Sleepless, I am still glued to the TV, following developments in Egypt.  Al-Jazeerah and Press TV of Iran, accessible here, are both equally dramatic.

 

Among many riveting scenes I've witnessed was one which seemed to me to typify the essence of the East/West divide.  It was this:  at the height of the angry confrontation between protestors and police outside the Nile Hilton Hotel, when it came time for prayer, the protestors dropped their rocks and lined up in the street to worship. During their ritual prayer the police stopped their harrassment: Islam regnant in the midst of riot and mayhem, even among enemies in the most secular area of modern Cairo. 

 

Whatever the result of these upheaval may be, Islam is not to be underestimated.   It's vitally important we give full attention to religion in dealing with the Middle East; especially  to Islam.

 

The manipulated Islamophobia in Europe and USA only further complicates East/West peace and understanding.  Yet Islam is the bedrock of the great majority of the people in the Arab world.

 

What will happen in Egypt?  Why is Mubarak not on an airplane on his way elsewhere--Saudi Arabia, perhaps? In D.C. there is only dithering.  Israel seems strangely silent in the midst of this turmoil, but of course it is watching and waiting the main chance, and Mossad is active somewhere in one way or another. (end)