If what we currently see is the face of “Democracy” in the Middle East, most would prefer dictatorships. Stability in this area of the world is not derived from freedoms, rather from very strict controls. There is only one exception to this observation, and that is Israel. Yet, even there, in the cradle of sanity, things can become quite insane.
President Obama is dispensing advice, the wrong kind
The United States of America, supposedly surprised by the developing events from Tunisia via Egypt eastward, is not losing any sleep. President Obama is dispensing advice, the wrong kind.
During the first two years of his presidency, Obama was determined to force an end game to an 18-year long peace process on Israel. He learned the hard way that his will has little effect in the Middle East, Israel is too weak and the Palestinians are not interested in “peace.”
President Obama’s utter failure left him undeterred to once again force his will and vision, this time on Egypt. First he dismissed a decades long friend, then he left another when he was most needed. In the Middle East, one does not forget the desertion by and betrayal of friends.
The major media networks have already pronounced their forgone conclusion: The end of Mubarak, former ruler of Egypt. They seem to echo the wish and goal of the White House.
To the West, it is the call of the masses for Democracy, and yet, there is nothing beneficial or benign about Democracy for the Middle East. It is actually a highly misunderstood concept.
Buzzwords, like the right of peaceful assembly do not apply when people are looting, setting property on fire and otherwise expressing their sentiment in the only way known in the Middle East – extreme violence. President Obama would be the first to show the highest degree of intolerance for such behavior if it happened in Downtown Los Angeles or Washington, DC.
Even in a democracy, there must be law and order. The American President, so readily dispensing guidance to others, should assess what would he do in similar circumstances. This is not a moment of “Hope,” and this “Change” may only be for the worse.
President Obama is focused now on achieving his goal: Physically ousting President Mubarak from Egypt. He would accept nothing less
But President Obama is focused now on achieving his goal: Physically ousting President Mubarak from Egypt. He would accept nothing less. The masses’ will are of little concern, the goal must be achieved at all costs. Are American assets involved in accomplishing this Presidential task?
Interestingly, the vast support base of President Mubarak, the Egyptian villagers, away from Cairo, Suez and Alexandria, are not rioting. Has anyone asked why not?
Western labels like “social networks uprising” have no bearing to the reality on the ground. Egypt was—and is—good for the Egyptians. Egypt under Mubarak was—and still is—good not only for Egypt, but also for the stability of the entire Middle East. It was a center of power, in addition to being a center of culture, history, archeology, trade and commerce.
The Egyptian Revolt is not a cry for democracy, nor will one be tolerated or allowed to thrive in Egypt as it evolves. Have we not learned the lesson from Iraq, which was an oppressive regime under Saddam Hussein?
After Iraq’s so-called “liberation” from dictatorship, what ensued? Iran is almost the de facto ruler and Muslims murder Muslims (and Christians) on a daily basis. Nothing is sacred, neither human lives nor places of worship. Any “hope” for the future does not look enticing.
Roadside bombs, homicide bombings, explosions and killings are rampant as “democracy” is taking root. Democracy was short-lived, so ineffective that Iran’s influence spread and is now dominant. Mayhem is at its best and if the United States leaves, I dread to think what will happen.
Egypt is altogether another story. It was not aiming and launching missiles at others. It was not planning to overthrow the West or our way of life. It did have to deal, much like the rest of the Arab World, with demographics of a very large base of unemployed young and a spreading influence of radical Islam.
The USA, rather than standing firm with President Mubarak at his time of need, wasted long hours on phone calls, President Obama providing the path to the abyss.
If the networks, feeding from the White House, are correct in their prediction that the current regime in Egypt is in its final moments, then Israel must call reservists and mobilize three divisions to the south, protecting her border.
Hamas, the military arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, will unite with its mother to create a new monster: Egypt-Gaza
Hamas, the military arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, will unite with its mother to create a new monster: Egypt-Gaza, now all that is necessary is to topple Israel.
Gaza, never wanted by either Israel or Egypt, would become one with Egypt, a new front line in the war to exterminate the Jewish State. The Peace Accord between Israel and Egypt will be a thing of the past, definitely not obligating either the Muslim Brotherhood or Hamas.
The Palestinians in Israel are quiet, very quiet. Hamas is the truly democratic representative of the people, their dreams and aspirations to exterminate the Jews. Thus, the Palestinian Authority knows what would come next.
The truth will be discovered: The Palestinian “people” and “refugees” – that never interested anyone in the Arab World – are of no concern to Hamas. They will serve their purpose no longer. A new map is being drawn—Gaza becoming part of Egypt and Egypt facing Israel, intent on destroying the Zionist regime once and for all.
If successful, there will no longer be a Palestine, rather it will become Greater Egypt.
Thus, Israel must defend her southern border. She will be, at the same time, defending the Jordanian regime as well from the spread of Egypt, for the eventuality will be Greater Egypt vs. Greater Iran, where the reward for the winner is a global Islamic caliphate. The Suez Canal is a giant win for both sides to covet.
Many commentators are pleased to point out that in the current “social revolt” that is sweeping the Middle East, Israel appears blameless, her flags not being burned. There is no mention of “Zionism,” “Occupation” or “Peace.” This is an earthquake, a shakedown of the Arab World, and Israel, at the moment, is only a very interested observer. It would be a grave mistake for Israel to sit idly.
It is also a moment of great revelations:
If “Peace” and “Two States for Two People” are not the cause of the unrest, as is clear to any onlooker, then the arguments of the Left become void of content.
Democracy is incompatible with the Middle East.
The United States of America, once the superpower, along with Germany, France and Great Britain, is the past. Today’s real powers in the “West,” Russia and China remain silent for now.
America cannot be trusted as a friend, for in a time of need, she is the first to flee, like rats leaving a sinking ship.
Israel, with her brutal “Occupation” was an anchor of sanity in a region prone to upheaval. The world still relies on Israel, now more than ever, for if only two players remain on the chessboard, namely Greater Egypt and Greater Iran, Israel is the tiny pawn in the middle, standing between the two giants-to-be.
Will Israel survive?
When will the United States learn the lessons of the past?
What price will be paid as the Free World is calling for “Democracy” in a place that neither wants nor is able to comprehend Democracy?
Mubarak must remain strong. He must not leave. In fact, he will not leave for his is only one country, his home and his life’s work: Egypt. He is the people, as long as his heart beats. He is Egypt’s soul. He is Egypt’s father, lest we forget it.
We came to his home and we stirred up trouble. We told him it is time (for him) to leave. Some would call it “Chutzpah,” I call it an outrage. Others would call it the usual American arrogance.
