(Ynet News) Yigal Walt - Had the Palestinians possessed a better understanding of "democracy," they would realize that the world, led by the U.S. and Europe, has very much "respected" the Palestinian people's choice - and is now acting accordingly. Hamas leaders are members of an organization committed to the destruction of another country, and have refused to clearly declare they would recognize Israel and put an end to terror attacks. Add to that the Palestinians' poor track record when it comes to diverting aid money to "other purposes" ("Suha Arafat's millions," anyone?), and it appears a tougher international approach is an obvious necessity. Indeed, the world has fully "respected and recognized" Hamas' election victory as a legitimate democratic triumph - and has changed its policies in a way that reflects an intimate familiarity with Hamas' nature. Being led by a terror organization is not bound to arouse favorable response abroad in the post-September 11 world, a bitter fact the PA is discovering all too well these days.
2006-04-17 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive