The Fly in the Ointment
The Fly in the Ointment
American Outlook: A hole in US policy
By NATHAN GUTTMAN, JPOST
[..]The main issue troubling the US now is not necessarily how the current outbreak will unfold, but rather what will happen in three months when Palestinians go to the polls for parliamentary elections. While the Americans and Israel have experience in dealing with Hamas the terror organization, there is debate and uncertainty as to how to deal with Hamas as a political party. A sound policy is particularly urgent given that Hamas would likely garner significant support in the elections, becoming one of the strongest political forces in the Palestinian Authority.
[..]While most experts agree that there is a genuine problem with Hamas taking part in the elections before it disarms and denounces terror, the ideas for dealing with the problem vary.
[..]During his trip to New York earlier this month, Sharon caught the US administration off-guard with his explicit threat that Israel would not facilitate the Palestinian elections if members of armed terror groups are allowed to participate in them. Israeli cooperation is crucial to the success of the Palestinian political process. If Israel was to maintain roadblocks, prevent free passage of voters and candidates, and hamper the convening of elected representatives, the elections would be all but meaningless.
Sharon's threat makes the Hizbullah model insufficient for solving the Hamas dilemma, and puts the US back at square one. (Read it all)
Posted by Ted Belman at October 1, 2005 09:23 AM
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The Fly in the Ointment
American Outlook: A hole in US policy
By NATHAN GUTTMAN, JPOST
[..]The main issue troubling the US now is not necessarily how the current outbreak will unfold, but rather what will happen in three months when Palestinians go to the polls for parliamentary elections. While the Americans and Israel have experience in dealing with Hamas the terror organization, there is debate and uncertainty as to how to deal with Hamas as a political party. A sound policy is particularly urgent given that Hamas would likely garner significant support in the elections, becoming one of the strongest political forces in the Palestinian Authority.
[..]While most experts agree that there is a genuine problem with Hamas taking part in the elections before it disarms and denounces terror, the ideas for dealing with the problem vary.
[..]During his trip to New York earlier this month, Sharon caught the US administration off-guard with his explicit threat that Israel would not facilitate the Palestinian elections if members of armed terror groups are allowed to participate in them. Israeli cooperation is crucial to the success of the Palestinian political process. If Israel was to maintain roadblocks, prevent free passage of voters and candidates, and hamper the convening of elected representatives, the elections would be all but meaningless.
Sharon's threat makes the Hizbullah model insufficient for solving the Hamas dilemma, and puts the US back at square one. (Read it all)
Posted by Ted Belman at October 1, 2005 09:23 AM