PANDEMIC OF MIDEAST PROTESTS CONTINUES

President Mubaric is still holding on in Egypt. Of course you know there has been a lot of arson and looting. The death toll was 75 and then went over a hundred, but I’m not sure which side is getting killed the most. These protesters are anything but peaceful. Of course I’m glad they stop everything to pray. It can’t hurt to consult God at a time like this. Now vigilante groups of property owners have been formed, to shoot looters, and I don’t blame them. The idea of a withdraw of the police force to “teach the people a lesson” seems idiotic to me. If you listened to Mubaric’s speech the other day it sounded conciliatory. I don’t entirely get it myself. All we know is that after thirty years of Mubaric rule the people are economically discontent and feel politically repressed. Personally, recent history has shown that you can’t trust the results of elections in this area because Moslem extremists will hijack them for their own perposes. I don’t think the US is helping one bit by threatening to withhold aid. Mubaric is kind of backed into a corner. My hope is that we reassure him to “stay the course” and eventually things will settle down, after the people have it all out of their system. The US has steadfastly supported far more corrupt dictators. Mubaric has appointed a Vice President for the first time, whom he might want as his successor. Of course this wave of mideast protests began in Tunisia a few weeks ago and toppled a government. There also have been protests in Yemen, Lebanon, and in Jordan, which don’t get the press. I think the President needs to be more resolute in his support of Mubaric because if he goes, then the mideast treaty with Israel of some 33 years duration is in jeopardy. Some have said that “this would encourage Palistinians to seek peace”. I see it completely the opposite. There are going to try and “poke the bear” and attack when they think their enemy (Israel) is backed into a corner. (and they will lose) But these protesters don’t want democracy; most seem to want chaos. And they say even the Army wants chaos and some of the protestors are chummy with the Army. Unlike in Iran in June of 2009, the Army shows no inclination to fire on the protesters or to quell the rebellion. This is because they hope to take over. Also this Moslem Brotherhood, which nobody head of till last week, seems to be a dangerous thing. They want to turn Egypt into another hard line Islamic state. I think we had enough of that thirty years ago with Iran. People like Mitch Mc Conell on the other side of the fence see things pretty much the same as those on the left do. Obviously these events have eclipsed anything Obama said in the State of the Union address, which now seems ages ago. It worried me that religious whackos in this country might be rubbing their hands in glee thinking that Armageddon has arrived. You’d think Sunday sermons would advocate peace, but don’t hold your breath. If there is any late news I’ll add it to this posting if it occurs in short order.