Attack on the Israeli Embassy
The recent attack on September 9, 2011 was the worst since Israel established its mission in Egypt, which was the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. While we cannot in principle be supportive of any attack on a foreign embassy in any host country, interpretation of the incident goes on predictable lines.
These anti-Israeli sentiments may have come as a surprise to Israel, who had become accustomed to the amicable relations it had for five decades under the Mubarak regime. The powerful security forces of the now ousted leader would never have allowed a protest to take place anywhere near the embassy.
The new military rulers in Egypt appear to be caught between a rock and a hard place. They are well aware that maintaining peaceful relations with Israel is vital not only for the geo-political balance of the region but also for the billions that it brings them in military aid. On the other hand, the over-friendly relationships with Israel will result in facing pressure from the Egyptian public. This is so because they demand an end to what they regard as too amicable a relationship under Mubarak.
Mubarak is perceived to have given in to the desires of Israel and the US instead of taking a stance in support of the Palestinian cause.
This situation clearly reflects on the overwhelming sentiments of Egyptians in the post-Mubarak era. Whereas under Mubarak's regime, these sentiments were well-contained and reserved for fear of persecution, now the Egyptian public, in a move to become more democratized, are expressing their veritable views on a key, sensitive issue and doing so with unleashed sentiment.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed that he would like continued peace with Egypt as an interest to both countries. Will his optimism hold out?
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