EGYPT: Pipeline explosion underlines opposition to gas deal with Israel

[bemildred]

The third attack by saboteurs in six months against the pipeline supplying natural gas to Israel and Jordan underscores security lapses and the opposition of many Egyptians to their nation's contract to ship low-cost energy to Israel.

Early-morning blasts Monday were carried out by masked men who tied up security guards and planted bombs at the Bir el Abd pipeline station near the town of Al Arish in the Sinai Peninsula. The official state news aganecy, MENA, reported that the assailants remotely activated the bombs by firing gunshots. No casualties were reported.

The pipeline was attacked two other times this year: a few days after the Feb. 11 overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak and a second assault on April 27 (pictured) that interrupted supplies to Israel for weeks.

Witnesses said Monday that flames streaked as high as 30 feet. MENA later quoted security sources as saying the incident was a terrorist attack. The fire was under control by Monday afternoon, but officials did not say when gas service would be restored. The Sinai is home to Bedouin tribes that have long complained of discrimination and have often clashed with police and security forces in a region known for weapons trafficking and other smuggling.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/07/gas-pipeline-explosion-egyptians-oppose-deal-with-israel.html

[Mosby]

1. Problems in the Sinai

One of the less publicized issues going on during Egypt’s rebuilding process is the trouble in the Sinai Peninsula. Since the revolution toppled the former autocratic government, lawlessness and chaos have taken hold of society. The nomadic Bedouin of the Sinai, who under Mubarak were controlled and coerced in to cooperating with the regime, have taken advantage of their new found freedom and established their own rule over the area. This is particularly concerning for Israel for a variety of reasons. First, the Bedouin don’t have a formal allegiance to any country, including Egypt, and will do what they must to earn wages and survive. This is likely to include weapons trafficking for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, who will reward them handsomely. It’s become an easier task than in the past since the police won’t get involved; the revolution paralyzed their capabilities and they lack the public approval and will to fight the Bedouin. The army is the only force that could prevent it and it is not a priority for them right now. If it’s not already happening, some kind of agreement about the area must be worked out with the Bedouin, either by Egypt or Israel (though this would be a tricky endeavor diplomatically for Israel because of Egyptian sovereignty issues). If weapons trafficking does start to become uncontrollable, however, it’s hard to imagine that Israel won’t become involved in halting it.

(big) snip

In frustration, some Bedouin have resorted to sabotage. Within hours of Mr Sharaf’s departure, a bomb blew up an unguarded pipeline that supplies Israel and Jordan with gas. They may yet attack South Sinai’s oil installations and tourist resorts, and perhaps the Egyptian “guests”—workers whom the government settled on Bedouin territory in an effort to cement the state’s grip. Attacks on cars with Nile Valley licence-plates are getting more frequent. The head of a women’s association in Nakhl, an isolated Sinai town, fled back to the main bit of Egypt after 30 years. Bedouin protesters recently cut the road, albeit briefly, between Cairo and the tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/2011/06/30/problems-in-the-sinai/