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The Angry Arab has been fretting about the possibility of stagnation in the Egyptian Revolt. He argues or rather hints that the occupation of Tahrir Square could become the be and end all of the strategy of the revolutionists and that could prevent them from breaking out. Certainly the regime is working closely with the Americans to undermine the revolution. That is a no brainer. Yet these are still early days. the Egyptian Army seems to be continuing its policy of not slaughtering the people,. but at the same time working to clear the streets and to render as much assistance as they can to the regime short of a brutal crackdown. Thus they pushed the people in Tahrir square but they met with determined resistance. There is a very moving photo of the crowd five deep standing in front of the tanks. This snip from debka.com is worth reading in this context: *Our Cairo sources further report that the effort to restore normal activity in the country was only partly successful. There were long lines outside the banks which had been closed for most of last week. And when account-holders finally reached a teller they were dismayed to find a $10,000 cap on withdrawals. Many of the ATM cash machines shut down after a short time. The markets reported deliveries of no more than 40 percent of their regular produce. The police presence was patchy, consisting mainly of traffic cops and officers on the beat at markets and stores. The Interior Ministry's security squads, the government's main law and order enforcers, were nowhere to be seen on the streets of Cairo. They feared a settling of scores for their brutal crackdown in the early stages of the protest.* If the security squads remain scared of the people, then the revolution is not yet in terminal trouble. What of the role of America? The initial reaction of the Americans can be summed up with one word "Israel". That was and still is the sole litmus test. What ever happens in Egypt must protect Israeli interests. What of American interests? Recently Gen Petraeus half muttered that pro-Israeli policies cost American lives. American lives though are cheap to the American elite. However what of business interests? Will the tail continue to wag the dog and will Netanyahu and the Zionist lobby remain in charge of what constitutes American interests? It looks like it. But I have difficulty in believing that this will always be the case. But first it would seem that the revolution must mature and really threaten American business, before the relationship with Tel Aviv comes under threat. comradely Gary ________________________________________________ Send list submissions to: Marxism@greenhouse.economics.utah.edu Set your options at: http://greenhouse.economics.utah.edu/mailman/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
