Is it political conjunctivitis, lack of humanity . . . or both?

By Ben Tanosborn
Online Journal Guest Writer

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_557.shtml

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Let’s be real, Hamas’ leaders are now the representatives of the Palestinian people. Not only that. Under duress, insults and contempt from US and Israeli quarters, they are conducting themselves with a calmness that defies every nickname we, in the West, have bestowed on them. While Hamas is showing verbal restraint and accommodation, Bush is displaying, for the umpteenth time in his presidency, a severe case of political “pink eye.” This conjunctivitis has become almost chronic, and anything in the foreign realm that tests the arrogance of this president, no matter how slight, becomes an irritant that triggers this ophthalmologic condition in how he sees the world.

Perhaps the withholding by Israel of funds earned by Palestinians from customs and tax revenue (approximately $50 million per month) was something expected, as it was placing restrictions on the movement of Hamas elected officials through Israeli checkpoints. But for the US to reinforce such virulent actions by Israel’s government, instead of providing an arbitral role with a conciliatory tone, is just adding fuel to a smoldering situation that not long ago appeared to be on the path of resolution.

If there ever was a time when sanctions could have a totally opposite effect to that intended, this is it. No better time than the present to sow the seeds for peace; now that all parties can take their places at the table without special invitation. Never before could all Palestinian voices be heard; directly, without proxy.

And if this is an excellent opportunity for all-inclusive dialogue, how can anyone think of sanctions, or any type of coercive measures? Perhaps some could rationalize Israel’s behavior . . . but Bush’s? Palestinians should not only have access to their own money (withheld by Israel), but also be afforded all the possible economic/humanitarian assistance from the UN, the US and the EU: all assistance to be meted without unnecessary symbolism or denigration of Hamas. No face-saving games sure to backfire . . . simply respect the Palestinians’ wishes and be upfront with Hamas.

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they're bullies, and bullies don't have collaberation in their vocabulary. They're never conciliatory, and these in particular are inept at anything to do with foreign policy.

I almost believe they WANT conflict to continue for their own political reasons - namely to hold the Israeli and even underinformed Jewish vote and political bloc to the republican party with offers of security.

Humanity never even figured in to their equations. They can't empathize with people standing directly in front of them, much less "dirty unwashed violent muslim extremists", which they probably believe are all Palestinians.

There is no doubt it's a fucked up region, viewed from all sides, but sanctions are precisely the worst thing we can do, for all sides concerned.

edited to add Quotes Of Sarcasm

they WANT conflict to continue..."

I hate to think so cynically, but if perpetual conflict between Israel and Palestine is their aim, the course they've charted certainly makes perfect sense---it WILL achieve just that.