TITLE

Egypt's Wall with Gaza & the Emergence of a New Middle East Alignment

AUTHOR(S)

Helfont, Tally

PUB. DATE

June 2010

SOURCE

Orbis;Jun2010, Vol. 54 Issue 3, p426

SOURCE TYPE

Academic Journal

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

In December 2009, Egypt began construction of an underground steel wall on its border with Gaza in a move designed to halt the smuggling of illegal weapons and other contraband via the Hamas-run underground tunnel network. Egypt's initiative, which is being carried out in the name of its own strategic-national interests, has been the subject of intense criticism throughout the region. This article examines the emergence of a new alignment in the Middle East, based upon a new fault line between moderates and radicals. This alignment is manifested in Egypt's construction of its underground steel wall. By exploring the motivations, responses, and implications of building such a wall, it will become apparent that two camps have emerged in the region on this issue and that their stances are but an illustration of the aforementioned shift.

ACCESSION #

51403668

Tags: SMUGGLING -- Prevention;  HARAKAT al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyah;  EGYPT -- Politics & government -- 1981-2011;  ILLEGAL arms transfers -- Prevention;  NATIONAL interest;  GAZA Strip

 

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