The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

The book contains observations backed by some research data that support the view forwarded by the authors about the influence of the Israeli lobby on US foreign policy. It follows a report that was published earlier by the same authors. The book presents a compelling argument and links it to actual positions and decisions by the US state department and others. It is a gripping read and an interesting, well-researched book. I advise those who read it to also seek alternative views, then make their own minds up.

If you want to understand what the IsraelLobby is and isn't this is a must read for all who want to understand contemporary world politics and US internal foreign policy politics. It is shocking how the Lobby is able to dominate the public discourse and politics with such a formidable and well financed advocacy operation. What is really scary is how they came after the authors for telling the truth.

The authors give a harsh critique of the Israeli government and the Israeli lobby in the United States. It's a perspective that needs to be given. I wish the other side would give a well thought out rebuttal.

If you find yourself scratching your head while watching the news these days, this will help you understand the bigger picture.

Very good and educational

Breaking a tacit taboo, this book takes up a key issue in US foreign policy to hopefully open a constructive and critical debate in the US public discourse.Now it has become clear that the US public discourse and media is unfortunately not evenhanded in its coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ethnicity has blurred the lines in politics, and Israel has become one of the few countries in the world which can count on a special relationship with the current superpower, giving it an unfair advantage over its rather helpless non-citizens or weak neighbors with almost complete impunity. Sadly, criticism of Israel and anti-semitism are conflated so you are not allowed, or you do not dare to be critical of their treatment of Palestinians and their policies toward their neighbors, and their role in the instabilities in that region.I am not a Palestinian so I don't have a vivid perception of their suffering but it is undeniable that ever since the creation of Israel, they have been subjected to many undeserved cruelties that are not acceptable to our universal ideals. I feel sorry for them that they happened to be the victims of what happened in 1948. That many people like me perhaps do not really understand what they must be going through (and what they must have gone through over these years) and that they do not have many people daring to speak for them and on their behalf in important powerful spheres that could help them.I admire the courage of Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer. They raised an important political and ethical issue that should be discussed more openly and candidly so that we could resolve this impasse. Unfortunately, not many scholars have the knowledge or the courage to raise such taboo but necessary issues here in the west.I enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot also from following the debate in many of their (authors')videos online. I hope their work will allow for a better, more honest and therefore more productive understanding of the never-ending crisis in middle-east and adoption of more even-handed policies that could help the peace process.

The arguments (though often under-sourced) are thought-provoking and raise important questions about American foreign policy at a critical junction in its history.

This book was one of the best books I have ever read. I have now read it twice, and plan to read it again. It is informative, and perfectly rounded. It holds nothing back, and opens the eyes to many things in re to the funding of Israel and US Foreign Policy. Our foreign policy is a nightmare, and lobbyists are out of control. AIPAC is a monster that needs to be tamed, and as we face these years of depression we still are giving Israel upwards of 7 million a day. While our country starves and folds, Israel is booming. They are, IN FACT viable, and have no need for our aid. They hold the strongest military in the ME, yet still jump on American taxpayer backs for free rides and the protection of our armed forces. Israel relies heavily on our weaponry to fight their war not only for their so called 'right to exist', but their war for land. FOR LAND. Killing innocent children for land. And, we pay for the bullets. It is also sad that a lot of Americans are clueless to the plight of the Palestinians. If Israel has a right to exist, so do the Pales! I would also say that in war, they have taken land. International law says they cannot take and keep land taken in war. So, they have defied international law. Yet, the US turns a blind eye to Israel's abhorrent behavior time and again. Why is that? From The bombing of USS Liberty, to Rachel Corrie, to espionage, to spies, to selling US secrets, to the infitada, Israel has shown to thumb thier nose to policy, moral character, values, compassion and peace. This book is a fine addition to my library of endless law books, religion, and politics. 5 STARS!

A classic account of a worrying problem : the influence of another nation on US foreign policy