By Yoram Getzler. In my last posting I focused on the game changing character of the attack from Sinai into southern Israel and how that could effect the ordinary people responsible for security on our side of the border.
However I have since become aware of the powerful effect the murder of 16 Egyptian security personnel has had on Egypt and its new Muslim Brotherhood government.
The Egyptians described as soldiers and/or police were attacked during the Iftar, the fast breaking meal eaten at the end of the daily Ramadan fast. Although it may not be described as a sacred event throughout the Muslim world is thought of as special moment in the holy month. In countries like Egypt at dusk, merchants put out tables of food for the poor as the evening approaches. In Turkey families gather in the park awaiting the call from the Mosque that the fast is officially over for the day.
Its a kind of joyous semi-holiday for family and friends.
The soldiers/police were attacked at that moment when they had gathered for this meal. The attackers were themselves described as Islamists. At first they were thought to have been from the Salafi movement (representatives of which sit in the Egyptian parliament). Later it was clarified that they were more than likely elements of an al-Kida infiltration of the Bedouin community in Sinai. This in itself is also real news as the Bedouin have traditionally kept out of the various conflicts in the area.
They not only shot the Egyptians but in several cases (according to graphic Egyptian TV coverage) the attackers also slit their throats. A kind disrespectful animal slaughter.
In any case in Egypt the security personnel, army or police are considered untouchable and beyond any controversy or struggle. So the Egyptian people were deeply shocked by the events. Three days of national morning were declared. The new president flew to Sinai. (Mubarak in decades of rule never visited Sinai) together with the commander of the army.
President Mursi had to decide between his commitment to international Islamic ideology and the national temper. He chose the route of national leader. For him and the Muslim Brotherhood it was a profound moment of awakening to the real dangers of militant Islam.
This has also strained relations with Hamas as they are associated with the violent Islamist ideology. In Gaza they even opened a tent of mourning to express their solidarity with the Egyptian people.
All in all apparently another violent realignment of forces and sentiments over here.
In retrospect I think the American administration was wise to open relations with the new Egyptian government no matter their political affiliations.
Unexpected changes are the true reality of politics here.
