Why the Outcome of the Crisis in Egypt Is So Critical—It’s Not All About the Oil

As our eyes are glued, day by day, to Fox News or CNN, we are constantly reminded that what happens there will determine the future of oil for America and the stability of the entire Middle East. If a new regime replaces Mubarak that favors the Muslim Brotherhood, there may be another oil embargo like in 1974. The Suez Canal could be shut down for oil transportation. U. S. gasoline could reach $4 to $6 per gallon. Also, Mubarak’s Egypt, although far from Israel’s ally, has been a key player in keeping other Arab nations and the Palestinians reigned in from their passionate opposition of the Jews. Loss of Egypt’s status quo, could leave the United States as the only real hope for the survival of Israel. We would have to make it more abundantly clear than ever that an attack on Israel would be an attack on us. Israel would no longer have a friendly next-door neighbor. Would our policy to defend Israel stretch even further without the Egypt we have depended on for a half-century?

Well, my answer is, we had better be ready to do just that. You and I have paid dearly most or all of our lives for the Egypt courtship. I spent several weeks flying C-130 transports around the Egyptian deserts while in the U.S. Air Force. I interfaced with their ground soldiers and their elite officers. I rode some camels and walked among the Pyramids. All the while, I was contemplating this country’s role in world affairs for thousands of years. Its ancient pharaohs were both nemeses and rescuers of the Jewish people depending on the phases of history. Egyptians were blessed as Semite supporters and cursed as persecutors. Now, as their modern day role appears to be reversing again to a more anti-Semitic stance, we as Americans will be challenged in our commitment to Israel. It concerns me greatly that our present administration lacks enthusiasm for Israel. In fact, over the last two years, our support has waned for our most devoted Middle Ease ally as we have danced with the Arab nations with unprecedented fervor. Continuing this trend, especially with a Muslim cleric-governed Egypt, would be ill-advised for America.

In Genesis 12:2-3, God told the founder of the Jewish nation, Abraham, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” After being scattered all over the world in the first century A.D., the Jews resurrected their nation in 1948. The United States was the first nation to officially recognize their independence. I assume you agree that it’s better to be a blessed nation than a cursed nation. So, if Egypt goes the way of other Arab nations in the weeks ahead, may America’s resolve to remain Israel’s best-friend-forever gain strength.