Democracy for the Middle East
January 08, 2003The Arabs Have Not Yet Begun To Grieve
Writing in today's Times, Tom Friedman likens the Arab reaction to 9/11 to the multi-stage process through which individuals grieve. Friedman, who as far as we know holds no psychology degree, cites an article in Egypt's Al-Ahram - critical of Arab anti-Semitism - as indicative that the Arab world has now moved beyond a state of "shock" and "denial" into a new and promising period of "introspection."
In grasping at straws, the reliably naive Times columnist fails to mention that in the same "thoughtful" article that Mubarek advisor, Osama el-Baz, condemns anti-Semitism he also "recommends" the destruction of the Jewish state. Thus rather than taking a more conciliatory approach to the region's problems - as might result from a genuine post-traumatic self-critical process - the Arab stance towards Israel remains the same as it was in 1948. Contrary to Arab and European propoganda, this position is not driven by the desire for justice (i.e to see the allegedly unfair treatment of Palestine's Arab population redressed.) Rather, Arab rejection of the Jewish state is and has always been an expression of the hegemonist vision of post-colonial pan-Arab totalitarianism, and a religion that consecrates the subjugation of non-Muslims and accepts Jews only as dhimmis.
What's the real message of 9/11 for the Arab dictators? That the era of maintaining power through making war on Jews and other regional minorities is over. What's the clear message from Egypt? That the Arabs have not yet begun to grieve.
[Related links: If Friedman Spoke to Friedman]
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