Ayalon Makes Pitch for Saudis, What About the Settlements (Stupid)?.......
“One of the world's largest pan-Arab newspapers on Tuesday printed an article written by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, in which the veteran politician calls for the Arab world to join Israel in a commitment to regional peace and cooperation. The op-ed, entitled "An Open Letter to the Arab World," was printed in Asharq Alawsat, a Saudi-owned daily considered one of the most respected and influential media outlets in the Arab world. In the piece, Ayalon calls on the Arab world to help Israel defeat the shared enemies of religious extremism and climate change, with specific emphasis on Iran and the terrorist groups it patronizes. "For the first time in many years, we find ourselves on the same side in seeking to quell and defeat the forces of extremism and destruction in our region," Ayalon writes, adding that Iran is "aiming for hegemonic control of the Middle East and far beyond." ………” Jerusalem Post
Fine and dandy, but it will not work. The Iran angle may work to a limited extent in Saudi Arabia and among some minority sections of the population in places like Bahrain and one or two small countries. But there is still the same problem that needs resolving: it is the settlements, stupid!
And they are not on Saudi soil.
As for the “most” respected and most influential newspaper, I am not sure about that. Nothing specifically against Asharq Alawsat, actually I have not seen any “most-respected newspaper” in the whole Middle East lately. Technically it is as good as any, but most-respected by whom? Is it the West or most Arabs (forget Ahmadinejad; he doesn’t read it)? It is a royal semi-official outlet and largely a mouthpiece of the Saudi royalty. I doubt very much that Lebanese, Egyptians, or Iraqis spend their money on a foreign daily (or much of their internet time).
Cheers and Happy Holidays
mhg
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