Some here are getting excited about this nothing statement from the Administration.
Imagine if Britain was attacked, or even France. Or just remember what occurred when Kuwait was attacked.
The President would be in the Rose Garden making an unequivocal statement in support of a friend and ally. Siding 100% with that friend and wishing them luck in whatever they must do. Giving their, and our enemies, clear notice and warning.
But I guess not from Israel's Best Friend Ever. Nevertheless I will check today's Bush's day in picture thread to see if he was busy doing something else that was of vital importance.
Yes, Israel is treated differently. But within the current political and diplomatic context, this statement by the Administration is the strongest expression of support that Israel will ever get, and Israel's enemies and others will hear it as such. Be happy.
I'm enthused about the US public statement in regard to Israel's military actions. 'Israel must do what's needed to protect herself' -- well, I paraphrased some, but we said Israel MUST do what's needed. That's a big deal. Hamas recently boasted that they had WMD's, chemical/biological weapons, and wouldn't think twice about using them against Israel -- so it's time to crush them, in fact, 'disarm Hezbollah', before they load mustard gas or ebola on those rockets.
I'd think we've quietly reminded Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran that US subs and warships with cruise missiles and nukes are prowling in the vicinity. And all those US troops in Iraq, how long would it take to move a battalion or two to Lebanon? Like it or not, Iraq is a US base for the region and we don't blab everything to the NYTimes.
I mostly agree with you, but if Syrian tanks came across the Israeli/Lebanon border the President would probably make such a statement. It's the soldier here, bus full of children there that is beneath his notice.