Mideast Media Sampler 08/12/2011

From DG:

1) Chasing the U.S. out? Gaza edition

The New York Times reports, U.S. Threatens to Halt Gaza Aid Over Hamas Audits  

Tensions have been simmering for months over Hamas’s relations with the nongovernmental organizations of a number of countries operating in Gaza as the authorities have sought to increase surveillance of the groups. Early this year, Hamas asked all such groups to register with the central government, pay a fee and submit financial reports.

Although those requests were resisted, most groups ultimately agreed to them, officials at charities based in Gaza said. But in June, when Hamas demanded that the groups permit its officials to audit their books, the objections grew. Though Hamas did not explain the reason for its demand, many governments are suspicious of foreign financing of charities, fearing that money can be diverted for political or intelligence-gathering uses. 

For American organizations, United States policy forbids direct contact with Hamas, labeled a terrorist group by the State Department. As a result, on-site audits by Hamas officials would lead to suspension of aid, American officials said. The United States accounts for a large share of the money that foreign governments spend on humanitarian assistance in Gaza. 

Even though Hamas is a terror organization that makes no pretense of moderation, the United States (though not alone) has boosted Hamas with aid. (And I believe that that's aid in addition to whatever PA salaries in Gaza are paid through American largesse.) I wish the United States were taking a principled position on this. Still reducing aid to help Hamas, for whatever reason (if it happens), is a good thing.


2) Chasing the U.S. out? Egypt edition

AP reports As US-Egypt strains over funding grow, USAID boss quits the country

Jim Bever left his post the day after the Obama administration chastised Egypt’s leaders for stoking anti-American sentiment during the country’s rocky transition to democracy. In the rare public rebuke, the U.S. said it had noticed mounting attacks and criticism of U.S. aid and motives. 

A U.S. Embassy statement said Bever will be “returning to Washington to take on new responsibilities and prepare for his next deployment.” It did not say why his tour was cut short.

The criticism of the U.S. is a sign that Egypt’s military rulers are growing anxious over foreign aid they fear could strengthen the liberal groups behind Egypt’s uprising at the expense of the military’s own vast power. Those youthful, pro-democracy groups have grown more critical of the ruling generals lately over what they see as the slow pace of the transition away from authoritarian rule.

As we've seen there's a strain of reporting that considers it a positive step that Arab reformers are increasingly anti-American. But is the problem the military council or thegrowing influence of the Islamists (specifically the Muslim Brotherhood) that's driving the anti-Americanism?


3) Imitating whom?

I thought this AP story, In Israel protests, a surprise Arab-inspired taste was a bit odd. It's not like Israel hasn't had protests before.

In three different places the article we read something to the effect of:

The Israelis aren't calling for regime change, and their country already has a democracy.

Meryl has more.

Technorati Tag: Israel and Middle East.