One may expect that given the level of racism often directed towards Arabs and the malaise that inflicts the region, that the Arab people would be more united in a spirit of brotherhood for the betterment of their world. Alas, pan-Arab slogans are. . . just that. Arabs do have collective moments of solidarity: support for the Palestinians, opposition to the Iraq war, and a few other issues. But very often pan-Arabism is feel-good talking points with no substance. The region is divided between leaders and many Arabs often express racism toward their neighbors.

Lebanese think they are better than Syrians, Jordanians and Palestinians. Tunisians (the other Phoenician people; kidding!) often lock down upon their neighbors Algerians and Libyans and uncouth, uneducated and uncultured. And many Egyptians regal in chauvinistic Egyptian nationalism.

It is ironic that the parts of the world were Arabs are most united are in non-Arabs countries: America, France, Brazil, ect.... These nations promote intermixing instead of chants of vulgar nationalism.

It is unfortunate that in the age of Star Academy many Arabs often resort to petty competition with fellow Arabs. Arabs should not be envious toward one another and should always wish each other good tidings.

Egyptians and Algerians need a lesson in this. The national soccer (football) teams of both nations recently met in Cairo for a game that will give the winner an opportunity to qualify for the 2010 South African World Cup in the next round. Upon arrival, the Algerian football team was bitterly attacked with rocks thrown at their bus. Several players were injured.

To make matters worse and more offending, the Egyptian media and security police poo-pooed the injuries caused by Egyptian hooligans and thugs. This dismissal was nothing short of Egyptian chauvinist nationalism.

Egypt went onto the win the game a few days later, and many thought that the Egyptians would now calm down since they are the winner. And so they did, but the Algerians didn’t and fights broke out between Egyptians and visiting Algerians.

Algerians also need a lesson in common decency. Upon losing a game once in Tunisia, hundreds of Algerians thugs rioted in Soussa, broke cars and shops and stole things and even entered a women’s bath house.

Idiots and thugs, the both of ya’s!!!*

*(Just the Egyptians and Algerians who do such things [which are not beyond other Arabs or people, just take a look at British football fans], not the people in general, of course)