Posted on 02/10/2010 6:33:43 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Egyptians reported that two Israeli warships passed through the Suez canal recently. The two ships are believed headed for the Persian Gulf, where Israeli ships have been mapping the local waters, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. For years, Egypt would not allow Israeli submarines to pass through the Suez canal. But last June, an Israeli submarine went through the Suez canal and conducted naval exercises in the Red Sea. Israel said that the sub would not be stationed in the Red Sea, but would return to its Mediterranean base. There were reports that an Israeli missile boat passed through the canal last Summer as well.
Although Egypt and Israel have been at peace for three decades, there has still been lots of hostility from Egypt because of the failure to establish a Palestinian state. But in the last decade, Egypt has become less friendly towards the Palestinians, who have been at war with Israel (in the form of a terrorism campaign) since 2000. Many Egyptians have come to blame the Palestinians for the failure to make peace with Israel. But what has really brought the Egyptians and Israelis together is their common enemies; Islamic terrorists and Iran. Egypt fought a savage campaign against local Islamic terrorists in the 1990s. Several of the terrorist leaders escaped Egypt and joined al Qaeda (which still considers the Egyptian government an arch foe). Iran has increasingly proclaimed itself the true leader of Islam, something Egypt opposes. The Arab nations have largely united in opposition to Iran, and Israel is an unofficial ally in this struggle. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and can send warships through the Suez canal. For its size, Israel has a large and effective fleet of missile boats and submarines.
(Excerpt) Read more at strategypage.com ...
Which is worse, the big dog that just glares at you or the little yorkie that is actively biting your ankles and butt?
Especially when the big dog is looking at the Yorkie and smacking its lips?
Keeping an eye on Thursday, February 11th.
“The two ships are believed headed for the Persian Gulf, where Israeli ships have been mapping the local waters, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy.”
That sounds strange. I’m not sure that the waters of the Persian Gulf need much much mapping. I’d have assumed that was done (by many different nations) quite a while ago.
I wonder if this is the prelude to an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure?
Or is this just Israel’s way of saying to Iran “Take a look out in the Gulf. We’re a lot closer than you think”?
Given that I very seriously doubt that Israel is going to do anything to Iran anytime soon, I think it’s “showing the flag” if you know what I mean.
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Interesting.
Well, I had a yorkie bite a big German Sheperd and the German Sheperd ran away crying
My Yorkie ran off a collie once. It was pretty funny.
I tend to think the goings-on in Gaza probably feed the Egyptians’ more cordial relationship with Israel, as well.
Remember, Gaza is being infiltrated with al Qaeda and the Egyptians do not want Al Qaeda in their country. They have enough problems with the Muslim Brotherhood. Remember, it was members of the Brotherhood that assasinated Sadat in 1981
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