It was retrieved following rounds of exhausting negotiations over disputed border markers. However, Israel was finally compelled to withdraw after a mutual arbitration commission ruled in favour of Egypt.Its strategic geographical location has made it a busy border crossing as well as a favourite vacation destination for Israelis and tourists on their way to other parts of Egypt. Taba today enjoys excellent tourism facilities yet they need to be promoted.So given Taba's significant historic background, the outcome of a field visit made by the Culture and Tourism Committee of the People's Assembly (lower house of the Egyptian Parliament) becomes exceptionally surprising. They found that the existing international hotel chains in Taba get their water supply from Israel, not from the water desalination station operated by the Egyptian Housing Ministry! The reason is that Israel supplies the water at LEl.5 ($38 cents) per cubic metre compared to LE7 ($l.3) from the Egyptian side. Such cooperation actually poses a threat to national security because business interests usually speak loudly. The Egyptian Government has to keep in mind that Sinai in general should enjoy special privileges considering its sensitive strategic position. In 2004 Taba witnessed a terrorist attack, the impact of which still leaves its mark on tourism there.Taba and its surrounding areas therefore need non-traditional tourist marketing programmes in order to attract a heavy tourist influx, more than Israelis, just as Sharm El Sheikh has succeeded to do making it a first-rate tourist destination. Would the Tourism and other services Ministries please provide the best facilities to Taba before we start weeping over spilt milk?