New Middle East indeed

[ProgressiveMuslim]

Contrary to criminal US-Israeli plans, the new Middle East emerging is one of the triumphs of Arab resistance, writes Ramzy Baroud*

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(snip)


Rice's New Middle East has failed. It has failed because the representatives of the old Middle East prevailed: Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas, but most importantly the people throughout the region, who began once again constructing a sense of collective identity. The new "axis of evil" somehow managed to withstand immense pressures, and in the case of Hizbullah, and Hamas in Gaza, numerous bombs. Israel's pressure on the US to go after Iran failed for various reasons. Israel's own Middle East project remains on hold, jeopardised by Iran's rising influence in the region, Hizbullah's proven formidability in the north, and Hamas's irritating ability to hold onto power and its insistence to govern by its democratic mandate, even if in besieged Gaza.

As both Olmert and Bush were readying to hand over the torch to their successors, and as folders of the New Middle East project were about to be tossed into the recycle bin, Israel opted for one last chance at proving its military prowess, for force is the only language that Israel is capable of thoroughly communicating, it being under the odd impression that it's also the only language that its enemies understand. Olmert once again unleashed his country's military fury, this time against Gaza. The Strip was supposedly an easy target, for the tiny stretch of land, blocked from all directions, lacks everything. It is home to a largely young population, the majority of whom are malnourished as a result of the Israeli siege.

Israel hoped that Gaza would grant it a victory, any victory, even if a small token of triumph. Starting 27 December and for many days, Israel pulverised entire neighbourhoods, killed and wounded thousands, mostly civilians, mostly children and women. Another New Middle East was in the making with its own "birth pangs". Entire families perished; children died in droves, in their homes, in schools; a panicking population ran in circles, hopelessly trying to flee the death machines that hovered everywhere, but there was no escape. Borders remained sealed as the region's "moderates" watched the demise of the "extremists". Rice, again, grinned, brazenly justifying Israel's new war. The world watched in horror as the drama unfolded. But Gaza fought back, withstood, resisted, and the language once again was altered. Arabs are now speaking of "victory", hailing the "resistance", singing the praise of the Palestinians in Gaza.

Gaza's resistance is nothing short of a "miracle", said Al-Jazeera's military expert. Millions of Arabs around the world agree. The New Middle East defined in Lebanon in July-August 2006 was confirmed in Palestine in December-January 2008- 2009. A new language with new terminology and a new culture is springing up from the ashes and the rubble of Gaza. Arabs are eager to shed years of defeat and defeatism. A New Middle East, indeed.

to read the entire piece...
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/930/op10.htm

[Vegasaurus]

1. The "triumph of Arab resistance"

is seen in the remains of Gaza or Lebanon.

Notice how, while Hezbollah likes to claim "victory" in 2006, they aren't poking at Israel any more.

If Hamas has half the brainpower, they will not exercise their "arab resistance" again any time soon, or they will have another pulverizing response.

There is no triumph to either Hamas or Hezbollah.

Ask the common people, who lost their homes or family members.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

2. No one had better crticize posting from WND or INN after this one

This makes some of the RW fundies stuff look credible.