Israel Helps Islamists

"Egyptians Seethe Over Gaza, and Their Leaders Feel Heat"
A1, Saturday 1/10/09
By Michael Slackman

Why are Egyptians seething?

The Arab street supports Hamas in its nihilistic commitment to Israel’s destruction and restoring the caliphate because of this ideology, not because of Palestinian civilian deaths.

“For average people, the concerns of the state pale in comparison to the desire to help stop the bloodshed.” It’s hard to argue with that, considering most of the blood is being shed by Hamas militants.

Slackman further writes:

"With each passing day, and each Palestinian death, the popularity of Hamas and other radical movements has ratcheted higher on the Arab street.”

This also isn’t necessarily false, but it’s stated disingenuously, since it skirts the deep-rooted appeal of Hamas, which the Arab street recognizes as relying on conscripted martyrdom and not in securing the safety and welfare of Gazans. It also lends credence to the baseless assertion that Israel's operations and their attendant high death tolls give radical Islamists more material and further their cause.

Slackman actually explores the appeal of the Islamists: its anti-Semitism masking as geopolitics, quoting from a sermon given by a government-appointed preacher; the solidarity with Hezbollah and Hamas; their charity and ability to “do what they can do at times of crisis.” Yet he gets hung up on the tired and senseless point of Egyptians’ seething due to a genuine concern for civilian life.

At the same time, Israeli military action is depicted as counter-productive. Not only does it foment Arab ire, but it won’t get rid of Hamas. Slackman quotes Egyptians on the street, one who brings up the “irony of Israel’s military strength. They will not eliminate Hamas. Hamas will live in the minds of the people.”

Israel’s military has protected its citizens like no other army, and it is not ironic that an army is unable to destroy an ideology. But this point actually personifies the horrible predicament in which Israel finds itself: no matter what Israel does, the Arab masses will continue to hate it.

Another opportunity to articulate Israel’s predicament falls short.