> FM: John Whitbeck
>
> Transmitted as an attachment are some thoughts on the recent Gaza events
> from Uri Avnery, who, tomorrow, will be one of the leaders of an Israeli
> relief convoy of trucks bearing necessities of life and seeking to break
> the siege of Gaza from the north.
>
> Hosni Mubarak had ordered that the Rafah Wall be resealed by 1300 GMT
> today. However, Palestinians have continued to knock holes in the wall,
> and, at least as of now, the Egyptian police and soldiers have not
> resorted to the lethal brutality necessary to to achieve the difficult
> task assigned to them.
>
> Something momentous MIGHT be happening before our eyes. After all, why
> should Egyptian police and soldiers collaborate in the persecution of
> their Palestinian brothers for the benefit of the worst enemies of their
> country, their people and their religion? Wouldn't it be more worthwhile
> and satisfying for them to restore Arab rule and a sense of self-respect
> to Egypt?
>
> It may soon be prudent for Mr. Mubarak to emulate the example of his own
> moral and spiritual brothers in the former South Lebanon Army and cross
> the border into Israel (or fly into exile) before his compatriots can deal
> with him as they feel he deserves.
>
> The fall of the Berlin Wall after the East German armed forces decided not
> to fight to defend injustice and oppression brought a wave of democracy
> sweeping across Eastern Europe. It is not inconceivable that the fall of
> the Rafah Wall after Egyptian armed forces decide not to fight to defend
> injustice and oppression could bring a wave of democracy -- or at least
> long overdue change toward governments more responsive to the will of
> their people -- sweeping across the Middle East.
> It would not be the "New Middle East" sought by the Bush regime, but it
> could be a new Middle East.
>
> As Uri writes, "It is impossible not to feel exhilaration when masses of
> oppressed and hungry people break down the wall that is shutting them in,
> their eyes radiant, embracing everyone they meet." When the Berlin Wall
> fell, people throughout the West felt exhilaration. It is only to be
> expected that people throughout the Middle East should feel exhilaration
> in witnessing the breakthroughs in the Rafah Wall. If, in fact, it were to
> be successfully resealed -- and by an Arab regime at the demand of Israel
> and America -- it is only to be expected that people throughout the Middle
> East would feel rage.