All of these events occurring in the countries surrounding Israel could lead to a major outbreak in war. We can see that if any one of the ideologies, economies, or violence enters Israel,they will have no choice to fight back. In fact, any one of these countries could be referred to as a powder keg, due to all of the violence. |
Egypt
Egypt was the leading nation that fought against Israel in all of its past wars (1948, 1967, and 1973). However, after the 1978 Camp David meetings of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Egypt became the first Arab nation to recognize Israel’s existence, signing a peace treaty March 26, 1979. This treaty stabalized relations between Israel and Egypt, and the two countries became trade partners. The Arab world did not react well to this. In October 1981, soldiers that were linked to the Muslim Brotherhood assassinated Sadat, the Egyptian President, in retaliation for his involvement. He was succeeded by his vice president, Hosni Mubarak, who ruled for thirty years and honored the peace agreement until his ouster in early 2011, when Tunisia’s uprisings spread to Egypt, bringing demands for open elections. This marked the end of Mubarak’s regime. On February 11, 2011, Mubarak was forced from power. Now, it is almost certain that Egypt will be much more hostile toward Israel than in the past. The biggest concern is the Muslim Brotherhood. It was founded in 1928, and the organization’s purpose is to implement Sharia worldwide, and to re-establish the global Islamic Caliphate. Outlawed in Egypt since 1954, the Muslim Brotherhood has now emerged as a legitimate political party under a new name—the Freedom and Justice Party. This could cause growing hostility toward Israel as Egypt falls to greater influence of Muslim fanatical leadership.
Syria
Syria has been another opponent of Israel in all its past wars and remains an enemy of Israel today. The revolution that spread from Tunisia to Egypt reached Syria in January 2011. In response, the government of Bashar al-Assad instituted a harsh military crackdown. It is believed that Syrian soldiers loyal to the regime in Damascus have already killed nearly one thousand protestors. Although the army has shown no signs of abandoning the current regime, the people have not yet abandoned their efforts to overthrow the government. Syria is a constant danger for Israel, continuing to demand the return of the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967. Syria used this high ground to launch missile attacks on Israel’s communities in the valleys below. Fanatical Islam has strong roots, especially in southern Syria, near the Israeli border. Any new government might well be even more radicalized by these fanatics. This would result in a more volatile relationship with Israel than what already exists. At least the current Assad government desires to maintain stable political ties with the West, and therefore shows some restraint in dealing with Israel. This restraint would be gone if Syria were to fall into the hands of a radicalized Muslim leadership, possibly leading to an all out war against Israel.
Iran
Iran is the greatest threat Israel currently faces. This radical Shi’ite theocracy that has ruled the country since the revolution in 1979 is dedicated to Israel’s utter destruction. Under their fanatical President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran has been producing nuclear capabilities while promising to “wipe Israel off the map.” Iran finances and trains Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, equipping them with arms to use against Israel. The international community has done little if anything to take action against Iran to stop them from achieving their nuclear goals. It is possible Israel may be forced into a preemptive strike for its own survival, and to save the Middle East from a nuclear holocaust.
Jordan
Jordan shares the longest border with Israel. The Hashemite Kingdom also shares the experience of suffering from many terrorist attacks through its history, due to signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1994. Because of Jordan’s close proximity and the length of their shared border, continued good relations between Israel and Jordan are vital to Israel’s security. If they didn't have peace, it would be horrific. Yet, the same wave of unrest touching other Arab countries came to Jordan in early 2011. Protesters called for the dismissal of the Prime Minister, and for Parliament to be dissolved. The government is widely viewed as corrupt with no regard for the common people.
Turkey
Turkey is now being watched closely. At the height of its power, the Ottoman Turks ruled over territory from Europe to Asia to North Africa. This powerful caliphate was the head of the Muslim world in the golden age of Islam. For decades, Turkey and Israel had a good relationship. However, Turkey has increasingly yielded to the growing influence of Islamic fundamentalism, a growing anti-Israel attitude, and has attempted to break the arms embargo on Gaza. Some speculate that Turkey will soon emerge as the leader of a revised Islamic empire. Turkey poses a growing threat to Israel as they move closer toward Muslim domination and Sharia law.