Sunday April 10, 2016

I've Been Thinking:

Yesterday Egypt and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement resolving a maritime border dispute that has lasted since 1906. This agreement will have huge implications for the safety of Israel and its shipping
trade.

Here's a quick history and geography lesson:
In 1906 the Ottomans and the British demarcated two islands Tiran and Sanafir, which we refer to now simply as the Straits of Tiran, to be under the control of Egypt.

In 1967 Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli ships. The Straits of Tiran are at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba which leads up to Eilat, one of Israel's largest sea ports. The Straits are between Egypt on the west and Saudi Arabia on the east.

When Egypt shut the Straits they were committing an act of war. That act of war precipitated the strike which, after escalating, is now called The Six Day War or The '67 War.

Saudi Arabia gave over control of the Straits of Tiran to Egypt in 1950. It became part of a larger plan to cripple Israel and, in 1967, the Arab League supported the closure.

After the Six Day War, Israel took charge of the islands, aka the Straits, to ensure free movement for Israeli shipping. After the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt were singed, Israel returned the Straits to Egypt.

Now that the islands of the Straits of Tiran fall into the hands of Saudi Arabia the obvious question arises: Will the status quo continue?

At this point I am almost certain that the status quo will continue as is.

Read my latest book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah

To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com