The conflict in Israel and Palestine has been going on for
centuries. While the United States has historically been a
supporter of Israel, new developments could change that.
President Obama has adopted a policy of “moral
equivalency” which would give all parties, including
“terrorist” factions, equal standing in talks.
This position has been heavily criticized, mainly by
Republicans, as an insult to a long-standing ally in the
Middle East. Presidential aide, Anthony Blinken, combated
this criticism in light of the upcoming elections, saying
“What could actually harm US-Israeli relations, and
the security of the Jewish state, is subjecting either to
the vagaries of partisan politics or turning them into
election-year talking points.”
The American-Jewish population as well as the leading lobby, AIPAC, hold a shockingly high impact on American foreign policy. By some estimates, the demographic holds control over 89% of the most important electoral votes (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8083171.stm, 6 Nov 2010).
