Comments on: Israel is putting American lives at risk

By: Michael Several

Michael Several — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:02:49 +0000

What General Petraeus is quoted by Mark Perry as saying is consistent with but an elaboration of what General Petraeus told the Senate Armed Services on April 1, 2009:

“The enduring Arab-Israeli conflict presents distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the AOR (Area of Responsibility). Israeli-Palestinian tensions often flare into violence and large-scale armed confrontations. The conflict has created a deep reservoir of anti-American sentiment, based on the perception of US favoritism for Israel. Arab anger over the Palestinian question limits the strength and depth of US partnerships with governments and peoples in the AOR and threatens the continued viability of moderate regimes in the Arab world. Extremist groups exploit that anger to mobilize support. The conflict also gives Iran influence in the Arab world through its clients, Lebanese Hizballah and Hamas.”

By: radii

radii — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:32:05 +0000

I sure hope Mark Perry is correct in his analysis of Patraeus’s motives and objectives. America has been so battered and abused by israel and its lobby for so long we can hardly believe it that a formal and high-level protest has been made and a fresh look might manifest a reassessment and realignment of the US-israel relationship that puts America’s interests first, finally.

By: pabelmont

pabelmont — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:22:54 +0000

This is a fascinating story. First, it suggests that the Arab leaders are themselves concerned about I/P peace (and, presumably, a “just and lasting peace”). It has often been suggested that the Arab “street” had this concern but not the governments. Second, it is sad beyond words that no-one in the military (or, yet, in the civilian administration) expressed the deplorable situation of the Palestinian people as a reason for resolving this issue — only the safety of US soldiers and the reputation of the US military as being weak or strong. Third, it describes the Arab countries (or their militaries) as “constituents” of CENTCOM. I suppose this means that the US wants them as its friends and occasional helpers; in this case it seems to mean that it wants them as helpers MORE than it wants Israel as a helper. Fourth, if all this is leading up to a ground-war with Iran, in which Arab militaries will participate, then I’m not so sure it is a positive development. However, I cannot imagine Iraq joining such a venture, and Saudi Arabia has no armed forces to speak of. so what are we talking about anyway, as a “constituency”?

By: Bombshell: Gen’l Petraeus has single loyalty

Bombshell: Gen’l Petraeus has single loyalty — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:44:10 +0000

[...] Perry, writing (at War In Context) of his sources for his bombshell report that General David Petraeus sees the special relationship with Israel as [...]