“They were consistently on message describing what the deal involved, why it did not compromise security and the benefits of stroking an ally.”
The same way the Administration is “consistently on message” about “guest worker programs,” citizenship for illegals, etc?
The problem is more about whether we can afford to trust our supposed “allies.” Remember, we are not dealing with a western mindset... that, IMHO, is the crux of the matter.
But, I guess we must agree to disagree.
RTO
Hmm...the Japanese have a western mindset? I don't think so. Maybe the Taiwanese do. No. Well then, surely the Russians, or the South Koreans do. No, I don't think they do either. Those with a western mindset are a minority in the world. Philosopy is provincial, Economics is universal.
As long as the Middle East has us dependent economically on their oil while they lack econimic dependence on us, they are a wild card. If their economies become enmeshed and therefore dependent on a robust world economy, then they become partners, whether willing or not.