Some here have argued that the US should end foreign alliances, aid, and focus solely on commerce, free of the baggage that accompanies international treaties and alliances. As good as that sounds, I believe it goes against human nature and as such, is doomed to failure.
As an example, consider Sweden. In WWII, Sweden was neutral and engaged in active commerce with Britain. However, their neutrality did not shield them from German U-Boat attack. In fact, her losses became so great, her merchant marine eventually chose to sail under the protection of Allied convoys.
The Germans did not respect Sweden's neutrality for the simple reason that Sweden supplied England with materials necessary to her war effort, including food. If you are feeding my enemy, in effect, you are also my enemy. It's quite simple.
Now consider Israel. If the US ended foreign aid to Israel, closed our embassy, and severed all diplomatic ties, but maintained active commerce with her, do you think the Islamic extremists would leave us alone?
My opinion is no, for the same reason the Germans attacked Swedish shipping. Am I wrong?