Tut tut tut

Although this author is no subscriber to conspiracy theories, it is sometimes difficult not to sense a certain unease about the impact of so-called Jewish lobby groups in the USA. For the size of Israel and its precarious existence, substantially propped up by American subsidies and all sorts of support, its influence is rather disproportionately heavy - especially in American business and politics, which some may argue, is essentially the same thing. Take the latest little tantrum thrown by several pro-Israel special interest groups: Mr Charles W. Freeman Jr. had to withdraw his nomination for a top intelligence post, under duress of pro-Israel lobbies not entirely impressed with his past and current viewpoints on Israel.

Quite frankly, Mr Freeman's viewpoints align rather well with a broad majority of the world outside of the USA and certainly not only those maliciously intent on destroying the troubled state of Israel. But somehow, it is not politically correct or wise to criticize Israel while having any presence on the public scene in the USA. So much for objectivity and free speech. Even worse for the interest of the American people.

To be joined at the hip to any other country is never sound and neither is it sane. Unconditional support does not belong on the political stage - it is something for romantic relationships between love-sick partners. Especially when a country commits acts of Apartheid and oppression against a tiny, struggling and disenfranchised nation such as Israel commits with impunity against Palestine, dares a country of the presumed stature of the USA not dabble in "unconditional support". There are deep-seated reasons for the unhappy condition in the Middle-East and the blundering creation of Israel in 1948 and its rambunctious escapades since then - especially 1967 - are firmly at the centre of those reasons.

To provide "unconditional support" given such circumstances is folly. At least, anywhere else but in the USA, it would be folly. But somehow the pro-Israel lobbies seem to have surprising impact and influence over there. Mrs Clinton for all her merit is rather too cozily attached to such lobbies. Her recent state visit to Israel, holding hands with the Foreign Affairs minister of Israel, was just a bit too intimate for formal international politics and somewhat sickening to say the least.

One wonders what is left of pres. Obama's firm stance against special interests in the face of such antics as the above.