February 8, 2006
"REALISM" BEING CODE FOR FOLDING:
Hamas supremo pledges realism (AFP, 2/07/06)
The hardline movement Hamas talked of realism and flexibility as it kicked off an international tour in Cairo aimed at mustering support and preparing to form the next Palestinian government."I am convinced that thanks to our meetings in Arab and Muslim countries... we will be able to reach a common vision allowing us to preserve Palestinian rights whilst demonstrating realism," Khaled Meshaal told reporters. [...]
Hamas leaders have used uncharacteristically conciliatory language over the past few days and Meshaal used the word "realism" several times Tuesday.
He did not explicitly rule out a recognition of the Jewish state but said the ball was in Israel's court.
"When Israel says it recognizes Palestinian rights and when it pulls out of our territory and accepts our rights, then the Palestinians and the Arabs will probably be willing to cooperate and take a positive step," he said.
Only a Likud victory could save the "armed struggle" at this point. Posted by Orrin Judd at February 8, 2006 12:27 AM
Key words:
* AFP
* probably
* Hamas
A few empty phrases and in return they continue to receive hunderds of millions in foreign aid. Even Hamas can figure that one out.
Posted by: Daran at February 8, 2006 3:40 AMRhetoric becomes reality.
Posted by: oj at February 8, 2006 8:17 AMWhat about the rhetoric that AFP manages to miss
(or should one say, "privilege less")?
Barry:
No one should trust Hamas, but they've been pretty consistent for some time now about running a Palestinian state being their immediate priority. A smart enemy can use that to change them and the Palestinian people.
Posted by: oj at February 8, 2006 9:53 AMIt's all about the garbage. Hamas is in business to pick up the garbage, that's why they formed. Terrorism was just a sideline to earn extra money while they awaited their chance to run the PA. Now they can follow their true calling.
Posted by: Robert Duquette at February 8, 2006 11:35 AMThis is just so typical. In return for Israel making concrete actions, Hamas says they will "probably" "be willing" "to cooperate" and take "a" positive step.
If a suspect in a police interrogation room used such terms, the cops would know they had a liar on their hands. This is the same old song and dance.
Perhaps Hamas can make the peace but only if Hamas's actions demonstrate actual compromise.
Posted by: Chris Durnell at February 8, 2006 12:56 PMRobert: I think you have it 180 around. Hamas real purpose was to instantiate the Death Cult in pure islamic style, garbage collection was a cover.
Posted by: Robert Schwartz at February 8, 2006 1:04 PMYou think so?
Posted by: Robert Duquette at February 8, 2006 1:44 PMI take them at their word. And their deeds have confirmed it.
Posted by: Robert Schwartz at February 8, 2006 4:50 PMtheir deed is a truce and a won election.
Posted by: oj at February 8, 2006 5:20 PMRobert,
Your sarcasm detector seems to be broken.
Perhaps the tour of Arab capitals had something to do with it. "Buddy, this is no longer war by proxy - you ARE the state. You start war they can slam you. We help you, we've become an open co-belligerent. No thanks."
Posted by: Mikey at February 9, 2006 8:34 AM