Darth Crater wrote:You do realize that at the time Israel was at war with pretty much every nation bordering it, and didn't have the luxury to be too careful about what they shot at? You do realize that anyone can paint English on their ship and fly an American flag?
More importantly, you do realize that this was in 1967, and you're implying that it should have any bearing at all on our current relations?
I understand all of that. How do you explain the jamming of the American radios? Only allies had the codes to do that.They would have to realize that it was American when they jammed all communications using American codes. It was also in International waters, a clear violation. Israel had recon planes flying overhead prior to the attack with American soldiers clearly visible on deck wearing uniforms. Also, the ship was not an offensive battleship..it was a mere communications ship, with no offensive weapons on board. There is no excuse for the attack. If they thought it was an enemy ship in camoflage, all they had to do was either board it to investigate or instead of jamming its signals, radio in and ask for identification. Another....how about asking the US Navy if they had any ships in the area? After all....they had that capability as an ally. Now about relations with Israel. Any relations with any country is good in my book. I'm not saying we should cut off ties with them or with any nation for that er. I believe dialogue is the best way to avoid confrontations. My point about all this is that we as a nation have enemies even within "friends". Having "relations" with nations doesn't require us to occupation...of course...unless they request it, but even then, it's our money and resources that they want. Why not have the U.S. defend them? Why not have American military personnel take the risk of losing their lives instead of their "sons and daughters"? Why not use our military might to drain our economy? There's more than one way to skin a cat.