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Does American Deployment Abroad Help Israel?

(Ha'aretz) Avigdor Haselkorn - The deployment of military forces abroad by a foreign power is often intended to defend its local allies and deter its enemies. But in the Middle East, especially since the second Gulf War, a curious strategic paradox is unfolding. Accordingly, the more extensive the U.S. military involvement is in the region, the more Israel's maneuvering space and freedom of action are constrained. At the same time, the impact of the robust American presence vis-a-vis Israel's regional enemies has been negligible. The deterrent effect on radicals like Syria, Iran and their allies of the introduction of over 200,000 U.S. soldiers, backed by the most advanced air and naval assets, into Iraq and Afghanistan, is yet to be felt. At the same time, the re-arming by Tehran and Damascus of another implacable Israeli and U.S. foe - Hizbullah - with ever more lethal, accurate and long-range weapons, has proceeded unhindered since 2006. Instead of Iran and Syria feeling hemmed in by the expanded presence of U.S. forces on their borders, it is Jerusalem that is increasingly fearful of a multi-pronged attack. The setback for Israel is due to U.S. efforts to pacify Iraq and Afghanistan by co-opting local adversaries, coupled by the Obama administration's principal shift toward an "extended hand" policy vis-a-vis its regional enemies. In turn, any Israeli military initiative is viewed in Washington as "unhelpful," if not downright dangerous, as it may cause an Arab/Muslim backlash against America and endanger U.S. regional assets. At the same time, the U.S. is a growing burden on Israel, given the Obama administration's efforts to deny it the strategic initiative that is vital for preserving its national security. The writer is a strategic analyst and defense consultant.
2010-04-14 08:23:39
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