Sunday, February 19, 2006
Israel and Hamas
The quartet - The US, the EU, The UN and Russia - have all decided to hold of on blocking funds to the Palestinian authority. Israel, however, is a bit more aprehensive and has frozen palestinian assets immediately from a Hamas government unless they recognize Israel, Disarm, and agree to the roadmap and past Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
Every four years in America a new President takes power. Can you imagine if every four years the world had to worry about weather America planned on recognizing former agreements? It seems absurd, but it is exactly what is happening in Israel right now. To have a peaceful continuation of power without a complete renunciation nullification of the former regime is taken for granted in many democratic countries, but this very cornerstone of democracy may be threatened as Hamas takes power.
Before you jump to judge Israel for witholding Palestinian assests that Israel has been collecting for them for years, imagine what might happen if each subsequent palestinian election neccesitated wiping down the blackboard and starting the peace process with fresh chalk. We'd never get anywhere. Let's just hope Hamas can temper their extremism to become a truely viable government dedicated to peace. I know it may be a lot to ask, but I guess I'll just have to remain hopefull.
Every four years in America a new President takes power. Can you imagine if every four years the world had to worry about weather America planned on recognizing former agreements? It seems absurd, but it is exactly what is happening in Israel right now. To have a peaceful continuation of power without a complete renunciation nullification of the former regime is taken for granted in many democratic countries, but this very cornerstone of democracy may be threatened as Hamas takes power.
Before you jump to judge Israel for witholding Palestinian assests that Israel has been collecting for them for years, imagine what might happen if each subsequent palestinian election neccesitated wiping down the blackboard and starting the peace process with fresh chalk. We'd never get anywhere. Let's just hope Hamas can temper their extremism to become a truely viable government dedicated to peace. I know it may be a lot to ask, but I guess I'll just have to remain hopefull.
