It was the blockade of Gaza that prompted this week's humanitarian relief effort. Following Israel's deadly raid of the flotilla -- a raid in which no Israelis were killed -- angry protests erupted round the world and harsh condemnations were issued by the international community. But the United States offered only a tepid, non-judgmental response, stressing its commitment to Israel's security, while simultaneously respecting Palestinians' "need for sustained humanitarian assistance and regular access to reconstruction materials."
Israel has mainly rewarded our slavish loyalty by behaving like a petulant, spoiled child. Recently, Israel humiliated the United States when it boldly announced the expansion of 1,600 settlements in East Jerusalem while Vice President Joe Biden was visiting.
Perhaps it's time the United States, the most powerful country in the world, reexamines its relationship with its "most trusted ally." Only the United States can shake Israel from its moral hibernation. To ensure long-term security and stability for all involved parties, the U.S. must evolve from being a cuckolded Fredo to a coercive father figure who dispenses some old-school, tough love.
Otherwise, tragedies like this week's will continue to play out -- and continue to threaten both American and Middle East security.
Wajahat Ali is the author of "The Domestic Crusaders," a play about Muslim Pakistani Americans that will be published by McSweeney's in the Fall 2010. He blogs at Goatmilk.
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