Should Ukraine be Defended by the United States and Other Threats

The Constitution of the United States defines the numerous means of forming treaties and their required ratification. Once these definitions have been completed, the treaty is to be treated as the “Law of the Land.” Numerous, if not the vast majority, of treaties entered into by the United States went through a ratification by the United States Senate, after which, they would even supersede the Constitution itself. One such treaty is the December 5, 1994, <a href=http://www.pircenter.org/media/content/files/12/13943175580.pdf> “Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances…”</a> whose beginning is quoted below.

• 1. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the CSCE Final Act, to respect the Independence and Sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine.
• 2. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, and that none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine except in self-defense or otherwise in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
• 3. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine…

Apparently, should Putin violate the Ukrainian border, not only are the United States and Britain being required to respond and defend the Ukraine, but Russia is also under treaty obligation to defend the very borders they are violating. As far as obligations; the United States, by her own Constitution, is required to come to the defense of the Ukraine defending against any aggressions by Russia or any other invasion. Fortunately, a military defense is not specifically required, thus mere economic sanctions would satisfy the requirements of the treaty even if ignoring the intended sentiment. In the end, it would be so wonderful if the media, all of them, would simply inform the American people of the pertinent facts and follow their reaction, which is guaranteed to be vehemently opposed by the minority. So, would the Americans demand action in defense of the Ukraine should Putin send his troops across their border; and if so, to what extent, sanctions, non-military aid, military equipment or actual American troops (only airstrikes or including ground assault forces)?

Biden Unable to Locate Putin

This is as if President Biden is not facing grave challenges. Well, actually he is clueless on the national difficulties but probably does face the “gravest” of threats. It is saddening watching the United States slowly spiraling towards the drain seemingly unable to take a true direction supported by the people. There appears to be a disconnect between the apparent direction taken by the government and the will of the people. The people are done with Covid, back at work unless throttled by government, and tired of foreign military entanglements. Yet, we bet given the entirety of treaty obligations, their Constitutional importance and their legal weight; they will reluctantly insist on military aid as a minimal first step, followed by air support and even troops if required. Perhaps we will see as the debate begins if anyone will stand for the truth and reality of the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.

Beyond the Cusp

Meanwhile, Here in Israel

We realize that the United States is currently turning inwards towards their own particular challenges. We have watched the news about horrifically high crime rates with numerous cities setting records of homicides and other violent crimes. Smash and grab assaults on retail outlets in places across the country, not just in California, without facing prosecution are reaching unacceptable levels. We understand those expressing fear over calls for national police, with powers beyond those limiting the FBI, will be heeded, much to freedom’s demise. Then there are the confrontations between parents and teacher’s unions closing schools favoring remote learning (a true oxymoron) or over the choice of curriculum. Fears over potential rule changes concerning the Senate filibuster, the Electoral College, nationalizing elections, adding Justices to the Supreme Court, statehood for Washington DC, open borders, overheated Covid scare coverage and other potential political battles cannot be simply dismissed as inconsequential.

Fancy Star of David

Currently, there exists one area causing Israel some degree of concern, Iran and their drive for thermonuclear warheads and the missiles to deliver them. The United States will gain nothing and very likely give Iran lenient terms in a desperate effort to reach any agreement. Israel may as well assume that unless we prevent the unimaginable, Iran with thermonuclear warheads and ballistic missiles with which to deliver them anywhere on Earth, then Iran will present an existential threat to more than just Israel, but the United States, Saudi Arabia and any other Sunni Islamic nation refusing to convert to Shiite Islam and the entire world in general. Such an assumption means should Iran fire any number of ballistic missiles targeting Israel, we will have to assume the weapon is nuclear armed and our response must be in kind. This would present the world with problems none of us wish, especially we Israelis. On a more personal level, inflation in the United States can lead to problems for retirees residing here in Israel and anywhere outside the United States. Furthermore, we expect the midterm elections will fail in being a solution beyond the promise of gridlock with nothing damaging being accomplished. Perhaps we are placing too much faith in the presumed conservatives to hold the line.

Beyond the Cusp

America Refusing to Resupply Israel

The recent Congressional omnibus bill meant to establish the national budget going forward had budgeting for resupply of the Israeli Iron Dome System intercepting missiles maliciously removed. Israel exchanged the targeting software and other engineering developments used by Iron Dome Systems for America manufacturing and supplying of Iron Dome System intercepting missiles for Israel. The weapon systems, communication-control equipment, associated military equipment and thousands of rounds of ammunition left in Afghanistan by retreating American military to provide the governing body, the Taliban, an effective military, supersedes what Congress provides for sale to Israel annually, or even a decade’s worth, including the above referenced Iron Dome System missiles. We stress these missiles for the Iron Dome System is precisely because this defensive system intercepts approximately ninety percent of incoming rockets and missiles determined to strike in or near developed regions while allowing those striking open country to strike these predominantly empty regions. Israel requires assistance in manufacture of these missiles and has worked with Raytheon for the manufacture at a level difficult to produce in Israel. Each missile costs approximately fifty to one-hundred thousand shekels each but are worth every shekel as they save something far more precious, people’s lives. Further, we figure it is simply a matter of time before President Biden and the Congress refuse all aid to Israel in order to fully arm and provide for their new Taliban government in Afghanistan.

Iron Dome Launch

Iron Dome Launch

Israel is considering recalling our ambassador from the United States in protest much as France, the longest standing American ally since the Revolution against the British Crown, has already done. We will most likely settle for a tersely worded note to someone, who will ignore it, at the State Department, enough done. From our experience, many Israelis believe that Israel needs not just the backing and protection provided by the United States, especially in the Security Counsel with one glaring exception, but is also dependent on United States military aid. The fortunate news is Israel thrives and is better served by providing completely for all production of our military needs. Our auricle, replete with graphs, provides a strong argument for Israel pursuing such a policy of all military equipment being homemade with intended alacrity. This would have an adverse effect on the American arms industries, both through the competition for sales and the loss of revenue as Israel must spend her aid on American made arms. Iron Dome missile resupply is not allowed as part of those sales should Congressional Democrats get their way. Israel manufacture of her own weapons in a measured procession is preferable to the United States cutting the aid forcing Israel to go cold turkey.

Beyond the Cusp