Idealists often urge Israel to be nice to Palestinians and help them develop. Today, the opposite notion, namely that goodness doesn’t pay, was reinforced. Minuscule nation of Lithuania whose only historic achievement was the enthusiastic slaughter of Jews during the Holocaust, probed American reaction for withdrawal of its token contingent from Iraq, ridiculous 53 troops. Decades ago, the US, virtually alone, refused to recognize Soviet annexation of the Baltic states, and allowed unhindered operation of independent consulates. America unflinchingly supported the worthless Baltic states against the giant Russia – contrary to the US’ rational interests. The Lithuanians deem a symbolic gesture of 53-strong force too much for the American help. That’s very human: by the time immediate threat or hardship passes, beneficiaries hate their helpers.
The US fought essentially for Britain in WWII, the European war of no particular interest to America. Hitler, if anything, praised America for successful racial segregation. Germany economically cooperated with America and provided bulwark against communism better than any Latin American dictatorship the US courted after the war. Still, the US entered the war on Britain’s side. Now the UK pulls its troops out of Iraq – admittedly, a lost venture, but a venture with the best partner Britain could get. Instead of slapping the UK with revocation of its status of “America’s man in Europe,” the United States government welcomes the British move as a sign of successful pacification of Iraq. Who is expected to buy that lie?
The politically correct American empire shies from demanding loyalty, and receives none.