UPDATED ON:
Thursday, February 26, 2009
21:08 Mecca time, 18:08 GMT
EMPIRE
Empire - Israel and the US

After being in step all these years, will US-Israel ties falter? [GALLO/GETTY]

In this episode of Empire, Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, and his guests zero in on the special relationship between the US and Israel.

From its beginning, when it took the US only 11 minutes to recognise Israel, through its difficult early years, to the blossoming bond when the alliance grew based on shared values and strategic goals.

This relationship has provided Israel with over $150bn in aid and military assistance, and in the process changed the nature of Israeli society.

However, despite the obligatory expressions of support by politicians playing to their constituencies, the recent elections in both countries have them seemingly heading in opposite directions. 

This second episode of Empire will explore who benefits from the special relationship and whether the status quo will prevail.

America and Israel: The special relationship

 


CLICK TO WATCH PART ONE

 


CLICK TO WATCH PART TWO 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

In the first half of the programme, we look at the failures of previous US-sponsored peace processes and examine the prospects for peace under the presidency of Barack Obama and Benyamin Netanyahu's new government.

We discuss expectations, possibilities and probabilities and question whether there will be a new approach to addressing an Israeli-Palestinian peace.
 
The second half of the show looks at the failures of war and the prospect of more of the same, as well as the issue of Iran.
 
Empire also examines the role of the different lobbies and pressure groups in the US and the increasing cultural exchanges between US and Israel.

Finally, we find out how this relationship might evolve and the consequences it may have for the Middle East.

Click here to watch the first episode of Empire.

Empire can be seen at the following times GMT: Wednesday, February 25: 1900; Thursday, February 26: 0600, 1400; Friday, February 27: 0300, 1000.

 Source: Al Jazeera
 
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Feedback Number of comments : 4
 
sawsan asfari
United Kingdom
25/02/2009
israel and the U.S
Today's programme was by far one of the best programmes that I have seen on Al Jazeera. The topic is fascinating, and the mix of documentary and lively discussion truly sheds light on the subject. The strength of the programme lies in providing the audience with a great insight into the history, present and perhaps future events of the concerned region. It was a pleasure to watch, and keeps you wanting more. Well done to Marwan Bishara and his team and his well chosen guests.

Raffaele Ladu
Italy
26/02/2009
Could have been better
You portrayed the US-IL relationship as a reciprocal manipulation tournament - you could have done much better. By the way, the case against the two AIPAC executives charged with espionage has been dropped earlier this week. Uncle Sam couldn't prove that the documents they got could effectively undermine US security - no damage, no offence. Take care and keep airing good programs!

chris
Afghanistan
26/02/2009
Empire
Can this guy be any more anti-american? How about an episode of Empire concerning the Arab world in its quest to dominate the world through oil and religion?

dr mukhtar
India
27/02/2009
cause of collective failure of the arab states
This excellently researched and presented programme shows the evolution of the above axis which has led to so much blood shed, misery & maiming in the middle east. Indeed Marwan has exactly crafted the plot which saw Israel getting unlimited support from the US. But Mr Marwan surely would not have us believe we are "donkeys" as he has failed to highlight the causes behind this collective failure of the rest of the players in the middle east. This may please be the topic of next programme.

 
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