July 16, 2007

Bush Issues Ultimatum, Of Sorts, To Hamas

President Bush today presented Hamas with a choice: Abide by the Quartet provisions, or get left out of a future independent Palestinian state.

"We're showing the Palestinian people that a commitment to peace leads to the generous support of the United States," Bush said after announcing Washington was sending $190 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority.

Implicit in Bush's remarks was that not a drop of aid would be delivered to the Gaza Strip unless the Hamas-run government there meets the conditions laid out by the Washington-drawn "road map." Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by the West, has repeatedly said it has no intention of ever renouncing violence and recognizing Israel -- two of the road map's conditions for Palestinian statehood.

Continue reading "Bush Issues Ultimatum, Of Sorts, To Hamas"

Posted at 3:23 PM
Posted to: Alan Johnston, Bush Administration, Condoleezza Rice, Fatah, Hamas, Israel, Middle East, Palestinians, President Bush
Share via

July 05, 2007

Johnston Release A Promising Start For Hamas

Hamas' role in securing the release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston in Gaza won't change the U.S. and EU boycott of its government, but could open a path toward better standing in the world community.

The Palestinian political party, which advocates the destruction of Israel, has been cut off from sorely needed international aid since violently seizing control of the Gaza Strip three weeks ago. Hamas' pledges to restore peace and prosperity to Gazans are meaningless, Israel and the West have said, so long as the Quartet conditions of recognizing Israel and renouncing violence are not met.

Still, the British government has expressed gratitude for the pivotal part Hamas played in Johnston's release. While sure to carefully avoid anything that smacks of quid pro quo with the Gaza government, it's difficult to see how Hamas won't be rewarded in some way, even if only with goodwill, a currency Hamas badly needs right now.

Continue reading "Johnston Release A Promising Start For Hamas"

Posted at 11:55 AM
Posted to: Alan Johnston, Fatah, Hamas, Palestinians
Share via