Mass rallies in Gaza against Egypt's border wall

by Fred Johnston Wed Dec 30, 2009 14:48

So what was the deal done with Egypt to keep humanitarian aid from the Palestinians? What morsel of friendship with the Americans was offered so that fellow Arabs could live in poverty? What degree of diplomatic whoring went on on behalf of the Israelis, those beacons of hypocrisy in the Middle East that even run the White House and tell Obama where to get off? Or will our Middle East peace envoy, the murderous and lying Tony Blair, have an answer? Blair was appointed to that post because politically he is anybody's. Egypt has a history of torture: actually, they're quite inventive. They torture a prisoner's wife, which psychologically brings the prisoner nearer to madness. But Egypt is belovéd of that country which continues to execute mentally and intellectually-challenged human beings - no, not China, the United States.

The US and Britain, complicit in and users of torture (let's not mention Guantanámo, renditions and the like, because Ireland too is complicit in these through the use of Shannon) make sickeningly self-righteous noises when a British citizen with a psychiatric disorder is executed in China. Yet neither country opens their mouth when badly-needed supplies bound for the people of Gaza are held in Egypt - at Israel's request, we needn't doubt. And by the way, Israel have arrested Mordecai Vanunu again: not a word about that.

Israel can commit any crime it likes (and it will, don't worry) and the US and Britain (and Ireland) will shut up about it. Moral cowardice masquerading as diplomacy is the order of the day. Egypt, to stay in the bloodied warmth of America's pocket (the one they keep the cheque-book in) will continue to do American bidding regarding Israel. Palestinians will die. Islamic fundamentalism, always a problem in Egypt, will gather more recruits.

by JustClothes Tue Dec 29, 2009 22:25

of showing off your body like some commodity. That is freedom in the capitalist sense. Freedom to be a sex object. True freedom also encompasses the right to abstain from cultural norms you do not agree with without recrimination. In other words, she can wear what she likes without ridicule. That includes the hijab etc if she so chooses.

However in this case this point is irrelevant as the picture was taken in an islamic district where a woman who does not wear the hijab puts herself at risk or draws attention to herself and that is the last thing a woman who is in real danger for her radical views needs. She does not need to give the forces who oppose her more ammunition to attack her. That is the main reason she is so dressed in the picture

Your comments prove that cultural pressure exists here also and this is not truly a "free" society either for women. They have to dress sexy or risk abuse from people like yourself. Even when it is freezing cold. Not all that different in some respects really is it? Except in Iran it is too hot to wear the hijab men want you to wear wheras in Ireland it is too cold to wear the short skirt the men want you to wear.

by masked up Tue Dec 29, 2009 21:26

sexism and freedom ? imagine this woman taking her right of choice anyone?

by Murf Sun Dec 27, 2009 14:23

Yep, we need freedom alright...

hmm, perhaps someone should tell the woman in the picture about personal freedom?