainstream. I like the Israelis and think the Arafat and his gang are nothing but terrorists.

Why do you say you're biased? And why do you think what you're saying is not mainstream?

CRad · 02-13-2004, 16:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Roguish Lawyer
Why do you say you're biased? And why do you think what you're saying is not mainstream?

That sounds more like my therapist than a laywer.

Every time I say what I said here I get reasons on why "we" can't do that. They are good reasons and I understand the big picture theory behind the arguments against the way I would do things, but it doesn't make me anymore sympathetic toward the palistinians.

Aren't refuges supposed to have a home to return to? Why can't they be called what they really are? a bunch of cranky people who don't want to get along with anyone. <darn people who won't fit into a nice neat niche>

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 16:35

OK, you want a lawyer?

Mrs. CRad, the question I am asking you actually is a little bit different. Madame reporter, would you please read back the question?

Quote:

Why do you say you're biased? And why do you think what you're saying is not mainstream?

Would you please answer the question? LOL

Valhal · 02-13-2004, 17:45

I think this is a great topic and those are important questions. I am a little apprehensive about getting into this because I tend to side with the Palestinians and that has been a very unpopular position.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 17:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Valhal
I think this is a great topic and those are important questions. I am a little apprehensive about getting into this because I tend to side with the Palestinians and that has been a very unpopular position.

Let me assure you that you will not be physically harmed. LOL

Valhal · 02-13-2004, 17:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Roguish Lawyer
Let me assure you that you will not be physically harmed. LOL

Yeah NDD scares the shit out of me.

When I get more time I will post something.

NousDefionsDoc · 02-13-2004, 18:02

Quote:

Originally posted by Valhal
Yeah NDD scares the shit out of me.

You're a smart guy. LOL

Imagine what scares me.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 18:05

Quote:

Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
Imagine what scares me.

Poodles?

Surgicalcric · 02-13-2004, 18:14

Given I am Jewish I try not to post on topics such as this because honestly my emotions tend to run high and my ability to be rational runs low. I have made many friends here and dont wish to alienate those with whom I share a kindship.

That being said I will give this a shot.

I object to the US sticking its nose in the national defense of Isreal. The US' policy on Isreal should be that of it's Isreal's problem and they have to handle it as they see fit, providing there are no crimes against humanity being committed. We can not expect to be able to hunt down the terrorists fighting against our way of life while telling Isreal they must back off the same tactics.

Isreal has been fighting against Arabic nations since the beginning of time. The US is not going to change the fact that they, Muslims, hate Isreal, and Jews in general, and the Palestinians wish to push Isreal into the sea. Arafat is nothing more than a terrorist who supports the homicide bombers with his money in the alleyways and then calls for them to stop the violence in public.

There will be no peace in the region in this life.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-13-2004, 18:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Surgicalcric
I object to the US sticking its nose in the national defense of Isreal. The US' policy on Isreal should be that of it's Isreal's problem and they have to handle it as they see fit, providing there are no crimes against humanity being committed. We can not expect to be able to hunt down the terrorists fighting against our way of life while telling Isreal they must back off the same tactics.

Are you saying we should cease providing foreign aid to Israel to the extent it is used for defense purposes?

(BTW -- "Crip" -- is that like cripple or like opposite of Blood?)

Surgicalcric · 02-13-2004, 18:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Roguish Lawyer
Are you saying we should cease providing foreign aid to Israel to the extent it is used for defense purposes?

(BTW -- "Crip" -- is that like cripple or like opposite of Blood?)

1.) No thats not what I am saying at all. I think the US is talking out of its butt when we try to advise them on when and how to defend themselves when we have clearly never had to deal with it. We are trying to advise Isreal on how to fight a war they have been fighting since the beginning of time. Again, its not going to end in this life. Our foreign aid should be based on need, not on our ability, perceived or implied, to politically influence their decisions.

Did any of that make sense?

2.) Cripple. Goes back to my medical waiver issue. Its a NDD thing.