Tension heats up in the middle east
once again as the Israel and Egypt get into disputes about natural
gas. While this could be a practical, business move on the part of
the gas company, who was providing gas at below market value, it
could also spell a boiling tension in the region. One of the major
concerns about this incident surrounds the lack of official
information that was provided about the government for the actions.
It was the president of the gas company who made the announcement.
While speculations exist as to the legitimacy of the claim, many
think it may be the first act in the new government of Egypt taking
the aggressive stance against Israel promised during the elections.
There is a probability that this action
was just a business reaction to an unfair market value for their
product, as originally stated. However, there is also the opinion
that this could be in response to a number of Zionist comments made
by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, or possibly to use as
a bargaining chip in a legal dispute that Israel brought against
Egypt to the sum of eight billion dollars.
Unfortunately, there is also the
possibility that this could lead to continued tension in the region
that could erupt into armed conflict. A number of comments have been
made by Israeli officials about marshaling troops near the border due
to certain events. With actions such as these, any continued
aggression or disagreements have the ability to grow into much more.
The greatest problem with this conflict
is that both Israel and Egypt are major allies of the United States,
and are the top two nations that receive economic and military aid
from this country. If conflict erupts, there is a major chance that
the United States will lose one of the strongest allies in a very
unstable region. There is also the consideration that any action will
reduce the American bought strength of these military forces, a
strength the United States is banking on for other threats. In an
engagement, the Untied States would be forced to remain completely
neutral leaving the possibility for other nations to aid Egypt or
Israel, reducing the hegemonic influence that the United States has
in these countries. This could lead to reduced support or assistance
by these nations to America during a time of need. Also, there is a
possibility that the aggressive acts will not be limited to the two
countries. If fighting ensues, then it is likely that the majority of
the Arab world will rally to Egypt's banner. If this happens, the
Untied States will be forced into another lengthy war in order to
defend Israel. The politicians and many lobbyists will accept nothing
less to an Arab offensive. This would increase the American national
debt, as well as tax an already high-strung military.
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