Which Tribal Group Did Omar Sharif's Character Come From?

Submitted by M. Tovey (United States), Jan 20, 2010 at 13:52

It is somewhat interesting that after 90 years of dealing with the Middle East, that we are still dealing with 90 years of trying to undo what was done 90 years ago. Further, what is still not a common reality is that the changes that have occurred over the decades follow an order in sequential situations that have a specific result. But, except for a very minimal few, there seems to be limited understanding as to what is expected to transpire. While it is a tactically sound maneuver to comport our military presence in a manner that is not obstructive to a process towards peace, we must realize that the American version of peace in the Middle East is not sought after by the indigenous tribal mentality. In that, the tactical methodology does not support the strategic reality. If it had in "'orance's" day, we would not necessarily be seeing the strife in the region we see today.

That having been observed; is there a practical solution to be had in defining the peace the world seems intent on imposing in the Middle East? To the intent the world would help in creating a 'Palestinian' state in the land currently held by Israel, no; there is no practical solution. Further, trying to impart a early twentieth tact in dealing with the 'bedouin' mentalities of the tribal participants in the Middle East will work only, as correctly observed by Mr. Lawrence, with those who are Bedouin by familial influences and practicality. 'Townsfolk' are a different matter.

It has been observed by others, and in this opinion correctly so, that T.E. Lawrence was an Arabist. His story was told many years ago in a biographical work that eventually became the basis for the famous movie in the 1960's. Though glamorized, the movie did convey the essence of what may have happened, even to the covert intentions of the political intrigue of the international convention. As token reward for the Arab activities in the 1^st world war, nation building occurred to help define the predecessor national entities we see today, though we know much has changed also. Can we really attribute the outcome being fought over these days to the actions that followed in the aftermath of the failed treaties following World War 1? Maybe; yet there is an ulterior situation more in tune with the antipathies labeled as the cause for today's hostilities.

As such, what the American commander Petraeus and his colleagues are able to accomplish in 'tribal relations' using the 27 'guidelines' while dealing with the different sectors of the conflicts in Iraq may be sufficient for that particular theater of operations, we will reiterate the insufficiency to the strategic task of bringing a comprehensive stabilization to the entire region, for it was just as insufficient then in Lawrence's time. Trying to achieve a concordance of ambitions in the environment that does not desire to assimilate the liberties enjoyed here in America is an impossible task, much as it seems impossible to have an accord between sunni and shi'ite Muslims. Good luck with that.

More in line with the difficulties that need overcoming to achieve Middle East peace is the need to understand that such peace is impossible with the undercurrent antipathies that most Muslim sensibilities direct towards Israel. In common unison, more voices are heard to objection to the Jewish presence in the Middle east than any other, with a considerable European debate continuing to argue over the best way to resolve all the issues. Again, as we have seen alluded to in the observances made by Mr. Lawrence, dealing with the specific agency of the tribal associations in the 'bedouin' communities may accomplish a certain outcome, but there will never, NEVER, be a consolidated alliance of thought on peace in the Middle East until the sons of Ishmael concede their position to the sons of Israel. Think it not so? Wait and see; wait and see.

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