Israel and the abyss of US withdrawal

There exists in certain quarters of the West a touching faith that should America ever weary of the Middle East, the Middle East would, in turn, grow weary of itself. One is astonished by the durability of this childish delusion. Power vacuums, as even the most casual student of history knows, are filled by the first group of armed zealots to notice that no one is minding the store. They arrive bearing missiles, militias, martyrdom posters, and an almost supernatural sensitivity to the scent of weakness.

The Americans may decide to pack up and leave, and the Europeans may issue their customary declarations of concern. Israel cannot withdraw from Israel. Geography continues to have the final say.

Observe the disposition of forces: to the north, Hezbollah, that charming Lebanese “political movement” which just happens to possess one of the most formidable arsenals in the region. To the east, the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has constructed an entire network........

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