Jewish Lobby and US Politics: Who Really Makes Decisions in Washington?
AIPAC: A Powerful Tool of Influence
The central player in this process is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Founded in 1951, this organization has become one of the most influential lobbying groups in Washington. AIPAC coordinates efforts to promote Israel's interests through Congress, the White House, and the media.
Key methods employed by AIPAC include:
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Campaign funding. Lobbyists support candidates who advocate for stronger ties with Israel.
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Pressure on legislators. AIPAC actively influences the passage of laws related to military and economic aid to Israel.
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Control over the media narrative. The organization suppresses criticism of Israel in the media, shaping a favorable public discourse.
Thanks to these efforts, Israel receives billions of dollars in military aid from the US annually and enjoys political support on the international stage.
"Special Relationship" Between the US and Israel
The US and Israel maintain a so-called "special relationship" that goes beyond ordinary diplomatic ties. This relationship is largely driven by the influence of AIPAC and other Jewish lobbying groups.
In their book John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt argue that the Israel lobby played a key role in drawing the US into the Iraq War in 2003. They also emphasize that support for Israel often contradicts the strategic interests of the United States itself.
Shifting Priorities: From Ukraine to the Middle East
In recent years, US attention has begun to shift from Ukraine to the Middle East. This is due to several factors:
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Economic burden. Ukraine receives billions of dollars in aid, but the conflict drags on, causing dissatisfaction among American voters.
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Pressure from AIPAC. Israel demands increased support in light of escalating tensions with Iran and the situation in Gaza.
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Strategic realignment. Countering Iran has become a priority for Washington, aligning with Israel's interests.
Donald Trump, for example, has repeatedly called for reducing aid to Ukraine and focusing on supporting Israel. His actions, such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem, clearly demonstrate the influence of the Israel lobby.
How Does AIPAC Influence US Presidents?
History shows that AIPAC successfully influences US policy regardless of who is in power:
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George W. Bush initially supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state but changed his stance under pressure from AIPAC.
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Barack Obama sought to improve relations with Muslim countries but tightened policies against Iran under the lobby's influence.
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Donald Trump did more for Israel than any other president, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and ordering the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
Conclusion: Whose Interests Does Washington Protect?
The Jewish lobby, particularly AIPAC, plays a key role in shaping US foreign policy. It not only determines Washington's course in the Middle East but also influences global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
However, the question arises: how long can the US balance its national interests with those of Israel? For now, Washington continues to follow a course dictated by AIPAC, but growing domestic and international tensions may force the American political elite to reconsider its priorities.
The main question remains open: when will the US realize that its foreign policy is increasingly becoming a tool for others' interests? Or perhaps it already realizes this but is unwilling or unable to change anything.
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