I will add a few things, too:

• Israel has been a dependable and vital ally to the United States.
• In spite of facing unrelenting aggression since its re-establishment, unprecedented terrorism, and a lack of natural resources such as oil, Israel has built a tolerant and prosperous society with a high standard of living.
• Israel continues to provide financial, economic and technical assistance to a large number of developing countries.
• The courage and pioneering nature of Israel’s people in building their state shows how decisive a “can do” spirit can be in overcoming enormous challenges.
• Israel’s building and sustaining a stable liberal democracy in a region in which authoritarian rule is the norm.
• Israel’s developing world class industries in medical electronics, fiber optics, computer-aided design, and other high technology endeavors. Israel’s leading edge scientific research and high incidence of entrepreneurship.

All said, Israel and her people have been a force for human progress and their courage in the face of repeated adversity have been a source of inspiration for peoples everywhere who value or strive for freedom, tolerance, and prosperity.

Originally Posted by Panache I love that they pay us back with interest and don't default on their loans.

The majority of loans have been forgiven and arent required to be payed back. What is the point of paying back prior loans while giving new ones?

Originally Posted by Panache What? What do you mean the loans were forgiven? They arn't paying us back? Should we not take our proverbial pound of flesh? I wonder if we could convince everyone we've borrowed from to "forgive" our loans.

It isn't their fault we forgive loans. Plus, the money we "loan" we know they use to buy our military equipment. But still, if I borrow $100 from a friend every week, and also pay back the prior loan every week - I don't really default.

Originally Posted by WI Crippler Stable democracy that shows democracy can stand up in the face of terrorism on a daily basis.

Originally Posted by ARealConservative I'm not sure what this means. democracy isn't something I cherish of itself - I cherish liberty, not democracy.