@everyone else

You guys made me think a lot about the future of the mid east. I think we just have to be really careful now, and see how things will change. I just hope that 2010 and beyond won’t get any worse.

I don’t know what to say about it excpet we’ve too much of it since 1798 when Napoleon concourd Egypt. Since then, ME became on of the major focal/strategic areas of the world. Things became more complicated in the 20th century either in the 1st half when all the countries were ruled under Great Britan, France & Italy or in the 2nd half when the arab countries got their independence and oil appeared in the area.

You can never debate on how things go there because they move according to the balances between various powers inside/outside ME thus you can never understand what’s going on, who is with who and who is aganist who and that’s why it doesn’t matter for me at all.

As simple as that.

Iranian protests so soon after new rhetoric by the US Government? Coincidence?

Let me say this.. if the protests in Iran turn to revolution, and a change of government, then World War 3 is averted for a a few more years. However, if the protests fail to change the incumbent government, then World War 3 is inevitable, and soon.

We are being led to a society where people are addicted to soma (media) and are slaves to the status quo (debt) whereby only a few groups of people, way at the top, benefit.

I know, I know. Another conspiracy nut, right? wrong. This is just pure economics. If you were the president of the leading economic policy setting country in the world and your country is no longer able to sustain itself, what would you do? Throw the towel in and hope for the best? Now imagine you are not simply an individual but a whole group of like minded individuals whose livelihoods are at risk. What would you (all of you) do?

We are at the turn of a new age in humanity. One that will be defined by how we distribute and utilize the planet’s resources. The middle east will become the center of the post-modern world. It is here that the fates of many countries will be determined.

And let us be very aware of what is currently taking place: 85% of the middle east is ruled by weak, illegitimate, corrupt governments who do very little for their own people (the bare minimum). The other 15% is impotent. Israel is a volatile and trigger happy country highly depended on foreign aid and used as an open wound against the Arab people (the easier to keep them angry and ultimately controlled). The USA (and by extension NATO, the future world police force), currently have military bases and strategic launch pads in both Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as bases in Bahrain and Qatar. The French have recently signed a deal to open a base in the UAE. Russia is desperately trying to expand it’s reach through Caucasia. Even China is investing heavily in Africa! The U.N. is useless, being made even more useless everyday with increasing bureaucratic red tape, leaving NATO to clean up the mess (don’t believe me, research the Kosovo war). Lebanon being/been separated from Syria. The Iranian people are suspiciously increasing their calls for reform. Pakistan is fighting a new emergence of the Taliban and recently had to agree to new IMF loans with crippling stipulations (Why are they raising their interest rates while the rest of the world is trying to lower them due to the current global recession?).

Here’s an interesting side note. Somali Pirates. Potentially very embarrassing for some western governments. I read a story in a couple of newspapers after one ship was hijacked that claimed the ship contained heavy arms to be delivered to South Sudan via Kenya. The story disappeared soon after.

Does the rest of the middle east care enough about palestine? Does America want war against Palestine?….it seems so as we keep funding the terrorists who have bombed the poor people of Palestine over and over. :vangry:

I believe the strength of the Palestinians is a force that is unmatched by most in this world & I think Israel’s inhumane treatment, occupation & oppression is all geared to keep the strength in check. This is why I have deep respect for any Palestinian.

Ultimately, the will of the people within it’s own borders must determine how they are governed. I think those of us outside of the events must do what we can to help give the oppressed a voice, and outlet & a way to escape. I do not think an outside country should impose their own will, military or government. I applaud the work of the journalists, internet savy & media networks as they help bring out the voice & images. I applaud the embassy’s for opening up for the injured. And, I hope there are preparations near the borders so if conditions worsen, there is proper humanitarian aide to give refugees. I believe in the end, the oppressed will overcome their oppressor as long as outside influence is not added. I believe this is why Palestinians are struggling because of the support Israel gets from other countries (including the US) that allows them to continue to build & keep their military strong.