April 13, 2008
IF ONLY THEY WERE DOING IT ON PURPOSE:
Gaza's Unemployed Have Handouts or Hamas: Factory Closings Under Israeli Siege Have Strengthened Islamist Group, Critics Say (Griff Witte, 4/13/08, Washington Post)
Ten months into an Israeli siege that followed the Hamas takeover of Gaza last June, 90 percent of the factories that once existed in this narrow coastal strip have closed, driving tens of thousands of people out of work. Those who lose their jobs face a stark choice: stay at home and survive on international aid, or try to work for the only employer around that's still hiring -- Hamas.Although Israel intended for the siege to weaken Hamas, factory owners, workers and international aid officials in Gaza say the rise in unemployment and the dwindling influence of the private sector have had the opposite effect, allowing the group to consolidate its control over the lives of Gaza's 1.5 million people.
"There's no one else to give jobs but Hamas. It's crazy," said Ammar Yazegi, 25, whose family has owned a soda factory in Gaza since 1954. "Hamas is going through a golden period -- total control of Gaza without any restrictions. The siege has saved them."
A strong Hamas in a unified Palestine serves Israel's interests, even if they're achieving it by accident. Posted by Orrin Judd at April 13, 2008 11:08 PM
A shame culture puts much value on 'face'. They cannot look as if they are receiving it as a gift, they must receive it as having earned it buy own efforts. Else they are reduced to being a supplicant, and of the Jews of all people. That cannot be done, yet it cannot be seen that the Jews are surrendering to Islam or worse may be unleashed, which would be disastrous to both peoples.
Gently, slowly; let time pass.
Posted by: Mikey at April 14, 2008 1:02 PM