[cicero's_son]

Actually, this entire argument is a prime example of why alliances must be built of sturdier stuff. You think Israel is "in the wrong." I think she is "in the right." The Israelis clearly feel they are right. The Palestinians clearly feel Israel are wrong. And you and i could sit here all night and argue about it and still reach no resolution.

But in the end, we are her ally. This is not a time to abandon her. To do so would bring us shame and infamy for decades, and as a result it would do far more to harm our national interest than the policy we are pursuing today.

I should add that alliance does not mean unconditional support. Sometimes it means public defense but private dressing down. And if Israel were to do something truly outrageous--an attempt at a transfer, for instance--we would obviously not support it. Nor would we draw arms against her. Surely you see the reason in this?

[Goldsters]

Thank you. Very well Put.

[DentsRun]

I should add that alliance does not mean unconditional support. Sometimes it means public defense but private dressing down. And if Israel were to do something truly outrageous--an attempt at a transfer, for instance--we would obviously not support it. Nor would we draw arms against her. Surely you see the reason in this?

Well, I do. And nobody's talking about drawing arms against Israel. I only wish I were as confident as you that Israel won't attempt a transfer and that, if she did, we wouldn't support it.

[arthurus]

Sometimes it means public defense but private dressing down

I suspect the last few weeks have seen a reversal of that.