Why does the US back Israel

Why does the US back Israel. It seems as though it is just as much a cause of unrest in the ME as any other country. I know that it many ways we are just looking for a way to justify attack on Iran that has been in the books for a long time and that Isreal is an outlet for justifying this. but why is the US on sides with Israel if the 'zionist' who are in power are just as much extremest as other religious faction in the ME. (is that correct?)

im trying to get a bearing for what is going on currently and i read that Iran doesnt want war and that things said are twisted. and then i hear that we (the US) are already in Iran creating issues (destroying bridges and taking out targets) without senat aproval in the first place seemingly trying to provoke an attack. so whats going on


[edit on 10-7-2008 by Frank8]

Israel is our friend and ally. You always help your friend and ally. Plus, Israel is the only real democracy in the region thus it must be supported. Those are the two main reasons.

I am leaving ATS because my posts are not being posted when it regards Isreal.
Palestinians and Lebanese are half christians.
The US is fighting a war allegedly against Muslims, but half of the victims are christians.
If americans were allowed to choose based on facts they would not support Isreal.
Isreal is a democracy where christians and Mulsims have no rights, Isreal has been called worse than the apartheid regime in south africa by Carter and Nelson mandela.
Mandela is an authority on appartheid and appartheid is not a democracy.
By the way neither is the US.