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The Gaza Strip – Mercedes Benz and iPhone 5’s

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The Gaza Strip – Mercedes Benz and iPhone 5’s

On October 7, 2012 the Estelle (boat) left Naples, Italy heading for the Gaza Strip.

Reportedly, the boat is carrying goods for the people of Gaza like games, musical instruments, cement, etc.  The organizers announced that their goal is to draw the world’s attention to the suffering of the people in the Gaza Strip caused by the Israeli siege.

On many occasions, both in briefings as well as in articles, I have discussed everyday life in the Gaza Strip.  Each time I talk about this issue I emphasize the following:

Many people in Gaza struggle economically.  However, the narrative of the “humanitarian crisis” and the “suffering of the people of Gaza” (caused by the Israeli siege) that is so deeply rooted in international public opinion, does not accurately or fairly reflect the reality.

There was an article published on the Arab television network, Al Arabiya’s website on October 16th that I believe should be brought to the attention of the aid organizers and I truly hope will impact international public opinion:

“iPhone 5″ is a “Hot Item” in The Gaza Strip” (the article is in Arabic but any translation mechanism on your computer should give you a good translation of this piece). According to the article the iPhone 5 (not yet available in Israel) is sold in the Gaza Strip for between $1100 and $1500.  However, it seems that the price is not an obstacle.  iPhone dealers in Gaza report that the demand is huge and as soon as stores receive a shipment they sell out in the same day.   The iPhone, available at malls and stores throughout the Gaza Strip, is just the latest luxury product to be smuggled into Gaza through the tunnels from Egypt (Mercedes Benz is another big seller), and demand is brisk – sales are going so well that iPhone dealers are actually reducing their mark-up.

Hamas rules the Gaza Strip and Hamas controls the tunnels.  The Hamas government employs some 20,000 massively armed forces.  These photos are taken from a recent Hamas Military Parade in the streets of the Gaza Strip.   For more information on the tunnels please read Hamas’ Kingdom of Crime.

As you know, my information is primarily based on and supported by Arab sources (including sources in Gaza) and I always provide the access to these sources…

You’re invited to take a look at the attached photos and video clips taken and produced by local photographers.

If you want to have a better understanding of the news and what really drives the unfolding events…
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Avi Melamed
Avi Melamedhttps://insidethemiddle-east.com
Avi Melamed is an expert on current affairs in the Arab & Muslim World and their impact on Israel & the Middle East. A former Israeli Intelligence Official & Senior Official on Arab Affairs, Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, he has held high-risk Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorist intelligence positions in Arab cities & communities - often in very sensitive times - on behalf of Israeli Government agencies. He is the Founder & CEO of Inside the Middle East | Intelligence Perspectives - an apolitical non-partisan curriculum using intelligence methodology to examine the Middle East. As an Author, Educator, Expert, and Strategic Intelligence Analyst, Avi provides Intelligence Analysis, Briefings, and Geopolitical Tours to diplomats, Israeli and foreign policymakers, global media outlets, and a wide variety of international businesses, organizations, and private clients on a range of Israel and Middle East Affairs.

Coleman B. Levy

Excellent explanation of the power struggle od Iran and Turkey and their respective methods to try and achieve their goals. A must read.

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Avi’s book is a must read for everyone! He brings the Middle East, it’s history, countries, people and conflicts into very understandable focus. The region grapples with diverse players with varied agendas, and this book provides a roadmap to understanding and a look into possible futures for this important region.

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I have long sought a book to explain what I thought was the source of most conflict in the Middle East: the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I obtained Inside the Middle East Entering A New Era and thought I would find the explanation I was looking for. This book gave me so much more than I expected! Mr. Melamed is not only a skilled writer, but an excellent educator! There are so many layers to the power struggles and conflicts in the Middle East that a casual observer can’t fathom. Mr. Melamed presents an overall picture of a complicated area and then peels back the layers that hide the true motivations of the players in this region. He uses concise historical thumbnails of Middle Eastern countries that give the reader an understanding of how and why they are where they are today without losing the reader in a sea of confusing detail. The index in the back of the book with an alphabetical listing of key individuals, organizations and concepts is incredibly helpful as a reference point as one is reading the book. I give Mr. Melamed great credit for his intimate understanding of the Middle East and his ability to convey his knowledge in an understandable form to his readers.

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If you're going to read ONE book about the Middle East, you MUST READ Inside The Middle East | Entering A New Era! The author does an incredible job of synthesizing events into one cohesive picture. The title does not disappoint. This book truly does take you inside the Middle East. The array of Arab voices the author cites and highlights bring information to the reader that is not covered in the Western media. Plus, the incredible number of maps really helped me follow the story in a very understandable way. This book offers a distinct and unique perspective on a broad array of Middle East issues - from Iran to Turkey; from Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria to Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia; from the Abraham Accords to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; from the realignments of interests to the changing balance of power in the region. Each chapter in itself and the entire book as a whole is gripping and eye-opening. It is clearly written by someone who has a rare understanding of the region. Avi Melamed is a voice that must be heard in the West! He has written the most comprehensive, understandable, and reader-friendly book on the Middle East that I have ever encountered. A MUST read for anyone who wants to really understand the region!

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