After the great quake...

I remember only a few weeks before the 9.0 Richter scale Tohoku quake just off the east coast of the Oshika Peninsula, Christchurch, New Zealand was shook by a big one, although paling in comparison with the recent quake in Japan.

It seems like the Pacific Ring of Fire's tempest is brewing deep within the bowels of the earth and with greater frequency than ever observed. Japan always had to be wary of quakes. In 1923, the Great Kanto quake almost levelled most of Tokyo and was the impetus for developing advance warning sensors and quake-resistant buildings and technologies.

The death toll now is between 2,000 to 5,000 with the number growing as many bodies are discovered in rubbles and hard-hit areas near the epicentre.

It was not so long ago when great Indonesian quake resulted in a tsunami which hit Indonesia, and ripple all over the Indian Ocean striking Sri Lanka, India and even Malaysia on December 26, 2004, Thank God my friends in the Maldives were spared of any serious damage or worse, injury or death. Ironically, the salvation was through an immense sea-wall system which the Japanese had built for the Maldivians in 2002 as a gesture of bilateral goodwill- probably anticipated the off chance a giant quake off the Indonesia coasts could be powerful enough to send waves of destruction to the Maldivian archipelago.

What's unnerving for me about these disasters is that the fact my mum can sense what she describes as "a sort of uncomfortable buzzing in my head" just days before the quake. Perhaps she has the gift of clairvoyance or perhaps some sort of premonition. For me, sometimes I perceive momentary lapses into what I can describe it as "spinning around" before something happens. The Friday quake however was not caught by any "psychic senses" (if any).

The Japanese are struggling to prevent a nuclear event at the Fukushima Daishi reactor facilities, tirelessly attacking the burning or overheated nuclear rods with sea water from air and land. The ionizing radiation has probably sealed some of the workers' doom despite what local news agencies say about the radiation levels. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster comes to mind. Many were exposed to radiation doses which were 100 times more than Fukushima and many died to prevent radioactive particles from reaching the nearby towns and cities in Russia and parts of Europe.

Back in Japan, news agencies reported recently that radiation has been found in food, and the mostly likely iodine-131 which is absorbed by your thyroid glands. Having done some reading on the subject, apparently the best way to avoid its absorption is to ingest iodine pills (the one with the non-lethal isotopes) to saturate your thyroid glands so that the radioactive iodine will just pass through your system with minimal retention.

I admire the people and governments whose relief efforts are pouring in to Japan.

What I find completely revolting is some first lady making mindless statements; implying that the recent quake was a result of Japan's lack of studies in environmental factors and go-green technologies. Just days after our local news agency Berita Harian apologizes for publishing an-insensitive caricature of Ultraman running away from Tokyo with a giant wave closing in, our premier's wife had to embarrass the lights of the nation.

Libyan conflict intensifies

Security forces have tried to retake the eastern town of Al-Zawiyah where the oil refineries are situated. Right now, Libyan authorities are said to be assuming that they have control of the West. Rebel fighters are armed no less.

Whilst the world superpowers condemn the use of force by Libyan security forces on civilians, Gaddafi has some allies who will not take a hard stand against the embattled leader.

Former Cuban president, Fidel Castro opines that there will be a US-backed invasion lead by NATO to take the country's oil. Venezuela and Zimbabwe has not publicly criticized Libya. Venezuela in particular, has close links to Iran and have made somewhat a tepid offer to mediate. Last week, the UN Security unanimously passed a resolution to impose several embargoes to Gaddafi, his family and assets.

The Libyan Transitional Council chair and spokesperson are contradicting each other on talks with the current regime in what appears to be a framework to waive criminal prosecution in exchange for stepping down and making a departure. Liberty for relinquishing power. Somehow the proposed trade off probably would not sit well for a lot of people. The war crimes against his people, against humanity will not blow away with the wind.

Security forces are stepping up the assaults and the casualties are mounting by the day. Benghazi correspondents have reported sporadic gun fire whilst the eastern Libya is raining bullets. Looks like a civil war is inevitable, or rather, this is a civil war in infancy. The east is in the grasp of the opposition and some western parts are reported to be under rebel controls. Intense fighting is reported in Zuwiyah and there is practically no way in, even a communications blackout.

Anti-rebel forces have amassed and surrounded Ras Lanuf which was taken by anti-Gaddafi rebels a few days ago. It only stands to reason that this is a matter of time. The rebel forces will not be able to hold out for long without aid. They are close to being outgunned and out numbered.

What the UN Security Council has to do is decide on the no-fly zone which was been talked about. Military force would be hard to push up with Russian and China possessing veto power in the Council. The no-fly zone may not be feasable as current tactical assessment places Gaddafi ground forces as the real threat and jets would have difficult targeting Libya's fleet of attack choppers at low altitudes. Of course, imposing a no-fly zone may tantamount to an act of war.

More than three quarters of a million civilians have sought asylum from neighbor Tunisia and Egypt. More are still leaving the country for fear of a full blow civil war so long as Gaddafi refuses to relent and continues his onslaught.

Getting Killed For Having An Opinion

Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian cabinet minister was shot for taking a stance against Pakistan's blasphemy laws. He had prepared to die for his principles against what he perceived as a law which is subject to abuse and purely to protect Islamic authority. The Taliban has claimed responsibility.

What sort of religion would prescribed killing to go to heaven? I guess the Taliban can tell us the answer to that. I am fed up with hearing of persecutions of Christians across the world, especially by the ones who would do it for the sake of their faith. The price to pay for freedom of religion is getting far too much for Christians.

Everything has its place in time. After all, observe the turmoil happening on the Arab nations and the Muslim world. Some say it's the demise of an old regime consisting of dictators, cronies and Islamist fundamentalist, thralled with destruction at the hands of self-fulfilling events. Others will say is the hands of God rebuking the ones who profess everything in the name of god to loot, plunder and murder.

It is foretold that the end is near. Christians must ever be more vigilant and look out for signs of the Second Coming. The rife in the Middle East was prophesied. The uncanny development of events lend so much credence that biblical events are unfolding throughout the world. The weather shifts, the rising seas and even the rise of China and Russia. It is undeniably true.

15-0 Majority Passes Resolution Against Libya & Ghadafi

Yesterday, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution to impose arms, asset-freeze and travel embargoes on Libya, her embattled leader and several of his key associates. The resolution seems to give carte blanc for "all necessary measures to enable the return to Libya of humanitarian agencies and to secure the prompt and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need." This seems to suggests military action. I think Russia and China might have something to say about it. Their stake in pipelines means they have their own interests to protect.

This certainly won't be the first time Libya had been imposed sanctions on. After the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, it took Libya almost 15 years to claim responsibility. The bombing of the Boeing 747-121 also known as "the Clipper of the Maiden Seas" were probably as a result of confrontations with the US Navy in the 1980s in the Gulf of Sidra, a body of water was under dispute on which Libya claimed territory. Suffice to say, despite the then sanctions, Libya could still muster up a USD2.7 billion compensation for the victims' families. Probably the first time sponsored terrorism had offered compensation to terror victims.

In Bahrain, her King has reorganized the cabinet and cut government housing loans by 25% in what is supposed to be a bargaining chip to entertain reforms and start dialogues for its implementation. This is probably in reacting to the return of Hassan Mushaiman, the opposition leader of the Haq Movement, a major Shite group to deliver his speech on regime change. So far, the casualties are far less compared to Libya. The dialogue proposing sovereignty has issued orders for the mortal harm of civilians; not just, but its people.

The clashes in Yemen have apparently has no effect on President Salleh's resolute. His security forces are starting to show brazen disregard for safety and life and the anti-government protesters were hit by gunfire when they shot into crowds, just like Libya. These demonstrators, mostly students have lined the streets outside Sanna University and are still taking flack from pro-government supporters. Yemen is probably "knackered", wracked by Shite Muslims, an American aided crackdown of Al-Qaeda operatives and shortage of water.

Mostly, cries for the ouster of the current government and the end of political and economical woes and the end of corrupt government officials rings through-out the Arab nations in these recent times. I am utterly perplexed by the apparent inequality of the distribution of wealth. At one time, deposed Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak's total wealth was said to have exceeeded USD70billion.

An interesting book I came across scouring the Internet for more reading material on Middle East socio-economical related problems. A Duke University professor of Islamic studies, economics and political science by the name of Timur Kuran authored this book, titled "The Long Divergence: How Islamic Law Held Back the Middle East"- which is essentially the decline of the Arab nations and the Middle Eastern economies at the hands of Muslim based economies which are incompatible with capitalism. Various laws in Islamic societies were not conducive to large-scale economic structures, at precisely the time when such structures were becoming profitable and are drivers of economic growth - whether it is on inheritance law, contracts, forming corporations, etc. I reckon a book by a Muslim and an insider will be a good read, lest a non-Muslim writer would probably be accused of being biased and western in thought.

Libyan Bloodshed

The clashes have not escalated to Tripoli where embattled Ghaddafi is situated. His interior minister has resigned and members of the armed forces and air force have defected in defiance to orders to open fire on civilians. Benghazi and smaller eastern towns are no longer under Ghadaffi's control. The plan is now to take down the western bloc.

Forty over years is a long time to hold the reigns, history has taught us that the declaration of "long live the king" does not hold for long in less than a Utopian administration. Power and money corrupts and resounding Lord Herschell, "absolute power corrupts absolutely". In a world of capitalism-fueled economies, it is almost impossible to find equal or seeming equal distribution of wealth. Cheap loans and good tax levies are justifications of the now challenged leader, but the cry for reforms go beyond these very fringe benefits.

The military is under the control of the executive, unlike Egypt where they have a stake in the economy and their interests underscores the preservation of a government who would be willing to allow these policies to remain. The brutal tactics of using military and security forces to quell civilian uprising has drawn tremendous flack from international communities, especially the Western bloc.

The Libyan ambassador in the USA even has called for Moammar Ghaddafi & sons end to the senseless rampage which has so far resulted in more than a thousand deaths. Perceivable act of heinous crimes against his own people.

So now the opposition is growing in force from defections which borders on treason I am sure. A civil war, so it seems. On state tv, the Ghaddafi has threatened to escalate the violence: ""We can destroy any assault with the people's will, with the armed people," he said. "And when it is necessary, the weapons depots will be open to all the Libyan people to be armed."

The Al-Qaeda has been one of those blamed, to wit, supplying the youths with hallucinogenic drugs. An offer has been made to increase state salaries by 150% and the premier's son assuring that things will get better BUT making it clear that the embattled leader will not step down.

The UN Supreme Council has proposed a resolution to impose new sanctions to Libya; arms, assets and travel. But military intervention is unlikely to accompany if Russia and China does not back the use of force.

These unfolding events frightfully points to Biblical prophecies coming to life. It is foretold that there will be unrest in the Middle East and later, Libya, Iran, Turkey, the Arab world generally, will eventually descend upon Israel to destroy the nation of God's chosen people but just before she falls, it is also foretold that Christ (God) and his army will descend and wipe out the "unholy army"off the face of the earth.

Middle East Unrest Continues...

The developments of the last two weeks have been prolific.

Yemen student protests turned anti-government. Clashes between pro-government and pro-democracy demonstrators. Thousands took to the streets (mostly youths) chanting "time for change" and referring to the popular uprising in Tunisia that ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali earlier this month.

Demonstrators want President Saleh who ruled North in 1978, North and South when they merged in 1990 and was relected in 2006. With a population of about 2 million, many whom a illiterate, which economy depends of some oil and with a 35% unemployment rate, it's not wonder the ones protesting have a bone to pick. Yemeni protests are taking a turn for the worse.

Yesterday, a grenade was hurled into the crowd. Rival forces taken on anti-government protesters near Sanaa Univerisity. Pro-democracy demonstrators demand the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

In Libya- President Muammar Gadaffi's rule of 41 years is challenged as protesters organized their rallies, one of them infamously known as "The Day of Rage" last week. Up to yesterday, at least 20 people are reported killed. News correspondents say that the police are using lethal force against the crowd. News agencies cannot say more as the government has prohibited any reporting within. Demonstrations erupted on Tuesday after a human rights lawyer was detained by the police.

On the Persian Gulf - Bahrain saw strong confrontations since Monday, with anti-government protesters pushing their way on Pearl Roundabout. Many of the protesters are Shite Muslims making up 70% of the residents and have been long under the rule of a Sunni royal family.

Deep political and economical grievances have harboured over 40 years and cries for reforms and change are pouring from the opponents. Authorities have reportedly stepped in with force and now, the tone is to bring down the regime and dissolve parliament. al-Wifaq, a major Shite opposition party says there can be no dialogue with the government whilst the military controls the streets.

Minor injuries are reported in Baghdad and Amman, Jordan. King Abdullah had about a week plus ago fired his entire cabinet. The Jordanians are demanding reform and the abolishing the peace treaty with Israel (Wadi Araba Treaty) in 1994, among other articles- Jordan has preference concerning the status of Muslim holy places in the city (as a guardian or keeper of the holy places) in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Iran is not seeing any respite, with a civil war looming ahead. There is separation of politics and religious leaders.

The opposition's intentions are unknown: whether they want a regime change or more freedom from the regime? These are answers Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karubbi can provide, the two leaders of Iran's opposition movement. Just like ElBaradei in Egypt, a protagonist is behind the upstage.

One thing is for sure - many Iranians will not support a religious figure for a leader given their experience for the past 30 years. The Tunisia and Egypt experience has no doubt catapulted the protests against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed reelection. The fiasco which started in 2009 has now erupted into a full-blown battle.

Iranian warships have been given the green light to cross the Suez Canal, leading to more uncertainty in the region and Israel is sweating more profusely. The canal is an internal body of water, and as such, Egypt has sovereignty over it. But Egypt also is bound by the 1978 Camp David Accords, which guarantee the right of free passage by ships belonging to Israel and all other nations on the basis of the Constantinople Convention of 1888.

Before that, Egypt did not allow Israeli ships to sail through the canal. Some have called this a typical "Syrian-Iranian opportunism". Israeli's Foreign Ministry has spoken to its allies to pay close attention and to act speedily against "any Iranian provocations".

Back in Egypt- the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces have so far declared they will honor the peace treaties signed with Israel. When Egypt’s opposition leaders began talking of “revolution,” they wanted not only to end the Mubarak presidency but also to sweep aside the 1971 constitution (as amended as so recent as 2007) which made it impossible for the Muslim Brotherhood to form a political party and undermined judicial supervision in the hands of commissions.

The result was a bias regime: promising a little bit to everyone but more to the president. For the time being, the best case is the interim government honoring its transitional role and providing a framework for fair elections and reforms as committed within the next 2 months.

The USA whilst condemning violence and urging stakeholders to resolve the feuds are no less lead by them intention to retain air and naval superiority over the Persian Gulf. The US's 5th Naval Fleet's base is housed in Bahrain.

If the base is unwelcome by a new government, US will be loosing a very strategic location, from where they launched their attacks into Taliban territory and keeping their policing over Iran. A possible move to Saudi Arabia is any one's guess.

The next change in Egypt and the Arab world

First it was the government of Tunisia, then followed by Egypt. Now a wake of change ripples across the Arab word.

Jordan entire cabinet has been sacked by King Abdullah.

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Yemeni announced he will not be running re-election in 2013.

In Sudan, daily protests are happening in Khartoum over the economy and corruption.

Old governments are stale and corrupt in the eyes of the people. Revolutions are unfolding all cross the Middle East for the sake of democracy and economical reforms.

The Egyptian parliament is dissolved and the constitution is suspended yesterday for the transition process to civilian rule, but this will not be happening until the elections in September which is another 6 months away. The "caretaker" cabinet appointed shortly after the January 25 protests will hold the reigns, but no one really knows whether the military will allow number 2, Omar Suleiman to play any role in Egypt's transition. A suspended constitution means an uncharted jurisprudential land.

The economy needs to recover. Banks will only open in 2 days and trading will continue this Wednesday. But the military's stake in Egypt which was held tightly under Mubarak's rule will unlikely be given up, hence the question of what is the next move of the Armed Forces Supreme Council.

The Armed Forces Supreme Council will hold the interim government whilst every stakeholder will strive for clear demarcations and referendum for general acceptance. The military is the ruler of Egpyt after Mubarak handed it power. Commanders of each branch, chief of staff and Defence Minister Hussein Tantawi sits on the Council. A day after the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, the military announced that they will keep the nation's peace until the transition and to uphold the peace treaty signed with Israel; whether that is comforting.

Power now rests entirely with the military under the Supreme Council. Omar Suleiman and the caretaker cabinet ministers no doubt will have to do their bidding.

What of the pro-syaria establishment Muslim Brotherhood? Its assertion that their understanding of Islam is the 'true one'. It called on Egyptians to unite to confront the forces of Zionism and imperialism and pursue economic development and social justice. But, will there by space for democracy, human rights and women's liberation if they become the ruling party is anyone's guess.

The concerns have been highlighted.

Mubarak Resigns

After 19 days, Hosni Mubarak resigns, news of which was delivered on air by Omar Suleiman in a one minute sombre appearance. Tahrir Square erupted with cries of "Freedom" and "Allahu akbar" accompanies by detonation of fireworks and all sorts of activity. This development came a day after Hosni Mubarak's broadcast so brazenly declaring his refusal to bow down to "foreign demands" to step down amidst the cries of his own people willing to shed blood to see him out!

The people's demands seemingly met after 19 days of unrelenting protests...

Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei says Egypt for a first time has a chance "to be democratic, to be free, to have a sense of dignity, of freedom". A time of elation for the Egyptian people and probably a time of suspense for Israel, USA, the rest of the Arab World.

Hosni Mubarak handed over power to the Egyptian Army's Supreme Council who is supposed to ensure a smooth transition of his departure from office. It's strange that the military's infinite patience (or seemingly so) has for the entire duration of the riots, been sidelined and merely scratched on the surface during media coverage. The attention was drawn to the premier, the nation, the people and the rest of the world having a stake in the outcome.

The army presents a neutral arbiter between contending opponents, but it has significant interests of its own to defend. The basic structure of the Egyptian state as it now exists has benefited the military. The practical demands of the protesters were fairly simple: end the state of emergency, hold new elections, and grant the freedom to form parties without state interference. But these demands would amount to opening up the political space to everyone across Egypt's social and political structure. That would involve constitutional and statutory changes- e.g. reforming Egypt as a parliamentary rather than a presidential system, in which a freely elected majority selects the prime minister (who is now appointed by the president). These changes would do away with power structure the Egyptian army created in 1952's coup.

We must bear in mind that the military has access to the ruling party (NDP) and owns industries which controls 5-20% of Egypt's economy. A military coup is always remotely possible if their interests would be undermined by the interim government.

We are now witnessing history unfolding and the rise of a new regime or at least, a harbinger of one.

Of course, there's the Muslim Brotherhood- it must be remembered that they were target of arrests during Hosni Mubarak's time and all of a sudden, the power realisation seems to be a lot more realistic. Their goal is to institute an Islamic state by political means, not violence.

The West will be worried if democracy comes to quickly in the form of speedy empowerment of the Muslim Brotherhood whom USA does not know how they will react to American influence. USA had expanded billions of dollars to back Egypt during Hosni Mubarak's time which he had very little to show for. Under Hosni Mubarak's rule, Egypt kept peace with Israel and close ties with the West. His government was an important ally of the United States in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He also earned Western support for his efforts to suppress Islamic extremism- in the 1990s he waged a war against Islamist fundamentalism and extremism from which, the military's role evolved further.

But, a spokesperson for the Muslim Brotherhood (or so I've read) has told CNN that MB has vowed not to field a presidential candidate as they only desire representation via seats in parliament but does not want a majority. In the Egyptian political arena for the last 3 weeks, we all know things can seemingly take a turn without a moment's notice, so this will be left to be seen. If the military's interests is guaranteed and their industries protected, we will see if this will still be the case when they have the army's backing.

As If Things Were Not Bad Enough...

workers in vital industries and professionals alike have taken to the streets and protesting their causes in the midst of the political and social-economical turmoil in Egypt. An undesired (for the current Government at least) new pressure mounting.

My question is how are they going to get themselves heard. After all, a new government is a more pressing concern than wages and labour welfare under the circumstances.

I cannot begin to imagine the paralysis. A complete breakdown of civil order, a grinding halt to the banking industry and total chaos displacing peace and order. I sympathise with the rest of the civilians keeping themselves cocooned inside their homes and whatever shelters they can find against the mob, escaped criminals, police and the military.

Journalists and field correspondents are not spared. Just a few days ago, journalists, foreign no doubt, found themselves fighting for their lives emerging battered with bruises, lacerations and broken bones. They live to tell the tale.

Lawyers, professionals and workmen marched to the palace. Fazed by the tight guard of the army, they valiantly marched to Tahrir Square in the 17th day of the protests, joining a host of civilians and political rallies calling for the immediate departure of President Hosni Mubarak. The embattled government is not going to be able to do much about their plight. Restoring order and stability if at all will top of the list, or perhaps the fight for survival.

Then, there's the spotlight on Wael Gnonim, widely credited for the protests which began on January 25th has come back to his home soil after resigning from Google, pledging his life for his country and leaving his estate to his wife. He is definitely a face to be hero-worshipped and an inspiration to the band of protesters. This uplift of spirits will be hard to quell.

The octogenarian premier is refusing to step down, lest (allegedly) the military will take over to enforce marshall law. The military is standing on the sidelines, who may become the show stopper and an intervener in this nationwide chaos. The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit has for one demonstrated the recognition of such a concern.

Rumour has it that the Egyptian military is secretly detaining thousands of civilians and political opponents and employing torture.

The Muslims had encircled the Christians during the mass a few days ago, held for the slain ones and for the cause. At least, in that far away land in the middle east, both Kitaabians are unified, unfazed by their prejudice toward each other in these revolutionary times, unlike the petty hypocrites in this supposedly tolerant soil, directing the taking down of crucifixes and banning Christian prayers and religious songs during an official visit from the prime minister to the archbishop's abode last Christmas.

Saudi Arabia's government has told USA to bug off and not force swift change to Egypt. King Abdullah apparently told Obama not to "humiliate" Mubarak and warned that he would step in to bankroll Cairo if US were to cut off its aids worth USD1.5million annually. Riyadh sources says the Kingdom will be Washington's only ally in the Arab world and the Saudis want US to keep that in mind. I am not surprised. But then again, Saudi is hinging on the "overrated" oil reserves which was recently reported to last only a mere 15 years unless new technologies are employed to mine oil in deeper waters. One black oil is gone, so will the Kingdom.

'Disrespectful to the People'?

...after 16 days, Omar Suleiman had this to say? Is this Egypt's Vice President's idea of a joke, expressing self-denial or just a desperate attempt at reverse psychology?

Apparently, "departure" is an insulting word and if this is an attempt to appease the angry mob, the VP is in for a shock. There can only be two things or outcomes:-

One, Hosni Mubarak steps down and the Muslim Brotherhood takes over or decrees a coalition with the opposition to form the interim government, possibly with help from the US and Iran; or two, the Egyptian constitution is amended before September and again, the Muslim Brotherhood takes over and the same order of things will come to past.

The MB, was just an outreach which have since become an influential organization and a powerful catalyst for change, which incidentally does not sit well with the country's laws against having religious based political parties.

The reality of warfare in any form, the aggressive will subdue the weak or the outnumbered. Look at so many Middle Eastern states which were once thriving Christian states and later overrun by the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire, not to mention the many Caliphs who let slip dogs of war in the name of religion.

Then the Palestinians will ally with MB... Tel Aviv is uneasy. The Israelis will be thinking, who will be their new tenants (the current one has been given more than mere easements and estates) and whether Iran will march in from the south which have for some time been deceptively quiet. Benjamin Netanyahu has express these fears in public.

Oh but wait...the Russians are now behind closed doors with the Egyptian premier...of what is discussed, no one knows.

My friends, or some of them at least observed that no one is keeping their eyes on Israel who is said to be capable of taking over Gaza. I humbly beg to differ...

The Palestinian presence since the 6th Day War is a mark of compromise for the Israelis. Israel displays a copious amount of attention, waiting for the outcome of the revolution happening in Egypt now.

Mubarak has always kept his distance from Israel a contrast to his predecessor Anwar Sadat who paid a visit to Yizhak Rabin to discuss efforts for peace in both lands.

Mubarak and his police state were barriers to chaos that, if removed, would likely be succeeded by an Iranian-style Islamic Republic, one directly neighboring Israel and armed with U.S. weaponry.

Arab nations have been hostile toward Israel with Egypt and Jordan mostly ignoring the peace treaties signed with the Jewish state. Most Israelis viewed the peace process as a means for bettering relations with Europe and the United States and not as a channel to regional forced acceptance of the Arabic language and Islamic values. Revolting prospect.

Israeli clerics and priets will have to remain steadfast and keep the prayer chains going for deliverance out of this dark and sinister religious threat.

Israel Facing an Egyptian-Iranian Alliance?

Protests in Egypt are going on to the 15th day, a little over 2 weeks now, since January 25, 2011.

The Muslim Brotherhood seems to be gaining foothold, leaving the inevitable question of how much more Islamist fundamentalism does Israel have to put up with. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Israel has for decades maintained its position against the establishment of potential bases of Islamist terrorists on its borders until 2000 when Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon (and the Golan Heights/ Syrian Heights) which led to the formation of a Hezbollah-dominated region and in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza which led to the rise of the Hamas. North and South Israel were taken by and controlled by Islamist movement and Iran has since pressed for attacks on Israel's borders.

It's a two-edged sword: the Muslim Brotherhood is a sworn enemy in the Mubarak regime and has its relations with the Palestinian movement. If the MB takes control, their descendants within Palestine, the Hamas will have a foothold in Cairo and the Palestinians will have an ally in Egypt. In such an event, it is speculated there will be an Egypt-Iranian alliance which would almost certainly end the security in Israel's southern border. Israel will certainly not give up the West Bank so easily then.

The current turmoil in Egypt certainly has kept Israel on its toes.

If the West Bank falls to the Hamas, it would be sharing Jerusalem with an Islamist government, turning the city into a war zone and rocket fire is likely to rain on Tel Aviv and the holy city.

It is an existential and political paradox: on one hand, a democratic Palestinian state would save the Jewish state from the threat of Palestinian majority which would force Israel to chose between a Jewish state or their version of democracy but on the other hand, an unstable Palestinian state in the West Bank may likely fall to the Hamas.

However, it is said that Arab leaders are much more concern about the Iran nuclear program rather than ending the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. A matter of time before the diversion is lost.

Israel will ever be more vigilant. Despite "conventional" Western thought that a Palestinian state must be created to contain the Islamist threat, Israel believes the converse to be true.

Only if Iran is contained can Israel can allow it's east borders to be controlled by Palestinian rule. Now with the possible encirclement of Israel, this remains to be seen.

Eyptian Military Standing Aside in Ensuing Gunfire

After 9 days of demonstration, "peaceful" has broken its streak.

Despite the president's assurance that he would not be running in the September elections and pledged his commitment to bring stability and security back to the embattled country, pro-Mubarak and pro-democracy supporters set against each other still. Last I heard, 6 people have died with more than 700 injured. Fundamentalist and leftist quarters are seeking to exert their own leverage.

The day this Muslim state becomes free of Hosni Mubarak's rule may be a harbinger to a new sort of totalitarian regime. ElBaradei seems to be the best bet. But the rest will not see to him coming to power. Available candidates but different ideologies about the rule of law. Interesting dilemma. Again, I emphasis, the problem with annexing religion into law.

The military is not doing anything to quell the violence. Throngs of gunfire and small arms discharge ring near Tahrir Square. With social networking and emails cut off, news is slowly reaching the rest of the world.

Whilst China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other Chinese states celebrate the new lunar new year round the world with fireworks and firecrackers, the intimidating sound of weapons discharge echoed in the streets in Cairo. Food and rations are still in place and I can only imagine the fear and stress levels subduing the local economy and social psyche of the Egyptians right now.

The US is of course worried about the unrest in its bigger Middle Eastern ally. The Obama administration despite expressing its concern is not going to interfere. Troops can be deployed but only as a humanitarian aid, or would this change soon? The 'international police 'is toothless in light of a civil unrest rather than an elemental concern to its security.

So, the White House now can only 'condemn street violence' whist speculating what Hosni Mubarak's inner circle is discussing to meet protester demands.

Jurisprudential-wise, the old government is facing a coup on multiple throngs and the winner or elected successor will form the de facto head of state, assuming the former is deposed. Still, the extreme range of secularism and fundamentalism might prove to be difficult to produce a favorable outcome beneficial to the masses.

Change Must Happen Now

Tahrir Square was unfazed by Mubarak's promise to step down in September for an elected successor. The Arab nation is demanding for the man's immediate relinquishing of power. I must admit being in admiration of the protesters who has proven their conviction to bring an end to a 3-decade long dictatorship. The last 8 days is a visceral reminder of many iron-fist governments who were overthrown or ousted.

The divide of religion is bridged, albeit temporarily for the sake of their homeland. With the peaking of civil upheaval, the bombing of a Coptic church in Alexandria 2 months ago seems to be a thing of the past in light of more pertinent concerns.

In looking prospectively, the sectarian Muslim Brotherhood is aware of the negative connotations surrounding Islamist branding and hopes to rally Nobel laureate and opposition ElBaradei in an attempt to connect with the secular aspects of politics and governance. I opined in the last posting that laws should always be secular and not religious. Fundamentalism and all the nonsense about strife and spiritual warfare should be left out of governance of man.

Yet, the question remains, who will lead Egypt after the old regime has passed on? Some say it's going to be the military and not ElBaradei or any of the opposition groups.

Some say the military may be the best bet to nudge Mubarak out of power. Such as the bloodless coup in Thailand years ago resulting in Sinawatra's 'exile'. The Egyptian military has become the seat of power over the years and who knows what they will do if the present administration collapses.

But militarise might can be unpredictable and once someone has savored the taste of power, they may not want to give it up themselves. Look at Myanmar and the military junta. Look at Iraq during Saddam Hussein. Look at France during Napoleon Bonaparte.

In biblical context, God instituted human government (Romans 14 and Proverbs 8). Christ himself recognizes human government (Matthew 22, 26, 27 and John 19). Their function: administration of justice, protector of social welfare and upholding the law. A system of law in place with one proviso, any human government is answerable to God (Psalms 2, Romans 13, Revelations 17-20).

In blatant disregard of this charter, many have defied and distorted the truth, putting themselves as the arbiter on God's behalf and performing acts in the name of God and taking arms to fight a holy war. Again, which is why laws are supposed to be secular.

The outcome of this political quagmire depends on whether governments to be will continue branding government with religious undertones. The moment man stops to play mini prophets and just submit, only then peace will come. If not, the Arab nations and any sovereignty after the Byzantine realm will continue to suffer under God's hands.

Egypt: God be with you?

Arab nations would lose somehow lose their solidarity and would eventually see their imminent fall. The most populous country in the Middle East and the Islamic world is being driven to its knees in political upheaval and the call for democracy. The ousting of its strongman in Tunisia earlier this year has only been catalytic to current events. Millions are demanding the stepping down of the 30-year prime minister.

Tensions will escalate to the brink of destruction whilst politicians rally and pander up to the people with reforms and promise of expeditious decisions.

Egypt now brace for the "march of millions". I am following these torrid events closely via the media and Internet.

The police are rendered ineffective, the streets have become the grounds for nearly 5000 escaped criminals, food and water are being rationed and citizens are taking arms and setting up check points to defend their family and property. It's anarchy plain and simple. Our foreign office has dispatched a contingent to "assess the security" of about 25,000 students in Egypt. Pardon me, but I do believe the outcome of their "assessment" would be a forgone conclusion.

Egypt historically was evangelized by St. Mark during the 1st century A.D. Egypt was also the land where Moses liberated God's people from, if you do recall, from prosecution by the Pharaohs. Nearly 6 centuries down the line and after the birth of Islam, Egypt was annexed to the Byzantine realm where Christians were persecuted by Muslim Arabs during the 7th century A.D.

After a brief tussle with the Persians , the Ottoman Empire pushed the land of the Pharaohs into decline. Annexation through invasion and religious prosecution was the modus operandi in the Middle East it seems.

Al-Jazeera reports that Egypt could bring about "a seismic shift in regional politics - and some worry that this might upend the uneasy peace between Israel and Egypt". In the 1960s, Israel managed to enlarged it's borders after taking the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza strip, the West Bank and the Golan Heights. Later, the Palestinians, Egyptians and Syrians launched a wave of attacks on Israel until the peace treaties. Don't forget about the 1978 peace treaty which Israel had to pay a heavy price for- giving up oil and and land for peace. It must be remembered that before that, it was the Egypt-led Arab nationalists who first called for the destruction of Israel having refused to recognize it.

Rulers are God-inspired and God-led and not to become interpreters or what law is in the eyes of God.

One learned friend of mine has opined that God is punishing the Arab nations for their ways. He simply puts it "they think they can make God proud with their fundamentalism and extremists ways and persecution of who they refer to as 'infidels" and look what's happening to the Arab nations. The harder they try, the more they will fail because it is not the will of God they so interpret".

Conveying their political beliefs, some more extreme the others through religious indoctrination and fundamentalism. Human law is secular and should remain secular. No one is above the law: yes. But no one is fit to decide what God wants or not.

Personally, I revel in the developments as they arise.

Egypt may very well give reason for a new war for Israel and this time, the spear of truth will pierce through the veil of deception which has cloaked that part of the world far too long!