Many parts of the Middle East and North Africa are facing countless problems whereby terrorism, sectarianism, lack of centralization, political tensions and other important factors are tearing so many nations apart. Of course, the one connection linking Libya, Iraq and Syria is that Gulf and Western powers have collectively meddled into the internal affairs of these nations with the end result being a nightmare. This sobering reality also hindered Egypt because of the closeness between the Obama administration in America and the Muslim Brotherhood. Indeed, the one major theme of the Obama administration is its lofty approach towards the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Syria and Tunisia (Ennahda is an offshoot). Therefore, America which is blessed with a fine constitution is now siding with the Muslim Brotherhood which is anti-Christian, anti-secular, anti-democratic, and supports crushing the rights of women. In Syria four NATO powers (America, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom) have aided and abetted the brutal policies of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are openly supporting terrorism and sectarianism. The end result of this is that major NATO and Gulf powers are collectively involved in destabilizing Syria at all costs. It appears to matter not one jot that the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various al-Qaeda terrorist groups are involved in religious cleansing, brutal massacres whereby beheading people appears to be a ritual, killing Kurds based on ethnicity and an array of other barbaric realities. At the same time, Jordan, parts of Lebanon and NATO Turkey are major conduits for terrorists, military hardware, Salafi indoctrination and Takfiri fanatics who adore murdering civilians deemed enemies. Hezbollah initially watched events from a distance. However, the breaking point was reached after increased Gulf and Western support was provided to sectarian and terrorist forces in Syria, which meant that a response was needed. Also, with parts of Lebanon becoming a natural link for Balkan and North African ratlines whereby covert agents from America, France and the United Kingdom were in the loop; then Hezbollah was faced with a serious dilemma. If the Syrian government collapsed then the same forces would then focus on destabilizing Hezbollah based on sinister covert operations. Not only this, militant Takfiris, al-Qaeda affiliates and Salafi indoctrination would work hand-in-hand with the same Gulf and Western powers in order to move onto Hezbollah in their next stage of destabilization. In Egypt this nation is now facing a threat to its internal security. This is based on the Muslim Brotherhood led Morsi government wanting to usurp democracy by stealth when in power; and then after Morsi was ousted, this political movement decided on setting Egypt ablaze. The Muslim Brotherhood also decided on using the sectarian angle. Therefore, vast numbers of Christian churches, schools and properties have been attacked. Also, just like Syria in the early stages the current Egyptian leadership is facing a Western media war (Syria faces a Gulf and Western media war), violent attacks against the state apparatus, Islamist militant forces firing on people indiscriminately and terrorist attacks are increasing in the Sinai. This reality means that Egypt now faces a potent internal Muslim Brotherhood threat alongside outside nations which seek the status quo in relation to Camp David. The Obama administration is currently at a loss because the Muslim Brotherhood became a joint project in America’s designs on maintaining its power projections throughout the region. Issues related to the Muslim Brotherhood and its dhimmitude mentality towards Christians in Egypt – and future policies which would infringe on women – obviously meant little to the Obama administration. Yet, for the Egyptian masses they did not desire to see their hopes and aspirations being crushed by the draconian Muslim Brotherhood after witnessing this political movement in power. Any hopes that democracy would constrain the Muslim Brotherhood from its past agenda quickly proved to be incorrect. However, despite this the Obama administration quietly sat back and brushed constitutional factors under the carpet in relation to Egypt. Lebanon Hezbollah helps the Syrian government in a limited capacity because of endless massacres by the FSA and various al-Qaeda affiliates, which are involved in the barbaric deaths of captured Syrian soldiers and civilians. It must be stressed that the enemies of Syria are literally funneling international jihadists, military hardware, providing logistical support and encouraging brutal sectarian Islamists from all over the world to enter this nation. Takfiri forces have entered the equation because they appear to be preparing to carve-up Syria in order to provide cover for various al-Qaeda affiliated groups which benefit from the enormous generosity of NATO Turkey. Equally alarming, is that Takfiris take enormous pleasure in destroying Muslim and Christian holy places and their bloodlust towards slaughtering Muslims deemed “heretical” or who are pro-government – is second to none. In villages on both sides of the border between Lebanon and Syria it was clear to Hezbollah that all civilians, irrespective if Christian or Muslim, resided in fear. On top of this, Gulf and leading NATO powers were using parts of Lebanon in order to destabilize Syria. Therefore, Hezbollah had no option but to help the Syrian government and people along the border who feared al-Qaeda affiliated groups like al-Nusra, the FSA and Takfiris. The upshot of this is that now you have shadowy Takfiri and Sunni Islamist militant terrorist groups – possibly fused with covert operatives – which are now targeting Hezbollah within Lebanon. Recently a deadly terrorist attack struck a mainly Shia area of Beirut which resulted in the loss of life of 22 people. Obviously, this is very worrying for Lebanon because of the nature of sectarianism being supported by Gulf and Western powers in Syria. The smaller picture hints towards radical Takfiri groups which hate Hezbollah. However, you also have the shadowy angle whereby powerful external forces may desire to put this movement into either a straightjacket or to contain Hezbollah. Either way, the threat is very real and clearly Hassan Nasrallah knows that Hezbollah must be aware of every conceivable angle. After the recent brutal terrorist attack which killed so many in Beirut then Nasrallah stated that Takfiri “…groups target Sunnis, Shiites and Christians. They send suicide attackers to Sunni mosques and to churches also. If these attacks continue, Lebanon will be on the edge of the abyss.” Nasrallah continued by stating that “You must prevent dragging Lebanon into a civil war and stop sectarian incitement. The conflict should remain politically-oriented and should not become sectarian….Killings and explosions will not affect our will-power and we will not fall in the strife trap. We are not a substitute for the state in defense or security, but if the state does not get you, we will.” Nasrallah also pointed out that “We entered specific regions in Syria and when we fight, we fight with our values. We did not kill prisoners or civilians. Some of our fighters were martyred because we were avoiding killing civilians. On the contrary, the takfri groups kill and execute civilians and commit massacres.” Indeed, it must be stated that when Gulf and Western backed terrorists killed Christians, destroyed churches and cleansed Christians in parts of Syria near the border of Lebanon; that once the Syrian armed forces and Hezbollah retook these areas, then Christians returned and began to rebuild their churches. Obviously, this reality is neglected by many media agencies because political elites in the Gulf and the West ply lies in order to suit their respective agendas. In another Modern Tokyo Times article it was stated that “Gulf and Western powers easily sacrificed the Christians of Iraq and clearly the same powers care little about the Alawites, Christians and the Shia minority in Syria which face Takfiri persecution and daily massacres. It is therefore incumbent on General Michel Aoun and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) to maintain a firm relationship with Hezbollah. The FPM is mainly supported by Christians while Hezbollah is a powerful force within the Shia community. If the FPM and Hezbollah are hoodwinked by outside forces which seek to cause divisions, then both communities will suffer in the long-term given the shifting sands being backed by Gulf and Western powers throughout the Levant.” It was further stated that “The Levant is now being pulverized by sinister forces which are supporting sectarianism and terrorism. In recent months it is clear that elements within the FSA and various al-Qaeda affiliated groups are now intent on spreading terrorism in Lebanon. This follows on from the increasing reality of sectarian hatred which is being espoused by the same dark forces in Syria and which can be found throughout the Gulf region. Syria is now on the frontline and the enemies of this nation also desire to crush Hezbollah and to weaken the Christian position throughout the Levant. Therefore, it is incumbent that Syria survives and that the central state overcomes diabolical forces which support sedition; to enforce a brutal Sharia Islamic state based on Gulf Salafi Islam; to crush all religious minorities; and to enforce women into the shadows.” Conclusion Egypt, Lebanon and Syria face internal complexities which need to be resolved internally unless outside nations provide the hand of genuine friendship. Yet, in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria it is abundantly clear that outside nations have meddled time and again. The end result varies but always in a negative way and clearly Syria is fighting back against various enemies which seek to destroy the mosaic of this nation. However, negative realities like failed states, growing poverty, terrorism, sectarianism, putting women in the shadows – and so forth – always follow in the “sinister shadows” of powerful Gulf and Western powers. Egypt is now facing a threat to its sovereignty because the sectarian Muslim Brotherhood was supported by the Obama administration and by outside nations like Qatar. Yes, just like in Syria then sectarian forces are being supported by the usual players which support dark forces based on their own respective agendas. America is clearly divided about Egypt but not because of “genuine friendship.” On the contrary, issues related to Camp David and geopolitical factors are the twin concerns for elites in Washington. The Middle East and North Africa will not move forward until Gulf and Western powers are taken out of the equation. Of course, trade and friendly relations are always desired but sadly being independent is deemed a threat. Syria is being pulverized because of this fact. Therefore, if “the revolution” in Egypt is to succeed it can only do so when this nation becomes independent from the whims of outside forces which support the sectarian Muslim Brotherhood. Indeed, if the Syrian government can overcome its many enemies and then adopt internal reforms from strength, then a new phase in the Middle East and North Africa will be on the horizon. This equally applies to Egypt becoming free from the strings of others which only care about their respective self-interests. In the Levant it is Hezbollah which is reaching a proper accommodation with Christians and all faith groups – irrespective if people support their political objectives or not. Hezbollah understands the rich mosaic of the Levant whereby many different religious sects reside. Therefore, it is incumbent that Gulf and Western powers are forced out of the power dynamics of the Levant because these dark outside forces support sectarianism and other brutal realities. http://english.alahednews.com.lb/essaydetails.php?eid=24049&cid=385#.UhDJWJKnBvM leejay@moderntokyotimes.com http://moderntokyotimes.com