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Five Myths About The US-Israeli Relationship

The discussion of America's relationship with Israel is fraught with urban legends and misconceptions, writes Aaron David Miller. Some are simply a result of fuzzy thinking while others flow from willful propaganda efforts. Indeed, the latest addition to the mythology is Mitt Romney's recent statement that he'd be the "opposite" of Obama toward Israel. 
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, March 5, 2012.   REUTERS/Jason Reed   (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

Urban legends, fantasies, misconceptions abound in life. But nowhere do they seem to be more pronounced and durable than in the discussion of America's relationship with the State of Israel. Some are simply a result of fuzzy thinking; others flow from the willful propaganda efforts of both the pro and anti-Israeli advocates and the battles they wage for the hearts and minds of the committed and the not-so-committed. Indeed, the latest addition to the mythology is Mitt Romney's recent statement that he'd be the "opposite" of President Obama on policies toward Israel and Iran.

Here are five of the most prominent myths:

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