Israel, Thy Name is Arrogance
By Joharah Baker
February 2, 2011
It goes without saying there is many Arab leaders right now spending sleepless nights, tossing and turning in the fear that their turn is next. The turn of events in the last few weeks has been nothing short of fascinating. I have spent hours, teary-eyed and goose-bumped, marveling at the strength, determination and sheer courage of Tunisians and Egyptians, of the images of Jordanians and Algerians as they take to the streets demanding change. Nowhere has this been more amazing than in Egypt as millions of people insist that the 30-year old autocracy of Hosni Mubarak come to an end. Most predictions give Mubarak a few weeks, if not days left in power, even though the aging president himself insists he will continue what is left of his term. As the protests grow louder and Mubarak's inevitable downfall grows closer, Tel Aviv's worry lines get deeper by the minute.
It goes without saying there is many Arab leaders right now spending sleepless nights, tossing and turning in the fear that their turn is next. The turn of events in the last few weeks has been nothing short of fascinating. I have spent hours, teary-eyed and goose-bumped, marveling at the strength, determination and sheer courage of Tunisians and Egyptians, of the images of Jordanians and Algerians as they take to the streets demanding change. Nowhere has this been more amazing than in Egypt as millions of people insist that the 30-year old autocracy of Hosni Mubarak come to an end. Most predictions give Mubarak a few weeks, if not days left in power, even though the aging president himself insists he will continue what is left of his term. As the protests grow louder and Mubarak's inevitable downfall grows closer, Tel Aviv's worry lines get deeper by the minute.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left)
shakes hands with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during their last meeting in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on January 6
For Israel, when the Mubarak regime falls, it will leave a gaping hole of uncertainty in terms of the new relationship the two countries will have to forge. Mubarak – Israel's holy cow in the Arab world – has been one of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closest allies in the region, with the two meeting in closed quarters in Sharm Al Sheikh as recent as two weeks ago.
Amazing what a few days and a million people can change.
Today, it is not a question of whether or not Mubarak will be ousted but of when. With this in mind, Israel is scrambling to protect its own hide once this happens. The arrogance with which it does this, however, is appalling. Only Israel would have the gall to speak in such condescending tones.
According to reports circulating in the Israeli media, Netanyahu has been beseeching the United States and the international community to ensure that any new Egyptian regime will honor past peace agreements between Israel and Egypt. He has reportedly been calling European officials, telling them to support the Mubarak regime for the sake of Israel's security. Both Europe and the US, however are not lending him a friendly ear, stressing on the right of the Egyptian people to choose their leaders.
Amazing what a few days and a million people can change.
Today, it is not a question of whether or not Mubarak will be ousted but of when. With this in mind, Israel is scrambling to protect its own hide once this happens. The arrogance with which it does this, however, is appalling. Only Israel would have the gall to speak in such condescending tones.
According to reports circulating in the Israeli media, Netanyahu has been beseeching the United States and the international community to ensure that any new Egyptian regime will honor past peace agreements between Israel and Egypt. He has reportedly been calling European officials, telling them to support the Mubarak regime for the sake of Israel's security. Both Europe and the US, however are not lending him a friendly ear, stressing on the right of the Egyptian people to choose their leaders.
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