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Source: http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/The-Region-The-situation-is-looking-better-311486
Israel Is Doing Quite Well
(Jerusalem Post) Barry Rubin - The economic and strategic situation for Israel is surprisingly bright right now. During 2012, Israel's economy grew by 3.1%, which is amazing given the international economic recession. The debt burden fell from 79.4% of GDP to 73.8%, while the debt of the U.S. and other countries zooms upwards. Standard and Poor lifted Israel's credit rating from A to A+. Moody's and Fitch also increased Israel's rating. Unemployment fell from 8.5% in 2009 to 6.9%. The completion of the border fence with Egypt increases security in places where Palestinian and Egyptian Islamist groups are trying to attack. It also has reduced illegal civilian crossings to zero. The picture is even bright regarding U.S.-Israel relations, certainly compared to the previous four years. So what often seems to be the world's most slandered and reviled country is doing quite well. The author is director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center.