BigRob, et al,
This is exactly the point.
(COMMENT)
The US Government (as opposed to a majority of the people) see itself as the "Leader of the Free World." But to be a good leader, the leader must work in the best interest of those they lead; the role of benevolent leader --- and not the king that merely looksout for himself.
If the US is to act, strictly in its own best interest, then it cannot and should not, play the role it has carved-out for itself.
And in doing so, it has overstepped its authority and misused it military power and influence.
Most damaging in all this is its reputation, which spawns terrorism against the US; and the catalyst for the lack of a return on any investment it makes.
Both in politics and economic endeavors, it is important to constantly working toward improved relations. However, the US is becoming more involved in adversarial situations. This worsens the US position economically in a global economy that is become much more level and having such impact on America that it will no longer be able to support its only remaining influence: military force projection. Once America loses the capacity to project power, even Israel will no longer have need of America and turns its back on the US.
Most Respectfully,
R
