Leahy Lecture

"Why do they hate us?"

US/Israel Relationship

The relationship the US has with Israel is a key factor in a lot of the issues surrounding the topic and one of the main reasons for large amounts of dissent toward the US by countries in the region.


For example, 40% of all US aid goes to Israel, that is over 3.5 billion dollars annually.

The accords divided the West Bank into 3 sections

• Big Cities where the Palestinians have full control Area A
• AREA B where Israel would be in charge of security
• Area C covers 2/3rds of west bank (where the Israeli settlements are)

Protocols were signed in 1994 between Palestine and Israel which covered economic relations, taxes and import export relations, but not upheld by Israel which led to the 2nd Intifada in 2000 along with a few other reasons.

Even after this the US did not try to help keep Israel accountable, these issues build up.



https://history.state.gov/milestones/1993-2000/oslo

Supporting Dictators

• The support for autocrats in the region with weapons, training, and diplomatic support.
• The ongoing sanctions against Iraq that were killing innocents there.
  
• Toppling governments which lead to hardliners gaining power.

Self Interest

• Broken promises of self-determination after WWII, neo-imperialism of the United States.
• Oil grabbing
• Economic policies which hurt the regions as opposed to helping the people leading to massive cuts in social services.
• Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan which allowed Iran to expand its power in the regions and extremists to gain as well.
• Absence of WMDs and Guantanamo scandals