Egypt: Open the Gates of Gaza!
January 29, 2011 - 7:44pm
Unconfirmed reports suggest possible developments at the Rafah Gaza gates. STRATFOR has issued a 'Red Alert' in which they relay unconfirmed reports that:
"The Egyptian police are no longer patrolling the Rafah border crossing into Gaza. Hamas armed men are entering into Egypt and are closely collaborating with the MB (Muslim Brotherhood)..."
Red Alert: Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood:
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20110129-red-alert-hamas-and-muslim-bro...
Let it be!
Gaza-Egypt Border Sealed Indefinitely
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=355471
"Egyptian authorities have closed the crossing with the Gaza Strip indefinitely as its army deploys in the northern Sinai, a Ma'an correspondent said Sunday.."
Israel and Egypt (US Too) Coordinating Sinai Moves
http://bikyamasr.com/wordpress/?p=25050
"As far as I know, yesterday and the day before (Fri + Sat), Israel agreed to authorize the Egyptian military to bring more people into the Sinai,' Israeli Brigadier General Tzvika Foghel said in an interview on Sunday. These exceptional Egyptian military personnel have now deployed all along the border, from Gaza to Eilat, with some stationed near the Egyptian Sinai port of El-Arish, he indicated. 'We have the same interests,' Foghel said.
Meanwhile, in the past couple of days, there has been confusing and contradictory reports about what is going on now in the Sinai. Israel's Debka said...that members of the Izzehm al-Qasam brigades crossed from the Gaza Strip into the Sinai Peninsula overnight, (Sat to Sun) and battled Egyptian Interior Ministry special forces in Rafah and in El Arish...."
Otherwise Occupied - by Amira Hass
http://www.zcommunications.org/otherwise-occupied-it-all-depends-on-the-...
"Expecting to see the residents of Gaza and Ramallah rise up in a show of solidarity with the Egyptians and Tunisians? Don't count on it. 'We instigated 2 intifadas and look what came of them - the situation only got worse,' he told me..."
Jerusalem seeks to convince its allies that it is in the West's interest to maintain the stability of the Egyptian regime. The diplomatic measures came after statements in Western capitals implying that the United States and European Union supported Mubarak's ouster.
Although the crusader states are concerned about developments in Araby, no Salah-al-din, around whom the uprisings can focus, is appearing.
Whose watching the bankers? Remember the Shah? Flew out of Iran with gold toliets. How about Marcos in the Phillipines? Who needs over 1000 pairs of shoes? Mubarak and his ruling class could be using this time to pilfer the banks and plunder the wealth of Egypt. Then they'll flee to the welcoming arms of the Sauds.
Israel Sends SOS to World Leaders to 'Save' Mubarak
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/2003-israel-sends-s...
"Political sources in Israel highlight the importance of Egypt's stability for the Zionist state, suggesting that any 'fundamental' change in the Cairo regime would lead to an 'upheaval in the notion of Israeli security'."
Police Ban Egypt Solidarity Rally in Ramallah
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=355771
"There were orders that no event related to Tunisia or Egypt was allowed at this time, the organizer said.."
Crunch time! When it counts...
Quote:Who really supports freedom, justice and democracy
vs
Who claims they support freedom, justice and democracy but really don't.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president, has sworn in a new cabinet in a bid to quell days of mass uprising against him and the government.
Three former senior officers are included in the line-up, suggesting a strong security presence in the new government.
Mahmoud Wagdi, a retired police general, was appointed the country's new interior minister, replacing Habib el-Adli, who was criticised for brutality inflicted on protesters.
Wagdi was previously head of Cairo criminal investigations department and also a former head of prisons.
Protesters had demanded Habib al-Adli, the former interior minister, be sacked after police used force on protesters including beatings, tear gas and firing rubber bullets.
Ahmed Abul Gheit, the foreign minister, retained his job, as did General Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the defence minister, state television reported.
A deputy prime minister, finance minister and trade minister, were also appointed in the ceremony on Monday.
The Egyptian Military:
Quote:The Egyptian army has said it would not use force against citizens staging protests to force President Hosni Mubarak to step down In a statement on Monday it said "freedom of expression" was guaranteed to all citizens using peaceful means.
It was the first such explicit confirmation by the army that it would not fire at demonstrators who have taken to the streets of Egypt and comes a day before before Tuesday's "march of millions" to mark the seventh day of the protests as anti-government sentiment reaches a fever pitch.
"The presence of the army in the streets is for your sake and to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The armed forces will not resort to use of force against our great people," the army statement said.
"Your armed forces, who are aware of the legitimacy of your demands and are keen to assume their responsibility in protecting the nation and the citizens, affirms that freedom of expression through peaceful means is guaranteed to everybody."
It urged people not resort to acts of sabotage that violate security and destroy public and private property. It warned that it would not allow outlaws and to loot, attack and "terrorise citizens".
Protesters have called for a massive demonstration and a rolling general strike on Tuesday.
The so-called April 6 Movement said it plans to have more than one million people on the streets of the capital Cairo.
US President Barack Obama
Quote:U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday called for an orderly transition in Egypt to a government that reflects the aspirations of the Egyptian people. The president spoke by telephone with world and Middle East leaders about the situation in Egypt.
President Obama reiterated the focus he has placed on opposing violence, calling for restraint and supporting universal rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, association and speech.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Quote:Netanyahu told reporters in Jerusalem that Israel was following the developments with "concern and vigilance, in the hope that peace, stability and security will be maintained."
He noted that the uprising in Egypt is not being led by radical Islam, but added, "In a state of chaos, an organized Islamist element can take over countries. It happened in Iran."
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
Quote:Canada wants to see a transition toward greater democracy and freedom in Egypt, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Monday.
But Harper stopped short of calling for the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in the face of continuing protests over his three decades of rule.
"We want to see a transition towards basic values of freedom, democracy, human rights and justice," Harper told the House of Commons on Monday. "We want to make sure the transition does not tend towards violence, instability and extremism."
My 2 cents:
Egyptians and all people have a fundamental human right to choose their leader by a free and fair process which reflects accurately the will of the people. Elections are one way to achieve this.
Also everyone has a fundamental human right to peaceful assembly/protest and free speech.
Galloway's Real Deal on these 'Uprisings' (vid)
http://www.presstv.ir/Program/162870.html
If the military is focused on Cairo and major cities, then Rafah and the tunnels aren't as closely watched. I would be surprised if Gaza militants weren't trying to take advantage of the chaos in Egypt.
Quote: Meanwhile, in an unusual move and with Israel's agreement, Egypt moved some 800 soldiers into Sinai in order to deal with the Bedouin unrest in the peninsula. The deployment of the troops in the Sinai is an infringement of the peace agreement signed between the two countries in 1979, which requires the area to be demilitarized.
The Egyptians asked to move two battalions into the area of Sharm el-Sheikh in southern Sinai, out of concern that the upheaval there may spiral out of control. Egypt has moved troops into the area with Israel's acquiescence on a number of occasions in the past five years, mostly to secure the border area with the Gaza Strip and counter the smuggling of weapons to Hamas. There are concerns that Hamas may use the unrest in Egypt to infiltrate terrorists into Sinai for attacks on Israel through the peninsula. \
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/pm-warns-islamists-could-take-...
People in Egypt can now tweet without the Internet = pass the word along, anyway you can to notify every Egyptian on the streets.
Anyone can tweet by simply leaving a voicemail on one of these international phone numbers (+16504194196 or +390662207294 or +97316199855) and the service will instantly tweet the message using the hashtag #egypt. No Internet connection is required. People can listen to the messages by dialing the same phone numbers or going to twitter.com/speak2tweet.
The Egyptians asked to move two battalions into the area of Sharm el-Sheikh in southern Sinai, out of concern that the upheaval there may spiral out of control.
Mubarak has been in hiding in Sharm el-Sheikh since day two or three of the uprising. He probably wants the battalions in Sharm el-Sheikh to protect him. Maybe one of them will pull an Indira Ghandi on him.
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20110129-red-alert-hamas-and-muslim-bro...
Let it be!
It seems that the old Gladio Gang and Muslim Brotherhood are old friends:
Although, today we have the situation where Russia supports the Palestinians and Hamas. So, where is this all going? Does the Brotherhood represent a threat to US interests/meddling in Egypt? Perhaps not.
Gazans Hope Egyptian Upheaval May Unlock Border
http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/gazans-hope-egyptia...
"there is widespread optimism that an upheaval in Egypt could lead to better days in Gaza. The Hamas government is unwilling to open the gates without Egyptian permission and it remains unclear who is manning the Egyptian side of the border. They hope people in Egypt will look after the Gaza Strip. 'Old women used to say, if you see clouds in the sky of Egypt, rain is expected in Gaza. The good news is coming...'"
Gazans Hope Egyptian Upheaval May Unlock Border
http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/gazans-hope-egyptia...
"there is widespread optimism that an upheaval in Egypt could lead to better days in Gaza. The Hamas government is unwilling to open the gates without Egyptian permission and it remains unclear who is manning the Egyptian side of the border. They hope people in Egypt will look after the Gaza Strip. 'Old women used to say, if you see clouds in the sky of Egypt, rain is expected in Gaza. The good news is coming...'"
Any change Egypt has to be an improvement for Gaza and Palestinians in general. A free Egypt will be far less deaf to the screams of millions of people next door as they are bombed and starved than the current puppet dictatorship. If a free Egypt cuts America's strings and charts an independent course, American taxpayers might save billions in bribe money they currently pay each year to aid the Egyptian dictator.
Here is an excellent analysis on Rabble:
Falling Arab Dictatorships and Israeli Government Panic
Heard this song before.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will say in a speech Tuesday that he will not run in the September election, according to Al Arabiya television.
The report comes after thousands gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Tuesday for a peaceful "march of a million people," demanding for an eighth straight day that Mubarak end his authoritarian rule and step down.
Egypt's last parliamentary elections were Nov. 28, 2010, with opposition candidates and parties claiming voting fraud and intimidation was widespread. The next presidential election is scheduled for September 2011.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/02/01/mubarak-speech-.html#ixzz1CjsYj4LJ
I doubt anything short of a resignation and handing power over to a unity government will satisfy the protesters. If Mubarak stays in power, Egypt will continue to be a shamocracy.
Revolution Spreads to Egypt's Deprived Sinai
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=54309
"A Bedouin youth casually spreads out a piece of cloth before a police headquarters in Sheikh Zwayyed town in Sinai, the vast desert to the east of Cairo across the Suez. 'I will leave when Mubarak leaves', he says.."
Israel's Fears Over Egyptian Uprising A Very Good Sign..
http://www.activistpost.com/2011/02/egyptian-uprising-must-address-us.ht...
"If the Arab people succeed in ousting the despotic, treasonous rulers of the Middle East - who oppress their own people while serving the neo-colonial, imperial, and/or geo-political interests of the West, including tolerating and facilitating Israel's crimes in Palestine - then they may finally be able to live as free and self-determining peoples and eventually to help to bring the same reality to the Palestinians.."
Mubarak's announcement seems to have had the desired effect. Some protestors think it is adequate while others do not. That helps to hive off the former and diminish the size of the protestors. I've seen this tactic used in contract negotitions many a time.
ETA:
The Egyptian military is calling on anti-government demonstrators to clear the streets and go home, saying their message has been heard.
President Hosni Mubarak, who has ruled the country for nearly 30 years, said Tuesday he would not run in the presidential election scheduled for September.
"Your message has arrived, your demands became known ... you are capable of bringing normal life to Egypt," military spokesman Ismail Etman said Wednesday
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/02/02/egypt-mubarak-military.html#ixzz1Cnt9tVTX
Here's the pessimistic view on what happens next - http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/02/02/game_over_the_chance_for_democracy_in_egypt_is_lost
Sadly, it's kind of convincing.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's son will not attempt to succeed his father in elections later this year in deference to anti-government protesters, according to a report on state television.
Vice-President Omar Suleiman on Thursday announced the intentions of Gamal Mubarak, who had long been expected to succeed his father, something widely opposed by Egyptians
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/02/03/egypt-clashes-mubarak.html#ixzz1Cv74SxAW
The Foreign Policy article is convincing. If so, the impacts on Gaza will not be positive either.
Rights Group: PA Banning Freedom of Expression
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=356945
"A Palestinian rights group on Thursday warned of deteriorating freedom of expression in the West Bank as the PA banned 'unlicensed assembly' in response to rallies in solidarity with Egyptians. In a statement, the Palestinian Commission for Human Rights condemned the PA's closure of the demonstrations.."
No wonder Canada funds these collaborators
One would hope that the concept of "Israel" would already be seen as obsolete. And that Jews and Arabs can live together again as they had in peace for centuries without conflict.
US Savage Imperialism Part 3 - by Noam Chomsky
http://www.zcommunications.org/u-s-savage-imperialism-part-3-by-noam-cho...
"Q: Can you talk about Egypt's role in supporting the siege of Gaza and also about the steel wall it's building..?"
Rallies Throughout Palestine in Solidarity With Egypt/Tunis Uprisings - by Mazin Qumsiyeh
http://uprootedpalestinians.blogspot.com/2011/02/rallies-throughout-pale...
"Demonstrations last week in support of the Egyptian people were suppressed by the Hamas-ruled authority in Gaza and by the Fatah - ruled authority in the West Bank (both in violation of Palestinian law that guarantee freedom of assembly and expression).
Arab nationalism is more dangerous to imperial hegemony than Islamist politics - which is why the Americans and Israelis encouraged the rise of Islamism as a counterweight to Arab nationalism and secular left movements. Arab nationalism requires no imams or other intermediaries or experts to justify collective action in service of the people. The path to mass mobilization can be direct and democratic, as evidenced by the spread of the Pan-Arab conflagration from the spark in Tunisia only weeks ago.
Glen Ford
'Egypt Revolution Also Against Israel'
http://www.presstv.com/detail/164174.html
"Former Arab League chief Clovis Maksoud says the Egyptian revolution against President Hosni Mubarak's regime is also an uprising against Israel. He further pointed out that this rebellion is also against Egypt's peace treaty with Israel. 'Part of this revolution is going to project a new foreign policy whereby Egypt will free its historical role and be a deterrent function against the Israeli's expansion, aggression and racism,' he went on to say."
'Israel Wants Suleiman to Lead Egypt'
http://www.presstv.com/detail/164165.html
"Israel favors Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman to be President Hosni Mubarak's successor, US diplomatic cables revealed by British media say. Suleiman kept daily contact with Tel Aviv through a secret 'hotline' the cables said.."
This revolution has more to do with the price of food, tyranny and the level of disparity between the wealthy connected and the impoverished unconnected. Not everything happening in the Arab world has to do with Israel.
This revolution has more to do with the price of food, tyranny and the level of disparity between the wealthy connected and the impoverished unconnected. Not everything happening in the Arab world has to do with Israel.
True, but Israel is about to find the local neighbourhood considerably less friendly once their puppet Mubarek is gone.
Not everything happening in the Arab world has to do with Israel.
But are YOU going to be the one who convinces Netanyahu, Harper and Bernie Farber of that?
Not everything happening in the Arab world has to do with Israel.
Nonsense. Everything happening in the Arab world has to do with capitalist imperialism, and Israel is the standard-bearer for imperialism in the Middle East.
Do you think it's a coincidence that the autocratic governments in the Arab world, backed by U.S. and Canadian imperialism, are all on friendly terms with Israel?
Falling Arab dictatorships and Israeli government panic:
Not everything happening in the Arab world has to do with Israel.
Nonsense. Everything happening in the Arab world has to do with capitalist imperialism, and Israel is the standard-bearer for imperialism in the Middle East.
Do you think it's a coincidence that the autocratic governments in the Arab world, backed by U.S. and Canadian imperialism, are all on friendly terms with Israel?
Falling Arab dictatorships and Israeli government panic:
I see Israel as an Imperial anachronism. Its existence is completely at odds with actual reality.
The people who advocate for this neo-colonialist project are in fact, insane. At least as far I can see.
Hi Enduro Man. Please don't use the word "insane" to characterize folks who you (and most of babble) vehemently disagree with.
Thanks.
Yeah, it's offensive to those of us who really are insane.
No, M.Spector it's offensive to people dealing with mental health issues. And it's not negotiable.
Everything is negotiable. Insanity is a legal term. Mental health issues are not. We must support and help those with mental health issues, many of which are a result of capitalism. Those who support zionism, racism, oppression and imperialism are insane. They are legally psychopaths.
True, but Israel is about to find the local neighbourhood considerably less friendly once their puppet Mubarek is gone.
NO ONE knows what will happen. No one can say how the people's revolution for justice and true democracy will end in Egypt. Maybe the people of Egypt are more forgiving and intelligent than those who are are fearful of change believe. Maybe the majority of Israelis, including Jews, Christians and Muslims will say "enough is enough" and start their own revolution. Who knows who will start the next revolution to end tyranny and work towards a true global democracy where all can live free of terror from all oppressive regimes around the world.
Everything is negotiable. Insanity is a legal term. Mental health issues are not. We must support and help those with mental health issues, many of which are a result of capitalism. Those who support zionism, racism, oppression and imperialism are insane. They are legally psychopaths.
Hi safetysue.
Using terms that apply to real people who are labeled and further traumatized by the psychiatric system in a casual, throw-away, insulting manner is not okay on babble and is in fact not negotiable.
It's a weird place. We can call them murdering genocidal fuckwads. But we can't call them insane, looney, etc.
And I tend to think of them as megalomaniacal psychopaths all the time.
Dear Fidel: Megalomaniacal psychopaths might complain that you are insulting them. Be careful. You are being moderated.
Insanity is a legal argument, in the court of laws. It has nothing to do with labelling in the real democratic world of real people. By real human beings. Humans with compassion and understanding. We do not label anyone who is one of our own. Even the homeless person shouting obscenities in the streets of downtown Toronto cannot be labelled. This human being is working out the evil that our system has instilled within.
My mother was labelled, tossed into the system and never was the same. After six kids in six years by the age of 24, after a war and migration to a land that did not accept 'strangers', I might be depressed and tired as well; and I'm sure some people would like to label me a litte #@%$ as well. But recognize that mental illness is not synonomous with insanity. Remember, Insanity is a legal term, conjured up by our ruling class to toss people they feared into the darkness without help or hope.
Do not let the lexicon of the ruling class overwhelm you or steer you into meaningless debate over a ruling class issue. Insanity is a label created by the ruling class and their legal system. All those "murdering genocidal fuckwads" can pick up a poor person who is homeless and destitute, driven to acts of desperation born of despair, toss them into the prison system, (called mental health system,) and then in a court of law. They can label them 'insane'. Most are victims of a cold and cruel system. When mental health breaks down, it is symptomatic of a system that is rotten to the core.
There is a distinction to be made, - but, we digress. This thread is about Gaza. This thread is about hope. Hope for all of humanity.
May the unemployed find employment. May the children find flowers in their garden of life. May the mothers and sisters be freed from drudgery and allowed the freedom to choose. The day is dawning where people will no longer be labelled. Where people will have names, not SINS and PINS. May the Egyptians find the strength and courage to give all of humanity strength. Until Gaza is free, none of us is free.
Moderate this.
Thanks for that, safetysue. I certainly appreciate your passion and eloquence for Gaza, and I am grateful that you took the time to share what you did. There are many babblers who are all-too familiar with the injustices of the mental health system, and the models and structures of oppression enforced on those living with mental illness in Canada, including one of our moderators. A favourite ex-babbler of mine used to say, incidentally, that she hated the term "person living with a mental illness" first of all because it sounded like there were two of her. Clearly, we, as a society, have a long way to go before we agree upon a vocabulary and grammar to name and talk about one of the last taboos--mental illness.
I think the distinction you mention, between the "legal" and "real world" is often not grasped when used casually to refer to dictators, capitalists, neo-cons, the disenfranchised, etc. So when we ask that such labels not be casually tossed about, we simply ask that we think before we use language that could potentially marginalize others--particularly those most at risk. So, please, in solidarity, respect our simple request: don't speak in ways that can hurt our mad comrades.
Israel Bombs Gaza Medical Warehouse
http://redactednews.blogspot.com/2011/02/ken-okeefe-gordon-duff-new-atta...
Ken O'Keefe on yet another Israeli Gaza attack in full view of the international community and with full impunity
Israel Hold Drill Amid Egypt Protests
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/164602.html
"Israel has held a rapid response drill to guage the abilities of its armed forces as the Israeli ruling class is afraid of the outcome of the Egyptian resolution affecting Tel Aviv. Israeli police spokesman Michey Rosenfeld told Xinhua News agency on Thursday that police and border police units held an exercise on Thursday to deal with 'any possible scenario' in Israel.."
The Circles in the Sky Over Gaza
http://target.ps/en/2011/02/the-circles-in-the-sky-over-gaza/
"People keep talking of a new war...Everyone - groundless news reports or loud rumors - is saying that they can hear the war drums, can't you?"
True, but Israel is about to find the local neighbourhood considerably less friendly once their puppet Mubarek is gone.
A response posted on counterpoint. Nicely done:
The Road to Victory Tahrir Square, JerusalemBy MARC H. ELLIS
I doubt many Egyptians in Tahrir Square think that they are striking a blow for Jewish freedom. They are. Just maybe the Egyptian revolution will be the blow that breaks the our camel's back. Or rather our new found empire's back, which isn't good for anyone, including us Jews.
You see for decades now we Jews have been stuck in the empire rut, thinking that only power will save us. This is true especially in Israel but many American Jews have the same view. Since we've been without power for so long it's understandable that we would feast on such a notion. Now we're clinging to power for dear life. On a life raft in a stormy sea.
Sometimes life's like that. You're in an emergency. All hands on deck. Cast your fear to the wind and hope for the best.
When the state of emergency becomes the normal state of affairs, however, there aren't enough life rafts in the world to save your skin.
Israel is a mini-empire joined at the hip with the American empire. The same hip that Mubarak is joined to. Jordan, too. The list is long.
The truth is that many Jews don't like being joined at the hip of any empire. You see, empires tend to be more alike than different. Egypt and Israel are more alike than Jews would like to admit. Maybe more than Egyptians would like to admit.
All of us like to think we're special. Each empire's boast its specialness. Shall we go through the roster of those "special" empire's that are now grouped under the same banner by historians from every land?
Credit where credit is due. At least Egyptians are taking on the powers that be. It seems to me that this is what the occupants of Tahrir Square are saying to the world: Enough of empire!
As Egypt struggles what are Jews saying to the world? Empire Jews are saying one thing to the protestors - "We're going to throw a lifeline to our friend Mubarak."
Jews of Conscience are saying something else those in Tahrir Square - "You are a lifeline to the world - and to us!"
You see if Israel can only survive if its neighbors are poor and with dictators galore, it also has to be armed to the teeth. Does anyone believe that Jews around the world can escape the same fate? We are armed to the teeth, we need dictators everywhere, whenever we move toward others we are accused of being traitors. Is it any wonder that many Jews don't feel free to express their aversion to the oppression outside and the oppression within?
What interesting company we keep now. So different than years past. Then we knew what every dictator was up to. We fought them all with our pen and movements for justice, even our prayers. Often we died at their hand. We constantly remember those who died and those who fought against our oppressors. Today Jews should remember those in Tahrir Square.
Resistance for the sake of justice isn't a one-off thing. Resisting one place is resisting everywhere. Across time and geography. Culture and religion.
So you gallant Egyptians! May the freedom you struggle for inspire us to seek our own.
NO ONE knows what will happen. No one can say how the people's revolution for justice and true democracy will end in Egypt. Maybe the people of Egypt are more forgiving and intelligent than those who are are fearful of change believe. Maybe the majority of Israelis, including Jews, Christians and Muslims will say "enough is enough" and start their own revolution. Who knows who will start the next revolution to end tyranny and work towards a true global democracy where all can live free of terror from all oppressive regimes around the world.
True, but Israel is about to find the local neighbourhood considerably less friendly once their puppet Mubarek is gone.
A response posted on counterpoint. Nicely done:
The Road to Victory Tahrir Square, JerusalemBy MARC H. ELLIS
I doubt many Egyptians in Tahrir Square think that they are striking a blow for Jewish freedom. They are. Just maybe the Egyptian revolution will be the blow that breaks the our camel's back. Or rather our new found empire's back, which isn't good for anyone, including us Jews.
You see for decades now we Jews have been stuck in the empire rut, thinking that only power will save us. This is true especially in Israel but many American Jews have the same view. Since we've been without power for so long it's understandable that we would feast on such a notion. Now we're clinging to power for dear life. On a life raft in a stormy sea.
Sometimes life's like that. You're in an emergency. All hands on deck. Cast your fear to the wind and hope for the best.
When the state of emergency becomes the normal state of affairs, however, there aren't enough life rafts in the world to save your skin.
Israel is a mini-empire joined at the hip with the American empire. The same hip that Mubarak is joined to. Jordan, too. The list is long.
The truth is that many Jews don't like being joined at the hip of any empire. You see, empires tend to be more alike than different. Egypt and Israel are more alike than Jews would like to admit. Maybe more than Egyptians would like to admit.
All of us like to think we're special. Each empire's boast its specialness. Shall we go through the roster of those "special" empire's that are now grouped under the same banner by historians from every land?
Credit where credit is due. At least Egyptians are taking on the powers that be. It seems to me that this is what the occupants of Tahrir Square are saying to the world: Enough of empire!
As Egypt struggles what are Jews saying to the world? Empire Jews are saying one thing to the protestors - "We're going to throw a lifeline to our friend Mubarak."
Jews of Conscience are saying something else those in Tahrir Square - "You are a lifeline to the world - and to us!"
You see if Israel can only survive if its neighbors are poor and with dictators galore, it also has to be armed to the teeth. Does anyone believe that Jews around the world can escape the same fate? We are armed to the teeth, we need dictators everywhere, whenever we move toward others we are accused of being traitors. Is it any wonder that many Jews don't feel free to express their aversion to the oppression outside and the oppression within?
What interesting company we keep now. So different than years past. Then we knew what every dictator was up to. We fought them all with our pen and movements for justice, even our prayers. Often we died at their hand. We constantly remember those who died and those who fought against our oppressors. Today Jews should remember those in Tahrir Square.
Resistance for the sake of justice isn't a one-off thing. Resisting one place is resisting everywhere. Across time and geography. Culture and religion.
So you gallant Egyptians! May the freedom you struggle for inspire us to seek our own.
NO ONE knows what will happen. No one can say how the people's revolution for justice and true democracy will end in Egypt. Maybe the people of Egypt are more forgiving and intelligent than those who are are fearful of change believe. Maybe the majority of Israelis, including Jews, Christians and Muslims will say "enough is enough" and start their own revolution. Who knows who will start the next revolution to end tyranny and work towards a true global democracy where all can live free of terror from all oppressive regimes around the world.
Inspiring words. I have read some of your other posts. Beautiful words. Sometimes words forge nations. Like Pierre Trudeau's.
We must be careful of those whose words we value. They have everlasting consequences to the human condition. Pierre Trudeau and Fidel Castro's words still ring with meaning for us. The tyrants such as Bush and Stalin's are justly forgotten.
Pierre Trudeau?
Pierre Fucking Trudeau?
Ah, yes, Canada's own Che Guevara. I forgot.
PET's "Just watch me" still rings with meaning for me...or his response to Indigenous seeking rights: "don't talk to me of your historical might-have-beens"
(Comment about Ethel Blondin edited by myself after the next poster pointed out historical error)
before her time.
In that case, the question is...why did she ever RUN as a Liberal? It's not like they got better on indigenous issues AFTER Trudeau.
WikiLeaks: Suleiman Promised To Stop Gaza Elections
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=207821
"Egyptian VP said he will 'take care of' Gaza, stop Hamas from gaining control, in meeting with Israeli officials.."
Editorial: Egypt, Please Open the Rafah Crossing
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=359203
"We, your blockaded brothers, congratulate Egypt. But we have one request: Open the Rafah Crossing..."
Wael Ahmed Kamal Abdul Magd - Ambassador Egypt:
email: egyptemb@sympatico.ca
(please support and pass on..)
Gaza Scholars Ask Egypt to End Siege
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=359811
"With a new leadership barely in place, the association of scholars urged a quick reconsideration of the crossing policy.."
From An Israeli Prison to Tahrir Square
http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/02/14/from_israel_to_ta...
"The education system was just one element of the remarkable society that Palestinian prisoners built inside Iraeli prisons. They held elections every six months for a prison wide council and steering committee. They divided themselves into committees chaired by the members of the steering committee responsible for education, communication with the Israeli guards, security and intra-prisoner affairs...Israeli guards sometimes revoked the privileges of the prisoners as a form of punishment. The harshest punishment of all was the confiscation of pens, paper and books. Books, according to Sami, were the prisoners souls.."
Egyptians Marching to Gaza Border
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168407.html
"Hundreds of Egyptians are marching to the country's border with the Gaza Strip to demand that it be opened.
They are currently in Al Arish, about 50 kilometres from Rafah. Press TV correspondent Roshan Muhammed Salihis is also in Al Arish, where he spoke to several of the Egyptian activists who told him they plan to hold a demonstration on the border on Sunday, with the aim of entering the besieged territory.
Another member of the Tahrir4Gaza campaign told Press TV 'If we are refused entry to Gaza, we are thinking about setting up a permanent camp at the border.
This is a test of whether this reality is the new Egypt, or whether the old Egypt remains."
GO Egypt GO!
Tahrir4gaza Update 6 March: Delegation and Cement Blocked by Egyptian Authorities
http://tahrir4gaza.net/delegation-and-cement-blocked-by-egyptian-authori...
"Now the Egyptians are saying no to the delegation and cement. This is just like the Mubarak days. The Egyptian Army was formally notified of this delegation, so any refusal will be by order of the Army. Hopefully they correct themselves; either way Rafah will be open, it is merely a matter of time.
Call Egyptian Embassies! Let them know that there is no Mubarak and thus the Egyptian blockade of Gaza is no more. The Palestinian government and people are waiting to receive the Tahrir4Gaza delegation and the symbolic bag of cement, today should mark the end of Mubarak's blockade."
New Egyptian siegemasters same as old Egyptian siegemasters. What 'revolution'?
Post Mubarak, Egypt-Gazan Crossing Rules Tighten
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=366079
"Getting out of Gaza is harder than ever, almost a month after former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak handed over power to a special military council, travelers reported. From the start of the Egyptian revolution in January, Gaza residents expressed hope that a change in the Egyptian regime would lead to the easing of restrictions at the Rafah crossing, which connects the coastal enclave to the Arab world.
'You can't cross to Egypt, for security reasons, is the only explanation you hear,' one traveler told Ma'an, saying he heard a man in front of him with medical papers turned back on the same grounds. 'It's the same suffering and the same pretext we hear when we try to cross via Israel's Erez crossing in the north,' he said."
Egypt's MB Urges Army To End Gaza Siege
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/171551.html
"A major Egyptian political party, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) has demanded that the country's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces take action in breaking this siege of Gaza. The opposition group also called on all Arabs to take a decisive stand against the siege that has been 'suffocating the lives of the people in Gaza'..."
Egypt To Open Rafah Border Crossing
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/177238.html
"Egypt is preparing to permanently open the Rafah border crossing in a move that would allow people and goods to enter and exit the Gaza Strip.."
Think that this will change the route of the Flotillas?
Anan: Israel Has No Right to Interfere In Decision To Open The Rafah Crossing
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/Default.aspx
"The Egyptian Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Sami Anan said that Israel has no right to interfere in the Egyptian decision to open the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip. The Foreign Ministry in Gaza, for its part, welcomed the Egyptian Foreign Minister's statements which call for the complete lifting of the siege on Gaza and the full opening of the Rafah Crossing..."
'New Egypt Boosts Palestinian Hope' (and vid)
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/178787.html
"The recent popular revolution in Egypt, while lead to the ouster of Cairo's former pro-Israeli regime, has brought about fresh hopes among the Palestinian nation, a political analyst, Garda Kaml, says..."
Israel Urged to Free Palestinian Funds
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/178655.html
"Israel has condemned the unity pact as a 'tremendous blow to peace'.."
Might have to do something about militant Islamic attacks on Coptics in Cairo, in the meantime. Ah, the old complexities brought by religion to the new Egypt. Although, one supposes that could be ignored, exposing only 10 per cent of the Egyptian population to death.
the attacks were not by 'militant Islamic attacks' but by ancien regime bitter enders most believe, trying to stir up trouble.
Israel Urged to Free Palestinian Funds
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/178655.html
"Israel has condemned the unity pact as a 'tremendous blow to peace'.."
On Sunday, Israel blocked the transfer of $105 million in customs duties and other levies it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority after a reconciliation pact was inked between Palestinian Hamas and Fatah factions.
Ban said that "he was convinced that realizing a negotiated two-state solution as soon as possible is in the best interest of both the Israeli and Palestinian people."
He also “hoped Israel will make decisive moves towards a historic agreement with the Palestinians."
Interesting that a rebel group in Libya is receiving money but Israel is allowed to withhold money that doesn't even belong to them. Gee why can't the world financial people just renumber the accounts like they are in Libya and transfer it over to the Palestinian Authority. After all they have been elected, albeit in a process that looks no more democratic than our own.
IPS: Opening A Border, Ending An Era
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=55636
"...Rafah will soon be reactivated as a normal international border crossing..."
Breaking News: Humanitarian Ship [Spirit of Rachel Corrie] To Enter Gaza Waters
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=24916
"...From our latest communication with the ship, it appears that the Egyptian Navy is collaborating with Israel with a view to endangering the security of the ship..."
'Spirit Of Rachel Corrie' Bound For Gaza
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/181385.html
"A Malaysian aid ship, The Spirit of Rachel Corrie is making a second attempt to break the deadly Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip after being stranded in Egyptian waters for a week.."
Skepticism And Resentment Mark Rafah Opening - by Abeer Ayoub
http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/455601
"...Hundreds of Gazans successfully made the journey following Egypt's earlier decision to open the crossing on Saturday. Egyptian authorities, however, implemented tight restrictions on traffic and demanded visas for all men between the ages of 18 and 40 who wished to enter Egypt.."
An update:
Gaza's literal underground economy is booming! Despite attempts by Israel to shut down the smuggler tunnels, the quantity of goods are moving through the tunnels has increased dramatically. The change is a result of less restrictions on the Egyptian side and smuggler resourcefulness and ingenuity. As a result raw aggregate and cement is flowing freely across the underground conveyors. Competition among the smugglers has increased and as a result the smuggler marks ups have reduced. Ironically the recent improvement is in part a result of free market forces and rampant capitalism. Somehow, I doubt right wing Americans will brag about this.
The Contractors' Association says more than 14,000 new construction jobs have been created this year.
The Israeli siege of the Palestinian enclave over the past four years had brought construction to a standstill.
But since the Egyptian revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak, supplies have been easier to come by.
Gazans say rather than force them to haul construction material through the tunnels, Israel should end its siege and allow lorries to bring the material over the border.
http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2011/07/201171619436625473...
Egypt's military uses heavy hand in crushing protest Al-CIA'da vigilantes for the people nowhere to be found
Israel Attacks Gaza To Test Waters in Egypt (and vid)
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/231095.html
"I believe the Israelis are mainly testing waters. They are going with an airstrike on Gaza and they want to see the reaction, mainly from the Arabs and from Egypt specifically.' Bashar Zeedan, Palestinian activist and journalist joins panel discussion with others."
Israel Is Egypt's No.1 Enemy MPs Declare
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/231376.html
"The lower house of the Egyptian parliament has unanimously approved a text declaring that Israel is the number one enemy of Egypt and calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and a halt to gas exports to Israel.
'Revolutionary Egypt will never be a friend, partner or ally of the Zionist entity, which we consider to be the number one enemy of Egypt and the Arab nation,' the report declared, adding 'It will deal with that entity as an enemy, and the Egyptian government is hereby called upon to review all its relations and accords with that enemy."
by contrast Canada has declared itself to be Israel's number one friend...No 'Arab Spring' here.
Advertising
Support rabble | Advertise with us | Contact our staff | About rabble | Log-in or Register for a new account | Corrections | Privacy policy | Newsfeeds | Mailing lists
rabble: Features | Columnists | In Cahoots | Blogs | Books | Photos | What's Up | Polls
babble: Forum Topics | Active Topics
The rpn: Become a Podcaster | Find a Show
rabbleTV: Program Guide | Features | Indie Inside | Best of the net
Copyright © 2001-2012 the authors
Syndicate