US Involvement

1)What does Israeli/Palestinian conflict have to do with the US war in Iraq?

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict affected the war in Iraq because of the cat's paw policy. The United States was interested in the area because in forming an alliance with Israel, and aiding them in combat against Palestinians, Israelis allowed US military operations to be based there. American weapons were also stored at bases in Israel. Keeping weapons much closer to Iraq than they would've been at home, better attacks were able to be launched against Iraqis in efforts to get oil. Because Israelis are also closer to Iraq it is easier for them to in turn aid Americas in their participation of engaged warfare.






2)What was Israel's "convergence plan" for the West Bank and why did President Bush endorse Israel's unilateral 2004 plans to annex much of the West Bank?

The convergence plan involved drawing up permanent borders for an Israeli state, giving Israel more territory and reducing the Palestinian population. It would take over half of the land in the West Bank and give the best agricultural land and resources to Jewish settlements. The Palestinians would be given land in 3 separate pockets of the territory. A wall would be built for a "separation wall" in Palestinian occupied territory. Americans supported this plan because of the overwhelming support for Israel in the United States and because of general Americans interest in the Israeli policy. American doesn't want to lose the deal struck with Israelis for military operations.