[SJackson]

No, it's true. There have been numerous threads. And the aid that Israel offered, was refused, but rerouted through Israeli charities, only those supported by American donors, of course.

At one point, the administration signaled that it would accept Israeli help, but preferred that it be as part of a mission organized by the American Jewish community," an official said. "There appeared to a problem with having the Israeli flag in a foreign rescue mission in the United States

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

..................

[penelopesire]

Were there any other foreign flags flying over US rescue missions? Just curious. Apparently many foreign countries offers of help were at first refused because the US wanted to understand the full scope of the disaster first and then see where best to put the monies and donations. I am sure that if this is indeed come down as some have suggested it was some eggheads at the State Department and not a Bush Administration 'policy'. I will look into it further and if you can give me a few links I would appreciate it. I don't like the idea of the US snubbing Israel either, but I also understand that sometimes these 'reports' are nothing more than rumor.