As the United States moves to shore up its strategic position in the Middle East and topreparefor military contingencies on behalf of threatened allies there, the Center wishes to reiterate its view that a most urgent priority in such an effort must be the strengthening of U.S.-Israeli ties.
Gabi Ashkenazi's announcement that the IDF is prepared to fight on two fronts simultaneously, are signs that the IDF recognizes that its only safe bet is topreparefor all contingencies.
Congress should order Panetta toprepare alternate contingencies that allow for two carriers by cutting something else if our national defense really rests on this point.