Former president Jimmy Carter, writing in the Washington Post today:
Palestine’s two major political movements — Fatah and Hamas — are signing a reconciliation agreement on Wednesday that will permit both to contest elections for the presidency and legislature within a year. If the United States and the international community support this effort, they can help Palestinian democracy and establish the basis for a unified Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza that can make a secure peace with Israel. If they remain aloof or undermine the agreement, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory may deteriorate with a new round of violence against Israel. Support for the interim government is critical, and the United States needs to take the lead . . .
In my talks with Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, he said Hamas would accept a two-state agreement that is approved in a Palestinian referendum. Such an agreement could provide mutual recognition — Israel would recognize an independent Palestinian state and Palestine would recognize Israel. In other words, an agreement will include Hamas’s recognition of Israel.
Suspicions of Hamas stem from its charter, which calls for Israel’s destruction. I find the charter repugnant. Yet it is worth remembering that Israel negotiated the Oslo Accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization while its charter had similar provisions. It took five more years before the PLO Charter was altered.
Mr. Carter, American suspicions of Hamas may stem from other factors. To take just one recent example:
The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has praised Osama bin Laden as an “Arab holy warrior” and condemned his killing by American forces in Pakistan.
You know, if you praise bin Laden and condemn his killing, I have a Cee Lo Green song title for you.
Is it bad that I don't get the C Lo reference? Then again, I didn't even know that name was attached to a guy until seeing a commercial for that singing show he's on.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI keep thinking of that scene in Mars attack where the Martians are destroying the world, In one scene the French foreign Minister calls the US President to announce that the French are signing a "settlement" with the Martians.
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Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSpydrz: The radio version of the Cee Loo song is Forget U, the album version not so family freindly (Look at the initials). Great tune, and Jim nails it!
PS. I don't think that Carter finds Hamas' charter repugnant as his actions apologizing for people who both beleive and act on that Charter by murdering Jews are the opposite of repugnation.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThanks JR, I'll check it out!
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"he said Hamas would accept a two-state agreement that is approved in a Palestinian referendum."
Ooh, great use of weasel words!
A Palestinian referendum would be more likely to pass a resolution requiring Argentina be ruled by Darth Vader than a two-state agreement. Hamas would LOVE to get elected, "promote" such a referendum, have it fail 85-15, and say, "See? We did what we could. The people have spoken - death to Israel!"
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIn 1993 I was travelling with an inventory company, and our van stopped at a McDonalds in Columbus, Georgia. One of our people reported that Jimmy Carter had just pulled into the place, on his way home to Plains from Atlanta. People went out to the parking lot of shake hands and get autographs.
I never bothered even looking out the window. If anything, I am prouder of myself today than I was then.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"Suspicions of Hamas stem from its charter, which calls for Israel’s destruction. I find the charter repugnant. Yet it is worth remembering that Israel negotiated the Oslo Accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization while its charter had similar provisions. It took five more years before the PLO Charter was altered."
Didn't it take five years of constant pressure and bribes from both Isreal and the US to get the PLO to alter their charter?
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