Over the past 30 odd years, she managed to make sort-of friends with a couple of the Alpha wolves, holding their packs at bay with shaky peace treaties, mutually beneficial trade agreements, and the strength of her technologically superior bulwark.

            Israelis have hoped for the longest time that the accords with Egypt and Jordan meant “two down, many to go”.

            But now, the wolves are fighting each other.  One Alpha wolf, Hosni Mubarak has already lost his place.  Jordan’s King Abdullah is trying to hang on to his kingdom with political reforms, which are basically reshuffling his minions.

            On the one hand, the lamb sits back and thinks, “Good.  Let them devour one another.”  On the other hand, there is a nagging question:  “Who will be the new Alpha wolves?”

            In nearly all the surrounding Middle Eastern countries we see historically significant upheavals taking place.  The internet seems to be a major factor in the spread of demonstrations, riots, and the general feeling that it is time for change.

            We often hear that Israel is the only democracy in the area, but seem to minimize the other side of the coin.  All the surrounding regimes are dictatorships, in one form or another.

            So now the wolf citizenry are finally rising up and demanding civil rights, better economic conditions, and a say in their dens’ futures.

            But what exactly does “democracy” mean in an Islam dominated world?  Does it mean the girls will be able to wear jeans to school?  Does it mean everyone can surf the internet and watch cable TV and make their own judgments?  Does it mean there will be multiple parties, fair elections, and corruption-free governments?

            Or will the freedom of choice allow religious extremists to promote their causes and rise to power as was the case in Iran, after the Shah was disposed?

            Right now, all the lamb can do is sit back and wait.  Watch and wait the outcomes that may take months or years to reveal themselves completely.

            The wolves are turning in circles, each in their own den at the moment, vying for the chance to lead the pack to some unknown better place.

            Let’s hope the new Alpha wolves don’t unite in purpose, and start eying Israel the lamb, with hungry stares.