Map of IAF strike in Sudan
Mystery in Sudan
Hagai Segal wonders why people talk about Sudan bombing but not about Egyptian conduct
Here is a geography question: 13 trucks are slowly traveling through Sudan's roads. They are packed to capacity with Iranian weapons. Assuming that Israel Air Force fighter jets will not suddenly hit and destroy these trucks, how will this long convoy make it safely to the Gaza Strip?
The answer: Only via Egypt. There is no other way. Port Sudan and the smuggling tunnels in Rafah are separated by huge Egyptian territory, which must be crossed in order to make it to the ultimate destination.
Counterterrorism
Time Magazine quotes unnamed sources who describe large-scale, hastily prepared aerial operation; Hamas sources tell magazine attack is not a major setback
The answer: This is perhaps imaginable, but it is difficult to believe. After all, Egyptian border officials have distinguished themselves in their ability to spot even two bullets that were forgotten in the cars of Israelis during their latest reserve service. Therefore, it makes no sense that these border officials would fail to spot a weapons smuggling operation comprising 13 trucks.
Rare coincidence
Only a modern-day plague of darkness can serve to explain this failure, and as far as we know there has been no such plague reported in Egypt since our exodus from there. In fact, the sun shines in the country of the Nile almost 365 days a year.And on a final note, here is yet another question: Somewhat oddly, we did not get to see public debate regarding the above issue during the past week. Everyone chattered enthusiastically about the bombing of the convoy in Sudan, yet almost no one wondered out loud about the part played by the Egyptians in transporting such convoys to the Gaza Strip.
Why was that the case? What was the reason for this silence?
The answer: A rare coincidence. Exactly this past week, we marked 30 years since the peace treaty with Egypt was signed, and such publically expressed question marks as described above could have tainted the celebrations. Indeed, Egyptian President Mubarak may have been inclined to end his barrage of visits to Israel in protest.
