But that's only part of the story of U.S. policy in the Middle East, in which the Saudis play a role butare not the only players. The United States cuts deals with other governments in the region that are willingto support the U.S. aim of control over those energy resources. The Saudis are crucial in that system, but notalone. Egypt, Jordan and the other Gulf emirates have played a role, as did Iran under the Shah. As does,crucially, Israel. But there is no mention of Israel in the film. To raise questions about U.S. policy in theMiddle East without addressing the role of Israel as a U.S. proxy is, to say the least, a significantomission. It's unclear whether Moore actually backs Israeli crimes and U.S. support for them, or simplydoesn't understand the issue.