A scenario which many have long been concerned would play out, has taken place on the borders of Israel. Large numbers of Muslim protestors from Lebanon and Syria have attempted to approach Israeli military positions with the intention of creating a confrontation.
These protests have likely been brought on by the anniversary of Israel’s independence, which many in the Muslim world term as the “catastrophe.”
Interestingly, these protests may have a connection with the internal political intrigue of Syria. The ruling elite in Syria just may be on their way out and a convenient Palestinian uprising may be sufficient to distract the unaligned members of the Syrian populous from their domestic troubles. There are some who suspect that the Iranians have their hand in stirring up a Palestinian uprising in the interests of protecting the Assad regime, which many view as an Iranian client state.
For Lebanon, the situation is similarly telling. Not long before the popular uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, the Lebanese government experienced a coup of sorts that received little attention when compared with the more violent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. Nevertheless, Hezbollah is in effective control of Lebanon. Although there are reports of the Lebanese army at least making some attempt to restrain the protestors from approaching and threatening to breach the border of a sovereign neighboring nation, it is highly likely that Hezbollah is supportive of these protests.
For his part, the “moderate” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has praised the assailants killed in the protests as martyrs. Clearly, any aid that the United States gives to the Palestinian government should be cut off immediately.
Last but not least, one must look at the “peaceful” revolution of Egypt. Where just a few days ago one could hear pro-Palestinian chants rising from Tahrir Square as thousands of Islamic revolutionaries protested Israel’s existence.
When faced with force, Israel will have no choice but to respond in kind. Any civilized nation would recognize the right of self defense.
The President is expected to give a speech soon on the “Arab Spring.” It will be interesting to see what he has to say about all of this, or if he has anything to say at all.
