“Forcing Hamas into a corner,” from GulfNews, with thanks to Doc Washburn, who comments: “The Gulf News is printed in Dubai (our staunch allies). Since (as far as I can tell), there is no freedom of the press over there — everything printed must apparently pass muster with the government — what are we to make of this? I find it very telling that the anonymous editorialist is under no illusion about why Hamas was voted into power. There is none of the foolishness we hear from western politicians about the vote ammounting to a reaction to Fatah’s corruption. Frankly, this editorial is a defense of Hamas’ history of violence and a call for Arab governments to support it!”
With the European Union (EU) temporarily halting aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government, a new and dangerous signal is sent out: It is tantamount to interference in another country’s affairs, while not accepting the democratic choice of the people….
Should Hamas now do the bidding of the international community for what, at face value, is of no advantage to Palestinians it could be interpreted as letting down those very people who voted them into power. For Hamas to retain its newly-won grip on power, it must now turn to Arab nations for increased financial support.