As long as the only people who cared about the Middle East were a few policy wonks it was possible for a relatively small group of Israeli supporters to tilt US policy towards Israel. But with the increased attention brought by the WTC, everyone is paying attention now, and the inevitable result will be a decision to disengage.
That sounds entirely subjective, Carl. I've heard far more calls to engage than disengage. It may not be motivated by a love of Israel, but the outcome is the same. To many Americans, the impact of Oklahoma City was to wonder about ourselves. The impact of WTC/Pentagon was an end to that wonder and a growing determination to nuke anyone who proposes violence against the US.
And I'm quite aware that some of the intensity of the latter can wane over time. But I don't think much sympathy for the Palestinian intifida can be found here.
I'd like to see a poll of American support for increasing military aid to Israel. I think it would open a few eyes in the Middle East. Because I think support for Israel is stronger than its ever been.
That will not make the intractable problem end, but I doubt Israel will emerge weakened at all. Arafat has gone from being a puppet to a shadow puppet, in the eyes of most Arabs & Americans alike. I can only presume more Palestinians consider him a joke than did before, too.
Time will tell, and much sooner than many suspect, imo. The vacuum of leadership there begs for an opportunist to come forward to break the stalemate. A hawk in pursuit of peace would stand the best chance, in that climate.
No point in arguing what might be, though. I just think you've misjudged which way the American public has moved. Nearterm, it's hardly isolationist. |
