Venezuela President Hugo Chavez said:
1. United States of America is like Count Dracula always is search of blood and Petrol.
2. Israel is doing what Hitler did to Jews.
3. My heart beats with millions of Arab hearts
4. I could have been an Arab. I have crossed deserts, I have ridden camels, and I have sung along with the Bedouin. I have learned in those years to love and respect the Arab people
5. I consider Al-Jazeera as a great liberator
All this must have come as music to Arab ears. Chavez, whose stature has grown fast over the years as a flagbearer of American imperialism, and is clearly the heir apparent to Latin America after the ageing Fidel Castro, irked Israel with his interview telecast on Al-Jazeera. Venezuela has already pulled up its envoy from Israel and the latter has also temporarily called its ambassador.
Now contrast it with what the Arab monarchs and 'leaders' of Middle-East like Hosni Mubarak. No wonder in 'chaai-Khaanas' you hear such harsh taunts on Arab leaders and even Arab populace.
Saudi nahiiN Yahudi kahiye, that is the statement I have heard so often lately. Comparing Saudis (read monarchs) to Zionists reflect the anger and frustration at these undemocratic states and their consistent failure to diffuse any crisis in middle east. The similar knee-jerk reactions, calls for Arab league summit, emergency meetings, urging UN for action and the same dithering response everytime.
A neighbour quoted an Urdu couplet that is not quotable at all ;) Of course, Muslim world must realise that it is not when Palestinians and Lebanese are suffering that they should temporarily feel angry at the Arab leaders. Otherwise also there are tremendous contradictions in the conduct of Arab states and their leaders.
At least such conflicts can open the eyes of peple. The lesson drawns is that dozens of 'Muslim' states together can't stop this injustice to their fellow Muslims. And it's a Chavez who bats for them. The parameters should be justice and injustice. Arabs need real reforms and their leaders should stop their absurd theatrics.