WP: Don't Punish the Palestinians (Jimmy Carter op-ed)

Don't Punish the Palestinians

By Jimmy Carter
Monday, February 20, 2006; Page A21

As the results of the recent Palestinian elections are implemented, it's important to understand how the transition process works and also how important to it are actions by Israel and the United States.

Although Hamas won 74 of the 132 parliamentary seats, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas retains the right to propose and veto legislation, with 88 votes required to override his veto. With nine of its elected members remaining in prison, Hamas has only 65 votes, plus whatever third-party support it can attract. Abbas also has the power to select and remove the prime minister, to issue decrees with the force of law when parliament is not in session, and to declare a state of emergency. As commander in chief, he also retains ultimate influence over the National Security Force and Palestinian intelligence.

After the first session of the new legislature, which was Saturday, the members will elect a speaker, two deputies and a secretary. These legislative officials are not permitted to hold any position in the executive branch, so top Hamas leaders may choose to concentrate their influence in the parliament and propose moderates or technocrats for prime minister and cabinet posts. Three weeks are allotted for the prime minister to form the cabinet, and a majority vote of the parliament is required for final approval.

The role of the prime minister was greatly strengthened while Abbas and Ahmed Qureia served in that position under Yasser Arafat, and Abbas has announced that he will not choose a prime minister who does not recognize Israel or adhere to the basic principles of the "road map." This could result in a stalemated process, but my conversations with representatives of both sides indicate that they wish to avoid such an imbroglio. The spokesman for Hamas claimed, "We want a peaceful unity government." If this is a truthful statement, it needs to be given a chance.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/19/AR2006021901138.html

Written by a Democratic former President! I thought Democratic Underground supported the Democratic Party? It seems disrespectful to put Carter's well written op-ed here in the dungeon.

Note, Tom, that the OP apparently was first posted in Editorials, then moved here.

He is making the point that the tax money that Israel is withholding belongs to the Palestinians, not Israel.

Said that by punishing Hamas we are creating more suffering among the Palestinian people, making the US appear to be the enemy of the Palestinian people, and strengthening Hamas.

He says the Hamas government can be bypassed and aid money given to the UN to distribute, as a way of resolving the problem.

In response to Cheney's recent statement, Carter said that we should remember that Abbas is still the Prime Minister, and is still there to negotiate, without involving Hamas at all. In a recent visit, he was reminded by Abbas of the ceasefire, which Hamas did honor. Was told by another Palestinian leader that what Hamas wants is a peaceful government. He believes that Hamas will have to acknowledge Israel's right to exist, and that international pressure will ensure that.

Then there was a segment on Al-Zahar (Hamas leader), from several weeks ago, who said that he wanted an Islamic state.

Carter said that he didn't doubt that was what Al-Zahar wants, but that isn't necessarily what the Palestinian people want. He said the Palestinian people don't want sharia law, and won't allow Hamas to establish it.

He has been involved with the Pals and Israel for 30 years and has seen dramatic changes. When he became president, every other gov't was dedicated to Israels destruction, but that has changed now. The PA was orignially dedicated to Israel's destruction, but went on to make agreements with Israel. He thinks its a mistake to give up, and turn the Palestinian people against the west.

Asked about Iran's plans for a nuclear bomb, he said he does think it's the intention of Iran to build a bomb. He thinks it would be a threat to the entire region for Iran to have such a weapon. Thinks we should work with the Russians.

Guantanamo: agree that it should be shut down. Prisoners have never had legal rights. Best thing to do in light of human rights concerns would be to shut it down, as the UN says.

UAE controversy: no particular threat to our security, as it has been vetted by the US government.

Hunting accident: Thinks everyone in the WH probably agrees they would have done better to not conceal it. To conceal it, and to blame Whittington, was a big mistake.

I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me if the interview is run again later on CNN.

This is what this forum is for.

Those discussions that are about US policy in the ME, are allowed in the other forums.

This statement is found in the "How We Enforce The Discussion Forum Rules" section, here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x21970
If a discussion is primarily about US policy in Israeli/Palestinian affairs, it is sometimes allowed in other forums. Discussion of other Middle East issues is also sometimes allowed.

I just thought it got no responses and fell off the cliff.

:crazy:

He was excellent in calling for the US to funnel money through the UN to the Palestinians and stating that Abu Mazen could negotiate directly with Israel.

Hamas is disciplined - they might actually be able to deliver on land for peace - unlike Fatah or PLO. A more meaningful interim truce could be negotiated and if eventually coupled with economic confederation and aid there might be some long-term resolution. If Hamas is automatically tossed or undermined they will simply go back to pre-August 2004 and nothing will be gained.