Also Sprach Netanyahu? Politics and Economics of Middle East Swine Flu
So What Did Netanyahu Say?
“Likud hardliners: Bibi gave in to Washington.”
“Palestinian Authority: Israel sabotaging peace.” Yediot Ahronot, Israel
“Netanyahu calls for demilitarized Palestinian state”
“Obama: PM's speech is important step”
“PM speech draws fire from Right, Left”
“PA: Netanyahu has buried peace process” Jerusalem Post, Israel
“Netanyahu refuses to freeze settlements and insists an unarmed Palestinian state that recognizes Israel as a ‘Jewish’ state” al-Manar (Hezbullah)
“Netanyahu: Jerusalem to remain united as capital of Israel. Unarmed Palestinian state on condition of open and public recognition of Israel as a ‘Jewish’ state.” Al-Jazeera
“Fatah and Hamas consider his speech as dynamiting the peace process” Alarabiya
“Israel PM calls for demilitarized Palestinian state” CNN
Politics and Economics of Swine Flu:
Iraq must be the only Arab state that has not had the swine flu, yet. It has all kinds of other problems and diseases, but no news of the swine flu. Or maybe they are so busy they have not gotten around to it yet. Saudi Arabia has about six or seven known cases so far, and no reports from Iran yet (they too have been too busy to pay attention). If the Iranians have not announced any cases, it is not for lack of trying: they seem so anxious to join the community of the willing nations and report at least one case, they have teams of medics at all airports and ports waiting anxiously for their swine.
Back to Saudi Arabia: the coming Hajj season late next fall should be watched carefully. They may have to choose between postponing the pilgrimage and incurring the wrath of the faithful, or postponing the pilgrimage and incurring the wrath of the faithful as well as the influential hotel and condo developers who have been crowding around the Kaaba ever tighter over time.
They may lose money on the hotel and meal cancellations, but think how much they can save on the port-a-potties (aka port-a-loos, port-a-johns, honey buckets…..ad nauseam, literally).
North Korea has not announced any cases of the swine flu, maybe in deference to the 'Dear Leader'. But then how would they know? How could they tell with Kim (Chee) Jung Il and his sons Dim & Sum wreaking havoc?
"PM Nazeef: Swine flu under control, and people should not heed rumors" al-Ahram, Egypt
I sure am glad he clarified that one. I have not read much lately on the war between the army and the the pigs of the Nile. I hope all goes well.
Cheers
mhg
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