Relying on a bizarre quote from a 90-year-old religious leader, Richard Marcley's letter ("U.S. taxpayers subsidizing Israel," March 27) insists Israel is a poor strategic and economic investment for the United States. What Mr. Marcley overlooks is the boiling cauldron that is the Middle East today.
Undoubtedly, the most expansive threat in the area is Iran. Thirty years ago, while the Carter administration stood by, the radical ayatollahs took over Tehran. Now, through both conventional military and a growing nuclear program, Iran projects its power not only in the Persian Gulf but even into the Mediterranean — the latter via massive armed support to the Assad regime in Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
As an alternative to Israel, who then is a credible strategic ally for the U.S. to counter Iran: Saudi Arabia? Egypt? Iraq? Libya? By comparison, Israel is a rock of stability in a sea of chaos. Its location provides U.S. military forces a friendly shore on the east Mediterranean and direct, secure access to Jordan and the Persian Gulf.
Moreover, Israel has shown itself the only state in the area willing to confront regional threats.
Compared to our current wobbly "allies" in the region, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Egypt — where billions in American aid have been expended — Israel is a far safer bet and investment in today's troubled world.
Ed Rosen
Delmar
