The volatile political climate in the Middle East is causing unprecedented turmoil throughout the region. Through riots and demonstrations, citizens of Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and other countries have loudly challenged the power of their dictatorial regimes. In Israel, the only liberal democracy in the Middle East, the political situation is considerably more stable. Largely because of its democratic political system, Israel has distinguished itself as America’s only reliable and democratic ally in the region. This major difference between Israel and its neighbors has strengthened American-Israeli ties for decades and still does today.

Since Israel’s founding in 1948, American leaders have understood the importance of supporting America’s only democratic partner in the Middle East. For more than sixty years, America has enjoyed a deeply beneficial relationship with Israel. Echoing the words of prominent American leaders and military experts throughout history, General David Petreus recently referred to Israel as America’s “most important strategic ally” in the world.

In an increasingly dangerous world, one of the most advantageous decisions

America could make is to ally itself with Israel. William Perry, Former Security of Defense said, “It means joint military exercises. It means technology transfers in the field of missile defenses in particular.” A strong relationship with Israel secures a safer United States.

Since military cooperation between Israel and the United States began in 1983, both countries have established groups that meet regularly to discuss possible threats and formulate solutions. These groups, which discuss topics such as terrorism and the dangers of a nuclear Iran, have been critical to America’s safety at home and strategic success abroad.

For the United States, the War on Terror is still a fairly new battle that resulted from the tragedies of September 11. Israel has been fighting the war against terror since the beginning of its existence. Israel’s advanced expertise in counter-terrorism strategies and missile-defense technology has contributed to the safety of Americans everywhere.

It is no secret that both Israel and the United States are threatened by Iran and its race toward nuclear-weapons capability. Together, Israel and the United States have developed some of the world’s most sophisticated defense systems. This critical coordination is preventing the development of weapons that threaten the citizens of America and Israel.

Israel is working with the United States to ensure Americans’ safety when traveling. In March of 2010, the United States and Israel signed agreements to increase aviation security cooperation in airports. The two countries will conduct drills reviewing procedures in case of attacks and share codes that send immediate alerts if passengers try to commit acts of terror.

Intelligence sharing is another way Israel has contributed to the safety of the

United States. Conversations about terrorism, radical Islamic movements and weapons proliferations occur daily between the United States and Israel. “It’s a transfer of information. They tell us how they conduct operations and we tell them how we run our operations,” said Bob Detzel, Training Officer in the United States Chemical/Biological Incident Response Force.

Israel and the United States have built a relationship unlike any other. This extraordinary friendship, anchored in shared values and a common desire for peace, is fundamental to America’s safety and progress throughout the world. The U.S.-Israel alliance has proven indispensible to the United States. All Israelis and Americans should cherish the relationship.

Renee Sharon is a junior majoring in public relations.