Yediot Aharonot discusses political Islam in the Middle East following the recent events in Tunisia and Egypt and warns that that the US administration does not seem to understand that "Under the benign cover of democracy and stability, political Islam waits on the sidelines." The author predicts that the local Islamist party is poised to win any free election in Tunisia and suggests that the regional uncertainty is compounded by the fact that "There is no American master of the house in the Middle East. The Obama administration does not understand and the results will be appropriately harsh. Not everyone is as strong as Mubarak and his regime and more than a few Arab elements are liable to pay a price for American amateurism."
Ma’ariv speculates how the recent wave of popular unrest in the Arab world will affect Libya. The author notes that there have been calls in Libya for demonstrations next week to protest against Muammar Gadhafi’s 41.5-year rule but says that "The iron hand of the dictator, who has already threatened to punish the tribe of anyone who dares to demonstrate, threatens to quell the protests; low access to the Internet does not aid the demonstrators either."
Yisrael Hayom refers to the current controversy over price increases on water, bread and fuel. The author asserts that "Yes, the price increases must be dealt with," but adds that "One must take things in proportion – Israel is still a strong economy that emerged well from the global crisis."
The Jerusalem Post criticizes the recent spate of tax hikes, which, the editor suspects, are merely “a pretext for enriching the state coffers rather than a legitimate response to unavoidable market conditions.” In light of growing public exasperation, the editor states: “At this point, all that Netanyahu can do is cut his mounting psycho- political losses, mindful that his real battle is to maintain the budget’s integrity in the face of mounting pressure for an inflationary spending-spree.”
Haaretz examines the current economic turmoil, and states that “Netanyahu and Steinitz are paying the price today for the Western world’s most inflated and wasteful government.” The editor notes that “in the economy there is no free lunch,” and hopes that while the increased budget must be fueled by tax increases, “Netanyahu will withstand the pressure and present small and measured steps.”
414