Ted Belman over at Israpundit reports on an investigative journalist named Dr. Francisco Gil-White who, writing from his website Hirhome.com, advances the theory that the American ruling elite secretly hates Israel and wants to destroy it.
Of course conspiracy theories are a dime a dozen, but Belman seems to hesitantly endorse Gil-White's conclusions, stating that the evidence actually seems quite solid. This has led to a very engaging discussion on the "Comments" section of Belman's post.
I believe, however, that Gil-White's conclusions are mistaken. He has indeed produced noteworthy evidence of U.S. efforts to oppose Israel, but we must remember that America's foremost priority (like that of any nation) is to act in its own interests. Supporting Israel certainly coincides with these interests given Israel's status as the Middle East's only true liberal democracy. But America also needs the region's oil and as such has been forced to placate Arab nations as well.
This delicate balancing act, in my opinion, better explains the zigzag nature of America's Israel policies. If anything, the momentum has tilted more in Israel's favor, as President Bush has shoved aside the old policy of appeasing Arab dictators in favor of a democracy-promoting approach. Of course, many hurdles still remain, as the U.S. economy continues to crave the black gold. But as we become more energy independent, OPEC's grip on us lessens.
We can help Israel, then, by working towards freedom from Middle Eastern oil, beginning with allowing drilling in Alaska, creating more domestic refineries, mining oil shale rock in Colorado, and transitioning some of our power needs to alternative energy sources. This, as I see it, will produce a much more favorable outcome than the one feared by Gil-White and Belman.
I hang out at Israpundit myself. While there is solid information that would appear to support the theory, I always point out one BIG problem with any theory like this.
For this to be true you would have to have concurrence between people who would rather use flame throwers on each other, and, among which are actual FRIENDS of Israel.
Yes there definitely look to be groups of people who HATE ISRAEL and would turn them in a second to curry favor with the Saudis especially. (the name Farrakhan and other inclusive, loving, types come to mind) Our State Department has been a nest of Commies for over 60 years and would sell them out as above.
Fortunately there are opposition groups that keep the worst of the depredations from happening. I personally believe that Bush IS a friend of Israel even though it sometimes doesn't look like it.
Previous admins were forcing Israel to expose their throat for NOTHING. Bush appears to be doing the same, BUT, he is waging a war that very well may reduce the danger to Israel.
On the enemy side unfortunately are also descendants of Jews who are only looking for power (the name George Soros woud be a good example here). It is sad, but, these people have no real religious or cultural connection to their ancestors and shouldn't be considered Jewish in my opinion.
Anywho, I think the guy has gone over the edge a little bit. You know, not exactly BALANCED in his reporting.
One of the claims I keep hearing is that the US has agreed to cede Iraq to Iran. I am still trying to figure out what we got for this exchange that is to happen shortly. Especially as it looks like Israel and the US and, with a couple more statements by Ahmadinejad, the EU will take down their nuclear project.
Another claim is that Reagan continued Carters policies. While this may be true Reagan took the opportunity to UNDERMINE Carter by directly negotiating with the Iranians for the hostage release while running for office. Carter's inability to get an agreement with the Iranians was one of numerous reasons he lost his reelection bid.
This doesn't refute the guys claims but shows that he doesn't take into account numerous conflicting parties involved in all of the activity he tries to explain.
He also tries to claim that all of the results of our foreign policy specifically to do with the ME were intended. Outside of the fact that there must have been a number of BETTER ways to have it turn out even assuming his proposition, I just can't believe this Cabal of Israeli haters have that much intelligence that they become godlike and ACHIEVE ALL THEIR GOALS!!
Damn, why didn't they take out the USSR or China?? Oh, I didn't get the memo. They are CONTROLLING RUSSIA and CHINA!! Yeah, I just can't believe any CABAL ANYWHERE in the world is that good.
The last group to even appraoch was the KGB turning most of the 3rd world. They were able to accomplish through a combination of keeping the US away by their penetration of our gubmint and Dems and a lot of hard work. Of course, in the meantime they let their own economy DIE and their own population to lose trust in their abilities!!!
See ya later!!
PS: I think you are spot on with helping Israel by untangling ourselves from the PetroDollar. Drill in Alaska, off the coast of California, Florida, wind farms in Teddies bedroom (between hot air and gas that would replace at least one coal fired plant!!) new Nuclear plants and relicensing or rebuilding existing ones as necessary. More hi-tech coal plants and opening our low sulfur coal deposits. More hydro power from river mouths and tide pools, ethanol, hydrogen (which needs more electrical power to use), and new ideas are all required!!
Posted by: kuhnkat | January 14, 2006 at 03:36 PM
I agree - I think Gil-White actually makes some very good points in part (i.e. his general pro-Israel stance and his claims that the Serbian-Kosovo conflict wasn't nearly as one-sided as the media presented it out to be), but I don't buy the way he tries to tie it into a big conspiracy theory. I'm a bit surprised Israpundit so strongly supported the story though; based on most of Ted Belman's other posts, I would have thought he and Gil-White would have more sharply disagreed.
Posted by: Solid Surfer | January 15, 2006 at 07:28 PM