Democracy... right back at ya
Stardate 5243.2
As most folks know, the Palestinians have recently elected a new government, through a hard fought after democratic means. This sounds great, as many countries, especially the US, seem to be on a huge campaign to promote democracy in the Middle East. The problem that has arisen now is that the Palestinians have elected a Hamas majority. You may ask what is wrong with that, since democratically, that is who the people have chosen to rule them... but they are a terrorist organization, who's mandates include the destruction of Israel.
You might also suggest that the battle between the Palestinians and Israelis has two sides, and with that I agree wholeheartedly. Not only do the Palestinians blow up Israelis, but the Israelis are just as guilty as the Palestinians. The big difference is that the US has been trying to draw the lines of Peace for an eternity in that region now. They are most definately on the side of the Israelis in this conflict, at least from all apparent perceptions, so this comes as a massive blow to both the peace process and the idea of spreading democracy throughout the Middle East.
As if in swift response, King George seemed to struggle with questions about the new Hamas government in his recent television address. He stuttered through the usual rhetoric about democracy, and how the people have decided to make a change, especially with regard to the efforts of Hamas towards attaining better health care, education and other key services. However, you could tell he was frustrated with this sweep by a terrorist group, and now, Secretary of State Rice has made it crystal clear that they do not recognize this government and will not deal with them or send aid unless they disarm and cease hostility towards the Israelis, something which Hamas has vowed not to do.
I wonder why they don't make the same demands of Israel if indeed, they want to continue to promote peace throughout the region? Needless to say, I see this as a massive frustration to the architects of the spread of Western Democracy in the Middle East... for indeed, the people have spoken.
As an aside, please be certain that I do not support any group with an agenda like Hamas, who are bent on destroying another people or country. However, equal consideration must be made to all parties involved, since some may be more alike than they first appear...
As most folks know, the Palestinians have recently elected a new government, through a hard fought after democratic means. This sounds great, as many countries, especially the US, seem to be on a huge campaign to promote democracy in the Middle East. The problem that has arisen now is that the Palestinians have elected a Hamas majority. You may ask what is wrong with that, since democratically, that is who the people have chosen to rule them... but they are a terrorist organization, who's mandates include the destruction of Israel.
You might also suggest that the battle between the Palestinians and Israelis has two sides, and with that I agree wholeheartedly. Not only do the Palestinians blow up Israelis, but the Israelis are just as guilty as the Palestinians. The big difference is that the US has been trying to draw the lines of Peace for an eternity in that region now. They are most definately on the side of the Israelis in this conflict, at least from all apparent perceptions, so this comes as a massive blow to both the peace process and the idea of spreading democracy throughout the Middle East.
As if in swift response, King George seemed to struggle with questions about the new Hamas government in his recent television address. He stuttered through the usual rhetoric about democracy, and how the people have decided to make a change, especially with regard to the efforts of Hamas towards attaining better health care, education and other key services. However, you could tell he was frustrated with this sweep by a terrorist group, and now, Secretary of State Rice has made it crystal clear that they do not recognize this government and will not deal with them or send aid unless they disarm and cease hostility towards the Israelis, something which Hamas has vowed not to do.
I wonder why they don't make the same demands of Israel if indeed, they want to continue to promote peace throughout the region? Needless to say, I see this as a massive frustration to the architects of the spread of Western Democracy in the Middle East... for indeed, the people have spoken.
As an aside, please be certain that I do not support any group with an agenda like Hamas, who are bent on destroying another people or country. However, equal consideration must be made to all parties involved, since some may be more alike than they first appear...
posted by Zaphod at 7:55 AM
<< Home