Monday February 20, 2006

I'm Predicting:

Last month, Israel turned over $43 million to the Hamas led Palestinians.
This month, the Israeli cabinet voted not to deliver the money.
The United Nations had registered a protest over Israel's decision, saying that Israel is violating the Road Map.

Israel has also begun a campaign to isolate Hamas. This campaign is neither covert nor subtle. Israel has a very good set of reasons to isolate Hamas.

Reality has set in, not just for Israel but for other Western nations.
On Friday, for example, the United States asked the PA to ante up $50 million saying the monies were not properly used.
The US statement is clear, but not trend setting.

Significant Western nations, including the US, will not be so quick to sever all financial ties with Hamas i.e. the Palestinians.
Why? Because the only influence and clout the West has over the Palestinians is the ability to provide financial aid. If the West pulls that aid, they will have little to no influence. And that important vacuum is sure to be filled by Iran.

Ever here the phrase: Put your money where your mouth is.