January 31, 2006
FINE THEN, BE TRANSPARENT:
What Hamas Is Seeking (Mousa Abu Marzook, January 31, 2006, Washington Post)
The results of these elections reflect a need for change from the corruption and intransigence of the past government. Since its creation 10 years ago, the Palestinian Legislative Council has been unsuccessful in addressing the needs of the people. As the occupation solidified its grip under the auspices of "peace agreements," quality of life deteriorated for Palestinians in the occupied territories. Poverty levels soared, unemployment rates reached uncharted heights and the lack of basic security approached unbearable depths. A grass-roots alternative grew out of the urgency of this situation. Through its legacy of social work and involvement in the needs of the Palestinian people, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) flourished as a positive social force striving for the welfare of all Palestinians. Alleviating the debilitative conditions of occupation, and not an Islamic state, is at the heart of our mandate (with reform and change as its lifeblood). [...]A new breed of Islamic leadership is ready to put into practice faith-based principles in a setting of tolerance and unity.
In that vein, Hamas has pledged transparency in government. Honest leadership will result from the accountability of its public servants. Hamas has elected 15 female legislators poised to play a significant role in public life. The movement has forged genuine and lasting relationships with Christian candidates. [...]
As the Israelis value their own security, Palestinians are entitled to their fundamental rights to live in dignity and security. We ask them to reflect on the peace that our peoples once enjoyed and the protection that Muslims gave the Jewish community worldwide. We will exert good-faith efforts to remove the bitterness that Israel's occupation has succeeded in creating, alienating a generation of Palestinians. We call on them not to condemn posterity to endless bloodshed and a conflict in which dominance is illusory. There must come a day when we will live together, side by side once again.
Shouldn't be that hard then to recognize the permanent nature of the state of Israel, eh?
MORE:
U.S., allies demand Hamas changes (Nicholas KralevJanuary 31, 2006, THE WASHINGTON TIMES)
The United States and its allies said yesterday that they would support the new Hamas-led Palestinian government only if it renounces violence, accepts Israel's existence and adopts the Palestinian Authority's commitments.Posted by Orrin Judd at January 31, 2006 8:27 AM
The Bush administration, which first pushed the three conditions for the radical Islamic movement, won the backing of the European Union, Russia and the United Nations at a meeting of the so-called "Quartet" in London last night.
As the occupation solidified its grip under the auspices of "peace agreements," quality of life deteriorated for Palestinians in the occupied territories.
A baldfaced lie.
Fact is, in spite of the rampant corruption in the Palestinian Authority, the quality of life for most Palestinians improved drastically since Oslo was signed in 1993 (though, generally, leaving Christians exposed to the vagaries of their neighbors).
Things began to get so good, in fact, that Arafat decided to declare war against Israel (aka "second intifada") in September 2000, doing his best, along with the terrorists under his auspices and inspiration, to disconnect Palestinians with the source of their improved quality of life. Palestinian suffering was far better for Arafat's battle against Israel and its existence.
Since then, it is true, things haven't been going so well for the Palestinians. But you won't read about the whys and wherefores from Marzook.
To be sure, Arab intellectuals, but not just intellectuals, have always been challenged by the concept of cause and effect. Which is why there is no seeming understanding of the reasons for the defensive barrier/wall/fence. Which is why there is absolutely no connection made between the attempt to annihilate Israel in 1948 and the nakba. Which is why there is absolutely no connection made between the threat to destroy Israel in 1967 (and the subsequent refusal to recognize or negotiate with Israel) and the occupation of Arab lands (though, strangely enough, the Sinai was returned to Egypt).
Now, they're going to complain about suffering just because they voted for Hamas. Although the EU has already stated that financial aid will continue because the overwhelming vote for Hamas was not a vote for the destruction of Israel but rather, constituted a vote for better government.
But maybe they're jumping the gun? Maybe they should wait until the Palestinian electorate vociferously marches and protests and declares its desire that Israel be recognized?
Posted by: Barry Meislin at January 31, 2006 9:43 AMHamas makes Shari'ah law top priority. Yep, we can see how much the welfare of the Palestinians guides the actions of Hamas.
Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at January 31, 2006 9:49 AMwhy wouldn't imposing law and order in an anarchical society be in the best interest of the people?
Posted by: oj at January 31, 2006 10:13 AMExcellent comment, Barry. I am citing an excerpt at my website and linking here.
Posted by: Ptah at January 31, 2006 10:40 AMSo, the 15 women's votes are going to count for 7-1/2?
If the Palis can vote on women, so can the Magic Kingdom.
Posted by: Sandy P at January 31, 2006 11:02 AM