this post was submitted on 23 Apr 2026
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No Stupid Questions

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As an American myself, I've asked several people this question. No one seems to know why either. Is it strategic position in the world? I don't think they have anything the US can exploit besides that really. Am I missing something? Political arguing aside what exactly is the motivation? Thanks for any explanations.

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[–] Nemo@slrpnk.net 21 points 12 hours ago (3 children)

It's a friendly nation in an area where those are scarce, so being able to base military operations out of there is seen as a key strategic asset.

Not defending, just explaining.

[–] Lodespawn@aussie.zone 14 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

Yeah cause Saudi, qatar and UAE aren't bending over backwards to lick the US dick ..

[–] breakfastmtn@lemmy.ca 15 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

Historically, the relationship between the US and Israel is far closer than others in the region. Everyone else are much more like fair weather friends. Intelligence between the two is highly integrated to a degree unseen outside of the closest US allies.

[–] Lodespawn@aussie.zone 4 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

That's a great point, Israel does seem like a bit of a financial burden these days though ..

[–] blarghly@lemmy.world 3 points 8 hours ago

From a point of view of military strategy, the money is chump change.

[–] mrdown@lemmy.world 1 points 9 hours ago* (last edited 9 hours ago) (2 children)

Any country can be friendly. If they have an advantage to be your friend. Iran can be friendly to the usa and europe if they stop sanctionning them and stop supporting israel the only settler colonial power in the middle east

[–] blarghly@lemmy.world 1 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

There is a difference between the friendliness between the west and Israel, which is based on a long history of alliance and a shared culture, and the friendliness between the west and other middle eastern states, which is understood to be based entirely on economic and strategic benefits. Even if sanctions on Iran were lifted and relations were normalized, they would likely occupy a similar "friendliness level" to that of Saudi Arabia. Willing trading partners - but keeping the west at arm's length

[–] mrdown@lemmy.world 1 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

There is a difference between the friendliness between the west and Israel, which is based on a long history of alliance and a shared culture

It is based on history of colonization and imperialism

[–] blarghly@lemmy.world 1 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

I mean, would you prefer we bond better with the Saudis and Iranians over a history of religious fundamentalism and subjugating women? Because we can do that, too, if you'd prefer.

[–] mrdown@lemmy.world 1 points 7 hours ago* (last edited 7 hours ago) (1 children)

The hell is that bullshit. I will not play the game of who is worst although we all know who is . You simply do not become a friend with a settler colonial power trying to exterminate a population of 5 - 6 millions from the land . Your shitty country is already an ally of Saudi arabia too

[–] Nemo@slrpnk.net 1 points 9 hours ago

That's what I think too, but that's not the prevailing feeling of those in charge.