re: #682 freetoken

I do not believe this is accurate. Our defense industry grew up around the cold war antagonisms.

Even in the ME, our main strategic interest is the oil in the Persian Gulf region, not in Israel’s existence.

Yes, but the cold war ended during Reagan’s administration. You can’t justify a huge defense budget if you don’t have a possible enemy to protect yourself from, and the instability of Israel and its relationship to its neighbors is a constant. It doesn’t change. If it’s not suicide bombers, it’s a wall to segregate the country. If it’s not katusha rockets, it’s a settlement on disputed land. It’s always something.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed today. Airstrikes will likely follow in response. Hell, there are people upthread calling for the purification of Israel (i.e. the expulsion of Arabs)…like THAT’S a solution. (it is, if you believe this will bring on the rapture)