by Robert C. Sage

Created on: October 02, 2007

The US and our allies are forced to be involved in the Middle East, since it has the world's biggest supply of oil, currently the most important source of energy. However, involved in what way? Currently, Israel is at the center of all American strategic thinking regarding the Middle East, but that is not due to Israeli control of oil. It is due to domestic American politics, where candidates must raise enormous sums of money in order to get reelected.

Israel is by design a country for Jews and Jews only represent about 3% of Americans, but they are disproportionately wealthy and they make generous campaign contributions according to directions from neo-conservative organizations, such as AIPAC, ADL and AEC, etc. The pro-Israel lobby, including Evangelical Christian Zionists, almost always gets its way. Any politicians who opposes their positions is labeled as anti-semitic and have their political careers ruined. This is done by directing campaign contributions to defeat those who defies them. Similar efforts are made to affect the political positions of western European countries.

The Palestinians and the Syrians have endorsed to peace agreements after extensive negotiations with Israel, but Israel has backed out, thinking it could get better deals. That has happened repeatedly. The treatment of Arabs by Israel has been deplorable. Without exception, in every war or violent exchange, Israel inflicts more damage than it receives. This is possible, because of Israel's better preparation, better equipment and American support. Israel has also been able to implement highly discriminatory practices, in violation of international law. By any measure, Israel is extremely successful at pursuing unfair advantages.

Israel's impact on American foreign policies in the Middle East goes far beyond its own borders or even the Palestinian situation. The pro-Israel lobby pushed strenuously for the American invasion of Iraq and it is now strongly advocating that America attack Iran. The same is true for American policy on Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, etc. Ironically, Israel and its lobby denies doing this, which is part of its strategy to hide its footprints, lest they come back to haunt. These practices are well documented in a new book "The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy" by respected academicians Mearsheamer and Walt. Predictably, they have been denounced.

Given that America is now the lone super-power, it has the ability to set the tone in international affairs. OPEC decisions

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