Yup,

a sea change is in the works in the Middle East:

Famous Egyptian writer says Hamas is “the real enemy,” not Israel

"Egyptian writer and playwright Ali Salem, who has a record of peaceful statements regarding Israel, said Israel is Egypt’s “friend” and Hamas is “the real enemy.”

It is not in Israel’s interest for Egypt to suffer from a lack of security, Salem said on Al-Arabiya TV in an interview Wednesday, the Egyptian El-Watan website reported.

The intellectual said Hamas and Islamic State present the most serious threat to Egypt.

Salem has visited Israel and called for the normalization of relations, drawing strong reactions from critics.

The real enemy is also poverty, ignorance, and disease, he said, adding, “Egypt will defeat terrorism no matter how long it takes.”"

Are We Witnessing A Sea Change...

....in the Arab world?

Witness: Here, here, and here.

Score One For The Good Guys

Two dead in anti-terrorism raid in Belgium

Three dead in Belgium anti-terror raid: report

2 terror suspects dead, 1 in custody after Belgium raid

Putting aside that the media can't decide whether there were two or three killed, I would like to say "Well done!" and "About time!"

More counterterrorism raids reportedly underway in Belgium after police thwart 'Belgian Charlie Hebdo' attack

Related: Fanaticism hurts Muslims: Hollande Ya' think!!!

France sees 19,000 cyberattacks since terror rampage

Palestine plans to present new draft resolution to UN: Abbas

"Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas proposed on Thursday formation of a Kuwait-led Arab committee to study going back to the UN Security Council (UNSC) with a new draft resolution to end Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Addressing an extraordinary meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League headquarters here in Cairo, Abbas voiced willingness to resume peace talks with Israel provided that they have a clear content and a specific strategy "so as not to be a waste of time.""

I figured something like this would happen. We'll see whether it will end any differently than so many, many attempts in the past.

Does Anybody Think It Will Work?

In either case? I have my doubts:

Rival Ukraine forces ready pullback under new peace plan


Israel, Hamas to resume indirect cease-fire talks in Cairo

Dumb Question

Who Should Broker a Gaza Cease-Fire?

Why not just let Israel get the job done, then there will be the cease fire of all cease fires? But I guess that would be disproportionate. /sarc

Thinking Of Iraq Again

I think I've posted this before, but it's worth a repeat.



More.

World Peace

Empty headed beauty contestants aren't the only ones that advocate "world peace". Empty headed washed up old actors do, too, until something better comes along: George Clooney resigns from United Nations peacekeeping role

"Newly engaged actor has given up role as 'messenger for peace', citing personal and professional commitments"

- like a good looking woman.

"UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that Clooney, who recently got engaged, had decided stop promoting its peacekeeping efforts."