Buy new:
-41% $11.89
to get FREE delivery Tuesday, November 5
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$11.89 with 41 percent savings
List Price: $20.00
The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE Returns
to get FREE delivery Tuesday, November 5. Order within 4 hrs 55 mins
Or Non members get FREE delivery Friday, November 8 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
In Stock
$$11.89 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$11.89
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$10.74
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Cover has small coffee stain / ring. Cover has small coffee stain / ring. See less
FREE delivery November 16 - 23 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery November 15 - 20
$$11.89 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$11.89
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy Paperback – September 2, 2008

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,044 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$11.89","priceAmount":11.89,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"89","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"vr0n2FKYbXXmxjZWFbebNyCB%2FWwkIPzMoKvGJDBeMKSttMIROLVlKcREl6XqN56kI8WUX%2F76iLfrwZpv%2FnCdwmvQL4tNbFn0g1x1AQh5c%2FiOLvF0G%2FbBWmJlYqvc3mYMlG2JMCsmnoQ%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$10.74","priceAmount":10.74,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"10","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"74","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"vr0n2FKYbXXmxjZWFbebNyCB%2FWwkIPzMHCryL0YNCeLWx%2Bw2QQ8neaMVBR%2BzlA0hYnB622xwtiy2L2pplWnTwjiE2M8iOCeG75OWsYHWAYkLdw5sb2LrubcYzw7jsEM1Phs15AM90TbGV%2B6ljrNgCGEiJW03SiC%2BA2LyEbTNos8za8uqqJQVDIHJNdu0g3Nh","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Originally published in 2007,
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, by John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago and Stephen M. Walt of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, provoked both howls of outrage and cheers of gratitude for challenging what had been a taboo issue in America: the impact of the Israel lobby on U.S. foreign policy. A work of major importance, it remains as relevant today as it was in the immediate aftermath of the Israel-Lebanon war of 2006.

Mearsheimer and Walt describe in clear and bold terms the remarkable level of material and diplomatic support that the United States provides to Israel and argues that this support cannot be fully explained on either strategic or moral grounds. This exceptional relationship is due largely to the political influence of a loose coalition of individuals and organizations that actively work to shape U.S. foreign policy in a pro-Israel direction. They provocatively contend that the lobby has a far-reaching impact on America's posture throughout the Middle East―in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict―and the policies it has encouraged are in neither America's national interest nor Israel's long-term interest. The lobby's influence also affects America's relationship with important allies and increases dangers that all states face from global jihadist terror.

The publication of
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy led to a sea change in how the U.S-Israel relationship was discussed, and continues to be one of the most talked-about books in foreign policy.


The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy
$11.89
Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 8
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$18.93
Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 8
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$19.49
Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 8
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Controversial.” ―Terry Gross, Fresh Air, NPR

“It could not be more timely.” ―
David Bromwich, The Huffington Post

“The strategic questions they raise now, particularly about Israel's privileged relationship with the United States, are worth debating.” ―
David Remnick. The New Yorker

“Ruthlessly realistic.” ―
William Grimes, The New York Times

“The argument they present is towering and clear and about time
.” ―Philip Weiss, Mondoweiss.com

“Mearsheimer, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, and Walt, on the faculty at Harvard, set off a political firestorm.” ―
Jay Solomon, The Wall Street Journal.com

“Promises controversy on a scale not seen since Samuel Huntington's
Clash of Civilizations sought to reframe a new world order.” ―Stefan Halper, National Interest.com

“Deals with Middle East policymaking at a time when America's problems in that region surpass our problems anywhere else . . . People are definitely arguing about it. It's also the kind of book you do not have to agree with on every count (I certainly don't) to benefit from reading.” ―
MJ Rosenberg, Israel Policy Forum Newsletter

About the Author

John J. Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and the co-director of the Program on International Security Policy at the University of Chicago. He has published several books, including The Tragedy of Great Power Politics.

Stephen M. Waltis the Belfer Professor of International Affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and was academic dean of the Kennedy School from 2002 to 2006. He is the author of Taming American Power: The Global Response to U.S. Primacy, among other books.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Farrar, Straus and Giroux; First Edition (September 2, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0374531501
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0374531508
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.85 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,044 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,044 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book meticulously researched, balanced, and chock-full of vital information. They describe it as brilliant, well-written, and interesting. Readers also say it's a must-read for all Americans.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

87 customers mention "Information quality"87 positive0 negative

Customers find the book meticulously researched, balanced, and chock-full of vital information. They say it's a very important book on what has regrettably been a taboo subject. Readers also mention the authors scrupulously evaluate their information and make a thorough and convincing argument.

"...It is not only a informative book but great read as well. There are about 150 pages of references as well...." Read more

"...The authors back their claims with well-documented evidence, making the case that this influence shapes key U.S. policies—such as unwavering..." Read more

"...It's plain, simple language, straight forward and logical...but fascinating as well. Read it...." Read more

"...While it introduces well-researched statistical evidence, backed up by historical and anecdotal evidence, lobbying and domestic politics scholars..." Read more

67 customers mention "Readability"64 positive3 negative

Customers find the book brilliant, well-written, and important. They say it's an interesting, serious, and gripping read.

"...He just presented his experience in the book. It is a enjoyable book to read and also a must read for everyone in the world to read...." Read more

"This is really a fascinating book that is sure to cause many heated debates. For one, the authors have already been labeled anti-Semites...." Read more

"...It's plain, simple language, straight forward and logical...but fascinating as well. Read it...." Read more

"...Because this book is so interesting, I have bought extra copies to give to friends to read and later discuss...." Read more

9 customers mention "Look"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book comprehensive, stunning, and straightforward. They also say the paper is bold and courageous.

"...It offers a rare, insightful look into how foreign lobbying can steer a nation’s policy against its own long-term interests...." Read more

"...I did not find this a dry read or even a high brow scholarly read. It's plain, simple language, straight forward and logical...but fascinating as..." Read more

"...I thought the paper was very bold and courageous...." Read more

"...Mearsheimer and Walt provide a fair, balanced and unbiased look at how the support provided by the United States to Israel...." Read more

Facts bravely revealed about Israel Lobby in USA
5 out of 5 stars
Facts bravely revealed about Israel Lobby in USA
This book, bravely written by two of the world's top International Security experts, John Mearsheimer & Steve Walt, is ahead of its time and absolutely necessary reading by every American taxpayer and politician! Both authors deserve recognition for revealing the facts and surviving Israeli opposition of this book.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2009
I think the reason this book is controversial is because it speaks the truth. It is sad how much power AIPAC and other pro Israeli lobby has on US Foreign Policy. All the authors have done is presented and spoke of the unjust US Foreign policies which are not in US interest but favor mostly Israel. Credit to the authors for taking the bold step in writing such book in detail. It is not only a informative book but great read as well. There are about 150 pages of references as well. Also youtube the authors and you will see that they speak the truth. This is how i make my book purchase by first seeing who the authors are since nowadays anybody can write the books so you have to be careful where you spend your money. Hats off to both the authors for having the courage to speak in US and its citizen's interest not being biased towards Israel.

One thing which I was unaware of was that $3 billion dollars (this figure is more, see the videos and other references I have listed below) a year is given to Israel as AID and that is Tax Payers money. The thought which came to my mind is that all this time I have been working hard to pay to Israel? why? We are crying for recession, unemployment etc yet we are showering tax payers money to Israel, why? Whya aren't we solving our own problems first before helping others?

Why Tax Payers money is spend so lavishly on wars which are not benefiting anyone? US have failed in both Iraq and Afghanistan miserably. Iraq war at least was initiated by Israeli lobby. The pro Israel spies lied by creating a false report against Iraq's WMD and when US attacked Iraq, they found nothing. Not only that, authors also presented the case of couple of congressmen who were spying on US's plan for Iran. Which was handed over to Israeli embassy. This news was kept hush hush by the media and only brought it up with few headlines here and there. No one covered it in detail.

Another case that is presented is the Freedom of American Citizens, Rachel Corrie - US Citizen. Was an activist and was killed by Israeli bulldozer. Regardless of how she was killed, some American Citizens wanted to honor her by creating a play "My Name is Rachel Corrie", the artists had to face barrage of criticism and canceled shows here in US itself. The show was criticized for being Anti Semite/Anti Israel. Now the show have picked up but most of support came from UK thats where the show was premiered. Many pro Israel critics condemned the show but the point is why the US citizens not allowed to perform in their own country honoring their own citizen? There was nothing anti about the show. It was just a show to honor her efforts to bring peace to the troubled region. Why our government didn't say anything to the pro Israel lobby that they should respect American people honoring an American. After all Hollywood flush barrage of Holocaust movies every year, no one protest to that why US citizens are not allowed to express themselves and honor their own citizens? Are we living in US or Israel?

Another case they presented was Jimmy Carter's. Jimmy Carter's excellent and must read book "Palestine Peace not Apartheid" also faced the barrage of criticism from the Pro Israel and Jewish lobby. There is nothing controversial about that book. He just presented his experience in the book. It is a enjoyable book to read and also a must read for everyone in the world to read. He does not go out and attack Israel, he also talks about failure of Arab countries in working out the peace with Israel.

Even the authors of this book had to face the hostility when they went to print the book. It was published in UK. The questions is, why? Do we have any Freedom in our own country or are we living in Israel? Why can't no one speak about it? Why are those who dare to speak are called Anti Semite/Anti Israel? Why can't we be allowed to live peacefully?

US have lost its reputation among countries due to unconditional support to Israel. Israel walk away every time without any charges. Recently US vetoed UN Human Rights report against Israel and Hezbollah saying that the report was biased. Does the US leaders think public is stupid? Such actions create more terrorism because we are not accepting that we are humans too and we can make mistakes as well. And real men/women accept their mistakes and correct themselves. It is better to win on principles then win on lies. Everyone should listen to Marriane Williamson lecture "Standing up to the Darkness".

Anyone who wants peace in the world, must read this book and educate/recommend other fellow citizens as well. We cannot be sleeping like this when we have problems of our own (recession, unemployment etc) then why send so much aid to Israel, Pakistan etc? My brother and sisters, lets wake up and tell our leaders that we cannot be kept in dark like this. Israel is ally and they should be but no biased support anymore. Just like every other human being, jews also have right to exist and live peacefully on this earth. But they should not go all out and take away American citizens freedom. Just like US allow them to honor the victims of holocaust same way pro Israelis should also allow other US citizens to allow their freedom too.

At the end authors also presented that US should start treating Israel as a country, no unconditional support. This book and Imperial Hubris (even Osama Bin Laden have quoted this book and referred for every American to read this book. Must Read) will help you understand the issue in MidEast and why Osama is against US Foreign Policy.

Peace and lets wake up friends.

MUST WATCH VIDEOS/Books:
Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror
Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid

Youtube videos every North American Citizen should watch:
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
Greta Van Susteren James Traficant
134 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt is an essential read for anyone who wants to deeply understand the profound impact of the Israel lobby on American politics and foreign policy. Mearsheimer and Walt’s meticulous research unveils the extent to which U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, is shaped by an organized and powerful pro-Israel interest group, often to the detriment of America’s national interests.

The book challenges conventional thinking by showing how bipartisan support for Israel is not purely based on shared values or strategic alliances, but rather the result of a well-organized lobbying effort that influences Congress, the media, and even the White House. The authors back their claims with well-documented evidence, making the case that this influence shapes key U.S. policies—such as unwavering military aid to Israel, opposition to Palestinian statehood, and interventions in the region—that often create tensions with other nations and undermine American diplomatic efforts globally.

For Americans, The Israel Lobby is a wake-up call. It offers a rare, insightful look into how foreign lobbying can steer a nation’s policy against its own long-term interests. Mearsheimer and Walt argue that a more balanced approach to Israel would better serve America’s goals and its standing in the world. Whether you are concerned about America’s global role, the health of its democracy, or simply curious about how foreign relations are shaped, this book is crucial. Every American should read it to better understand the explicit and far-reaching influence Israel wields in Washington, often at the cost of America’s broader interests.
One person found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2007
This is really a fascinating book that is sure to cause many heated debates. For one, the authors have already been labeled anti-Semites. According to the authors, anyone with views that go against the interests of the Jewish State Israel is immediately accused of being anti-Semite. Jimmy Carter was accused of being an anti-Semite for pointing out the brutality the Jewish Israelis bestow on the Palestinians in his book `Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid'. Don't be surprised to see comments on this site accusing reviewers, who are merely pointing out their views or simply reviewing this book, to be anti-Semite. As one reviewer correctly pointed out, opposing Bush doesn't make someone anti-American just as opposing Sharon, Netanyahu, Barak and Olmert doesn't make someone anti-Semite. The authors say, "Indeed, there are signs that the reflexive charge of anti-Semitism is beginning to lose its power to stifle debate." (p. 195). The authors further say, "Let us be clear: anti-Semitism is a despicable phenomenon with a long and tragic history, and all people should remain vigilant against its resurgence and condemn it when it arises...But it is essential that we distinguish between true anti-Semitism and legitimate criticism of Israeli policy..." (p. 196).

Another accusation I often see is a comment that the reviewer did not read the book. Because the reviewer's point of view does not correspond with the reader's, do we conclude that the reviewer did not read the book? It is our right, at least from a democratic viewpoint, to express our views and beliefs without prejudice.

Jews believe that because they have suffered so much during their history, especially recently during the Holocaust, which is one of the most horrific periods in modern history, that special treatment must be given to them. In that case special treatment should be given to all people of the earth. Are you honestly going to tell me that the black slaves suffered less than the Jews? Or that the innocent Japanese men, women and children who either died by atomic radiation or lived for years together with their off spring with radiation poising fared better than the Jews during the holocaust? What about the atrocities committed in the Gulag and the extermination of the North and South American indigenous Indians? Ever hear of the Zápara? When Henry Ford figured out how to mass-produce automobiles, the demand for inflatable tubes and tires soon found ambitious Europeans heading up every navigable Amazonian stream, claiming land with rubber trees and seizing indigenous slave laborers to tap them. In Ecuador, the Zápara men were chained to trees and made to work until they fell dead of exhaustion. Zápara women and girls, taken as breeders or sex slaves, were raped to death. After this rubber genocide only a few hundred Zápara were left alive, out of hundreds of thousands! Anyone lately is talking about the Zápara Holocaust?

History is filled with atrocities committed against mankind. No one nation or race fared better than another--each had their share of atrocities. Today, it is the Palestinians' turn to taste the evil that man does, and by no other than a race who knows better than the rest of us in recent history what suffering is! John Donne sums it up nicely in the following poem:

No man is an island, entire of itself
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main
if a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were
any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls
it tolls for thee.

One would think that the Jewish people would be the kindest and most understanding people in the world. They have been through the most atrocious experience recently during World War II and the evil of Hitler during the Holocaust. Even before Hitler Jews were persecuted and discriminated against in Europe. Their history is also one of hardship since its beginnings some 5,000 years ago. Yet, according to the authors, the Jewish Israelis are very brutal towards their Palestinian neighbors. Not only has their land been taken in the 1940s, they are still confiscating Palestinian land and building settlements on them, and murdering women and children in the process. This is really sad and surprising, given the Jewish people would be the ones most understanding about human suffering, and what it is like being persecuted, being left without a nation, discriminated against, and murdered! This is the Palestinian Holocaust!

The Jewish religion is a beautiful religion, and the root of the two other great religions--Christianity and Islam. It is a monotheistic religion, and Jews know well that upsetting God or going against his will--or in other words, sinning--has grave consequences on them, as their history in the last five thousand years has shown. Furthermore, both Islam and the Jews regard Prophet Abraham as their father. The Jews are descendants of one of Prophet Abraham's son, while the Moslems are descendant of another of Abraham's sons. Jews and Muslims are therefore cousins. This has been shown today by DNA testing. One can also go further back in history and claim that both Jews and Muslims are descendants of Adam and Eve, whom both believe to be the first humans. So why all this bloodshed between cousins, and between people kneeling everyday to the same God and following the teachings of the same prophets (Muslims believe in all of the Jewish prophets)? Is all this fighting for land? Is it worth burning in hell (Jews believe in hell) for the sake of calling a piece of land theirs? Isn't this a materialistic view, as opposed to a spiritual one?

The authors point out that the majority of the people living in Palestine before 1940 were Muslim Arab Palestinians. After the war against them by the Jews and the formation of the Jewish State, Israel, Jews slowly started catching up with the Palestinian population. This is not because their birth rate gave them an advantage, quite the contrary, but because the present majority of the Jews living in the occupied territories are not native to this land, but came mainly from Russia and Europe. Modern Jews were therefore imported into Palestine. This is a conquest of a land they were not living on in the first place--sort of like the Europeans taking the land of the American Indians and today claiming it is theirs. In other words, the majority of the Jews living in what was formerly known as Palestine are not indigenous to this land.

So the authors ask, `why is the United States supporting Israel?' The authors make clear from the beginning that should the sovereignty of Israel be threatened, the United States should come to its aid. But why is Israel receiving special treatment from the United States when it is behaving in ways contrary to American ethics and democratic values? As the authors, as well as Jimmy Carter, point out, the brutal treatment of the Palestinians by the Israeli army goes against all American values and ethics. Yet the United Stated blindly supports Israel, even when it is not to its national interest. In fact, no country in the world receives such a special treatment from the US. The authors say, "Since 1976, six Israeli leaders have addressed joint sessions of Congress, a higher total than for any other country. A trivial indicator, perhaps, but it is still striking given that these six leaders represented a country whose 2007 population was less than that of New York City... Yitzhak Rabin was right: America's generosity toward Israel is 'beyond compare in modern history'...the United States and Israel may well have the most extraordinary tie in international politics." (p. 48).

The authors point out that it would be better for the US to distance itself from Israel, and to oppose Israel when it behaves in an immoral way, just like it does with other countries of the world. But as the authors point out, this is not an easy task given the Israel lobby on US land.

US politicians are afraid of the Israel lobby. The Israel lobby can tip the balance on whether a certain senator or president is elected! And no US politician can criticize Israel in fear of being labeled an anti-Semite! Yet it is Israel that is a very racist country. The authors point out recent polls where the majority of the Israelis view the Palestinians as an unclean and inferior people. This is how whites viewed blacks during slavery. The authors also point out that the Palestinians live in a big jail and at the mercy of Israel for food, water, medicine, electricity, and fuel. No one can enter or leave Palestine without the permission of Israel. The Palestinians living in Israel, and thus holders of Israeli passports, are discriminated against. They are treated by the government as a second class people, with neglect, oppression and suspicion. This permanent second-class status contradicts the idea of a multi-ethnic society which Americans associate which freedom and democracy.

The authors emphasize that Jews have a right to exist in a state of their own within internationally recognized borders but so do the Palestinians. However, according to the authors, Israel is a state determined to colonize all of Palestine, to deny Palestinians their rights, and to dominate the region, and thus to avoid peace. The authors point out that since the present policies of the state of Israel, many of which are condemned worldwide as illegal and immoral, do not conform to international law and UN resolutions, they should no longer be supported by the US, for this would be dangerous for the future of the country for it encourages hatred and terrorism directed toward the US. The authors say, "in fact a good case could be made that current U.S. policy conflicts with basic American values and if the United States were to choose sides on the basis of moral considerations alone, it would back the Palestinians, not Israel." Israel is one of the world's worst human rights violators.

The authors point out that the media has convinced the American public that US and Israeli interests are identical and any opinion to the contrary is unacceptable, outrageous and intolerable. Criticism of the government of Israel has been tacitly but effectively prohibited in the U.S. However, the media in Israel has been more forthcoming.

Interestingly, the authors point out that many in Israel oppose the brutal treatment of the Palestinians, and in fact oppose US support in defense of Israel's actions. In fact, Israeli newspapers often publish articles about the brutal treatment of the Palestinians. More articles in favor of the Palestinians and against the brutality of the Israeli army are published in Israel than in the US.

Israel is the strongest nation in the Middle East, and one of the strongest nations in the world. It also is a nuclear nation. No country in the Middle East can win a fight against Israel, even if they all joined force together. With its nuclear arsenal, no country could possibly envision conquering it, let alone erase it from the pages of history, as the Iranian president has often foolishly said. Israel is safe, and can take care of itself, and does not need US support.

According to the authors, the Iranians have been pushed to obtain nuclear weapons. What if Canada is suddenly conquered by China or Russia? Wouldn't the US try to undermine the new Russian or Chinese friendly government? The US invaded two countries neighbors to Iran--Afghanistan and Iraq. It also has bases in neighboring Arab countries, such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. It also placed Iran as a terrorist and rogue state, and threatens to hit it. Under such circumstances, isn't it normal for Iran to try to militarize itself? Wouldn't the US have done the same if it was under a similar situation?

According to the authors, it is the Israel lobby that pushed the US to go to war against Iraq, and it is now pushing the US to go to war against Syria and Iran.

Israel does not act in the best interest of the US, yet because US politicians need the Jewish vote to win elections, they blindly support Israel. By supporting Israel, the US is distancing itself from the rest of the world, mainly from Arab countries. Instead of being an asset to the US, Israel has become a liability. After World War II and during the cold war, Israel was an important military base for the US against the USSR. However, with the cold war over, Israel can't be used as a military base for fear of upsetting Arab countries. For this reason, during both US wars against Iraq in 1991 and 2003, Israel was not used by the Allied Forces as a military base. The authors ask, "What strategic importance is Israel now with the cold war over?"

According to the authors, Israel is the number one nation with a spy network within US borders. It is a well known fact that Israel has sold stolen US military technology to China. Israel continues to spy on the US today.

The authors conclude that while the US should insure Israel's existence, it should treat Israel no differently than it treats other allies. In other words, the US should forgo its so-called "special relationship" with the Jewish state.

Words are indeed mightier than the sword.

I agree with one reviewer who asked, "When will there be a Lobby for the American people?"
224 people found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Well documented. Well argued
Reviewed in Canada on January 29, 2024
A classic account of a worrying problem : the influence of another nation on US foreign policy
Angelo
5.0 out of 5 stars A much needed viewpoint to ensure global safety
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2024
Excellent book. The author's articulate their viewpoints brilliantly and challenge a massive issue in the US (and Canada) - the dismissal of anyone, or any group (including the Jewish community) critical / skeptical of dangerous rightwing Israeli policy or the unconditional US support to Israel. The authors also present a logical and highly agreeable view on how to better to ensure the safety of both the US and Israel. Must read for anyone interested in politics/ political science and how US foreign policy affects the globe.
Cristina
5.0 out of 5 stars tesi laurea
Reviewed in Italy on June 11, 2024
la scelta di un libro è sempre personale, utilizzato per studio
Ravindranath Soory
5.0 out of 5 stars Every thing
Reviewed in India on December 11, 2023
Good
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Lobbies assert too much power
Reviewed in Australia on April 20, 2024
Though the book is about the Israeli Lobby, one thing that I now understand are that lobby groups play an integral part in US.

It is an interesting read and shows how the American government is influenced by the Israel Lobby. So long as the Israeli Lobby exerts its influence in American policy especially in the Middle East, the US will find it difficult to establish true and meaningful relationships with the Arab world and in broad strokes within the Islamic world if the US keeps blindly supporting Israel. The authors in brief are of the view that the US should be more even handed in its relationships with all countries in the Middle East. This book in my view is not for everyone as if you're not interested in US politics and prefer a light written book, you might be put off by this book but I found it well written and informative.