Hamas is claiming that it has won a clear majority in yesterday's elections among the Palestinian people, though official results are not expected to be announced until at least later today. This result comes from an election with almost 75% participation among eligible voters, and a campaign where Hamas refused to give up its platform calling for the destruction of Israel. Hamas's military arm is still considered a terrorist by the United States.
How are we to react to this? One the one hand, we preach democracy all over the world. But this is when it gets tough, when a people democratically elect a government which we disagree with on fundamental levels. Will Hamas radicalize the Palestinian Authority? Or will positions of power tame Hamas, and force them to become a credible partner at the negotiating table?
Only time will tell. But it appears that peace in the Holy Land may be as far away as ever.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder