Monday September 18, 2006

I've Been Thinking:

People are so excited about the Palestinians and their unity government.
The Europeans have already begun to alter their approach to the Palestinians - even before the government is in place.

I'm here to let a little air out of the euphoria balloon.
There is very little chance that a Palestinian unity government that includes Hamas - which is exactly the point - will meet the European Quartet's basic conditions for accepting Hamas as a legitimate government.

It is very simple.
Hamas cannot and will never accept Israel. They will not allow any document or any public proclamation with their name on it that permits Fatah and Abbas to white wash the issue. No matter how it is phrased or finessed, Hamas will insist that the Palestinian government not accept Israel's right to exist.

Hamas is not a political party.
Hamas is an ideology and hence they will not compromise in order to advance their political strength.
The only hope for the Palestinian Authority is ousting Hamas.