In the presidential debate both presidents when talking about the war said that their (apparently greatest) concern with Iran was that if Iran gained nuclear weapons it would threaten Israel. Why is Israel such an important ally to the United States?  It makes sense that Iran gaining nuclear weapons would be a concern b/c their leader is a fanatical maniac, but why is the United States the one to lead the way into being the police force of the world? How is it that the US determines what country is allowed and not allowed to have nuclear weapons, who must have democracy, and who is allowed to live under a tyrant because it is in our best interests?