Wednesday, February 18, 2009
There are probably more complicated analyses available, but distilled, bottom-line is that peace will come when the Arabs grow up. Mature nations just don't behave this way. When you can't even let someone from an "unfriendly" country in to compete in sports, it shows it's not just a matter of some disagreements you can make new agreements over. It shows it's about existence. You don't get beyond that easily -- or ever.
The tennis tour is considering sanctions. The Tennis Channel won't be broadcasting the event, and the Wall Street Journal has editorialized against it, and has pulled its sponsorship.
Related: No Fans Allowed When Sweden Hosts Israel. There is a common denominator, though one event is located in the Middle East, and another in Europe. There's a culture involved whose one common denominator is a certain hatred.
Dubai also just cancelled an appearance by novelist Geraldine Bedell at it's first international book festival because her new novel features an Arab character who is - gasp! - gay.
Dubai's economy is headed so far south it's about to reach the earth's core. However, like many Gulf states, they're threatening reporters in an attempt to keep the news quiet.
Maybe the sponsors of these events are hoping they can weasel out of paying for prizes and coverage. They probably can't afford it.
What was that old song lyric from a zillion years ago?
Oh the Catholics hate the Protestants
and the Protestants hate the Catholics
And the Muslims hate the Hindus
And everybody hates the Jews.
Or something like that.