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To: ml/nj
I love Ronald Regan but tell me, what exactly did he do for Israel?
30 posted on 11/22/2003 8:39:07 PM PST by McGavin999
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To: McGavin999
Sometimes it's what one doesn't do. But this line from the "Reagan Plan," kind of sums it up:
When the border is negotiated between Jordan and Israel, our view on the extent to which Israel should be asked to give up territory will be heavily affected by the extent of true peace and normalization and the security arrangements offered in return.
This plan was viewed quite negatively by the Israelis. But look at what he was saying. Israel would keep a portion of the West Bank and what it didn't keep would revert to Jordan. There was no negotiating with Arafat, or any other "Palestinian." Much of the Reagan attitude was summed up in this Feb '82 letter to Began:

His Excellency
Menachem Begin
Prime Minister of the
State of Israel
Jerusalem

Dear Menachem:

Recent press reports have presented incorrect and exaggerated commentary regarding U.S. military assistance policies for the Middle East.

I want you to know that America's policy toward Israel has not changed. Our commitments will be kept. I am determined to see that Israel's qualitative technological edge is maintained and am mindful as well of your concerns with respect to quantitative factors and their impact upon Israel's security.

The policy of this government remains as stated publicly by me. Secretary Haig's and Secretary Weinberger's statements on the public record are also clear. There has been no change regarding our military supply relationship with Jordan, and Secretary Weinberger brought me no new requests. Any decision on future sales to Jordan or any other country in the region will be made in the context of my Administration's firm commitment to Israel's security and the need to bring peace to the region.

Israel remains America's friend and ally. However, I believe it is in the interests of both our countries for the United States to enhance its influence with other states in the region. I recognize the unique bond between the United States and Israel and the serious responsibilities which this bond imposes on us both.

Sincerely
(signed)
Ron

There hasn't been a US administration as supportive of Israel since Reagan. Before he was President, Reagan wrote on the subject of Palestine (3/27/79), "You see the truth is there was no nation called Palestine." (See Reagan - In His Own Hand p. 215) As with other aspects of his world view, his Administration was what he believed.

ML/NJ

33 posted on 11/23/2003 6:37:14 AM PST by ml/nj
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