Clinton's Israel policy

There is no doubt that the Clinton administration has excelled compared to its predecessors in pampering Israel.

The United States' persistence in going to extremes in its support -- and defense -- of Israel has raised many questions from U.S. friends worldwide.

President Bill Clinton vigorously defended the Israeli attacks in Lebanon, despite the large number of Lebanese civilians killed.

Some observers concede that the Clinton administration may be trying to protect its common interests with Israel, but the U.S. stance may well backfire on U.S. interests in other areas.

It is apparent that Clinton -- warming up for the presidential race -- trusts more than anything else the Israeli influence on U.S. voters.

The peace process, which is also the dream of the U.S. voters, will be violently shaken by miscalculated U.S. policy toward Israel. And when the peace process falters, the mood of the voters will not be as clear as many expect.

-- The Egyptian Gazette, Cairo