Bush: US would defend Israel against Iran

Rueters ^

[MARKUSPRIME]

Good job Mr.President. Israel is a very close ally and we will not let it fall into the hands of Islam.

[Aetius]

I'll bet this news upset Abe Foxman.

[popdonnelly]

And Pat Buchanan is deeply saddened.

[Alberta's Child]

"Israel is a solid ally of the United States, we will rise to Israel's defense if need be. So this kind of menacing talk is disturbing. It's not only disturbing to the United States, it's disturbing for other countries in the world as well," he added.

Dear Mr. President:

How exactly is Israel a "solid ally" of the United States? In other words . . . under what formal mutual defense treaty (e.g., NATO, SEATO, etc.) does the U.S. have an obligation to defend Israel?

Sincerely,

Alberta's Child

[El Gato]

Israel needs little direct defending from the likes of Iran. They have the Samson option all set to go, should Iran get frisky. Plus they have Arrow anti IRBM missiles also primed and ready.

What Israel could use is for the President and SecState to recognzie, as they are beginning to do, that the real threat to Israel comes from much closer, and let the Israelis deal with the problem of Hamastan.

[sofaman]

I assume by that post that you object to the US rising to Israel's defence?

[Mi-kha-el]

Don't get your knickers in a twist. Israel is not asking to be defended. Just withhold the "show restraint" crap and let Israel defend herself.

[Alberta's Child]

Answer the question . . . under what formal agreement does the U.S. have any obligation to rise to Israel's defense against Iran?

Without such an agreement in place, Israel doesn't even qualify as an "ally" of the United States from a diplomatic standpoint.

And "President Bush thinks it's a good idea" does not mean the U.S. has any obligation to defend Israel, either.

[Alberta's Child]

Israel is not asking to be defended.

I didn't suggest that they did. I was simply responding to a comment along these lines (apparently unsolicited) by the President.

[MARKUSPRIME]

The US has always been Israels ally and will continue to be. I dont know why you are against this. The only conclusion I can make is because you are either a muslim,ex-canadian, or Buchanite. Seriously what do you think is wrong with supporting Israel?

[Iscool]

Answer the question . . . under what formal agreement does the U.S. have any obligation to rise to Israel's defense against Iran?

It's called the Bible...And it's not a wise choice to tick off the head Mediator...

[Finalapproach29er]

The US has always been Israels ally

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Is there a formal treaty, like NATO?

I never knew there was anything formalized.

[MARKUSPRIME]

They are the MOU(memorandum of understanding) also termed "strategic cooperation". Look up US-Israel alliance we have been their friend and ally for decades and will continue to be.

[lugsoul]

Can you cite chapter and verse where it says that?

[Finalapproach29er]

Thanks.

[SJackson]

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A nonsensical comment. Since it was in response to a reporters question, I'll assume it means nothing, for now.

[jabotinsky]

yet another reason I will be proud to tell my kids and grandkids...many years from now that I voted for W.

I hate to say it but I have a feeling most lib american jews still regret he is in office. They are just that stupid.

give'em hell W.

[Alberta's Child]

Seriously what do you think is wrong with supporting Israel?

The same that I think is wrong with supporting any other unstable nation in an unstable part of the world -- it simply isn't in this country's best interests to do it.

[Alberta's Child]

1. You'll have to provide me some specific quotes to support that claim.

2. I gotta laugh at the idea that U.S. foreign policy in 2006 should be driven by someone's idea of what Holy Scripture says. George Washington would be rolling over in his grave at the mere thought of that kind of silliness.

[montag813]

Israel doesn't need the U.S. to "defend" it against Iran, or any other group of Muslim animals calling itself a nation. Just stop tying Israel's hands. Allow Israel a free hand to obliterate Hamas, Fatah, and Hizbollah. Stop pushing an Arab terror state down their throat.