Gaza Conflict Goes Underground, Literally

NPR is reporting that arms smugglers using tunnels from Egypt into Gaza are still operating. Considered a US ally, Egypt's role as a mediator in this newest Middle East conflict is being seriously questioned. From diplomatic failures to wavering commitments throughout the process, it is beginning to look like Egypt is losing its spot in the limelight. Israel has completed at least a tentative withdrawal from the Gaza Stip, although it appears they are maintaining a choke hold on the region. Inside the Gaza Strip matters are no better, as Hamas is reclaiming control of the region, and arresting and killing "collaborators," who are most likely Fatah or other PNA officials. Iran has also renewed its efforts to re-arm Hamas. Meanwhile, the Arab community in the Middle East remains divided over the conflict. Saudi Arabia has offered $1 Billion to rebuild in Gaza, but the offer was made over harsh words from King Abdullah, "Israel has to understand that the choice between war and peace will not always stay open and that the Arab peace initiative that is on the table today will not stay on the table." At the same time, Syria is holding a "Israeli War Crimes Exhibition," and calling for a unified support of the Palestinian cause. In Qatar, the Israeli trade office has been given 7 days to close up shop and get out. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is also casting his web wide in efforts to call up international support to put Israel on trial for war crimes. This conflict is not over, it seems simply the world is waiting to see what the US and President Obama will do.

Gaza War & Its Rhetoric Escalate

Now Osama bin Laden wants a piece of the pie. In a 22-minute audio tape, bin Laden is encouraging a "jihad" against Israel and US allies across the Middle East. Bloomberg is reporting that a UN relief agency was struck by Israeli forces today, which they quickly apologized for, claiming that Hamas operatives fired on them from that location. Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated "...it has become clear that the continuation of the Zionist regime's life in the region is not feasible," and is calling on the Saudi Arabian government to speak out on the situation, as well as enforce an oil embargo. Reuters is claiming that cease-fire talks are "taking shape," although it seems that little cooperation is being offered openly from any side. Egypt is the primary broker and relay medium of the cease-fire, and being deeply embroiled in Arab coalition politics themselves, are not really in a position to exert power. The US has halted shipments of munitions to Israel, adding fire to a spat between Jerusalem and Washington wherein Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert bragged on Monday that he strong-armed President Bush into ordering Secretary Rice to cast the US abstain vote on the UN peace resolution last week. Of course the US is denying it. Directly following this playground politics, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is calling on President-elect Obama to "stop supporting Israel." Not likely. Venezuela and Bolivia have already severed ties with Israel over the conflict, following the call of Iran for all nations to do so. Qatar may soon follow suit, as may Turkey indicating they would be willing to contribute to an international peacekeeping force to monitor crossings into the Gaza strip. Qatar may soon find itself at the center of the debacle, as a debate is beginning surrounding the Arab League's ability to achieve quorum at an Arab summit in Qatar this week on Israel's offensive in Gaza, underscoring huge divisions in Arab nations.