Eggplant (#179):

I think it more useful to look at Israel through a global prism; the phenomenon you talk about can be seen throughout the West (cf Subotai’s TWANLOC). I am reminded of the famous Bernard Lewis quote (which he attributed to a Turkish general): “The problem with having the Americans as your allies is that you never know when they’ll turn around and stab themselves in the back.”

Our primary effort must be in ensuring the survival and flourishing of what we see as Right (call it “classic western civilization” or what you will) in our own country. When it comes to other countries, we obviously can’t save them from themselves, but so long as they haven’t given in to their own “Dark Side,” we should support them. (The extent of that support being a topic for another discussion.)

In more concrete terms: I believe the US should sell advanced weapons to Israel, provide it with diplomatic cover etc. But if Israel decides to withdraw to indefensible borders, it is most certainly not the responsibility of the US military to serve as a buffer. (The matter gets complicated if the Israeli withdrawal is due to US pressure.)