Egypt's revolution has a new scapegoat

As of Sunday, the Egyptian people have a new hero. It is not, perish the thought, a researcher who made a scientific breakthrough. Nor is it a well-known artist, a writer or even an athlete. Egypt's current reigning hero is Ahmed Al-Shahat, an average Egyptian Joe who climbed to the top of the Israeli Embassy building in Cairo on Sunday and tore down Israel's flag.

Egypt's masses are enraged at Israel, and the result is panic that has gripped Israel's leadership, which is trying to appease and mollify the masses in order to preserve the delicate relationship between Cairo and Jerusalem. Yet the panic among Israel's leadership is nothing compared to the fear that has taken hold in Egypt's government. Unlike the crowds in Cairo's streets, Egypt's leaders are cautious, rational and committed to the peace treaty, as well to preserving quiet along the Egypt-Israel border.

Egypt's Supreme Military Council leadership wants to keep the peace with Israel, not out of affection for us but because of its obligation to Egypt and Egypt's interests. Luckily for both countries, there are still those in Egypt who remember the heavy toll of war, not to mention those who appreciate the benefits that peace with Israel produced for Egypt. Thanks to the peace treaty, the Egyptian government can feed its citizens, including the flag-tearing Shahat. Thanks to the treaty, the Egyptian army is equipped with advanced weapons, and the Suez Canal is open to maritime traffic despite the fact that demonstrators now demand it be closed to Israeli ships.

Egypt's leadership wants to back away from this ledge, and finds in its neighbor an Israeli government that is equally level-headed. It's important to remember that the cause of the most current tension was a terrorist attack, during which Egyptian soldiers were accidentally killed by our soldiers. There is no question that the death of Egyptian soldiers, even if unintentional and unavoidable, behooves an apology and investigation. Still, even if both countries mend the current frayed relationship, the outlook is not rosy.

The leaders of both Israel and Egypt have an interest in preserving the peace treaty at all costs. But Cairo's streets teem with frustrated masses looking for an outlet for their grievances. The Egyptian revolution is not moving forward as quickly as expected, and they need a scapegoat. The Egyptian street will bide its time till the next incident, whether it be an escalation in Gaza or a crisis concerning the Palestinian statehood declaration in September. Under such circumstances, Egypt's leadership will have an increasingly hard time preserving the peace. After all, the military initially tried to keep Hosni Mubarak in power at all costs but eventually abandoned him to the will of the raging crowds.

The preservation of peace is crucial for both countries, and to that end, both sides must exercise self-control, restraint and good judgment. Nevertheless, success in this endeavor is no longer the given it once was.