What If...

What if Mubarak were to ride this one out? The thought came to mind when pro-Mubarak supporters stormed into Tahrir Square, attacking western news crews and shouting anti-American slogans. Could Israel do the same?

It seems that a display of anti-Americanism is quite in vogue in the Middle East. Heck, it even works in America.

What if it turns out that Egyptians have had enough. It is my understanding that the grocery shelves stand empty. Not a cigarette to be had. Who is responsible? Who is in a position to do anything about it? ElBaradei? The rabble in the streets?

What about those whose houses and properties remain at risk from criminals and looters? Who will they turn to for relief? It looks like they’re prepared to look after themselves. Neighborhood posses have been formed to drive hooligans away.

This is similar to the 1967 Newark riots. While the city burned, residents of the Ironbound set up armed sentries to keep the lawless out and they succeeded in protecting their holdings. While Newark is still clawing its way out of the abyss, the Ironbound has been thriving.

How would Obama react if Mubarak holds on - by popular support, even. How would the American media spin it?

Maybe Israel should do the same: Send masses of people out into the streets with signs (in English) condemning America. Now they’d all be brothers. Who needs the West?

http://peterkoelliker.blogspot.com/
http://pkoelliker.blogspot.com/