Why is the U.S. in the Middle East?
According to Trump, it is because of Israel.
President Trump explains that the main reason for staying in the Middle East is to defend Israel. See this Wash Post interview:
washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/…
According to Trump, it is because of Israel.
President Trump explains that the main reason for staying in the Middle East is to defend Israel. See this Wash Post interview:
washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/…
Why is the US countering Iran? Because Iran is a threat to Israel. Trump explains: "Without them [KSA], Israel would be in a lot more trouble. We need to have a counterbalance to Iran."
Is the US in the Middle East because of oil? Trump explains that as the US produces more oil, Saudi Arabia becomes less important for its resources, but remains important as an ally of Israel and a counter to Iran. 
Trump said, "one reason to (stay in the Middle East—ed.) is Israel. Oil is becoming less & less of a reason because we’re producing more oil now than we’ve ever produced. So, you know, all of a sudden it gets to a point where you don’t have to stay there. ynetnews.com/articles/0,734…
They’ve (Saudi Arabia) been a great ally. Without them, Israel would be in a lot more trouble… We need to have a counterbalance to Iran."
Another indication of how important Israel is to the US posture in the Middle East is the recent joint military exercise, Juniper Cobra, which was designed to "develop seamless integration with our Israeli partners.” jpost.com/Israel-News/Ju…
USAF Third Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Clark, who also serves as the commander for the deploying Joint Task Force – Israel, explained: “As far as decision-making, it is a partnership,” stressing that “at the end of the day it is about the protection of Israel."
"And if there is a question in regards to how we will operate, the last vote will probably go to [the Israeli commander] Zvika [Haimovitch].” Haimovitch explained: “I am sure once the order comes US troops will be part of our deployment and team to defend the State of Israel.”
And those US troops who would be deployed to Israel, are prepared to die for the Jewish state, Clark said.
“We are ready to commit to the defense of Israel &... there is always the risk of casualties. But we accept that,” he said.
“We are ready to commit to the defense of Israel &... there is always the risk of casualties. But we accept that,” he said.
When Donald Trump gave the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia a pass on the murder of Khashoggi, he said it was for “America First,” but twice mentioned Israel’s interests, saying Israel needs to have the US “remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia.” whitehouse.gov/briefings-stat…
Trump's interest in Israel & KSA is made clear in an article by @EliClifton for @LobeLog : "GOP Purse Strings Held By Saudi Lobbyist" who also directs Cong Leadership Fund (CLF), a Super PAC that spent over $158 million on Republican House races in 2018. lobelog.com/gop-purse-stri…
Norm Coleman, the lobbyist, explains why lobbying for both Israel & Saudi Arabia posses no conflict of interest: because the "biggest issues facing Israel’s & Saudi Arabia's existence, “Number one is Iran, number two is Iran, and number three is Iran.”
