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U.S. Policy Options in Light of Hamas' Invasion of Israel
(National Interest) Gregg Roman and Clifford Smith - The unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas forces prompts the consideration of stringent policy measures aimed at curbing the Islamist organization's aggression. A Congressional resolution calling unequivocally for the eradication of the Hamas threat would signify a paradigm shift, underscoring the unyielding U.S. commitment to Israel's sovereignty and safety. In tandem, a domestic reassessment of aid to Gaza is pivotal. The recent conviction of World Vision's Gaza Director for siphoning off tens of millions of dollars for Hamas shows that even well-intended USAID funds can easily be used for nefarious purposes. No U.S. aid should reach Gaza's shores so long as it can be siphoned off by a terrorist organization running a functional military dictatorship. Nations providing refuge to the Hamas leadership such as Turkey and Qatar must face a stark choice - sever ties with the organization, including expelling senior leaders who live in luxury as ordinary Gazans suffer, or confront a cessation in U.S. military and intelligence support. Gregg Roman is director of the Middle East Forum. Clifford Smith is director of the Forum's Washington office.